Nursing & Health Sciences

Master of Science in Nursing

Admission Requirements| MSN Application Packet | Background Check Policy

The graduate nursing program builds upon and expands the knowledge, values and skills of the baccalaureate prepared nurse. The College offers options of advanced study in Clinical Nurse Specialist ,  Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Administration leading to a Master of Science in Nursing degree (visit our online education page for graduate courses offered online). In addition to specialty courses which prepare for expanded clinical roles in adult health, community health, or family health, the student gains experience with research, health care policy, nursing theory, clinical problem solving/critical thinking and creativity. Additional credit hours are required if students choose a dual clinical option. A student can register for more than the required credits through additional elective courses to build depth in a supportive area.

Minors

A minor can be earned in the listed sub-specialty areas. A student must be an admitted graduate nursing student to be eligible for a minor

• Business (12) (in collaboration with the Graduate School of Business )
• Forensic Investigation (12)
• Geriatric Nursing (9)
• Holistic Health Nursing (12)
• Nursing Administration (12)
• Nursing Education (12)

Articulation of Nurse Practitioner to MSN The Graduate Department in Nursing offers articulation for nurse practitioners returning to school for the Master of Science Degree. Nurse Practitioners seeking an MSN should contact the college for information regarding admission and portfolio requirements.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN DEGREE

• Completion of a minimum of 39-47 credits at the graduate level
• A grade of "B" in all required nursing courses
• Completion of degree requirements within seven years

MSN Completion Option

For students who have a current certification by a nationally recognized NP certification board may complete the MSN requirements below

Required MSN Core Course Work: 

Required Advanced Practice Course Work:

Total Credits: 29      

Nationally Certified Nurse Practitioner WITH Prescriptive Authority

The student has proven mastery of a body of knowledge by passing an examination that is nationally recognized AND has proven to the State of Colorado that requirements for Prescriptive Authority has been met. 

Required MSN Core Course Work:

AND Required Advanced Practice Course Work:

Total Credits: 18     

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MSN PROGRAM ADVISING Graduate students are responsible for meeting with their assigned advisor for corrections/changes to their degree plan. Students are assigned an advisor specific to the chosen specialty. Students meet with advisors for academic advising and for guidance in advanced practice role development and enactment. Graduate students should download and print the MSN Student Handbook (Adobe PDF file) upon admission to the program. Explanations of many critical procedures are in this handbook.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK The MSN curriculum is based on a holistic framework of human caring. Personal, ethical, esthetic, empirical and sociopolitical ways of knowing are the organizing constructs of the curriculum.

MSN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of an accredited baccalaureate degree in nursing program including prerequisite undergraduate courses:
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Nursing Research
  • Health Assessment
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 for all course work
• Curriculum Vitae documenting work experience for each program as required: 
  • Adult NP: 1 year
  • Family NP: 2 years
  • CNS options: 1year 
  • Nursing Administration : 1 year
  • Adult/Geri NP: 1 year
    
• Current unrestricted Registered Nurse license from the state where you practice during practicum rotations
• Passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if your native language is not English

NOTE: If a student does not meet eligibility requirements for admission, the Graduate Committee may be petitioned for provisional status. Prospective graduate students must possess skills in computer technology (word processing, presentation software, SPSS and e-mail).

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Transfer Student : is defined as someone who seeks a MSN degree and has attended another institution or a practitioner program at Beth-El or another institution and meets all MSN admission requirements. Articulation course work may be required of a transfer student. Transfer students must petition the Graduate Department for acceptance of course credit toward the degree. No more than 12 credit hours may be transferred into our program except from another University of Colorado campus.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE Application Deadlines:

• November 15 for Spring admission
• April 1 for Summer admission
• July 1 for Fall admission

1. Obtain MSN Application Packet
2. Send all completed materials to :
   
   Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences
   University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
   P.O. Box 7150 UH-1
   Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7150
   ATTN: Graduate Nursing
   
3. Complete UCCS Graduate Admission Application  and above listed Admission Requirements
4. Submit two official transcripts from each College and/or University attended
5. Submit 4 letters of reference from individuals who can speak to your education potential as well as your clinical and academic achievements
6. Enclose a $60.00 non-refundable application fee with the "Graduate Admission Application"
7. Make checks payable to:
   University of Colorado
   For any questions not answered here, call 719.262.4424.
   

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NOTIFICATION

• The Admission Committee will review and process the application after all Graduate Admission Requirements and fees have been received. The student is given written notification from the University as to admission status. 
• After you have been accepted to the graduate program, you are required to provide the following prior to clinical or practicum courses:
  • Proof of Basic CPR certification and certification specific to your specialty if applicable
  • Proof of personal malpractice liability insurance
• Students are to keep a personal file of the following information. It must be reviewed by the clinical faculty prior to an practicum/clinical courses and a copy must be on file with Beth-El College:
  • RN License
  • CPR certification
  • Date and result of PPD test or last chest x-ray report if unable to take PPD
  • Date of MMR immunizations (2) if born after 1957 OR titers of ALL 3 diseases. Theses results must also be on file with the UCCS Student Health Center.
  • Dates of Hepatitis B series or titer demonstrating immunity
  • Tetanus booster within the last 10 years

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