Program of Study - Nursing Administration (MSN) - Accelerated Online Program

Graduate Outcomes

The major outcomes of the graduate programs are to develop the ability to:

  1. Function as a scholar with critical thinking skills supported by theories from the behavioral, physical, and nursing sciences
  2. Demonstrate organizational and systems leadership in the application of client/patientcare interventions, incorporating informatics and health care technology to improve population health care outcomes
  3. Collaborate as a member of an inter-professional health care team to advocate for safe and effective client/patient care, being cognizant of cultural, societal, economic, political, and ethicolegal issues
  4. Promote quality improvement in the provision of culturally competent care to diverse populations through integration of health policy, planned programs, education, and advocacy
  5. Translate and integrate scholarship and research into masters-level practice that is grounded in the sciences and humanities

Graduate Programs

Each student will be assigned an advisor to assist in preparing the graduate program of study before or during their first semester in the program. Advisors will be available throughout the program for guidance. Students must complete all course work prior to graduation.

Students who have been suspended may apply for readmission into an M.S.N. program by the procedures outlined in the Academic Probation and Suspension section of the Graduate Catalog. Such applications will be considered on a case by case basis, and readmission will be granted at the discretion of the MSN program’s admissions committee.

Transfer courses from other graduate nursing programs will be evaluated on an individual basis for acceptance.

Registered nurses who have an earned bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may qualify for application to the MSN Administration and MSN Education programs by completing the Transition to

Graduate Nursing course (NURS 5600). A Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) is a requirement for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Program.

Purpose

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Administration is designed for those who are interested in leadership and administration as nurse leaders. The degree in nursing administration utilizes knowledge through planned programs, education and advocacy. Demonstrating leadership in the application of interventions and technology is related to policy, research, organization and health care management.

Nurse Administrator Specialty Outcomes

The student successfully completing the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Administration will be able to:

  1. Apply theories, research and conceptual models from nursing and related disciplines to facilitate clinical and administrative decision-making.
  2. Integrate the use of communication skills, information systems and technology in relation to nursing administration.
  3. Develop collaborative relationships and partnerships that are interdisciplinary to improve the environment in which health care is delivered.
  4. Demonstrate leadership and ethical decision-making in conceptualization, design, implementation, and evaluation of health care delivery systems across the health care continuum.
  5. Provide leadership in human resources development, education, and management to improve nursing care across diverse populations.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the graduate program in nursing administration, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or other baccalaureate degree plus the successful completion of NURS 5600
  2. Successful completion of undergraduate statistics course
  3. A short essay including reason for seeking admission, anticipated personal gain, relevant preparation, and future professional plans
  4. Holding an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in their state of residence
  5. Cleared Criminal background check
  6. Evidence of current immunizations required by the Texas Department of Heath for students in health-related academic programs

Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

Program Requirements

Required Courses (21 Credits)

NURS 6308Nursing Informatics

3

NURS 6301Theoretical Foundations in Nursing

3

NURS 6312Advanced Nursing Research

3

NURS 6313Advanced Statistics in Nursing

3

NURS 6367Advanced Leadership, Policy and Population Health

3

NURS 6381Holistic Approaches to Chronic Disorders

3

NURS 6382Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

3

Practice Courses (12 Credits)

NURS 6370Nursing Administration Concepts and Theories

3

NURS 6371Health Care Change, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution

3

NURS 6372Health Care Finance

3

NURS 6374Clinical Leadership in Nursing

3

Capstone Requirement

Project (3 Credits)

NURS 7304Advanced Practice Intervention Project

3

Total Credit Hours: 36