Master of Science in Nursing
Program Description
The M.S.N. program at Point Loma Nazarene is accredited by the CCNE and approved by the California BRN. The program is designed for working professionals. Classes are held one night a week and every other Saturday morning at the Mission Valley Regional Center. You can choose either an academic or clinical focus. Clinical Nurse Specialist options are available in the following areas:
- Mental Health Nursing
- Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Gerontological Nursing
- Family Health
Program Learning Outcomes
Candidates who complete the Master of Science in Nursing program will be able to:
- Inquire Faithfully: The student will demonstrate knowledge, skill and behavior of the evidence-based practice of nursing which integrates growth in reasoning, analysis, decision-making and the application of theory with the goal of advocating for others and/or self. This includes holistic nursing skills and the nursing process.
- Lead Faithfully: The student will incorporate a foundational relationship with Christ and others and embrace a willingness to serve others in the midst of life circumstances (e.g., illness, injustice, poverty). The student will role-model the need for "Sabbath Rest" as a means of personal renewal, and true care of self, so that service to others is optimally achieved. The student will incorporate the characteristics of a servant leader including: humility, courage, forgiveness, discernment.
- Communicate Faithfully: The student will actively engage in the dynamic interactive process that is intrapersonal and interpersonal with the goal of advocating for others and/or self. This includes effective, culturally appropriate communication which conveys information, thoughts, actions and feelings through the use of verbal and nonverbal skills.
- Follow Faithfully: The student will integrate the ordinary work* by complying with and adhering to regulatory and professional standards (e.g., ANA Code of Ethics, The California Board of Registered Nursing, Scope of Nursing Practice, School of Nursing Handbook). This includes taking responsibility, being accountable for all actions and treating others with respect and dignity.
- Care Faithfully: The student will embrace a calling to the ministry of compassionate care for all people in response to God's grace, which aims to foster optimal health and bring comfort in suffering and death.
*Defined as claiming the challenge from Florence Nightingale that nursing is a "divine imposed duty of ordinary work."
Program Eligibility
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
Registered Nurse (R.N.) Entry Without Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or equivalent degree from a National League for Nursing (NLN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or regionally accredited program (i.e., WASC);
- Current California licensure as a registered nurse;
- At least one year of continuous full-time nursing experience in a United States healthcare facility;
- Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities. All foreign transcripts must have a course by course evaluation by World Education Services that includes a degree equivalency and GPA;
- A college grade-point average of 3.000 (candidates with a grade-point average of 2.700 to 2.999 may be considered under the Exceptions Policy (see Admission Requirements and Procedures, Admission under Exception);
- A completed university application (available on the website);
- Two professional recommendations (professional recommendation form available on the website);
- A completed School of Nursing graduate program application;
- A personal essay of 250 words demonstrating graduate level writing skills and the importance of graduate study to the applicant;
- An interview with the graduate nursing selection committee;
- Basic computer literacy which includes knowledge of Explorer, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the ability to perform an Internet database search.
Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or regionally accredited program (i.e., WASC);
- Current California licensure as a registered nurse;
- At least one year of continuous full-time nursing experience in a United States healthcare facility;
- Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities. All foreign transcripts must have a course by course evaluation by World Education Services that includes a degree equivalency and GPA;
- An undergraduate grade-point average of 3.000 (candidates with a grade-point average of 2.700 to 2.999 may be considered under the exceptions policy (see below);
- A completed university application (available on the website);
- Two professional recommendations (use professional recommendation form on the website);
- A completed School of Nursing graduate program application;
- A personal essay of 250 words demonstrating graduate level writing skills and the importance of graduate study to the applicant;
- An interview with the graduate nursing selection committee;
- Basic computer literacy which includes knowledge of Explorer, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the ability to perform an internet database search; and
- Completion of baccalaureate courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing research, statistics, nursing leadership and community health nursing.
English Language Requirements
A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the Graduate School of Nursing. Applicants, including international applicants, permanent residents, immigrants and transfer students who are not citizens of the United States on the date of admission and whose native language is other than English, must meet this requirement. A test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the measure of competency. The test must have been taken within the past two years. The following scores must be met:
- 550 for the paper-based test
- 80 for the internet based test with a minimum section requirement score of 20 in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Only the following countries are exempt from proof of English proficiency: Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Other Provisions
To satisfy the requirements of the university's clinical agencies, upon acceptance into the program students are required to provide copies of the following documentation:
- Current California licensure as a registered nurse
- Current Healthcare Provider CPR certificate from the American Heart Association
- Completed School of Nursing Health Form Packet with proof of immunizations (the university only accepts copies of official immunization record or paper documentation of titers)
- Current TB screening (within six months) upon admission into the program
- Current HIPAA certificate
- Background check and drug screening (failure to pass this may result in an inability to complete the program)
Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and drug screening is required prior to the student's first clinical experience. If a red flag occurs from either the background check or drug screening, this may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
NOTE for non-enrolled students taking graduate courses: we recommend allowing non-Bachelor prepared students to take 500 level classes and Bachelor prepared students to take 600 level classes that do not have the clinical component.
Exceptions Policy
Applicants who do not meet the above eligibility standards, but who can demonstrate an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or demonstrate dramatic change in academic performance, may petition the School of Nursing to review their status (see Admission Requirements and Procedures, Admission under Exception).
Graduation Requirements
- A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (on-line or in the Office of Records, campus);
- Completion of the approved graduate program of 40-43 units for B.S.N. entry, M.S.N. students or 51-54 units for R.N. entry M.S.N. students, including the thesis or project
- 40 units for B.S.N. entry,
- 43 units for B.S.N. entry with CNS,
- 51 units for R.N. entry M.S.N. students, or
- 54 units for R.N. entry M.S.N. with CNS;
- A cumulative grade-point average of 3.000 or higher. A minimum grade of B- is required to progress in the program. Students with a lower course grade must meet with the course instructor and their academic advisor to determine the student's ability to progress in the program; and
- All accounts paid in full.
- All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.
Post-M.S.N. Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate
Post-M.S.N. Nurse Educator Certificate
Program Overview
The Post-M.S.N. Certification programs are designed to prepare the student to assume the role of Nurse Educator in either the academic or clinical setting or Clinical Nurse Specialist. The program is designed for working professionals. Classes are held one night a week and every other Saturday morning at the Mission Valley Regional Center. Clinical Nurse Specialist options are available in the following areas:
- Mental Health Nursing
- Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Gerontological Nursing
- Family Health
Program Learning Outcomes
Candidates who complete the Post-M.S.N. Certification programs will be able to:
- Inquire Faithfully: The student will demonstrate knowledge, skill and behavior of the evidence-based practice of nursing which integrates growth in reasoning, analysis, decision-making and the application of theory with the goal of advocating for others and/or self. This includes holistic nursing skills and the nursing process. (ILO* 1)
- Lead Faithfully: The student will incorporate a foundational relationship with Christ and others and embrace a willingness to serve others in the midst of life circumstances (e.g., illness, injustice, poverty). The student will role-model the need for "Sabbath Rest" as a means for personal renewal, and true care of self, so that service to others is optimally achieved. The student will incorporate the characteristics of a servant leader including: humility, courage, forgiveness, discernment. (ILO* 2)
- Communicate Faithfully: The student will actively engage in the dynamic interactive process that is intrapersonal and interpersonal with the goal of advocating for others and/or self. This includes effective, culturally appropriate communication which conveys information, thoughts, actions and feelings through the use of verbal and nonverbal skills. (ILO* 1,2)
- Follow Faithfully: The student will integrate the ordinary work** by complying with and adhering to regulatory and professional standards (e.g., ANA Code of Ethics, The California Board of Registered Nursing, Scope of Nursing Practice, SON Handbook). This includes taking responsibility, being accountable for all actions and treating others with respect and dignity. (ILO* 2,3)
- Care Faithfully: The student will embrace a calling to the ministry of compassionate care for all people in response to God's grace, which aims to foster optimal health and bring comfort in suffering and death. (ILO* 3)
*Institutional Learning Outcomes
**Defined as claiming the challenge from Florence Nightingale that nursing is a "divine imposed duty of ordinary work."
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY FOR THE POST-M.S.N. CERTIFICATION
- M.S.N. degree from a National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or regionally accredited program (i.e., WASC);
- Current California licensure as a registered nurse;
- At least one year of continuous full-time nursing experience in a United States healthcare facility;
- Official transcripts - B.S.N. and M.S.N. All foreign transcripts must have a course by course evaluation by World Education Services that includes a degree equivalency and GPA;
- A completed university application;
- Two personal letters of recommendation;
- A completed School of Nursing graduate program application;
- Two professional recommendations;
- A personal essay of 250 words demonstrating graduate level writing skills and the importance of graduate study to the applicant;
- An interview with the graduate nursing selection committee;
- Basic computer literacy which includes knowledge of Explorer, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the ability to perform an internet database search.
English Language Requirements
A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the Graduate School of Nursing. Applicants, including international applicants, permanent residents, immigrants and transfer students who are not citizens of the United States on the date of admission and whose native language is other than English, must meet this requirement. A test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the measure of competency. The test must have been taken within the past two years. The following scores must be met:
- 550 for the paper-based test
- 80 for the internet based test with a minimum section requirement score of 20 in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Only the following countries are exempt from proof of English proficiency: Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Other Provisions
To satisfy the requirements of the university's clinical agencies, upon acceptance into the program students are required to provide copies of the following documentation:
- Current California licensure as a registered nurse
- Current Healthcare Provider CPR certificate from the American Heart Association
- Completed School of Nursing Health Form Packet with proof of immunizations (the university only accepts copies of your official immunization record or paper documentation of titers)
- Current TB screening (within six months) upon admission into the program
- Current HIPAA certificate
- Background check and drug screening (failure to pass this may result in an inability to complete the program)
Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and drug screening is required prior to the student's first clinical experience. If a red flag occurs from either the background check or drug screening, this may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Graduation Requirements
- A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (on-line or in the Office of Records, campus);
- Completion of the approved graduate program of 40-43 units for B.S.N. entry, M.S.N. students or 51-54 units for R.N. entry M.S.N. students, including the thesis or project
- 40 units for B.S.N. entry,
- 43 units for B.S.N. entry with CNS,
- 51 units for R.N. entry M.S.N. students, or
- 54 units for R.N. entry M.S.N. with CNS;
- A cumulative grade-point average of 3.000 or higher. A minimum grade of B- is required to progress in the program. Students with a lower course grade must meet with the course instructor and their academic advisor to determine the student's ability to progress in the program; and
- All accounts paid in full.
- All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.
CORE COURSES
For those entering the program with an R.N. and not a B.S.N., the three courses below must be completed before advancement in the M.S.N. GNSG 600 level courses. These courses are not required for those entering with a B.S.N.
| COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
| GNSG 501 | Writing/Research Inquiry Process | 3 |
| GNSG 545 | RN to MSN Transition I | 4 |
| GNSG 546 | RN to MSN Transition II | 4 |
| TOTAL | 11 |
CORE COURSES (REQUIRED FOR ALL M.S.N. STUDENTS)
| COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
| GNSG 601 | Theoretical Foundations and Nursing Research | 4 |
| GNSG 602 | Teaching Faithfully: Communicating with Adult Learners in a Diverse Society | 2 |
| GNSG 603 | Healthcare Issues, Ethics and Politics from a Christian Perspective | 2 |
| GNSG 604 (a-f) | Thesis/Project in Nursing | 6 |
| GNSG 605 | Advanced Assessment and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan | 2 |
| GNSG 605L | Advanced Assessment and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan Practicum | 2 |
| GNSG 606 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| GNSG 607 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| GNSG 608 | Development of Educational Programs in Nursing | 3 |
| GNSG 608L | Nursing Education Role Practicum | 2 |
| Select two of the four courses below: | ||
| BUS 687 | Healthcare Financial Management | 3 |
| BUS 688 | Healthcare Operations Management | 3 |
| GED 670 | Advanced Educational Psychology | 3 |
| GED 672 | Philosophy of Education 3 | 3 |
| Select one series of the following four clinical specialties courses (2) with practicum;3 practicum units required for M.S.N; 6 units required for CNS: | ||
| GNSG 610 | Mental Health Nursing Capstone Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 610L | Mental Health Nursing Practicum | 3-6 |
| GNSG 611 | Medical-Surgical Nursing (Adult) Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 611L | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum | 3-6 |
| GNSG 612 | Gerontological Nursing Capstone Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 612L | Gerontological Nursing Practicum | 3-6 |
| GNSG 613 | Family Health Nursing Capstone Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 613L | Family Health Nursing Practicum | 3-6 |
| Total Required Clinical Hours for M.S.N. (350) | ||
| Total Required Clinical Hours for M.S.N. with CNS (500) | ||
| TOTAL M.S.N. UNITS (R. N. ENTRY) | 51 | |
| TOTAL M.S.N. UNITS (R.N. ENTRY) WITH CNS | 54 | |
| TOTAL M.S.N. UNITS (B.S.N. ENTRY) | 40 | |
| TOTAL M.S.N. UNITS (B.S.N. ENTRY) WITH CNS | 43 | |
Post Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist
CORE COURSES
| COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
| GNSG 605 | Advanced Assessment and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan | 2 |
| GNSG 605L | Advanced Assessment and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan Practicum | 2 |
| GNSG 606 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| GNSG 607 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| GNSG 608 | Development of Educational Programs in Nursing | 3 |
| GNSG 608L | Nursing Education Role Practicum | 2 |
| Select one below: | ||
| BUS 687 | Healthcare Financial Management | 3 |
| BUS 688 | Healthcare Operations Management | 3 |
| GED 670 | Advanced Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Select one series of the following four clinical specialties courses (2) with practicum (6 units): | ||
| GNSG 610 | Mental Health Nursing Capstone Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 610L | Mental Health Nursing Practicum | 6 |
| GNSG 611 | Medical-Surgical Nursing (Adult) Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 611L | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum | 6 |
| GNSG 612 | Gerontological Nursing Capstone Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 612L | Gerontological Nursing Practicum | 6 |
| GNSG 613 | Family Health Nursing Capstone Seminar & | 2 |
| GNSG 613L | Family Health Nursing Practicum | 6 |
| Total Required Clinical Hours (500) | ||
| TOTAL UNITS | 26 | |
| Minimum Required Units from PLNU (19) | ||
Post Master of Science in Nurse Educator Certificate Curriculum
CORE COURSES
| COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
| GNSG 602 | Teaching Faithfully: Communicating With Adult Learners in a Diverse Society | 2 |
| GNSG 605 | Advanced Assessment and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan | 2 |
| GNSG 605L | Advanced Assessment and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan Practicum | 2 |
| GNSG 606 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| GNSG 607 | Advanced Pharmacology 3 | 3 |
| GNSG 608 | Development of Educational Programs in Nursing | 3 |
| GNSG 608L | Nursing Education Role Practicum | 2 |
| GED 670 | Advanced Educational Psychology | 3 |
| GED 672 | Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| Total Required Clinical Hours (200) | ||
| TOTAL UNITS | 23 | |
| Minimum Required Units from PLNU (13) |
Course Descriptions
^ Back to Top ^
