This section of the Catalog has been changed since its original publication. Please see Fall Addendum 8 to view the changes.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Graduate Program Description

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Graduate Program offers specialty tracks to cater to the diverse interests and career goals of nursing professionals. Each track focuses on a specific area of expertise and provides specialized knowledge and skills. While the program shares a common MSN Core to ensure a strong foundation in nursing principles, it also includes a specialty track core with courses tailored to each track.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Graduate Program Admissions and Course Offerings

All graduate programs operate on a yearly admissions calendar, with graduate learners matriculating in the Fall Semester of each academic year. The frequency of graduate course offerings varies by individual program; not every class is offered every year or every semester. The respective program plans for each graduate track outline the sequencing and timing of individual courses, and the course descriptions within the Catalog indicate the semester during which the course is typically offered. If a learner does not complete a given course because of drop, withdrawal, or failure, the learner must wait to re-enroll in the course when it is offered again, resulting in a potential delay in program progression. In addition, the learner may be able to enroll in core courses but will not be able to progress in the program-specific specialty courses until the course is offered again.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Graduate Program Outcomes

MSN Program outcomes describe the expected knowledge, skills, and professional attributes of graduates upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing Program. These outcomes provide the foundation for specialty track outcomes and serve as indicators of graduate achievement and program effectiveness. The outcomes align with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's (AACN) The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education and support the mission and goals of the MSN Program.

1. Integrate advanced nursing knowledge and evidence to inform clinical decision-making and improve outcomes.
2. Apply advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning to deliver culturally responsive care across the lifespan.
3. Collaborate with interprofessional teams to promote patient safety and quality care.
4. Lead healthcare improvement through ethical decision-making, policy engagement, and systems thinking.
5. Design patient-centered care that promotes prevention, population health, and health equity.
6. Translate evidence into practice to improve healthcare outcomes across diverse populations.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Graduate Program Shared Core

The shared MSN Core provides fundamental knowledge in areas such as advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy and ethics, research methods, evidence-based practice, and leadership and management. It ensures that graduates from all specialty tracks have a strong understanding of the nursing profession's core principles and are well-prepared for leadership roles in the healthcare system.

 

Transfer Between Academic Programs

Qualified learners may transfer between academic programs and/or tracks at the College one (1) time during undergraduate and one (1) time during graduate enrollment. Transfers between academic programs must be completed between academic semesters and may not occur after a semester has begun. All graduate-level learners who wish to change academic programs must be in good academic standing and initiate the request by contacting Registration Management (registrationmanagment@nightingale.edu).

Learners are required to fulfill all admissions requirements for the desired academic program. Please note that not all previously completed courses may transfer into the new program. 

*Note: The MSNEd program is closed to new enrollments. Currently enrolled learners may continue in the program under their current program plans. Other MSN programs remain open for enrollment.