Master of Science in Nursing
(Online)
FAQs
Who should apply to the University of Arkansas program?
Any currently licensed nurse with a baccalaureate degree who is interested in gaining advanced nursing skill and knowledge to care for adults with medical-surgical conditions should consider applying. The educator option is for those nurses who are interested in obtaining advanced knowledge and skill in teaching.
How individualized is the MSN Program?
The faculty recognizes the uniqueness of individual students as adult learners and strives to provide flexible opportunities for learning. Students are encouraged to identify a population of interest to focus on throughout the program. Examples of populations include adults with particular illnesses (diabetes, heart disease), symptoms (fatigue, pain, skin integrity), type of care (end-of-life, acute), and age or gender (older adults, women, young adults).
When are courses offered?
Courses are offered through asynchronous distance education to accommodate full and part-time students. Practicum hours with preceptors are arranged.
What does the program include?
The Master of Science in Nursing program reflects recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (1996) for graduate programs including content areas of theory, research, roles, health promotion, advanced courses in pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. The program also incorporates spheres of influence promoted by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (2004). The spheres of influence provide a focus for practice. They include the patient/client sphere where the CNS's efforts are to decrease or prevent symptoms/suffering and improve functioning; nurses and nursing practice sphere where CNSs provide leadership to improve outcomes for populations through evidence-based care delivered by nurses; and organization/system sphere where the CNSs advocate for environments that support professional practice and changes in work practices that improve outcomes for populations served by the organization. Students participate in courses that prepare them to function effectively in the three spheres of influence. They complete 540 hours of clinical experiences and are eligible for national certification as a clinical nurse specialist in medical-surgical nursing.
Financial support for master's degree students is available in the form of scholarships, loans, graduate assistantships and other mechanisms. Additional information is available at the college and university Web pages.