MSN Program of Study
Required coursework for the programs that lead to the M.S.N. degree is delineated below. Typical programs of study to illustrate how full-time students, who begin study in fall semester, can progress through the programs are available at www.sandiego.edu.
Subspecialty options are available in the Nurse Practitioner and Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist programs (A-D below). These options require a few additional units of coursework over and above that required for each specialty. Subspecialty courses can satisfy elective units and selective clinical practicum (NPTC 541P) units, in programs where these units are required.
- The Gerontological Subspecialty Option provides an opportunity for students to gain additional knowledge and skills in the care of the frail elderly in skilled nursing, home care, hospice care and rehabilitation settings, as well as ambulatory care. Adult Nurse Practitioner students who complete this option are eligible to apply for national certification as gerontology nurse practitioners.
Required units:
NPTC 534 – Health Management of the Frail Elderly (3)
NPTC 536 – Frail Elderly Health Management Practicum (2)
- The Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care Subspecialty Option is designed to promote the provision of a holistic and integrated approach to primary health care. Students are provided with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively integrate conventional and complimentary approaches to patient assessment and management.
Required units:
MSNE 516 – Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care (3)
MSNE 517 – Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care Practicum (2) - The Latino Health Care Subspecialty Option is designed to foster cross-cultural competency in the care of Latino populations, including migrant workers and their families. Theory content and clinical experiences related to care of vulnerable Latino populations are provided along with opportunities to develop Spanish-language fluency.
Required units:
MSNE 542 – Latino Health Care: Sociocultural and Family Perspectives (3)
MSNE 543 – Practicum in Latino Health Care (2) - Nursing Education Option
This option offers didactic and experiential preparation to masters’ students interested in beginning level educator roles in clinical or academic settings. Students interested in preparing for the nurse educator role may enroll in the following courses.
Required units:
MSNE 532 – Theory of Nursing Education (3)
MSNE 592 – Teaching Practicum (3)
A. Adult Nurse Practitioner
(Total units: 40)
This curriculum prepares adult nurse practitioners for advanced practice roles in the provision of primary care and case management services to individuals and their families throughout the adult lifespan in a variety of ambulatory care and long-term care settings. Graduates are eligible for state N.P. certification and national certification as adult nurse practitioners.
I. M.S.N. Core (6 units)
MSNC 511 – Theoretical Foundations and Research (3)
MSNC 512 – Leadership in Health Care (3)
II. N.P. Core (15 units)
APNC 503 – Advanced Practice Nursing with Diverse Families and Communities (2)
APNC 520 – Pathophysiology (3)
APNC 521 – Health Assessment and Diagnosis (4)
APNC 523 – Pharmacology in Health Management (3)
NPTC 597 – Independent Clinical Practicum (3)
III. Emphasis (19 units)
NPTC 530 – Adult Health Management I (3)
NPTC 531 – Adult Health Management I Practicum (2)
NPTC 532 – Adult Health Management II (3)
NPTC 533 – Adult Health Management II Practicum (2)
NPTC 535 – Management of Adults with Long-Term Health Problems (3)
NPTC 537 – Adults with Long-Term Health Problems Practicum (2)
NPTC 541 – Selective Clinical Practicum (1)
NPTC 582 – Women’s Health Care (2)
NPTC 583 – Women’s Health Care Practicum (1)
Subspecialty Options Available
- Gerontology
- Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care
- Latino Health Care
B. Family Nurse Practitioner
(Total units: 42)
This curriculum prepares family nurse practitioners for advanced practice roles in the provision of primary care to individuals and families across the age span in a variety of ambulatory care settings. Graduates are eligible for state N.P. certification and national certification as family nurse practitioners.
I. M.S.N. Core (6 units)
MSNC 511 – Theoretical Foundations and Research (3)
MSNC 512 – Leadership in Health Care (3)
II. N.P. Core (15 units)
APNC 503 – Advanced Practice Nursing with Diverse Families and Communities (2)
APNC 520 – Pathophysiology (3)
APNC 521 – Health Assessment and Diagnosis (4)
APNC 523 – Pharmacology in Health Management (3)
NPTC 597 – Independent Clinical Practicum (3)
III. Emphasis (21 units)
NPTC 513 – Behavior and Development: Birth through Adolescence (2)
NPTC 514 – Behavior and Development Practicum: Birth through Adolescence (1)
NPTC 528 – Health Management of the Child (3)
NPTC 538 – Child Health Management Practicum (2)
NPTC 530 – Adult Health Management I (3)
NPTC 531 – Adult Health Management I Practicum (2)
NPTC 532 – Adult Health Management II (3)
NPTC 533 – Adult Health Management II Practicum (2)
NPTC 582 – Women’s Health Care (2)
NPTC 583 – Women’s Health Care Practicum (1)
Subspecialty Options Available
- Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care
- Latino Health Care
C. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
(Total units: 40)
This curriculum prepares graduates who are committed to meeting the health needs of children from birth through adolescence and provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for pediatric primary care. Graduates are eligible for state N.P. certification and national certification as pediatric nurse practitioners.
I. M.S.N. Core (6 units)
MSNC 511 – Theoretical Foundations and Research (3)
MSNC 512 – Leadership in Health Care (3)
II. N.P. Core (15 units)
APNC 503 – Advanced Practice Nursing with Diverse Families and Communities (2)
APNC 520 – Pathophysiology (3)
APNC 521 – Health Assessment and Diagnosis (4)
APNC 523 – Pharmacology in Health Management (3)
NPTC 597 – Independent Clinical Practicum (3)
III. Emphasis (19 units)
NPTC 513 – Behavior and Development: Birth through Adolescence (2)
NPTC 514 – Behavior and Development Practicum: Birth through Adolescence (1)
NPTC 528 – Health Management of the Child (3)
NPTC 538 – Child Health Management Practicum (2)
NPTC 541 – Selective Clinical Practicum (1)
NPTC 547 – Primary Care of Children and Adolescents with Complex Health Problems (3)
NPTC 548 – Primary Care of Children and Adolescents with Complex Health Problems Practicum (2)
NPTC 549 – Primary Care of Children and Adolescents with Chronic Illness (3)
NPTC 550 – Primary Care of Children and Adolescents with Chronic Illness Practicum (2)
Subspecialty Options Available
- Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care
- Latino Health Care
D. Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
(Total units: 37)
This curriculum prepares clinical nurse specialists for advanced practice as clinical experts in theory-based and research-based nursing practice within a specialty area. Graduates are eligible for national certification as adult clinical nurse specialists in adult health.
I. M.S.N. Core (6 units)
MSNC 511 – Theoretical Foundations and Research (3)
MSNC 512 – Leadership in Health Care (3)
II. Advanced Practice Core (11 units)
APNC 503 – Advanced Practice Nursing with Diverse Families and Communities (2)
APNC 520 – Pathophysiology (3)
APNC 522 – Advanced Health Assessment (3)
APNC 523 – Pharmacology in Health Management (3)
III. Emphasis (20 units)
ACNS 571 – C.N.S. Practice in Contemporary Health Care (2)
ACNS 572 – Management of Acutely Ill Adult (3)
ACNS 573 – Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum I (2)
ACNS 574 – Management of Chronically Ill Adult (3)
ACNS 575 – Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II (2)
ACNS 576 – Management of Specialty Populations (3)
ACNS 577 – Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum III (2)
ACNS 596 – Advanced Practicum in Selected C.N.S. Role (3)
Subspecialty Options Available
- Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care
- Gerontological Nursing
- Latino Health Care
E. Executive Nurse Leader Program
(Total units: 32)
This curriculum integrates nursing, administration and business knowledge and skills in preparing graduates for leadership in client-care services administration within health care organizations. Graduates are eligible for national certification in nursing administration.
I. M.S.N. Core (6 units)
MSNC 511 – Theoretical Foundations and Research (3)
MSNC 512 – Leadership in Health Care (3)
II. Business Core (8 units)
ENLC 500 – Health Care Leadership, Values and Social Justice (3)
GSBA 502 – Statistics for Managers (2)
ENLC 553 – Financial Management in Health Care Systems (3)
III. Emphasis (18 units)
ENLC 554 – Health Care Information Management (3)
ENLC 555 – Resource Management in Health Systems (3)
ENLC 556 – Management of Health System Care Delivery and Outcomes (3)
ENLC 557 – Strategic Planning and Management of Health Systems (3)
ENLC 591 – Administrative Management Practicum in Health Care Systems (3)
ENLC 598 – Independent Practicum (3)
F. Joint-Degree M.B.A./M.S.N.
(Total units: 62) (See Nursing Adviser)
Graduates of this joint-degree program between the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science and the School of Business Administration receive both the M.S.N. (E.N.L. specialization) and M.B.A. degrees. The curriculum prepares nurse leaders with a unique blend of nursing, administration, and business skills. Graduates are prepared for senior management or administrative positions in hospitals, corporate offices, ambulatory care agencies, long-term care facilities, the health policy arena, and entrepreneurial ventures. Graduates are eligible for national certification in nursing administration.
- Make application to both M.S.N. and M.B.A. programs
- Plan joint program with the approval of advisers in Nursing and Business Administration
- Observe maximum of six years allowed to complete programs
G. M.E.P.N.-M.S.N. in Clinical Nursing
(Total units: 71)
The M.E.P.N.-Master’s Clinical Nursing is designed for individuals with baccalaureate or higher degrees in another discipline who are seeking a new career in nursing. The M.S.N. in Clinical Nursing prepares registered nurses to improve patient care and patient bedside health care delivery. Graduates of this track oversee the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provide direct patient care. This clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. This clinician also collects and evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. This clinician often functions as the leader of an interdisciplinary team by communicating, planning and implementing care directly with other health care professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners across and within various settings. Upon completion of the program, the graduate receives an M.S.N. and is eligible to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam. These graduates are also eligible to enter any post-master’s program to specialize in advanced practice nursing or to pursue a Ph.D. There is a 30-unit M.S.N. in Clinical Nursing for individuals who are already registered nurses. The 71-unit M.S.N. in Clinical Nursing is as follow:
Semester I (Fall) (15 units)
MEPN 521 – Health Assessment [3]
MEPN 533 – Conceptual Bases in Professional Nursing Practice [2]
MEPN 534 – Fundamentals in Nursing Practice [3]
MEPN 535 – Introduction to Pharmacology [2]
MEPN 555 – Nursing Practice with Acutely/Chronically Ill Adults I [5]
Semester II (Spring) (16 units)
MEPN 556 – Nursing Practice with Acutely/Chronically Ill Adults II [6]
MEPN 557 – Nursing Practice with Psych-Mental Health Clients [4]
MSNC 512 – Leadership in Health Care Systems [3]
ENLC 554 – Health Care Informatics [3]
Semester III (Summer) (13 units)
APNC 503 – Diverse Families (2)
MSNE 545P – Care of Families Practicum (3)
MEPN 558 – Nursing Practice with Mothers and Infants [4]
MEPN 559 – Nursing Practice with Acutely/Chronically Ill Children [4]
Semester IV (Fall) (13 units)
MEPN 547 – Care of Populations [4]
MSNC 511 – Theoretical Foundations and Research [3]
MSNC 524 – Clinical Nursing I [3]
MSNC 534 – Clinical Nursing II [3]
Semester V (Spring) (14 units)
APNC 520 – Advanced Pathophysiology [3]
APNC 522 – Advanced Health Assessment [3]
APNC 523 – Advanced Pharmacology [3]
MEPN 560 – Internship in Specialty Nursing Practice [5]
H. Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing
The accelerated R.N.-M.S.N. program is designed for associate degree and diploma-prepared nurses. Students may enter any specialty in the master’s program through this option. Students choosing the Joint-Degree M.S.N./M.B.A. program will not be admitted to the M.B.A. program until they have earned their baccalaureate degree. Applicants must meet the admission requirements for the M.S.N. program delineated elsewhere. Nine units of graduate courses are substituted for specific undergraduate courses. Both the B.S.N. and M.S.N. can be completed in two to three years of study. Completion of the Joint-Degree M.S.N./M.B.A. program requires 35 GSBA units, which is equivalent to an additional year of full-time study. See the current Undergraduate Bulletin for more details.
