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Master of Science Degree
 Nursing

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Our Lady of the Lake College is to provide the baccalaureate-prepared (BSN) registered nurse with the competencies to function in the roles of nurse educator or nurse administrator.  Graduate nursing education at Our Lady of the Lake College is dedicated to preparing nurses for advanced nursing practice and doctoral study by creating an academic environment that fosters scholarship, critical reflection and creativity.

The MSN Program at OLOL 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 Accreditation Commission's Standards and Criteria for Master's Degree Programs.

Length of Program

The Master of Science degree in nursing consists of 36 credit hours. A full-time student can complete the program in four semesters. Students may choose to attend part-time, but must complete the program within five years.  There are two educational tracks available: nurse educator and nurse administrator.

Education Track – This option provides the student with the theoretical and practical basis for assuming the role of nurse educator within the higher education setting and provides an educational foundation for doctoral study.
Administration Track – This option prepares the graduate to function in leadership positions within health care organizations and provides an educational foundation for doctoral study.

Objectives

The graduate of the MSN Program will:

  1. Integrate theoretical and empirical knowledge from the arts and sciences, nursing and related disciplines and evaluate its use in guiding nursing research, education and practice.  
  2. Utilize systematic inquiry and refined analytical skills in the nurse educator or nurse administrator roles.    
  3. Communicate orally and in writing in a scholarly manner.
  4. Employ knowledge, skills and attributes of a scholar to improve nursing research, education and practice. 
  5. Synthesize the ethical, legal, socio-political, cultural and leadership dimensions inherent in advanced practice nursing.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:

  1. A BSN degree from an accredited nursing program (NLNAC and/or CCNE) with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.  
  2. A minimum of one year of clinical nursing experience as a registered nurse.  
  3. Current licensure or eligibility to practice as a registered nurse in Louisiana.   
  4. Three professional references attesting to the applicant’s ability to pursue graduate study.   
  5. Three credit hours of undergraduate statistics with a grade of “C” or better.  
  6. Completion of an undergraduate research course, with a grade of “C” or better.     
  7. Submission of a professional goal statement (limited to two (2) typewritten, double-spaced pages).

Applications are due on or before May 15.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Completion of all required coursework in the curriculum.
  2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no course grade lower than a “B.”
  3. Clearance of all indebtedness to OLOL College, including return of all materials borrowed from the College Library.

 

Transfer Credit

Students will be allowed to transfer in up to six graduate credit hours to be used toward the MSN degree.  Students seeking transfer credit must schedule an appointment with the Program Director prior to admission.

Curriculum Plan for the Master of Science Nurse Educator Track (36 Credit Hours)

Fall Semester – Semester I

  • NURS 5315 - Applied Statistics (3 hrs)
  • NURS 5210 - Healthcare Informatics (2 hrs)
  • NURS 5215 - Legal/Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice (2 hrs)
  • NURS 5220 - Transcultural and Social Perspectives (2 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)

Spring Semester - Semester II

  • NURS 5330 - Health Policy (3 hrs)
  • NURS 5340 - Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hrs)
  • NURS 5380 - Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)

Fall Semester – Semester III

  • NURS 6310 - Curriculum and Evaluation (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6320 - The Nurse as Educator (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6710 - Education Practicum I (3 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)

Spring Semester – Semester IV

  • NURS 6330 - Instructional Design (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6720 - Education Practicum II (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6730 - Capstone Project (3 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)

Curriculum Plan for the Master of Science Nurse Administrator Track (36 Credit Hours)

Fall Semester – Semester I

  • NURS 5315 - Applied Statistics (3 hrs)
  • NURS 5210 - Healthcare Informatics (2 hrs)
  • NURS 5215 - Legal/Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice (2 hrs)
  • NURS 5220 - Transcultural and Social Perspectives (2 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)

Spring Semester – Semester II

  • NURS 5330 - Health Policy (3 hrs)
  • NURS 5340 - Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hrs)
  • NURS 5380 - Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)

Fall Semester – Semester III

  • NURS 6315 - Organizational Behavior (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6325 - Management of Health Personnel (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6715 - Administration Practicum I (3 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)

Spring Semester - Semester IV

  • NURS 6335 - Financial Management in Healthcare (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6725 - Administration Practicum II (3 hrs)
  • NURS 6730 - Capstone Project (3 hrs)

Total (9 Credit Hours)