Master of Science in Nursing
Practicing nurses who have the right education and expertise have access to advanced career opportunities and expanded employment options. Earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at USAHS and prepare for an innovative leadership role in today’s evolving and global healthcare system. You may choose to specialize as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse executive.
In our accelerated MSN pathway, you can stack up to three courses each term—and finish your degree in a faster timeframe. You can also take self-paced courses that award credit according to your mastery of skills and learning—not your time spent in the course.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) mission statement
To prepare nurses to utilize interprofessional collaboration, evidence-informed decision making and specialized competencies in guiding, leading, and influencing the outcomes of nursing practice.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Participate in an optional international immersion and expand your perspective on global healthcare (*international immersions temporarily post-poned due to COVID-19).
Program Overview
- We offer three role specialties within the MSN curriculum: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Executive.
- Earn your graduate degree in nursing entirely online[1] or meet and collaborate in teams with your interprofessional peers in our optional campus-based immersions. The FNP role specialty includes two required on-campus clinical intensives.
- Participate in an optional international immersion and expand your perspective on global healthcare.
- Complete practicum hours by working with a preceptor who meets accreditation and state licensure requirements.*
- Learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields, many of whom are currently practicing, presenting original research at major conferences, and publishing articles in respected journals and books.
- Benefit from the knowledge and experience of your classmates—practicing nurses from across the country.
* Practicum placements are determined by USAHS based on the student’s academic needs and to provide the best educational experience. Students should plan on the need to travel and/or relocate for practica.
Flexibility
Flexibility and innovation are hallmarks of the USAHS experience. You can complete your MSN degree fully online or participate in optional campus-based immersions.[2] We offer accelerated plans of study so you can earn your degree faster, as well as less intensive options. Your faculty and academic advisors can help you choose a study plan that fits your busy life. Choose from six start dates each year.
Interprofessional Education
The National League for Nursing believes that interprofessional education is critical because team-based care is proven to strengthen healthcare systems and improves health outcomes.[3] Our core courses and campus immersions emphasize interprofessional education, enabling graduate nursing students and students from other healthcare professions to learn together and practice working in a team. You will contribute your nursing perspective to solving patient problems and benefit from the input of physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, healthcare administrators, healthcare educators, and more. Our students are team-ready when they graduate.
Campus Immersions
Several core courses offer on-campus immersions, a chance to enjoy face-to-face connections with your professors and fellow students. The weekend features interprofessional collaborations, oral presentations, and professional networking opportunities. Students in the FNP track must complete two required on-campus clinical intensives. These clinical experiences take place in our state-of-the-art Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice, which are outfitted with hospital equipment and A/V tools for recording and analyzing simulation scenarios.
Our Health Sciences Focus and Personal Approach
Founded in 1979, USAHS is a longtime leader in graduate health sciences education, our sole focus. This emphasis, along with our small class sizes, allows for a personal approach by faculty mentors. As you work toward your master’s degree in nursing, you will have dedicated faculty and academic advisors and 24/7 tech support throughout your educational journey.
Access to the USAHS Network of Professionals
USAHS is a dynamic community of health science professionals from several disciplines. You will make valuable connections with other practicing nurses as well as our alumni and faculty, leading to collaboration, support, and access to career opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program, graduates will be able to demonstrate:
- Employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry to maintain continuing competence and professional growth.
- Apply leadership skills to improve outcomes for individuals, diverse populations, and organizations.
- Practice critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making to ensure the delivery of nursing care that is of optimal quality and safety.
- Effectively and ethically use technology in the direct or indirect delivery and coordination of nursing care and collection of data for improvement of quality and safety.
- Exhibit professionalism and adherence to ethical standards of nursing practice; advocate for patients and promote policy development to ensure quality healthcare that is safe, equitable, and cost-effective.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare providers in the promotion of wellness and the management of acute and chronic disorders for optimization of patient outcomes.
- Apply systems thinking and synthesize scientific data with concepts and models from nursing and other sciences to promote health, prevent illness, and maintain quality of life for individuals and populations.
- Deliver or direct nursing practice using advanced knowledge, professional skills, and decision-making based on theory and best scientific evidence.
[1]Students are required to complete practica at an approved facility.
[2]FNP students participate in two required on-campus intensives in our CICPs.
[3]NLN Board of Governors (2015). “Interprofessional Collaboration in Education and Practice.” Citing Thibault, G. (2013). “Reforming health professions education will require culture change and closer ties between classroom and practice.” Health Affairs, 32(11), 1928–1932.
