Master of Science in Nursing

Program Overview

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 40 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2023 was $129,480. Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 29 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average. The median annual wage in 2023 was $110,680.

Leadership and healthcare administration

• Nurse manager and supervisor positions in hospitals, outpatient facilities and long-term care settings
• Quality improvement leaders and project managers
• Magnet® coordinator
• Nurse recruitment and retention roles
• Home care service supervisors and managers
• Case management positions
• Staffing agency leadership positions
• Leadership roles in government agencies, nursing associations or nonprofit organizations

Education

• Nursing faculty positions in LPN, ADN and BSN programs, including classroom, laboratory and clinical roles
• Teaching positions in programs offering online education in pre- and post-licensure nursing programs
• Staff development education roles in hospital, long-term care or outpatient settings
• Clinical nursing instructor
• Nurse residency coordinator
• Product educators for medical devices and equipment
• Representatives to educate, train and market services of simulation services and equipment
• Educational product development

Application Instructions

Along with your completed application accompanied by $50 non-refundable application fee (waived for Alvernia graduates), additional supporting materials are needed. Some items may require additional time; below is a step-by-step process that seems to work best for candidates:

• Complete your graduate application.
• Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE accredited program or international equivalent at a college or university.
• Two (2) recommendations (preferably from professional nurses who hold a graduate degree) regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing. (Waived for graduates of Alvernia University.)
• Current resume.
• Photocopy of valid Registered Nurse license.
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in a BSN Program.
• Completion of an undergraduate statistics and research course with a grade of “C” or better. If not completed, the course must be taken in conjunction with graduate courses at Alvernia University.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our financial aid page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Experiential Learning Opportunities

Education and leadership track students includes precepted experiences in clinics, hospitals and community health agencies. Students learn through participation with experienced nurse leaders and interprofessional teams on leadership and quality improvement projects to make a positive difference in health care delivery. Faculty assist students to arrange practicum experiences in healthcare facilities near student locations, including Tower Health and Penn State Health affiliated sites.

Curriculum

 

Course Requirements - 36 credits

Required Interdisciplinary Course (3 credits)

• COR 520 - Ethics and Moral Leadership

 

Required MSN Courses (15 credits)

• NUR 550 - Professional Nursing Theory & Research
• NUR 570 - Healthcare Informatics
• NUR 611 - Inter-professional Collaboration: Leadership Skills to Increase Cultural Competency
• NUR 633 - Evidence Based Practice to Improve Population Health
• NUR 643 - Applications of Advanced Nursing Strategies: Practicum

 

Choose One:

Nurse Leadership in Healthcare Administration (18 credits)

• NUR 515 - Effective Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
• NUR 525 - Financial Management for Healthcare Leaders
• NUR 535 - Human Resource Management in Healthcare Organizations
• NUR 625 - Leadership in Advanced Nursing Administration Roles
• NUR 635 - Health Policy, Politics and Advocacy
• NUR 652 - Nursing Leadership Role Synth: Capstone (take in final 12 credits)

 

Nursing Education (18 credits)

• NUR 530 - Advanced Health Assessment
• NUR 540 - Advanced Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
• NUR 560 - Policy & Curriculum
• NUR 630 - Measuring Educational Outcomes
• NUR 640 - Evidence Based Teaching Practice
• NUR 651 - Nursing Educator Role Synth: Capstone (take in final 12 credits)

Student Handbook

Read the Master of Science in Nursing Student Handbook.

Accreditation Statements

• The Master of Science in Nursing Program at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.cccneaccreditation.org).
• Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Get To Know Your Faculty

For more information about Alvernia’s Nursing program, contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Linda Roy at linda.roy@alvernia.edu.