Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

Purpose 

The purpose of the MSN Program at Our Lady of the Lake College is to provide the opportunity for the registered nurse, prepared at the Baccalaureate level (BSN), to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The program is based on the premise that nurses prepared at the master’s level build on competencies achieved in their foundational nursing programs. As part of the MSN Program, the registered nurse integrates and synthesizes knowledge from nursing, as well as the Arts and Sciences, to develop holistic healthcare delivery systems for individuals, families, and communities.

Options

There are currently two options within the MSN degree program: administration and education. The education option consists of 42 total credit hours, and the administration option consists of 45 credit hours. The MSN Program at Our Lady of the Lake College is consistent with the guidelines set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) “Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing”, as well as the National League for Nursing Standards and Criteria for Masters Degree Programs. 

·         Education – The education degree option prepares the graduate to apply teaching-learning theory, principles of curriculum development, evaluation methodology and role specialization as a nurse educator in various settings, including health care organizations, public and private schools, and institutions of higher learning. The graduate will develop expertise as an educator of nursing students, patients, and other individuals and groups. Successful completion of this option provides graduates with the academic preparation necessary to meet the educational eligibility requirements for national certification as a Certified Nurse Educator from the National League for Nursing.

·         Administration – The administration degree option prepares the graduate to apply leadership and management skills at the unit-based system of patient care, and within the larger health care organization. Students will develop expertise in resource allocation through lessons in continuous quality improvement, cost containment, free market competition, managed care, technology, diversity, and a focus on ethical issues. Students will use skills in assessing and analyzing health care needs in the practice setting. Successful completion of this option qualifies graduates to apply for national certification in Nursing Administration from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ACC).

Accreditation

Our Lady of the Lake College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, (494) 679-4501 to award associates, bachelors, and master’s degrees. Our Lady of the Lake College is also a candidate for accreditation for its masters program by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, 33^rd Floor, New York City, NY 10006, 1(800) 669-1656.

Admission Requirements

The College’s commitment to diversity as well as its emphasis on academic success is reflected in its admission decisions. The program will look carefully at a number of factors that have been determined generally to be good indicators of success in the program. Although these factors are not absolute “prerequisites”, the Board policy states that “no single factor shall automatically preclude admission”, they are considered carefully in making admission decisions, and students are strongly encouraged to plan their academic work and other activities with them in mind.  

Admission to the program is via a competitive selection process. Applicants should fulfill the following criteria to be considered for admission: 

• A BSN degree from a nationally accredited nursing program, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

• A minimum of one year of clinical nursing experience as a Registered Nurse.

• Current licensure to practice as an RN in Louisiana

• The formula score determined by using a sliding scale between GRE and GPA scores must meet minimum entrance requirements.

•  International students must follow the college’s requirement for English as a second language.

• Three professional references attesting to the applicant’s ability to pursue graduate study.

• Three credit hours of basic statistics with a grade of “C” or better.

• Completion of an undergraduate research course, with a grade of “C” or better.

• Submission of a professional goal statement (limited to (2) typewritten, double-spaced pages

• Submission of current Resume.

• Completion of the interview process.

Progression and Graduation Requirements 

·         Graduation requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with no grade lower than a “B” in nursing courses, and no more than two grades of “C” in supporting non-nursing courses.

·         Completion of all required coursework in the nursing major.

·         Successful completion of the scholarly project.

Transfer Credit

Students will be allowed to transfer in up to 6 graduate credit hours to be used toward the MSN degree.

Part-Time Study

Part-Time Study is also available. Students have up to 5 years to complete the degree.

Financial Aid

The Our Lady of the Lake College Student Financial Aid Office is available to all applicants to discuss eligibility for financial assistance. Please call (225) 768-1714 to schedule an appointment. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center also offers generous tuition reimbursement to qualifying employees.

Requests for Further Information about the Program 

If you are a registered nurse and need more information concerning the MSN Program, or to request an application packet, please call (225) 768-1700 or e-mail: ololcinfo@ololcollege.edu. Admission requirements are available in the application packet. Admission materials are also available online at http://www.ololcollege.edu/Admissions_Graduate_MSN.html.

You may also contact the MSN Program Director, Edna Hull, PhD, RN, C at Edna.Hull@ololcollege.edu for further details about the program.