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| The RN to MSN program is
designed for the associate degree or diploma prepared registered nurse
who is interested in graduate nursing education in preparation for an
advanced nursing practice role. The program builds on the student's prior
learning and requires a minimum of three years of recent practice experience.
The student, in consultation with the graduate advisor, develops an individualized
plan of study based on prior learning and the graduate specialty program
selected. The individualized plan of study includes the completion of non-nursing courses, an advanced practice nursing role transition course, and two fourth year clinical nursing courses. The student, after successful completion of the required undergraduate courses, is provisionally admitted to the graduate nursing program. Upon successful completion of 12 hours of graduate level course credits, the student is awarded a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree with credit for validated undergraduate courses. The student is then granted full admission into the graduate program. When the remaining required graduate nursing courses are completed a MSN degree is awarded. The University of Southern Indiana Graduate Nursing Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation is an indication of public approbation, attesting to the quality of the educational program and the continued commitment of the sponsoring institution to support the program. For further information about the accreditation of the program, please contact the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at the following address: One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036-1120, (202) 887-6791. |
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| The requirements for admission
to the RN to MSN program include: a) Completion of an accredited associate degree or diploma program in nursing. b) Minimum of three years of current practice experience as a registered nurse. c) Unencumbered RN license. d) Completion of the university and RN to MSN admission application process. e) Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in previous academic work. f) International students must have a score of 550 on the written TOEFL test or 213 on the computerized TOEFL test. g) Send the following materials to: University
of Southern Indiana 1. Completed USI
Undergraduate Application. |
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| An advisor will assist the student in the development of an individualized plan of study and in the identification of required non-nursing courses. |
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| A total of 128 credit hours are required to graduate with a baccalaureate in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana; 70 of these hours must be nursing and health professions courses. Up to 36 hours of nursing credit from an associate degree or diploma program may be transferred to the University to meet nursing and health professions course requirements. A maximum of 64 credit hours may be transferred from a community college. Depending on the specialty program selected, a total of 39-42 graduate level credit hours are required to complete a master's of science in nursing. The total number of credit hours will depend on the selected plan of study. |
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| University Core Courses (click here for a listing) |
| RN-MSN students must meet the undergraduate core
curriculum requirements by transferring or completing courses in the following
categories: Science and Math - 12 hours
An individualized study plan will be developed after receipt of the student's application and transcripts evaluation. In preparation for this program, all non-nursing courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the RN-MSN nursing course. |
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| Undergraduate and graduate nursing clinical practice requirements may be completed in the student's own community. The student is responsible for identifying preceptors and clinical sites in their own community. Approval of selected preceptors and clinical sites must be obtained from faculty for both the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs prior to actual implementation of the clinical experience. Faculty may require on-campus attendence of the distance student in the event of an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation. |
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| Nurses who have three or more years of experience in a clinical area may validate partial or complete achievement of outcomes in selected nursing courses through current certification in a specialty area and/or through the development of a clinical portfolio and testing. |
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| Prior to receiving the BSN degree, students must
successfully complete 12 hours of graduate level nursing courses. Provisional
graduate application and admission are necessary before beginning graduate
course work. Application for full admission into the graduate program
will be made after completion of the required 12 hours of graduate level
courses. For information concerning the graduate program and the four specialties offered click here: Graduate Program Listing |
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In order to participate in required
course work, you will need to have access to a computer and the Internet.
For students who wish to use a home computer, it is recommended that your
computer have a(n): Students with computers that are more than 5 years old may need to consider upgrading or purchasing a new computer. |
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| How
do I apply? To begin the process, complete the University application and the RN to MSN application (Refer to Admission Requirements). Both can be accessed online. Upon completion and review of both applications and transcripts, an advisor will assist you in developing a plan of study and schedule of courses. Can I get credit
for work or military experience? How long will it take to
get my degree? What happens if I transfer
or move to another location during my program? Who teaches the classes?
Am I required to come to the USI campus at any
time during the completion of my degree? How do I take tests? How much does it cost? |