Master of Science in Nursing

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

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

• Reading

Application Instructions

Along with your completed application accompanied by $50 non-refundable application fee (waived for Alvernia BSN graduates), you’ll need to provide a few supporting materials. Because there is lead time required for some items, here is a step-by-step process that seems to work best for candidates:

• Complete your graduate application.
• Complete your financial aid paperwork.
• 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.
• 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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Curriculum/Degree Tracks

Nursing Education

Specialty clinical practice knowledge is enhanced through core courses and targeted clinical experiences. Nursing Education track students learn through precepted experiences in education and health care facilities including Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, Cedar Crest College and Reading Area Community College, Tower Health, Penn State Health St. Joseph. Alvernia campus facilities offer opportunities to participate in laboratory and simulation learning. Experienced and supportive mentors assist students to meet learning goals in precepted learning experiences.

Interdisciplinary Courses (3 credits):

• COR 520: Ethics and Moral Leadership

Nursing Education Courses (9 credits):

• NUR 560: Policy and Curriculum
• NUR 630: Measuring Educational Outcomes
• NUR 640: Evidenced-Based Teaching Practice

Nursing Practice Courses (6 credits):

• NUR 530: Advanced Health Assessment
• NUR 540: Advanced Pathophysiology/Pharmacology

Core Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership (18 credits):

• NUR 550: Professional Nursing Theory and 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: Application of Advanced Nursing Strategies: Practicum
• NUR 651: Nurse Educator Role Synthesis: Capstone*

*Take in final 12 credits

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. This 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)
• NUR 635: Health Policy, Politics and Advocacy

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

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track will involve clinical experiences in private medical practices, clinics, and other primary care facilities through Tower Health, Penn State, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Wellspan Health and others. Students are assured quality clinical placements where they 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.

Interdisciplinary Course (3 credit)

• COR 520: Ethics and Moral Leadership

Core Master of Science in Nursing (15 credits)

• NUR 550: Professional Nursing Theory and Research (20 clinical hours)
• NUR 570: Healthcare Informatics
• NUR 611: Interprofessional Collaboration: Leadership Skills to Increase Cultural Competency
• NUR 633: Evidence-Based Practice to Improve Population Health (20 clinical hours)
• NUR 654: Nurse Practitioner Capstone* (100 practicum hours)

*Taken in final 12 credits

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Clinical Courses* (29 credits)

• *NUR 595: Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
• *NUR 580: Advanced Pathophysiology
• *NUR 585: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
• *NUR 601: AGNP Primary Care I
• *NUR 602: AGNP Introduction to Primary Care NP I Practicum (225 clinical hours)
• *NUR 603: AGNP Primary Care NPII: Adult Healthcare Issues
• *NUR 604: AGNP Primary Care NPII Adult Healthcare Issues Practicum (225 clinical hours)
• *NUR 605: AGNP Primary Care Nurse Practitioner III: Older Adult Healthcare Issues
• *NUR 606: AGNP Primary Care Nurse Practitioner III: Older Adult Healthcare Issues Practicum (225 clinical hours)

*Must be taken in sequence. 

Program Details

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.
• 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.

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.

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 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.

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

Adult-gerontological nurse practitioner

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

Get To Know Your Faculty (Alphabetical)