The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), enhances the knowledge and skills of registered nurses who have earned their bachelor's degree. This program prepares nurses to function in leadership roles in practice and educational settings. Nursing theory and evidence-based practice provide the foundation for nurses to influence the future of nursing and health care.
Students complete foundational courses for the MSN, then gain additional knowledge in a concentration area through the completion of content-specific courses. The informatics concentration provides learners with an overview of current knowledge and concepts for data management and information technology as they relate to the nursing and health care profession.
Master of Science in Nursing/Specialization in Informatics
Program Description
*Program availability is based upon student demand. Some programs may not commence until there is sufficient enrollment.
Program Requirements
Course ID |
Course Title |
|---|---|
| HCS504 |
Introduction to Graduate Study in Health Sciences/Nursing
This course provides new graduate students in the college with an introduction to strategies for success within the university's adult learning model. Topics include program standards and objectives, graduate-level oral and written communication, locating, evaluating, and citing scholarly resources, and purposes and use of portfolios. Credits: 1 |
| NUR513 |
Theoretical Foundations of Practice
This course focuses on the critical components of contemporary nursing knowledge, including concepts, statements, metaparadigms, philosophies, conceptual models, and theories. Students evaluate the variety of ways to organize nursing knowledge and explore the implications of their application. Through the clinical application of the course content, students examine the use of theory and nursing knowledge in professional environments. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: HCS504 |
| NUR518 |
Analysis of Research Reports
Evidence-based practice relies upon analyzing the scientific merit of nursing research reports and integrating the results from valid studies into care. Published reports using quantitative and qualitative methods are examined to determine the validity of study findings and their readiness for implementation into practice. Ethics in research is also considered. Credits: 3 |
| NUR531 |
Influencing the Future of Nursing and Health Care
The role of advanced practice nurses in today's health care environment provides numerous opportunities and responsibilities. Nursing's potential for improving the health of individuals, families, groups, and communities is examined. Strategies for involvement in shaping health care policy are developed. Credits: 3 |
| HCS587 |
Creating Change within Organizations
Diffusion of innovations models in health care systems use principles of planned change within a dynamic organizational environment. Communication skills, such as negotiation and conflict resolution, help leaders analyze and respond to health care needs while using resources efficiently. Credits: 3 |
| NUR544 |
Population-focused Health Care
Theories, principles, and strategies of population-based health care are used to design, implement, and evaluate services and plans of care to promote, maintain, and restore health in a defined population. Students focus on population aggregates in structured or unstructured settings across care environments. Strategies to evaluate health outcomes and costs of care are emphasized. Credits: 3 |
| NUR590A |
Nursing Practicum
This capstone course is designed to provide students with opportunities to integrate and apply previously learned knowledge and skills in a 60-hour practicum. Students develop specific learning objectives that are approved by faculty. Objectives are achieved as a result of working with a nurse mentor and various experts during the practicum. Credits: 1 |
| HCS571 |
Financial Resource Management
Processes of budget preparation, analysis, and monitoring are essential for analyzing the financial performance of an organization, service, or system. Concepts of financial accounting and reporting, as well as basic economic principles, are applied. Students use financial and economic concepts and principles to develop a business plan for a health care service or unit. Credits: 3 |
| NUR587 |
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Health Care
Ways of using leadership and management concepts, principles, theories, and models in advanced nursing practice and executive roles are explored. Skills that facilitate collaborative relationships and decisions consistent with stewardship of resources are examined. Students articulate a personal vision of leadership and ways of providing direction within today's complex health care system. Credits: 3 |
| NUR542 |
Dynamics of Family Systems
Family systems theories and models are used to understand the impact of nuclear families on professional and personal relationships, as well as on society. These theories and models are used as well to develop strategies for promoting and monitoring the health of families. Credits: 2 |
| NUR598 |
Nursing Utilization Project
This is a graduate research course that focuses on utilization of a body of scientific knowledge in the work setting. Students develop a proposal to address a problem or concern in the work setting, describe an innovation, research support or its use, develop an implementation and an evaluation plan, and describe strategies for decision making for the success or failure of the innovation. Credits: 3 |
| NUR590B |
Nursing Practicum
This capstone course is designed to provide students with opportunities to integrate and apply previously learned knowledge and skills in a 60-hour practicum. Students develop specific learning objectives that are approved by faculty. Objectives are achieved as a result of working with a nurse mentor and various experts during the practicum. Credits: 2 |
| HCI500 |
Concepts of Health Care Informatics
This course will introduce the student to the basic concepts of health care informatics and health information management. It will build on a historical foundation of informatics and roles of the informatics specialist. Credits: 3 |
| HCI510 |
Systems Life Cycle
This course will focus on the selection and implementation of an information system within a health facility. The course will review the phases of the life cycle: planning, analysis, design, implementation and evaluation. Credits: 3 |
| HCI520 |
Data Management and Design
This course will provide an overview of the understanding of how data, information and knowledge provides the foundation for healthcare information systems. The course will focus on the concepts of information and knowledge in relation to databases, systems operations and information systems. Credits: 3 |
