Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is available at the following Alvernia University campus:

• Reading

• Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an ACEN (formerly NLNAC), CNEA, or CCNE accredited program or international equivalent at a college or university.
• Three (3) recommendations (preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees) regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing. (Waived for BSN graduates of Alvernia University)
• Current resume.
• Photocopy of valid Pennsylvania license as a Registered Nurse.
• An interview with the MSN Director or designated faculty member after all required application materials have been received to discuss professional nursing goals and review the curriculum and course schedule.
• 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.

• Complete your graduate application.
• Submit your transcripts.
• Complete your financial aid paperwork.
• Register for classes.

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.

Nursing Education

The MSN Nursing Education track is designed for professional nurses who are seeking a career in nursing education. An in-depth study in the area of nursing education and a selected clinical practice focus are required. Application of theory and research principles are demonstrated in a capstone project. Each track requires 36 credits.

Interdisciplinary Courses (3 credits)

• COR 520: Ethics and Moral Leadership

Core Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership (18 credits)

• NUR 550: Professional Nursing Theory and Research
• NUR 570: Healthcare Informatics
• NUR 611: Interprofessional Collaboration: Leadership Skills to Increase Cultural Competency
• NUR 633: Evidence-Based Practice to Improve Population Health
• NUR 643: Application of Advanced Nursing Strategies: Practicum
• NUR 652: Nursing Leadership Role Synthesis: Capstone*

*Take in final 12 credits
 

Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration Courses (15 credits)

• NUR 515: Effective Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
• NUR 525: Financial Management for Healthcare Leaders
• NUR 535: Human Resources Management in Healthcare Organizations
• NUR 625: Leadership in Advanced Administrative Practice Roles
• NUR 635: Health Policy, Politics and Advocacy

Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration

The MSN Program Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration track is designed to develop qualities and skills to be effective nursing leaders within local, regional, or national healthcare settings. Students in this track are prepared to be an integral member and leader of decision-making teams. An in-depth study in the area of nursing leadership and administration is required. Application of theory and research principles are demonstrated in a capstone project.

Interdisciplinary Courses (3 credits):

• COR 520: Ethics and Moral Leadership
   

Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration Courses (15 credits)

• NUR 515: Effective Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
• NUR 525: Financial Management for Healthcare Leaders
• NUR 535: Human Resources Management in Healthcare Organizations
• NUR 625: Leadership in Advanced Administrative Practice Roles
• NUR 635: Health Policy, Politics and Advocacy
   

Core Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership (18 credits)

• NUR 550: Professional Nursing Theory and Research
• NUR 570: Healthcare Informatics
• NUR 611: Interprofessional Collaboration: Leadership Skills to Increase Cultural Competency
• NUR 633: Evidence-Based Practice to Improve Population Health
• NUR 643: Application of Advanced Nursing Strategies: Practicum
• NUR 652: Nursing Leadership Role Synthesis: Capstone*

*Taken in final 12 credits
 

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Fall Semester 1: 10 credits

• NUR 595 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning: 4 credits
• NUR 580 Advanced Pathophysiology: 3 cr
• NUR 633 Evidence Based Practice to Improve Population Health (or elective): 3 cr
   

Spring Semester 2: 9 credits

• NUR 585 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology: 3 cr
• COR 520 Ethics and Moral Leadership Or Elective: 3 cr
• NUR 611 Interprofessional Collaboration Leadership Skills to Increase Cultural Competency: 3 cr
   

Summer Semester 3: 6 to 9 credits

• NUR 601 – AGNP Primary Care NP I: 3 cr
• NUR 602 – AGNP Introduction to Primary Care NP I (225 hours): 3 cr
• Elective or COR 520 Ethics and Moral Leadership: 3 cr
   

Fall Semester 4: 10 credits

• NUR 603 AGNP Primary Care NP: Adult Health Care Issues: II: 4 cr
• NUR 604 -AGNP Primary Care NP II: Adult Healthcare Issues Practicum (225 hours): 3 cr
• NUR 570 Healthcare Informatics: 3 cr
   

Spring Semester 5: 9 credits

• NUR 605 AGNP Primary Care Nurse Practitioner III: Older Adult Healthcare Issues: 3 cr
• NUR 606 AGNP Primary Care Nurse Practitioner III: Older Adult Healthcare Issues Practicum: 3 cr
• NUR 550 Professional Nursing Theory and Research: 3 cr
   

Summer Semester 6: 3 credits

• Capstone project: 3 cr.

• The nurse practitioner track includes hands-on experiences in clinics, private medical practices and other primary care facilities through Tower Health, Penn State, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Wellspan Health and others.
• Education and leadership track students includes preceptive 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.
• The new adult-gerontology nurse practitioner track will involve clinical experiences in clinics, private medical practices and other primary care facilities through Tower Health, Penn State, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Wellspan Health and others. The faculty will work with students to assure quality clinical placements where students will gain hands-on experience in the APRN role. Students will learn evidence-based holistic care to promote health and to manage acute and chronic conditions.

• All of the tracks in Alvernia University's Master of Science in Nursing Program — nursing education, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, and nursing leadership and healthcare administration — are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccrediation.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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 40 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $123,680. Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average. The median annual wage in 2021 was $101,340.

Nurse practitioner

• Office practices serving adults from 18 to elders
• Freestanding urgent care facilities
• Family care clinics
• Women’s health services
• Hospital-based health care practices
• Specialty clinics (cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, etc.)

Leadership and healthcare administration

• Nurse manager 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

Adult-gerontological nurse practitioner

• Office practices serving adults from 18 to elders
• Free-standing urgent care facilities
• Family care clinics
• Women’s health services
• Hospital-based health care practices
• Specialty clinics (cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, etc.)