Nursing Education and Leadership, MSN

  

Program Description

The Master of Science in Nursing in Education and Leadership (MSN) will prepare nurses to lead change to improve quality outcomes, advance a culture of excellence through lifelong learning, build and lead collaborative interprofessional care teams, navigate and integrate care services across the health care system, design innovative nursing practices, and translate evidence into practice.

Students will be prepared to apply best practices in teaching, learning, and leadership for roles in various organizational and academic settings. The MSN program is for the nurse interested in pursuing a career as either a faculty in a school of nursing, a staff educator in a health care organization, or a leader in a school of nursing or a health care organization. 

The MSN will additionally focus on critical thinking, judgment, and specialty expertise; understanding health systems and the context of policy and economics; engaging in interprofessional care and collaboration, and increasing awareness of public health needs in various settings.

Definition of the EPSLO Keywords for the MSN Program

Person-centered Care: In a nursing education or leadership context, Person-centered Care can be defined as an approach that values and respects the unique needs, preferences, and contributions of all individuals involved in the health care educational or leadership environment. The focus extends beyond patient care to include students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. By prioritizing these individuals' voices and experiences, a more inclusive and effective educational or leadership setting can be achieved.

Clinical Judgment: In a nursing education or leadership context, Clinical Judgment refers to the advanced decision-making skills demonstrated by nursing education and leadership professionals in synthesizing theoretical knowledge, empirical evidence, and ethical considerations to resolve complex challenges. It involves the application of analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and specialized expertise to make informed judgments that influence educational strategies, leadership initiatives, and organizational outcomes.

Communication: In a nursing education or leadership environment, Communication refers to the strategic and intentional exchange of information, ideas, and feedback among various health care stakeholders, such as faculty, students, administrators, patients, patient families, and community partners. This extends beyond mere verbal or written dialogue to include non-verbal cues, emotional intelligence, and active listening. The objective is to foster a collaborative, transparent, and inclusive setting where information is clearly understood, actions are effectively coordinated, and organizational goals are collaboratively achieved.

Compassionate Care: In a nursing education or leadership environment, Compassionate Care refers to the ethical and intentional practice of empathy, understanding, and respect in interactions with stakeholders such as students, faculty, staff, and community partners. It involves recognizing individual needs, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere that enables all participants to thrive personally and professionally.

Professionalism: In a nursing education or leadership context, Professionalism refers to consistently demonstrating ethical behavior, competence, and the skills necessary to instill trust and confidence among health care stakeholders. This includes faculty, students, staff, and community partners in an academic setting or team members and stakeholders in a leadership role.

Accreditation 

The Utah Board of Nursing (BON) has approved Utah Tech's Nursing Programs as required.  Effective November 7, 2022, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on November 7, 2024.

NOTE: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

ACEN

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400

Atlanta, GA 30326

404.975.5000

www.acenursing.org


Admission Requirements

Admission requirements include having an unencumbered registered nurse license in their state of residency, as well as a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from a regionally accredited school with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required. 

A maximum of six graduate level semester transfer credits may be applied. These must be from a regionally accredited institution, completed within the past 5 years, and have an earned grade of “B” or higher.

There is no RN work requirement nor current employment as an RN requirement in order to be eligible for admission to the MSN program.

RN licensure in the student’s state of residence/employment is required to successfully complete projects. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence.

Letter of intent outlining the following:

1. Personal statement as to why you are choosing to enhance your career by completing this MSN program.

2. Tentative graduation plan for completion.


Program Curriculum

36 credits

NURS 6100Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice: Roles, Ethics, and Leadership3
NURS 6250Evaluation of Evidence 3
NURS 6300Information Management and Health Care Technologies3
NURS 6400Advanced Issues in Pharmacology and Pathophysiology3
NURS 6510Community and Global Determinants of Health2
NURS 6540Communication and Collaboration in Nursing Leadership3
NURS 6550Health Care Systems and Organizational Leadership3
NURS 6551Practicum: Leading Effective Organizations1
NURS 6650Teaching Methodologies and Technologies3
NURS 6651Practicum: Assessment and Evaluation Strategies1
NURS 6700Advanced Health Assessment and Promotion2
NURS 7101Practicum Capstone3
NURS 6530Advanced Leadership Strategies for Nursing Professionals3
NURS 6630Curriculum Development and Program Evaluation3

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete 36 credits, which encompasses successful completion with the minimum of a letter C grade of each of the 14 courses in the program.

2. Earn a 3.0 or higher grade point average in the graduate program.

3. Apply for graduation to the university by the posted deadline. https://graduatestudies.utahtech.edu/apply-for-graduation/

4. Complete all other program and university requirements.