School of Nursing

Overview and Program Description

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing program is to prepare professional nurses for advanced practice and to provide a base for doctoral study. The clinical nurse specialist track leads to specialty practice based on relevant theories and research findings. The scope of practice includes expert nursing care of individuals, families and communities. The clinical nurse specialist track offers specialization in gerontology and oncology. Graduates of the clinical nurse specialist track are prepared to deliver direct and indirect advanced practice nursing care through implementation of the sub-roles of the clinical nurse specialist including clinician, educator, manager and researcher. In addition, they are prepared to assume entry-level positions in nursing education or nursing management. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations after accrual of the number of hours of advanced nursing practice specified by the nursing organization offering certification.