Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The College of Nursing Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program became operational in 2005 for the adult/gerontology, family and pediatric nurse practitioner tracks. Due to the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine (IOM) and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the College expanded to include the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program in 2009 for the adult/gerontology, family, pediatric, psychiatric mental health, and post-Masters advanced practice nursing tracks. The DNP-APRN program has two entry points, post-BSN and post-MSN. The post-MSN APRN plan of study is not designed to educate the individual in a new population focus. The programs build on the BSN Essentials (2008), incorporates The Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (2011), population foci competencies (NTF, 2012; NTF, 2016; NONPF, 2012; NONPF, 2013; NONPF, 2014; NONPF, 2017), as well as other specialty advanced practice standards and guidelines. In addition, the DNP program integrates The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006) and prepares nurse practitioners with a clinical doctorate ready to meet the nation's complex healthcare environment and assure quality patient outcomes.

As of fall 2018, admissions to the MSN advanced practice track are closed because the DNP degree is the recommended preparation for entry to the nurse practitioner role. Students in the DNP advanced practice program will receive both an MSN and DNP upon graduation, as the MSN is the required degree to obtain advanced practice licensure in South Carolina. As a College we are adult learner centered and have an MSN exit option for students who have life circumstances that interfere with completing the DNP degree.

Admissions

Learn more about the admission steps and requirements for the program.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

NRDNP 838 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NRDNP 856A Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning A
3
NRDNP 860 Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics 4
Semester Total 10

Year 1, Spring

NRDNP 856B Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning B
3
NRDNP 842 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 4
NRDNP 846 Frameworks for Leadership 3
Semester Total 10

Year 1, Summer

NRDNP 864 Advanced Care Management I 6
NRDNP 830 Applied Health Care Economics & Finance 3
Semester Total 9

Year 2, Fall

NRDNP 865 Advanced Care Management II 6
NRDNP 873 Scientific Underpinnings 3
NRDNP 836 Informatics in Health Care Delivery 3
Semester Total 12

Year 2, Spring

NRDNP 866 Advanced Care Management III 6
NRDNP 858 Evidenced Based Practice, Quality, & Safety 3
NRPHD 708 Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy 3
Semester Total 12

Year 2, Summer

NRDNP 848B Role Practicum 7
Semester Total 7
Curriculum Total 60

Year 1, Fall

NRDNP 836 Informatics in Health Care Delivery 3
NRDNP 830 Applied Health Care Economics & Finance 3
Semester Total 6

Year 1, Spring

NRDNP 846 Frameworks for Leadership 3
NRPHD 708 Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy 3
Semester Total 6

Year 1, Summer

NRDNP 860 Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics 4
Semester Total 4

Year 2, Fall

NDRNP 838 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NRDNP 856A Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning A
3
Semester Total 6

Year 2, Spring

NRDNP 856B Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning B
3
NRDNP 842 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
Semester Total 6

Year 2, Summer

NRDNP 864 Advanced Care Management I 6
Semester Total 6

Year 3, Fall

NRDNP 865 Advanced Care Management II 6
NRDNP 873 Scientific Underpinnings 3
Semester Total 9

Year 3, Spring

NRDNP 866 Advanced Care Management III 6
NRDNP 858 Evidenced Based Practice, Quality, & Safety 3
Semester Total 9

Year 3, Summer

NRDNP 848B Role Practicum 7
Semester Total 7
Curriculum Total 59