Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN)
[Program Overview] [Program Outcomes] [Curriculum] [Admission Criteria] [Application Requirements]
Metropolitan State University offers two distinct programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
- Entry Level MSN (ELMSN) - prepares individuals, who hold baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing, for entry into the nursing profession
- MSN (BSN to MSN) - prepares BSN-educated registered nurses for advanced nursing roles
The catalog information below relates to the ELMSN program. See BSN to MSN for information applicable to that program.
Program Overview
The ELMSN provides learning opportunities designed to give individuals with a baccalaureate in another academic discipline the theoretical and applied skills necessary for the professional practice of nursing. This program is a seven-semester program designed for those who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.
Upon completion students will be awarded a Master of Science degree in nursing and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and to be a registered nurse. This program requires a full-time commitment for seven consecutive semesters including two summers.
Program Outcomes
The ELMSN program is designed to:
- Provide nursing education that is accessible and flexible;
- Prepare nurses to respond holistically to the increasingly complex health care needs of individuals, families, populations and systems;
- Contribute to the advancement of nursing practice and the discipline of nursing;
- Foster expanded practice and research opportunities through collaboration with educational and service and service partners.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge from the arts, sciences and nursing as a basis for professional nursing practice.
- Utilize leadership skills, teaching and collaborative strategies to enhance quality nursing care and improve health outcomes.
- Practice competent holistic, evidence-based nursing care with a focus on diverse and underserved individuals, families, communities and populations.
- Integrate knowledge of political, economic, social and ethical issues in decision-making processes that influence the quality of healthcare systems and professional nursing practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of professional nursing and to the professional growth of self and peers.
- Utilize information systems technology to improve nursing care to patients across the lifespan.
Admission Criteria
Applicants must meet the requirements listed for admission to the Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing Program at Metropolitan State University. Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree and all prerequisites by the application deadline in order to be considered for admission.
- Applicants must have a previous baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants whose degrees are from a non-US college or university shall have their degrees evaluated by a credentials evaluation service to determine equivalency to a U.S. baccalaureate degree.
- Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA for all previous post-secondary study and degrees, including any courses completed that did not lead directly to a completed degree.
Prerequisite Courses
- Chemistry with laboratory component
- Human Anatomy with laboratory component
- Human Physiology with laboratory component
- Microbiology with laboratory component
- Nutrition
- Life span psychology
- Statistics Course which must
- Be upper division undergraduate or graduate course, and
- Be completed no more than 4 years prior to the date of program application
- Medical Ethics (effective beginning with applications for Fall 2013)
These eight prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university. All courses must be at least three (3) semester credits. Courses taken under the quarter system must be at least four (4) quarter credits.
Applicants must achieve a grade of "C" or above in prerequisite courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. One prerequisite course may have a P/NP grade.
Pre-Practicum Requirements
Prior to beginning the practicum experience, information must be submitted to the School of Nursing which may include, but is not limited to the items listed below. Requirements must be valid for the duration of practicum experiences.
- Acceptance of Compliance with Agency Requirements
- Documentation of current immunizations, including a Tuberculosis test
- Current CPR certification at Health Provider Level
- Minnesota Department of Human Services Background Study Form
- Authorization for Release of Student Background Study Information
- Authorization for the Release of Education Records to Clinical Facility
- Evidence of current health insurance
- Evidence of successful completion of HIPAA training
Application Requirements
- Graduate Application
- Non-refundable application fee (waived for graduates of Metropolitan State University)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Goal essay
- Two references
- Prerequisite course form
See Applying to the Program for application packets and details on the requirements and deadlines.
Curriculum
After being accepted into the program, students will successfully complete 60 credits of nursing coursework, 29 of which are at the undergraduate level and 31 at the graduate level.
- NURS 304 Fundamental Concepts of Professional Nursing (4 credits)
- NURS 325 Health Assessment (3 credits)
- NURS 410 Applied Pathophysiology (4 credits)
- NURS 401 Introduction to Modeling and Role Modeling (1 credit)
- NURS 402 Ethical Dimensions for Nursing Practice (2 credits)
- NURS 306 Principles of Pharmacology for Nursing (3 credits)
- NURS 309 Holistic Care of the Adult (3 credits)
- NURS 409 Nursing Care of Children and Families (3 credits)
- NURS 400P Integrative Practicum I (3 credits)
- NURS 460 Mental Health Nursing (3 credits)
- NURS 601 Nursing Science (3 credits)
- NURS 600P Intensive Practicum II (3 credits)
- NURS 604 Research Methodology (3 credits)
- NURS 646 Nursing Informatics (2 credits)
- NURS 614 Geriatric Nursing (2 credits)
- NURS 656P Intensive Practicum III (3 credits)
- NURS 647 Leadership in Health Care Systems (4 credits)
- NURS 656 Nursing in the Community (4 credits)
- NURS 690P Capstone Practicum (4 credits)
- NURS 696 Comprehensive Care Seminar (3 credits)
Accreditation
The Entry Level MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
American Association of Colleges or Nursing
One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-463-6930
Fax: 202-785-8320
Metropolitan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
312-263-0456
Financial Aid
A limited number of scholarships for ELMSN students are available through employers or organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the Veteran's Administration. For information and application forms, call the Financial Aid Office at 651-793-1414 or contact them via the university website.
