Accelerated RN-MSN Program Requirements and Curriculum
The curriculum plan for the Accelerated RN-MSN program varies depending on the track selected at the graduate level. The program can be completed in 3 to 4 years of full-time study if ALL the prerequisites and lower-division general education requirements are completed prior to starting the required program of study at the USD School of Nursing. Students earn both the BSN and MSN degrees upon completion of the program.
BSN Component
The BSN component of the RN-MSN program requires the completion of 124 units. Associate Degree graduates may transfer in 30 units of nursing course work toward this requirement. Diploma program graduates can achieve 30 units for their clinical nursing through designated College Proficiency Examinations (30 units). In addition, students may transfer in the prerequisites noted below along with the lower-division general education requirements.
Nursing Prerequisites
The following nursing prerequisites can be met by transfer credit (grade of C or better) or by acceptable challenge exam. There courses must be completed prior to beginning the upper-division nursing coursework at USD (30 units).
| Physiology* | 4 units |
| Microbiology* | 4 units |
| Chemistry: General or Organic* | 4 units |
| Statistics, Elementary | 3 units |
| Sociology, Introduction | 3 units |
| Psychology, Introduction | 3 units |
| Psychology of Growth and Development | 3 units |
| English Composition & Literature | 3 units |
General Education Requirements
The following general education courses are required for the baccalaureate degree. Lower-division requirements should be completed prior to beginning the required course of study in the USD School of Nursing. Upper-division courses may be taken concurrently with nursing courses.
Lower Division
| Critical Reasoning (Logic) | 3 units |
| Fine Arts (Art, Music or Theater) | 3 units |
| Literature | 3 units |
| History | 3 units |
| Electives | 6 units |
Upper Division
| Religious Studies | 6 units |
| Philosophy (Ethics) | 3 units |
| Electives | 6 units |
| BSNC 333 Conceptual Basis of Professional Nursing Practice | 3 units |
| BSNC 334 Communication Theory and Process | 5 units |
| BSNC 363 Culture and Vulnerability in Nursing Practice | 3 units |
| MSNC 512** Influencing the Health Care Environment: Policy and Systems | 3 units |
| MSNC 511** Evidence Based Practice: Role of Theory and Research | 3 units |
| MSNC 518*** Physical Assessment and Diagnosis for RNs | 4 units |
| MSNE 542 Latino Health: Sociocultural and Family Perspectives | 3 units |
| MSNC 503** Nursing Practice with Diverse Families in Communities | 2 units |
| MSNE 546 Care of the Family: Field Experience | 2 units |
| MEPN 547 Care of Populations | 4 units |
| Nursing Elective | 2 to 3 units |
**These courses meet both the BSN and MSN degree requirements.
***Students admitted to the MSN APRN Programs will take APNC 521 in place of MSNC 518.
MSN Courses
The MSN course work required varies depending upon the track selected.