Earn a graduate degree to become an educator, administrator or practitioner

Alvernia University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides a graduate degree in nursing that prepares professional nurses for advanced roles in educational, administrative or primary health care positions.


Each track prepares students to function with confidence in rapidly changing health care and education settings. Alvernia’s MSN program — now housed in the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing — emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, cultural competence and ethical values-based leadership. Accomplished and supportive faculty help nurses achieve their career goals with a personalized approach and support all along the way.


The nursing education track teaches the professional nurse how to instruct pre-licensure students in didactic and clinical settings, and teach new and experienced RNs in staff development positions. Simulation laboratories and experience with technology integration prepare professional nurses for cutting-edge, evidenced-based teaching-learning strategies.


The nursing leadership and healthcare administration track prepares students to practice as a nurse manager or executive in the healthcare system. Students learn to understand the delivery of healthcare from a regional, national and global perspective; key concepts of business management, budgeting processes, management of human resource tools and strategies to manage quality initiatives; and how to develop and implement a strategic plan to attain performance excellence.


The adult-gerontology nurse practitioner track prepares nurses at an advanced level of practice. Students gain knowledge and skills in primary care services for delivery of holistic preventive care and management of acute and chronic illnesses for people in outpatient settings. Graduates are prepared to take an advanced practice certification exam and are eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse with prescribing privileges.

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

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

Application and Retention Requirements
  • 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.
Application Instructions
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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Nursing
Why Alvernia?
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers doctoral, master's, and post-baccalaureate programs to advance your career or prepare you for a new one.
• Flexible scheduling with evening classes and in-person, hybrid and online formats meet the needs of the busy adult learner.
• Programs are offered at a growing number of convenient locations in Reading, Pottsville, and Philadelphia.
• Alvernia is the ideal choice for graduate students because of a growing number of affiliation agreements with other local institutions and industry partners and dedicated advisors to help through every step of the educational journey.


Program Overview

Curriculum

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.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
  • 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.
Accreditation Statements
  • 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.
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.

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.)  

 

John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing 1
Alvernia names School of Nursing
Alvernia's nursing programs will now be housed in downtown Reading, in the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing. The expansion of the university’s nursing program will be a key component to the second phase of the renovation of the newly named John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne.