Endicott College

Program Information

Degree Offered

MS

Format: Campus, Online

Program Description:

The Master of Science (MS) Program in Nursing is a 33 credit program designed to provide registered nurses with a knowledge base about nursing theory, research, education and leadership. The student will acquire advanced knowledge of the scope of practice for academic nurse educators or nursing administrators; develop collaborative relationships with other discipline professionals in the role of an advanced master's prepared educator or administrator. The student will; achieve competencies in nursing research, education or administration, and acquire a foundation for doctoral studies. The courses emphasize individual and group learning. The curriculum will highlight the current trends in evidence-based practice, integrate the NLN (2005) Core Competencies for Nurse Educators and the American Nursing Association (ANA, 2004) Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrator, and the essential core content for all master's educated nurses (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 1996).

The Master of Science program consists of 10 courses for a total of 33 credits. Students take six core courses, and then select a concentration consisting of four courses in either education or administration. Students must complete the program prerequisite requirements, if applicable, before enrolling in a graduate-level course. A graduate who enters the proposed program with the prerequisites completed is expected to be able to complete the MS core and concentration courses in less than 18 months if taking two-three 6 week courses per semester as well as courses during the January and first summer session.

Courses are offered as hybrid courses, a mix of in class and online learning. The classroom instruction component will be offered in the evening and on weekends at the Beverly campus.

The sequence of nursing courses is based on an arrangement to build from existing knowledge to move students through the core courses and nursing education or administration requirements. Within this framework students will be assessed on their individual knowledge through tests, papers and projects, as well as through collaborative small and large group class efforts. Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade average of 3.0 during their program of study. Students will be required to pass an internship in their selected field of choice and submit at the completion of this program an electronic portfolio to assess their comprehensive understanding of program course and practicum work. Program evaluations will be conducted by students at the completion of their coursework.

Concentration Options
Nurse Educator Concentration

The Nurse Educator concentration is designed to prepare nurses to assume the advanced nursing role of educator in academic settings and in health care organizations, in staff development, continuous education, or community based education. The curriculum content and processes are consistent with the National League for Nursing (2005) Core Competencies for Nurse Educators. The six core courses have content based on the Essentials of Master's Education (AACN, 1996). The courses focus on evidence-based principles of the education process and accreditation issues, assessment of various learning styles, needs and characteristics of diverse learners, competency-based instruction, and inclusive of new trends innovative, creative instructional technology strategies and techniques. Emphasis is on designing dynamic curricula and programs that are relevant in a changing and challenging health care environment. The ethical, legal and leadership dimensions of the nurse educator are integrated in the curriculum. The component of an education internship course provides the teaching opportunity to integrate knowledge and experience with a single portfolio requirement. The internship placements are arranged individually through the School of Nursing. The students complete a research thesis and a capstone project which is an electronic portfolio requirement where students reflect on the essence, evidence, and excellence of the NLN competencies drawing from the student's completion of selected course materials accumulated in mastering the knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrating the integration and synthesis of competencies in the domains required for the degree.

Accreditation:

Endicott College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Eligibility Requirements:

Admission to a graduate program requires a Bachelor degree from an accredited college. To be considered for admissions, a candidate must submit the following credentials:

Application form and a $50 application fee
Statement of professional goals
Complete official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
Two letters of recommendation
A photocopy of Registered Nurse License, which must be current and unrestricted
Official copy of scores on either the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Examination
A basic Statistics course is required of all students
An admission interview
TOEFL required for all students for whom English is not a first language

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

578 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges--General

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large Suburb

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999