Master of Science in Nursing--Nursing Leadership
The Master of Science in Nursing--Nursing Leadership program prepares nurses for roles in executive and advanced health care leadership. It provides nurses with administrative and management theory and skills to address organizational issues within complex health care systems and community-based agencies. Coursework focuses on developing competency in program design and evaluation, quality improvement, strategic planning, administrative leadership, and financial and personnel management. These advanced competencies will expand nurses’ decision-making ability and maximize their expertise in improving the delivery of care and clinical outcomes.
The program is offered in a blended fashion, alternating face-to-face classes with online work every other week. Classes are scheduled so that students take no more than two courses at any given point in time, and can complete the 31 credit program in 24 months.
Admissions
- A bachelor's degree with a major in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- A license to practice nursing in the State of Texas or one of the compact states recognized by the State of Texas.
- A minimum of one year of relevant experience in professional nursing is preferred, but not required.
- A grade point average of 3.0 in graduate coursework.
- Three satisfactory references (academic, professional).
- Official transcripts sent from each college/university attended (including hospital school of nursing, if appropriate).
- Individual consideration will be given to those applicants who do not entirely meet specific requirements.
Upon admittance to the program, students must submit a confirmation fee, which serves as acceptance and assures a seat in the MSN-Nursing Leadership program.
For more information on admissions, see: MSN--Nursing Leadership admissions.
Apply to UIW
Application for the Master of Science in Nursing program
Required Courses (31 credit hours)
The 31-credit hour curriculum consists of 10 courses (312 clinical practicum/residency hours).
| NURS 6333 | Nursing Leadership and Theory | 3 |
| NURS 6355 | Nursing Research and Theory | 3 |
| NURS 6390 | Informatics in HealthCare | 3 |
| NURS 6331 | Population Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 6315 | Resource Management for Nurse Leaders | 3 |
| NURS 6435 | Program Development and Evaluation | 4 |
| NURS 6347 | Healthcare Economics and Financial Management | 3 |
| NURS 6337 | Quality Improvement for Nurse Leaders | 3 |
| NURS 6361 | Health Policy and Ethics for Nurses | 3 |
| NURS 6375 | Advanced Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Pathway Program—RN to Master of Science in Nursing
The RN-MSN program at the University of the Incarnate Word is available for associate or diploma prepared registered nurses who wish to earn a master's degree in nursing. The graduate program at UIW prepares nurses for the advanced practice role in Nursing Leadership. All applicants for the RN-MSN degree must first apply for and be accepted to the RN-BSN program through the School of Professional Studies. In the third term of the RN-BSN program, the RN-MSN student will declare their interest in applying to the RN-MSN track. RN-MSN students will be required to take NURS 3312, NURS 3341, NURS 4313, NURS 4365, NURS 4265, and NURS 4460 as "bridge courses" to be admitted to the graduate program. Once the bridge courses and prerequisite general core requirements for admission to the undergraduate nursing program are completed, students will make application to the graduate program. Students are admitted into the RN-BSN/MSN program twice per year.
Admissions
Requirements (RN-MSN Pathway):
- Preference for a minimum of 3 years recent practice experience.
- Unencumbered RN license.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- GPA of 3.0 in all courses required for the major.
- International students must have met the university TOEFL score requirement.
- Completion of an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an ACEN or NLNAC accredited program.
Apply to UIW
Application for RN-MSN Pathway program
- RN-MSN Pathway offers Spring Admission Only
Required Courses--Pre-MSN component
After completion of the following courses, students are eligible to begin MSN--Nursing Leadership coursework.
| NURS 4365 | Community Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 4265 | Community Health Nursing Practicum | 2 |
| NURS 4460 | Bridge to the MSN | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |