The MSN program in Nursing Administration and Leadership prepares advanced practitioners in nursing administration and leadership who will address prevailing health and nursing issues, and have a comprehensive understanding of and beginning competence in nursing research, and foundation for doctoral study in nursing.

 

The completely web-based program is California University of PA's Department of Nursing’s first contribution to CalU Global Online (CalUGO). CalUGO is a key initiative within the University to provide high quality, niche online programs to students across the country and around the world. California University, founded in 1852 and accredited for over 50 years is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).  The high quality MSN program was designed using standards developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and builds upon Cal U’s undergraduate RN-BSN program. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible academically to take the National Certification exam for Nurse Administration offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

 

The MSN program is completely web-based thus enabling students to continue in their present employment positions while completing the program. The program extends over 20 consecutive months, with two courses offered consecutively in 8- week periods each fall and spring semester, and in 6-week summer sessions for the first summer session. Students will end the program by completing a 135-hour practicum during the second 12-week summer session, with at least 90-hours in the practicum setting working at the same times as the preceptor. The practicum in nursing administration allows students to work with a nurse administrator in their area of interest.  Students must take responsibility for initiating the contact with a nurse administrator preceptor.

 

One cohort of 35 students per year will be admitted each January. The cohort of students will learn, communicate, and interact online as a virtual community of peers. The courses and content blend concepts and practice in the areas of nursing theory and research, health promotion and disease prevention, health policy, management, organization, delivery systems of patient care, human resource management, legal and ethical practice, and health care finance based upon the United States health care system.   Courses are presented with streaming video, narrated PowerPoint presentations, and online forums. Threaded discussion groups, chat rooms, and e-mail allow the cohorts to communicate and interact, adding unique insight into the discussion. Students use their existing place of employment and other work-related experiences to apply concepts, theories and techniques into their daily practice.

 

The MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership program was designed to address current practice and employment trends for nurse administrators and leaders. Today’s nurse administrators and leaders depend on a thorough understanding of management, legal and ethical issues, finance, and marketing  in order to achieve the expectations of their job. Highly developed managers and leaders make a difference in patient safety and patient outcomes, staff preparation, job satisfaction, and ultimately retention of nurses.  Nurse administrators are expected to design, develop and lead systems consistent with healthcare quality standards. Also, the current level of economic competition within, between, and among healthcare organizations mandates that employers recognize and appreciate sound business expertise, and that their hiring practices reflect these values.  The MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership develops strong and visionary leaders who are competent in all of dimensions of the role.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the MSN program, please send an e-mail to msnonline@calu.edu