Master of Science in Nursing
Department Website: Master of Science in Nursing
Introduction
The Department of Nursing offers three advanced education nursing options at the master’s level: the MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), the second MSN, and the accelerated RN to MSN (not currently admitting this option). Each of these options emphasize leadership, the integration of theoretical concepts from nursing and related disciplines, and the application of these theories to practice. Both role development and preparation in a specialty area are emphasized. Grounded in Jesuit and nursing values, the MSN program prepares Registered Nurses to assume roles as Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. With Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) as the organizing framework for the curriculum, the program builds on the themes of servant leadership, social justice, community, and reflective practice. Gonzaga's MSN program is offered in an online, distance delivery format with scheduled on-campus immersions. This format enables nurses in geographically isolated areas and those who are unable to attend an on-campus program to pursue advanced nursing education and still continue to provide much-needed nursing services in their home communities while completing graduate studies. Nurse Practitioner graduates are qualified to take the national certification examinations for their areas of specialization. National certification is a requirement for licensure as a nurse practitioner in most states. Students are responsible for checking, and adhering to, state mandates for practice while in the student role and in an advanced nursing role.
Program Overview
Students who enter the master's program through the accelerated RN to MSN option complete a total of five courses (15 credits) that "bridge" them to the graduate-level courses. After completing these "bridge" courses, they progress directly to the core courses in the MSN program provided they have successfully completed all bridge courses with a grade of “C” or better and have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0. They then matriculate to the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare (NLH) MSN track. We are currently not admitting students to this option.
Students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are admitted directly into the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Students apply for admission to one of two specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (47 credits) or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (47 credits).
Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and Registered Nurse license are also able to be admitted directly into the Master of Science in Nursing program, but must complete a minimum of five pre-requisite courses prior to starting the master’s-level courses.
In the nurse practitioner tracks, students complete five MSN core courses plus courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment before progressing into the direct care core courses that prepare them for advanced practice. Students in these pathways complete 600 hours (10 credits) of practicum or clinical experience in their specialty area.
The second master’s degree option is designed for the Registered Nurse who already possesses a master’s degree in nursing but desires additional preparation in another specialty area. The program is structured to meet the needs and schedules of working Registered Nurses through the same distance delivery format used in the MSN program. The total credits required may vary depending on each student’s background and preparation.
Students are referred to the relevant Department of Nursing Student Handbook for a more detailed overview of requirements and expectations. There are separate handbooks for the BSN and graduate (MSN and DNP) programs.
RN to MSN Program (for Registered Nurses) - Not currently admitting students
The RN to MSN option offers the licensed Registered Nurse with an associate's degree in nursing the opportunity to earn a master's degree in nursing in less time and with fewer credits than would be required if completing separate BSN and MSN degrees. The MSN is the degree awarded; there is no option for earning a separate BSN degree. In an effort to meet the needs of working Registered Nurses, the program is offered in an online distance delivery format with scheduled on-campus immersions during the MSN coursework. Students complete five courses (15 credits) that "bridge" them to the master's level courses: PHIL 201 Philosophy of Human Nature OR PHIL 301 Ethics (One Philosophy course must be taken at Gonzaga); NURS 320 – Statistics for Health Professionals; NURS 406 Nursing Research; NURS 463 Community Health; and NURS 464 Community Health Practicum. Upon successful completion of the "bridge" courses, students’ progress immediately to the graduate level courses with an emphasis on preparation for an advanced role as a Nursing Leader in Healthcare.
Admission
- Students applying to Gonzaga University must submit Gonzaga’s Graduate Application, which can be accessed online at https://www.gonzaga.edu/gradapply
- Along with the application for graduate study, each program at Gonzaga has distinct admission requirements. Please refer to the table below to view that detailed information.
| Program Name | How to Apply Link |
|---|---|
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Online) | https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/nursing-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/eligibility-criteria-admission-requirements |
| Second Master’s Degree (Online ) | https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/nursing-programs/second-msn-degree |
RN to MSN
Program Requirements
The RN to MSN program requires the completion of five "bridge" courses (15 credits) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to progress to MSN-level course work.
RN to MSN
Bridge Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 301 | Ethics | 3 |
| or PHIL 201 | Philosophy of Human Nature | |
| NURS 320 | Stats for Health Professions | 3 |
| NURS 406 | Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 463 | Community Health | 3 |
| NURS 464 | Community Health Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Graduate (MSN) Courses
Achievement of a grade of B or better is expected in graduate studies. Students who successfully complete the "bridge" courses with a minimum grade of “C” and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 progress directly to the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare MSN-level courses.
Required Core Courses for All MSN NP Tracks
All of the core courses are offered online and must be completed for each of the specialty NP tracks. These courses provide the theoretical foundation for role development and expose the students to concepts and issues that undergird all areas of advanced nursing practice. Courses include content in health policy analysis and development, information management, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Students in the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare track will complete a slightly different set of core courses as some of the content is built into their specialty courses, see below.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 561 | Information Technology and Data Management | 3 |
| NURS 562 | Theory and Foundation of Healthcare Improvement | 3 |
| NURS 563 | Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety | 3 |
| NURS 564 | Contemporary Healthcare Environment | 3 |
| NURS 565 | Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track
47 Credits (Including Core)
This track prepares students to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals and families of all ages and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. Family Nurse Practitioners work in independent as well as collaborative practice settings, such as private practices, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations, clinics, health departments, student health centers, and clinics for the homeless or uninsured. The FNP core courses are offered online. Students are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the four practicum courses as well as two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of six on-campus immersions). These immersions are two to three days in length. Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each practicum course. Students living outside of this four-state region are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with the immersion experience during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement. Students may only be admitted if they reside in one of these ten western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner Core | ||
| NURS 523 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 524 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 600 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 601 | Advanced Health Assessment Practicum I | 1 |
| NURS 651P | Gender Based | 3 |
| NURS 652P | Infant, Child, Adolescence | 3 |
| NURS 653P | Adult/Gerontology I | 3 |
| NURS 654P | Adult/Gerontology II | 3 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum (600 Hours) | ||
| Select ten credits of the following: | 10 | |
| Primary Care: Gender-Based Practicum | ||
| Infant, Child, Adolescence Practicum | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Practicum I | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Practicum II | ||
| Primary Care Practicum Extension (if needed) | ||
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Program Requirements
The RN to MSN program requires the completion of five "bridge" courses (15 credits) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to progress to MSN-level course work.
RN to MSN
Bridge Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 301 | Ethics | 3 |
| or PHIL 201 | Philosophy of Human Nature | |
| NURS 320 | Stats for Health Professions | 3 |
| NURS 406 | Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 463 | Community Health | 3 |
| NURS 464 | Community Health Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Graduate (MSN) Courses
Achievement of a grade of B or better is expected in graduate studies. Students who successfully complete the "bridge" courses with a minimum grade of “C” and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 progress directly to the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare MSN-level courses.
Required Core Courses for All MSN NP Tracks
All of the core courses are offered online and must be completed for each of the specialty NP tracks. These courses provide the theoretical foundation for role development and expose the students to concepts and issues that undergird all areas of advanced nursing practice. Courses include content in health policy analysis and development, information management, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Students in the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare track will complete a slightly different set of core courses as some of the content is built into their specialty courses, see below.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 561 | Information Technology and Data Management | 3 |
| NURS 562 | Theory and Foundation of Healthcare Improvement | 3 |
| NURS 563 | Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety | 3 |
| NURS 564 | Contemporary Healthcare Environment | 3 |
| NURS 565 | Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Track
47 Credits (Including Core)
This track prepares students to work as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They are prepared to provide the full range of services that comprise primary mental health care in diverse settings with a variety of clients/patients, to provide clinical and professional leadership, and facilitate system improvements. Their clinical practice focuses on persons of all ages with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and individuals, families, or populations at risk for mental illness. The PMHNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the three practicum courses and two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of five on-campus immersions). These immersions are two days in length. Students will have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each of the three specialty practicum courses. Additional site visits are arranged as needed. Students may only be admitted if they reside in one of these ten western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Core | ||
| NURS 523 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 524 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 600 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 601 | Advanced Health Assessment Practicum I | 1 |
| NURS 652M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts I | 3 |
| NURS 653M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts II | 3 |
| NURS 654M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts III | 3 |
| NURS 670 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum (600 Hours) | ||
| Select ten credits of the following: | 10 | |
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum I | ||
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum II | ||
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum III | ||
| Psyc-Mental Health Practicum Extension (if needed) | ||
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Master of Science in Nursing
Program Requirements
Graduate (MSN) Courses
Achievement of a grade of B or better is expected in graduate studies. Students who successfully complete the "bridge" courses with a minimum grade of “C” and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 progress directly to the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare MSN-level courses.
Required Core Courses for All MSN NP Tracks
All of the core courses are offered online and must be completed for each of the specialty NP tracks. These courses provide the theoretical foundation for role development and expose the students to concepts and issues that undergird all areas of advanced nursing practice. Courses include content in health policy analysis and development, information management, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Students in the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare track will complete a slightly different set of core courses as some of the content is built into their specialty courses, see below.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 561 | Information Technology and Data Management | 3 |
| NURS 562 | Theory and Foundation of Healthcare Improvement | 3 |
| NURS 563 | Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety | 3 |
| NURS 564 | Contemporary Healthcare Environment | 3 |
| NURS 565 | Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track
47 Credits (Including Core)
This track prepares students to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals and families of all ages and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. Family Nurse Practitioners work in independent as well as collaborative practice settings, such as private practices, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations, clinics, health departments, student health centers, and clinics for the homeless or uninsured. The FNP core courses are offered online. Students are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the four practicum courses as well as two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of six on-campus immersions). These immersions are two to three days in length. Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each practicum course. Students living outside of this four-state region are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with the immersion experience during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement. Students may only be admitted if they reside in one of these ten western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner Core | ||
| NURS 523 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 524 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 600 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 601 | Advanced Health Assessment Practicum I | 1 |
| NURS 651P | Gender Based | 3 |
| NURS 652P | Infant, Child, Adolescence | 3 |
| NURS 653P | Adult/Gerontology I | 3 |
| NURS 654P | Adult/Gerontology II | 3 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum (600 Hours) | ||
| Select ten credits of the following: | 10 | |
| Primary Care: Gender-Based Practicum | ||
| Infant, Child, Adolescence Practicum | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Practicum I | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Practicum II | ||
| Primary Care Practicum Extension (if needed) | ||
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Program Requirements
Graduate (MSN) Courses
Achievement of a grade of B or better is expected in graduate studies. Students who successfully complete the "bridge" courses with a minimum grade of “C” and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 progress directly to the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare MSN-level courses.
Required Core Courses for All MSN NP Tracks
All of the core courses are offered online and must be completed for each of the specialty NP tracks. These courses provide the theoretical foundation for role development and expose the students to concepts and issues that undergird all areas of advanced nursing practice. Courses include content in health policy analysis and development, information management, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Students in the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare track will complete a slightly different set of core courses as some of the content is built into their specialty courses, see below.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 561 | Information Technology and Data Management | 3 |
| NURS 562 | Theory and Foundation of Healthcare Improvement | 3 |
| NURS 563 | Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety | 3 |
| NURS 564 | Contemporary Healthcare Environment | 3 |
| NURS 565 | Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Track
47 Credits (Including Core)
This track prepares students to work as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They are prepared to provide the full range of services that comprise primary mental health care in diverse settings with a variety of clients/patients, to provide clinical and professional leadership, and facilitate system improvements. Their clinical practice focuses on persons of all ages with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and individuals, families, or populations at risk for mental illness. The PMHNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the three practicum courses and two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of five on-campus immersions). These immersions are two days in length. Students will have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each of the three specialty practicum courses. Additional site visits are arranged as needed. Students may only be admitted if they reside in one of these ten western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Core | ||
| NURS 523 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 524 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 600 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 601 | Advanced Health Assessment Practicum I | 1 |
| NURS 652M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts I | 3 |
| NURS 653M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts II | 3 |
| NURS 654M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts III | 3 |
| NURS 670 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum (600 Hours) | ||
| Select ten credits of the following: | 10 | |
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum I | ||
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum II | ||
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum III | ||
| Psyc-Mental Health Practicum Extension (if needed) | ||
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Second Master's Degree
Family Nursing Practitioner Track: 32-35 credits
This track prepares students to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals and families of all ages and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. Family Nurse Practitioners work in independent as well as collaborative practice settings, such as private practices, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations, clinics, health departments, student health centers, and clinics for the homeless or uninsured. The FNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the four specialty practicum courses as well as two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of 6 immersions). These immersions are two days or more in length. Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each practicum course. Students living outside of this four-state region are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with the immersion during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses or Equivalency | ||
| NURS 523 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 524 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 563 | Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety (if needed) | 3 |
| NURS 600 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 601 | Advanced Health Assessment Practicum I | 1 |
| NURS 651P | Gender Based | 3 |
| NURS 652P | Infant, Child, Adolescence | 3 |
| NURS 653P | Adult/Gerontology I | 3 |
| NURS 654P | Adult/Gerontology II | 3 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum (600 hours) | ||
| Select ten credits of the following: | 10 | |
| Primary Care: Gender-Based Practicum | ||
| Infant, Child, Adolescence Practicum | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Practicum I | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Practicum II | ||
| Primary Care Practicum Extension (if needed) | ||
| Total Hours | 35 | |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 32-35 credits
This track prepares students to work as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They are prepared to provide the full range of services that comprise primary mental health care in diverse settings with a variety of clients/patients, to provide clinical and professional leadership, and facilitate system improvements. Their clinical practice focuses on persons of all ages with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and individuals, families, or populations at risk for mental illness. The PMHNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the three specialty practicum courses and two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of 5 immersions). These immersions are two days in length. Students will have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each of the three practicum courses. Additional site visits are arranged as needed.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses or Equivalency | ||
| NURS 523 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 524 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 563 | Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety (if needed) | 3 |
| NURS 600 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 601 | Advanced Health Assessment Practicum I | 1 |
| NURS 652M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts I | 3 |
| NURS 653M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts II | 3 |
| NURS 654M | Psych-Mental Health Nurse Concepts III | 3 |
| NURS 670 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum (600 Hours) | ||
| Select ten credits of the following: | 10 | |
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum I | ||
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum II | ||
| Psych-Mental Health Practicum III | ||
| Psyc-Mental Health Practicum Extension (if needed) | ||
| Total Hours | 35 | |