Programs

The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers the following programs:

• Accelerated R.N. to M.S.N. which combines B.S.N.1 and M.S.N. program requirements (for Registered Nurses only); both degrees are awarded (see Graduate Bulletin)
• M.S. in Nursing (see Graduate Bulletin) (Specializations include: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Executive Nurse Leader, and Clinical Nurse.)
• Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (see Graduate Bulletin)
• M.B.A./M.S.N. Joint Degree Program with the School of Business Administration (see Graduate Bulletin)
• Doctor of Philosophy (see Graduate Bulletin)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (see Graduate Bulletin)

All courses in the School of Nursing and Health Science carry Board of Registered Nursing Continuing Education units for R.N. relicensure.

Overview

The Accelerated R.N. to M.S.N. program is designed for Associate Degree and diploma-prepared nurses who want to pursue the M.S.N. degree. The program of study leads to the awarding of both the B.S.N. and M.S.N. degrees and eligibility for certification as a public health nurse in the State of California. Students take graduate courses in nursing research, health care issues and policy, and health care systems analysis as part of the B.S.N. degree requirements. The master’s portion of the program offers six track options: Clinical Nursing (Clinical Nurse Leader), Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Executive Nurse Leader. Specialization options in gerontology, Latino health care, and integrative health care are available within the Nurse Practitioner tracks. All tracks share a common core of knowledge and each track is designed to prepare an advanced practitioner in the respective area. The purpose of the program is to provide leadership preparation that will enable the graduate to assume a significant role in nursing and health care delivery.

Characteristics of the Graduate

Upon completion of the accelerated program, the M.S.N. graduate is prepared to:

1. Ground advanced clinical expertise based on theoretical foundations and research from nursing and related disciplines;
2. Provide leadership in integrating research into practice;
3. Apply information technology to enhance nursing education, practice, and research;
4. Engage in multisectoral collaboration to improve health care delivery;
5. Provide leadership in formulating and implementing policy that contributes to ongoing improvement of health care delivery;
6. Practice from an ethical and legal perspective that acknowledges conflicting values and rights as they affect health care decisions;
7. Assume and develop advanced clinical roles to meet societal needs in the rapidly changing national and global health care arenas;
8. Provide innovative care that promotes health and quality of life for culturally diverse individuals, families, and populations;
9. Analyze emerging issues confronting nursing and society as a basis for enacting social change in ways that foster health; and,
10. Foster activities among individuals and groups that promote health and prevent illness.

Admission Requirements

1. Current licensure as a R.N. in California;
2. Professional liability and malpractice insurance coverage, which must be maintained throughout enrollment;
3. Completion of the USD application for graduate admission, including payment of fees to Office of Graduate Admissions;
4. Three recommendations completed by persons who know the applicant professionally;
5. One year of professional nursing practice (for some M.S.N. tracks, two years of recent experience in direct patient care are required);
6. Physical examination within six months with evidence of specified immunizations and screening tests (which must be maintained throughout enrollment);
7. A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
8. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is recommended, but not required;
9. Basic computer literacy; and,
10. Completion of the Nursing prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Academic Policies

1. The B.S.N. is awarded upon successful completion of a minimum of 124 semester units of study, which must include the core curriculum requirements, prerequisites to the Nursing major, upper-division nursing requirements, and certain M.S.N. courses. The final 30 units of B.S.N. coursework must be completed at USD.
2. The M.S.N. is awarded upon completion of all requirements for the chosen master’s track, which are outlined in the Graduate Bulletin.
3. The student is responsible for maintaining communication with an appointed advisor for program planning to meet graduation requirements for both programs.
4. The student in the accelerated program is responsible for adhering to deadlines and requirements specified in both the Undergraduate Bulletin and the Graduate Bulletin.
5. Graduate students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students whose semester or cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation.
6. The faculty reserves the right to alter the professional curriculum in accord with professional standards and trends.
7. Students must pass clinical and theory components of a course (if applicable) to pass the course.