Degree Title and Name:  Master of Science in Nursing

Program Name and Number:  MSN Nurse Leader Track – MS1239 (hybrid) & MS1240 (online)

Department/Unit:  School of Nursing/College of Health Sciences and Professions

Delivery Mode:  Online, Hybrid

Term(s) of Entry:  Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Overview:  The Ohio University School of Nursing promotes excellence in the profession of nursing through education, scholarship, and service. The School provides quality educational experiences, utilizes clinical partnerships and facilitates regional collaboration that enhances the health of diverse communities.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program consists of both didactic and practice-based or clinical performance courses. The didactic courses present the nursing knowledge, theoretical concepts, models, and research that inform patient care and evidence-based practice. The practice-based courses provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge; practice skills; plan, implement and evaluate interventions and programs; and learn the full scope of the role for which they are preparing.

The Nurse Leader track option prepares students for the advanced role of nursing and health care management.  This specialty is designed to prepare nurses at the graduate level to manage the delivery of nursing and health care services across the spectrum of health care settings. Graduates acquire the breadth of management knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively and assume leadership positions in health care delivery organizations. The curriculum is offered in an online format as either a full-time or part-time program of study.

Clinical practicum experiences occur in nursing/healthcare leadership settings under supervision of qualified preceptors. The program can be completed in 5 semesters.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to synthesize knowledge derived from a scientific foundation and evidence-based practice to demonstrate expertise in advanced nursing practice.
• Students will be able to analyze health care policies to enhance and improve population health outcomes across diverse clinical practice settings.
• Students will be able to demonstrate leadership and interprofessional collaboration for improving clinical prevention and health outcomes.
• Students will be able to synthesize and apply quality improvement strategies to promote positive health outcomes.  
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and confidence for entry-level advanced nursing practice.
• Students will be able to integrate knowledge and skills related to healthcare informatics in the advanced nursing practice roles.

Opportunities for Graduates:  Graduates of the Nurse Leader program are prepared to work in management positions at several levels within acute care or community-based health care agencies. Graduates of the Nursing Leadership certificate program may practice in a variety of settings including but not limited to the following:

• Nurse-Managed Clinics
• Managed Care Firms
• Community-Based Clinics
• Ambulatory Care Centers
• Hospitals
• Data Management Firms
• Practice Management Organizations
• Corporate Organizations

Link to Program: https://webcms.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/graduate/masters/msn-nurse-leader

Graduation Requirements:

• Minimum semester hours required= 30
• Thesis requirement: No
• Qualifying exam: Yes
• Comprehensive exam: Yes
• Expected time to degree completion for a full time student= 5 semesters

Required Courses:

• NRSE 6801 - Leadership in Systems and Organizations for APN (3)
• NRSE 6805 - Analysis of Evidence-Based Practice for APN (3)

• NRSE 6804 - Principles of Business and Resource Management for APN (3)
• NRSE 6010 - Theoretical Basis of Practice (3)
• NRSE 6212 - Project Planning and Evaluation for APN (3) (100 clinical hours)
• NRSE 6710 - Nursing Administration (3)
• NRSE 6803 - Health Policy and Advocacy (2)
• NRSE 6808 - Informatics for APN (2)
• NRSE 6829 - Practicum for Nurse Leaders (6) (300 clinical hours)
• NRSE 6935 - Capstone Experience (2)

Culminating Experience: The culminating experience for the major includes:

• Capstone Simulation
• Portfolio Evaluation

Admission Requirements: In addition to the standard Graduate College admission requirements, potential MSN students must also supply/document the following:

• Specified health status requirements (immunization status, TB screening, etc. as delineated in the current MSN Student Handbook)
• Awarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from regionally accredited institution.
• FBI/BCI background checks free from disqualifying offenses under Senate Bills 38 and 160 (A list of these offenses may be found in the current MSN Student Handbook).
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 for unconditional admission
• Statement of professional goals
• Resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to complete graduate-level coursework and practice abilities. A minimum of 2 of these must be from individuals prepared at or above the Master’s level. One must be from an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse.
• Evidence of the equivalent of two years full-time experience working as an RN within the past five years.
• Residents of and evidence of valid, unencumbered RN licensure in one of the following states: California, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, or West Virginia.
• An admission interview with faculty, held online through communications programs like Adobe Connect.

International Students:  This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.