Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Director: Teresa Dobrzykowski, DNS, APRN, BC

Office: Northside Hall Room 444

Telephone: 574-520-4569

E-mail: tdobrzyk@iusb.edu

Master of Science in Nursing General Policies

In addition to policies described under the general statement of the School of Nursing, the following policies govern the Master of Science in Nursing MSN study in particular:

1. Transfer of credits: Students must obtain the consent of the Admission, Progression and Graduation (APG) Committee before credit earned at other institutions may be added to the official transcript. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours with a minimum grade of B in courses that fulfill the curriculum requirements may be transferred from an accredited college or university with the consent of the academic advisor. Credits used to meet requirements for the BSN may not be used toward the MSN degree.

2. Admission of Students on Academic Probation: Students with an undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0 may be admitted on academic probation upon the endorsed Admission, Progression and Graduation (APG) Committee.

3. Degree Requirements: Candidates must meet all the requirements of the MSN program and currently be enrolled to graduate.

 All candidates for the MSN degree must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of courses. Courses meeting the requirement of advanced nursing practice must be taken in or through Indiana University South Bend School of Nursing.

2. Remove all conditions, deficiencies, probation, deferred or incomplete grades.

3. Achieve a 3.0 GPA by the time the student has completed 42 credit hours of course work, as required for graduation. Credit hours toward the degree are not granted for courses with a grade below B-. All grades are included in computing the grade point average (GPA).

4. Complete all degree requirements within six (6) years of the date the student begins course work.

5. Apply for the degree at the time of program planning for the final semester of study. Reapplication must occur if the graduation date changes. The School of Nursing is not responsible for certification for the degree if the student fails to file the application.

6. Curriculum Design: The MSN course work can be roughly divided into two categories: preclinical and clinical courses.

    

   Preclinical courses include:

    

   N502: Nursing Theory I, R500: Nursing Research

   N504: Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing

   Y515: Pathophysiology

   Y612: Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners

   Y535 Dynamics of Family Health Care

   F570: Assessment of Individuals, Families & Communities

   R590: Nursing Study.

    

   Clinical courses:          

    

   F572: Primary Healthcare of Children

   F574: Primary Healthcare of Adults

   F576: Primary Healthcare of Women

   F578: Primary Healthcare of Families-Clinical.

    

   Students must successfully complete all preclinical courses prior to enrolling in the clinical courses.

A three- credit hour elective can be taken at any time during the program. The three-credit hour elective must be graduate level (500 or above), and approved by the graduate advisor.

Program Fee:  Students will be responsible for paying any program fee by the due date. Non-payment may result in an administrative withdrawal from coursework.  

Master of Science in Nursing Admission Criteria

 Admission to the Indiana University South Bend School of Nursing master’s program requires approval by the faculty and is based on the applicant’s qualifications as evidenced by grade point average, statement of professional aspirations, official transcripts, references, etc. A personal interview may be requested.  Acceptance into the program is competitive. The following criteria must be met for unconditional admission:

1. Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework.

2.  Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited BSN program.

3. GRE testing is not required.  

4. Copy of current Indiana RN license: Current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Indiana. Applicant must also complete a form statement attesting that there is no action pending or have been taken against their licensure in Indiana or any other state they have currently hold or have held a license to practice nursing or health care.

   International applicants not yet licensed by any state in the U.S. will need to submit evidence of passing the CGFNS exam before applying for an RN license in Indiana. A copy of your license must be submitted at the time of application.

5. Statistics grade (by transcript or current completion at IU South Bend): Applicants need to have a grade of B- or higher in a three credit, 300 level (or higher) class, and it  must have been taken within the last five years of the date of application. If the applicant took a course that is not 300 level, he/she may check with a graduate counselor or submit a course syllabus (not course description) to be reviewed for acceptability.

6. Essay (goal statement): A 250-word essay describing and explaining professional career aspirations as an advanced-practice nurse.

7. Computer skills:  Verification of ability to use computer technologies including accessing, retrieving, receiving, and communicating information.

8. A test of English as a Foreign Language: Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Internet-based version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which has a speaking portion.  The applicant’s score must meet the requirements of the IU South Bend Office of Graduate Admissions. International students must apply through the Indiana University South Bend Office of International Student Services. 

9.  Essential abilities: Applicants must agree to the essential abilities policy of the School of Nursing. The policy states that students must demonstrate essential abilities in a variety of areas (judgment, neurological function, emotional coping skills, intellectual/ conceptual skills, and other behavioral attributes) as well as  meeting all progression criteria. References: Applicants need three professional references. References must use the online reference form.

10. Criminal background check: Applicants must provide verification of a federal criminal background check within the past 12 months.

11. Clinical practice: Two years of relevant clinical practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the past five years.  Application may be made during the cycle when the two years of experience as an RN will be reached.

 Ready to Apply? To accurately complete the application and facilitate smooth and timely processing, please make sure that all of the following requested information is submitted:

1. Complete the  Online Application  (Application Deadline is April 1st)

2. Three professional recommendations (can be electronically filed at the end of the on-line application)  Note * Application will not be considered complete unless all recommendation letters have been received

3. Copy of current, active, unencumbered Indiana RN licensure

4. Signed Essential Abilities form

5. Send all Official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended, and any hard copy of requested materials to:

    

   School of Nursing (MSN Program)

   1700 W. Mishawaka Ave.

   P.O. Box 7111

   South Bend, IN 46634-7111

   Attn: Laurie Riddle

    

6. Criminal background documentation,  signed Criminal Background form with verification of check completed.

7. ESL students: TOEFL score as required by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

8. International Students: appropriate identification and immigration status documents submitted to the Office of International Students in the Administrative Building Room 147.

9. Application Fee $45 ($55 for International Students). 

10. Personal Essay (There is space for a 750 word personal statement at the end of the on-line application) 

11. Form statement completed attesting to knowledge of current and previous actions against professional licensure in all states where licensure has been obtained

  Sample Curriculum

*if student has not completed graduate level statistics course

** students will work on research project throughout second and third years of study.

Specific Degree Requirements for the Application Process