M.S. in Information Systems
The M.S. in Information Systems at South University is a graduate program comprising ap...
M.S. in Nursing
Tampa, Florida
INTAKE: Jan, June & Sept
Program Overview
South University, with various campuses across the United States and a significant online presence, offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program designed to advance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. This program caters to those seeking to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment, blending nursing theory with advanced practice concepts. It is particularly valuable for nurses who aim to specialize in areas like nurse education, administration, informatics, or various nurse practitioner roles, and is structured to align with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials. The program provides flexibility with its online format, allowing students to complete core courses and specialization studies efficiently, often ranging from 8 to 15 months depending on the full-time or part-time pace.
CCNE Accredited: South University's nursing programs, including its Baccalaureate, Master's, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, hold prestigious accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This accreditation was most recently extended for 10 years until 2030, effective March 11, 2020. CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. This rigorous peer-review process verifies that South University's MSN program engages in effective educational practices and supports the continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional nursing education, providing graduates with a highly recognized and respected credential.
Curriculum: The MSN curriculum at South University is designed to be comprehensive, typically comprising five core courses and a selection of courses within a chosen specialization. Core courses often include "Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse: Transformational Leadership," "Advanced Theoretical Perspectives for Nursing," "Advanced Pathophysiology," "Advanced Pharmacology," and "Advanced Health and Physical Assessment." Specialization tracks like Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Nursing Informatics, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner then build upon these foundational courses. The curriculum integrates didactic instruction with practical experiences, including significant practicum hours (e.g., 240 hours for Nurse Administrator, 300 hours for Nurse Educator, 750 clinical hours for Family Nurse Practitioner), and culminates in a scholarly capstone project. This structure ensures a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, with emphasis on evidence-based practice and critical thinking.
Research Focus: While the MSN program at South University is practice-oriented, it heavily integrates current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines. The curriculum encourages students to synthesize evidence-based findings for application in advanced nursing roles and to utilize systematic inquiry to deliver comprehensive, holistic nursing care. Courses like "Foundations of Nursing Research" (at the BSN level, foundational to graduate study) or discussions within advanced courses focus on applying research to improve healthcare delivery. The program emphasizes ethical and legal standards of practice in decision-making, which often involves considering research on patient outcomes and quality improvement. The capstone project further requires students to engage in critical analysis and integrate knowledge gained, demonstrating a commitment to scholarly inquiry relevant to advanced nursing practice.
Industry Engagement: South University's MSN program is explicitly designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program's specializations are directly aligned with in-demand roles in healthcare organizations and educational settings, such as Nurse Administrators, Nurse Educators, Nurse Informaticists, and various Nurse Practitioners. The curriculum incorporates contemporary technology, practice, and ethics into healthcare, ensuring relevance to current industry standards. Through required practicum hours under clinical preceptors or local mentors, students gain invaluable real-world experience, applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. This strong emphasis on practical application and specialized roles demonstrates significant industry engagement, preparing graduates to be career-ready for advanced nursing leadership roles.
Global Perspective: While not explicitly marketing a "global nursing" emphasis, South University's MSN program inherently integrates a global perspective through its foundational principles and outcomes. The program is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master's Essentials, which advocate for understanding diverse populations and healthcare needs. Curriculum components, particularly in specializations like Nurse Educator, involve developing curriculum that includes "interdisciplinary collaboration, technology, service learning, and global health." Furthermore, the emphasis on cultural sensitivity in health assessments and therapeutic decision-making for culturally diverse patients within courses like "Advanced Pharmacology" ensures graduates are prepared to address health disparities and provide quality care in a multicultural society, reflecting an understanding of global health dynamics and diverse patient populations.
Location
Tampa, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 21790
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 68% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
South University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in their pursuit of higher education in the United States. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at South University may be eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize students who demonstrate strong potential for success and contribute positively to the university community.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges within South University, such as the College of Health Professions or the College of Business, offer specialized scholarships for students enrolled in their programs. These awards support students pursuing degrees in fields like Nursing, Pharmacy, Business Administration, and Criminal Justice.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While most need-based aid programs are geared toward U.S. citizens and permanent residents, South University offers some limited financial assistance options for international students who demonstrate financial need. Students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for personalized guidance.
External Scholarships and Funding: International students are also encouraged to explore scholarships from external organizations, governments, and foundations. South University’s international student services office provides resources and advice on finding and applying for these external scholarships.
Graduates of South University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program are highly sought after in the evolving healthcare landscape, prepared for advanced roles that demand both clinical expertise and leadership capabilities. The program's CCNE accreditation signifies a commitment to high-quality nursing education, ensuring that alumni are well-equipped to meet national standards of practice.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Provides comprehensive primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan, including diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): Focuses on providing primary care to adults from adolescence through older adulthood, managing complex comorbidities and emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention tailored to this population.
Nurse Administrator/Manager: Assumes leadership roles in healthcare facilities, overseeing nursing staff, managing budgets, making policy and financial decisions, promoting patient safety, and ensuring quality care delivery. This can range from a unit manager to a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).
Nurse Educator: Works in academic settings (colleges, universities) or healthcare organizations (hospitals, clinics) to teach, train, and mentor current and future generations of nurses. This role involves curriculum development, instruction, and clinical supervision.
Nursing Informatics Specialist: Bridges the gap between nursing practice and information technology. These professionals optimize the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and other healthcare technologies to improve patient care, enhance communication, and streamline operations.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides expert clinical care in a specialized area (e.g., critical care, oncology, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health). CNSs focus on improving patient outcomes, staff education, and system-level changes within their specialty.
Nurse Consultant: Provides expert advice to healthcare organizations, legal firms, insurance companies, or pharmaceutical companies on various nursing and healthcare-related issues, often focusing on risk management, quality improvement, or legal matters.
Public Health Nurse/Community Health Nurse: Works with communities to identify health needs, develop health promotion programs, and advocate for health policy changes to improve the well-being of populations, often at a leadership or program management level.
Research Nurse: Participates in clinical trials and research studies, managing patient care aspects of research, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to the advancement of nursing science and evidence-based practice.
Case Manager (Advanced Practice): Coordinates and manages the care of patients with complex health needs, ensuring continuity of care, optimizing resource utilization, and advocating for patients' best interests across various healthcare settings.
