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Nursing Entry Level (MSN)

About The Program

The Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a seven-semester program that provides the opportunity for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing discipline to learn the theoretical knowledge and applied skills necessary for the professional practice of nursing. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure as a registered nurse.

Program accreditation

The Master of Science in Nursing program at Metro State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The Entry Level MSN program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). Program graduates are allowed to waive the post-graduate holistic nursing practice and continuing holistic nursing education requirements if they take the certification exam in holistic nursing within 2 years of completing their degree. Upon licensure as an RN, graduates are eligible for Public Health Nursing Registration in the state of Minnesota.

Financial assistance

A limited number of scholarships for Entry Level MSN program students are available through employers or organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the Department of Veterans Affairs. For information and application forms, call the Financial Aid Office at 651-793-1300 or contact them via the university website.

Entry Level MSN program student outcomes

Graduate students who successfully complete the Entry Level MSN program will learn 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

Are you a four-year graduate who wants to become a nurse?

Aspiring nurses have a unique opportunity with Metro State’s Entry Level MSN Program. In our seven-semester program, graduates work to become eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Minnesota. Continue your education and advance your career at Metro State, a university that’s committed to your academic excellence.

Notice to students regarding possible impact of criminal records

If an applicant has been arrested, charged, or convicted of any criminal offense, he or she should investigate the impact that the charge or conviction may have on his or her chances of employment or licensure as a registered nurse (Minnesota Statute 135A.157).

How to enroll

Program eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the requirements listed for admission to the ELMSN program at Metropolitan State University.

  • Applicants must have completed a non-nursing baccalaureate degree from an 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 US baccalaureate degree. The bachelor's degree must be completed at the time of application to the Entry Level MSN program.
  • Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all previous post-secondary study and degrees, including any courses completed that did not lead directly to a completed degree.
  • Applicants must complete the four science prerequisites of chemistry, human anatomy, human physiology and microbiology with their lab components prior to the application deadline, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher across these four requirements.
  • If an admission offer is made, the remaining prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C of better by the start of the program, as indicated by an official transcript submitted to the Department of Nursing prior to the start of the program.
  • All courses must be at least three (3) semester credits, with the exception of Nutrition which must be at least two (2) semester credits.
  • Courses taken under the quarter system must be at least four (4) quarter credits for the 3 semester credit prerequisites and three (3) quarter credits for the 2 semester credit Nutrition course.
  • Applicants must achieve a grade of C or above in prerequisite courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Students should carefully review the applicant policies for more specific information on transcript requirements, including criteria for transcript exclusion. Please contact CNHS Advising (cnhs.advising@metrostate.edu) for information on filing a petition to request to exclude a transcript that meets the requirements listed in the applicant policy.

Prerequisite Courses

  • Chemistry with laboratory component
  • Human Anatomy with laboratory component
  • Human Physiology with laboratory component
  • Microbiology with laboratory component
  • Nutrition
  • Lifespan psychology
  • Medical Ethics
  • Statistics course (college level), which must be completed no more than 4 years prior to the date of program application.

Application instructions

Metro State University is participating in the common application for graduate programs (NursingCAS). Applications are only accepted via the CAS website.

CAS steps

  1. Select the term for which you are seeking admission (below), and navigate to the CAS website. Open applications include:
  2. Create or log in to your account and select the Nursing Entry Level (MSN) program.
  3. Carefully review all instructions and complete all four sections of the application.

Specific application requirements for individual programs can be found on each program page in CAS. Carefully read the instructions that appear throughout the application pages. You can only submit your application once. If you need to update information you have submitted, please notify graduate.studies@metrostate.edu

Application fee

A nonrefundable $80 fee is required for each application.
Applications will not be processed until this fee is received.

Active-duty military, veterans, and Metro State alumni can receive an application fee waiver. Contact graduate.studies@metrostate.edu.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Pre-practicum requirements

All students must meet all pre-practicum requirements prior to starting in the program and to maintain such requirements throughout the program. Information must be submitted to the Department of Nursing which may include, but is not limited to the items listed on the pre-practicum requirements page.

Student licensure

Graduates of the Entry Level MSN program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Graduates of the Entry Level MSN program are eligible for registration as a Public Health Nurse in the state of Minnesota after becoming licensed as a registered nurse in the state.

Licensure Exam Pass Rates

Source: Minnesota State Board of Trustees Accountability Dashboard

  • 2023 — 29 taking exam, pass rate of 86%
  • 2022 — 27 taking exam, pass rate of 89%
  • 2021 — 31 taking exam, pass rate of 97%
  • 2020 — 21 taking exam, pass rate of 90%
  • 2019 — 27 taking exam, pass rate of 100%
  • 2018 — 28 taking exam, pass rate of 96%
  • 2017 — 22 taking exam, pass rate of 91%

Requirements (62 credits)

After being accepted into the program, students will successfully complete 62 credits of nursing coursework, 31 of which are at the undergraduate level and 31 at the graduate level.

This course introduces students to the theory and concepts that serve as the cornerstone for professional nursing practice. Content builds on knowledge, skills and abilities from previous academic and work experiences to transition to the role of the professional nurse. Students will apply holistic, evidence-based clinical decision-making frameworks to provide individualized nursing care for clients with diverse cultural backgrounds and health care needs in a variety of settings. This course is part of a competency-based nursing curriculum leading to a Master of Science degree in nursing (MSN).

Full course description for Fundamental Concepts of Professional Nursing

This course introduces students to the skills that serve as a foundation for professional nursing practice. A clinical decision-making framework is used to promote individualized modifications for clients with diverse cultural backgrounds and health care needs in a variety of settings with an emphasis on patient safety in simulated settings. The successful student will be able to demonstrate mastery of the nursing skills related to NURS 304 Fundamental Concepts of Professional Nursing.

Full course description for Fundamental Concepts of Professional Nursing Lab

This course introduces students to clinical experiences that serve as a foundation for professional nursing practice. A clinical decision-making framework is used to promote holistic, client-centered care for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in healthcare settings with an emphasis on communication and patient safety in the role of the nurse. The successful student will be able to demonstrate beginning competence in clinical application of content related to NURS 304 Fundamental Concepts of Professional Nursing.

Full course description for Fundamental Concepts of Professional Nursing Practicum

This course focuses on the development of introductory holistic assessment skills, therapeutic communication strategies, and the identification of normal health patterns and functions for adults. Knows the skills and techniques of history taking, data collection, and holistic assessment well enough to perform and record a comprehensive health history and client assessment for an adult.

Full course description for Health Assessment

This course introduces the nursing student to human pathophysiology and disruptions in homeostasis resulting in, or as a result of, alterations in tissue or organ function due to genetic, genomic, cellular, biochemical, structural or environmental causes. Topics focus on select conditions or diseases linked to physiological systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, immune/inflammatory, hematological, and skeletal/integumentary) that occur throughout the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on integrating pathophysiology, clinical presentation, therapeutic modalities and nursing interventions for effective clinical nursing practice.

Full course description for Applied Pathophysiology

This course introduces the student to relationship between pharmacologic knowledge and nursing practice through exposure to concepts of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics. Students will explore drug prototypes from major drug categories, including their actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, contraindications and interactions with other drugs, used with diverse individuals across the lifespan. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of pharmacology well enough to identify risks and benefits associated with pharmacological interventions.

Full course description for Essential Concepts of Pharmacology I

This course focuses on the foundational principles of holistic nursing care of adults throughout the health/illness continuum Students will utilize principles of evidence-based practice, theory, and holism during the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of case-based nursing care. Emphasis will be placed on health promotion, illness prevention, and management of alterations of health and wellness in diverse persons and populations.

Full course description for Holistic Nursing Care of the Adult I

This clinical course focuses on the application and integration of healthcare and nursing concepts, assessment skills and interventions necessary to provide basic, safe and effective holistic nursing care to adult clients from diverse backgrounds with acute and chronic conditions. Competence Statement: Knows foundational concepts, theories, skills and the nursing process well enough to provide basic holistic nursing care to the adult client.

Full course description for Intensive Practicum I

This course focuses on issues related to the provision of holistic nursing care to the aging population. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, chronicity and cultural aspects of aging. Additional focus is on end-of-life care and ethical dilemmas related to the aged population. Current theories of aging are examined. Competence Statement: Knows theories of aging and concepts of health promotion, illness prevention, chronicity, culture and end-of-life well enough to identify the specialized care needs for aging clients.

Full course description for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Palliative Care of Older Adults

This course builds on the content presented in NURS 306. Students will explore principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics in relation to specified categories of pharmacotherapeutics. Students will explore drug prototypes from major drug categories, including their actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, contraindications and interactions with other drugs, for adults and older adults. Competence Statement Knows essential concepts of pharmacology well enough to identify risks and benefits associated with specified categories of pharmacotherapeutics for adults and older adults.

Full course description for Essential Concepts of Pharmacology II

This clinical course provides nursing students with experiences in adult mental health and pediatric care. Students provide holistic nursing care that is safe, person-centered and culturally-sensitive care for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Experiential learning focuses on application of evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, delegation, advocacy, interpersonal communication, and interprofessional collaboration in complex healthcare systems.

Full course description for Intensive Practicum III

This course focuses on the holistic care of clients experiencing mental health challenges. Psychiatric disorders, populations at risk, and the continuum of care delivery are addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the application of assessment skills and nursing interventions relating to psychiatric clinical conditions through didactic and simulation experiences. The effects of ethical, legal, cultural, and political factors on care of the mentally ill are examined. The Healing through Caring theoretical model is used as the basis for planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.

Full course description for Mental Health Nursing

This course focuses on the elements of nursing science and their interrelationships. Theories, philosophies and models that inform evidence-based nursing practice and their application to research and practice are systematically examined. Selected nursing theories are analyzed and critiqued, including their relevance to diverse client populations. The nursing metaparadigm is examined, with students reflecting on their own professional beliefs and values. Competence Statement: Knows concepts well enough to analyze and evaluate the underlying structures and elements of select nursing philosophies, models and theories, and comprehend the appropriate application of such to nursing practice.

Full course description for Nursing Science

This clinical course provides nursing students with experiences in obstetrics, hospice, and palliative care. Students provide holistic nursing care that is safe, person-centered and culturally sensitive care for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Experiential learning focuses on application of evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, delegation, advocacy, interpersonal communication, and interprofessional collaboration in complex healthcare systems.

Full course description for Intensive Practicum II

This course builds on the content presented in NURS 306 and NURS 404. Students will explore principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics in relation to specified categories of pharmacotherapeutics. Students will explore drug prototypes from major drug categories, including their actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, contraindications and interactions with other drugs, for select specialty populations with complex health needs. Competence Statement Knows concepts of pharmacology well enough to identify risks and benefits associated with specified categories of pharmacotherapeutics for select specialty populations with complex health needs.

Full course description for Essential Concepts of Pharmacology III

Course Description: This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in working with diverse individuals and populations for health promotion and disease and injury prevention. Emphasis is placed on advocacy and social justice in working with marginalized and vulnerable populations for health equity. Population health tenets incorporate a public health nursing model of care that is holistic to identify social determinants of health, risk/protective factors, and in response uses culturally congruent evidence-based guidelines which contribute to improved health outcomes. Students explore the role of the public health nurse in emergency preparedness and crisis response. Competence Statement: Applies the public health nursing process at three levels of practice; individual/family, community, and systems to protect and promote the health of populations using a holistic, ethical, and interprofessional approach for reducing health disparities and capitalizing on asset/strengths…

Full course description for Population Health

This course provides community based clinicals for applying the public nursing process at three levels of practice: individual and family, community, and systems, using a collaborative and interprofessional approach. Emphasis will be on advocacy and social justice for marginalized populations and health equity. Students will apply the public health nursing process, focusing primarily on the community level of practice. Students will be working with at risk populations to address the social determinants of health and the provision of appropriate community based services that are valuable and culturally congruent.

Full course description for Intensive Practicum IV

This course focuses on advanced aspects of integrative nursing care to promote holistic health and wellness. Integrative concepts and principles are explored. A holistic assessment approach is utilized to assist in synthesizing inter-relationships between core course concepts. Students evaluate evidence related to integrative therapies and their application to clinical practice and self-care. Competence Statement: Synthesizes course concepts and principles well enough to apply appropriate advanced integrative approaches that promote holistic health and wellness.

Full course description for Advanced Integrative Nursing Care

This course is the second in a series of two and focuses on holistic nursing care of adults throughout the health/illness continuum with complex health concerns.¿Students will utilize principles of evidence-based practice, theory, holism, clinical judgement, and the nursing process to identify nursing care for persons and populations from diverse backgrounds with select complex alterations of health and wellness.

Full course description for Holistic Nursing Care of the Adult II

This course focuses on synthesis of principles and content in pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment in the analysis of health issues in nursing practice. Students demonstrate clinical reasoning that builds upon previous coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment.

Full course description for Advanced Integration of Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Health Assessment

This precepted clinical capstone course focuses on coordination and provision of holistic nursing care for one or more clients. It is designed to provide students with an intensive practice immersion to facilitate transition to the role of the professional nurse. Students are precepted by an experienced nurse with on-going guidance from faculty. Students demonstrate leadership skills through collaboration and development of an evidenced-based clinically-based project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts well enough to demonstrate holistic evidence-based nursing care for complex or multiple clients across the lifespan.

Full course description for Capstone Practicum

This seminar course provides a foundation to the role transition from student to professional nurse. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing theories, principles, concepts and skills from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for implementing holistic nursing care directed toward healing in the human health experience. Students demonstrate integration of theoretical knowledge and clinical decision making in simulated complex clinical experiences and presentations. Competence Statement: Knows the art and science of the nursing discipline well enough to make the clinical judgments that ensure the provision of safe, holistic care required of an entry-level professional nurse.

Full course description for Comprehensive Care Seminar

*NURS 623L Advanced Integration of Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment in Nursing Lab (1cr) in development