PhD | MSN | BSN

BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

Baccalaureate Program for Generic Students ( FAQ ) | Advanced Standing Program (RN to BSN )

PURPOSE

The purpose of the baccalaureate program is to prepare nurses for entry-level professional practice and provide a solid foundation for graduate study.

OUTCOMES OF BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM GRADUATES

Plans of Study

The following is a sample plan of study for BSN students; plans of study may differ based on faculty and clinical resources and necessary program changes. Students will be given the most recent plan of study by their academic advisor upon enrollment.

CURRICULUM PATTERN

Advanced Standing Program Option for Registered Nurses - RN to BSN ( FAQ )

PURPOSE

The purpose of the baccalaureate program is to prepare registered nurses for entry-level professional practice and provide a solid foundation for graduate study.

CURRICULUM PATTERN-RN TO BSN PROGRAM OPTION

This is an example of a full-time plan of study. Part-time study also is possible.

RN-BSN-MSN DUAL OPTION

PURPOSE

The purpose of the dual option RN-BSN-MSN is to provide nurses who have identified that their educational goal is a master's degree and an accelerated approach for acquiring a solid foundation for graduate study and preparing for the advanced practice role.

ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE DUAL OPTION: RN-BSN-MSN

1. A completed application.
2. An Associate degree or diploma from a program in nursing from an accredited institution (NLNAC OR CCNE), which included clinical practice courses in nursing. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
3. One complete year of clinical experience as a registered nurse (except the neonatal nurse clinician proram, which requires two years of clinical experience).
4. Evidence of current unrestricted licensure (RN) to practice in the United States and eligibility for licensure in Mississippi; and/or privilege to practice in a state in which the student will have clinical practice.
5. Three acceptable references.
6. Professional portfolio providing evidence of experience necessary to practice in the advanced nursing practice role.
7. Preadmission counseling sesion with program faculty.
8. Satisfactory scores on the GRE (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) taken within the last five years.
9. Official transcript from all schools attended.

Note: Admission to the MSN Program is granted to students completing the Dual Option BSN track with approval of the Dean of the School of Nursing.

CURRICULUM PATTERN-RN TO BSN TO MSN DUAL OPTION PROGRAM

This is an example of a full-time plan of study.

*These courses are not required to complete the BSN degree but will apply toward the MSN. Students enrolled in the Nurse Executive and Nurse Manager Programs will take N504 and N518 in lieu of N502 and N507.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

The lower division is comprised of the following courses which are prerequisite for the upper division of the baccalaureate program, the RN to BSN program option, as noted. A minimum total of 63 semester hours is required.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF THE RN-BSN-MSN DUAL OPTION

1. General Education and support courses 63-65 hours or prerequisite courses.
2. Nursing Undergraduate Lower Division courses (40 transfer hours of credit).
3. Nursing Upper Division Course 33 hours.
4. Completion of the required coursework for the selected master's program.

For the Dual Option MSN, students will enter in the 2nd semester of the MSN curriculum and the plan of study will depend upon the program chosen. Dual Option students have demonstrated mastery of the content of the first semester through 500 level coursework and through transfer credit.

MASTER’S PROGRAM

Adult/Family | Acute Care | Neonatal | Nurse Educator | Nurse Executive

GENERAL INFORMATION

The graduate program of the University of Mississippi, School of Nursing, located in the only academic health center (or health science complex) in Mississippi, provides a unique opportunity for learning.

The School of Nursing shares a 164 acre campus with three other professional schools: Dentistry, Medicine, and Health Related Professions. The graduate program is affiliated with over 100 hospitals, community health centers, health departments, private practice and community clinics and schools, affording the student extensive opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical practice and research.

Students select one of three advanced practice roles: clinician, educator, or executive. Preparation for advanced practice roles includes core content in the following areas; research, computerapplications, health policy and theoretical foundation of the discipline. In addition, each track has specialized courses appropriate for the role. Students choose a thesis or non-thesis option consisting of a research practicum under the direction of a faculty member. A minimum of 40 semester hours of graduate credit is required for the degree and part-time study is available. Candidates who successfully complete the program are awarded the Master of Science in Nursing degree.

The graduate program is accredited by the National League for Nursing and approved by the Committee for Colleges and Nursing Education Commission. All practitioner tracks meet eligibility requirements for advanced practice certification by national professional organizations and the Mississippi State Board of Nursing.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the master’s program is to prepare baccalaureate nurses for advanced practice and provide a solid foundation for doctoral study.

OUTCOMES OF MSN PROGRAM GRADUATES

Research

•Demonstrate proficiency in the utilization of research in the practice setting through problem identification, systematic inquiry and the application of new knowledge.

•Collaborate in the conduct and dissemination of research.

Policy, Organization and Financing of Health Care

•Articulate the significance of advanced practice nursing roles to legislative bodies, elected and appointed officials, health care providers and health care consumers.

•Analyze organizational structures of various health care delivery systems.

•Demonstrate fiscal accountability for advanced practice nursing role through budget development and resources management.

Ethics

•Analyze ethical issues and participate in resolution of ethical dilemmas within the health care system and personal practice environment.

Professional Role Development

•Demonstrate leadership in collegial and interdisciplinary relationships to advance the profession of nursing and to affect change within the health care system.

Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

•Apply theoretical knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to advanced role practice in nursing.

Human Diversity and Social Issues

•Deliver culturally competent health care.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

•Implement strategies to facilitate the health and well being of persons, families, groups and communities.

FAMILY PRACTITIONER CURRICULUM PATTERN ( FAQ )

The Family track is the graduate program designed to prepare nurses to deliver primary health care to adults and families. The didactic curriculum will provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in biophysiological science, pharmacotherapeutics, primary care concepts, advanced assessment, and diagnostic skills as a basis for clinical practice. The clinical component consists of a minimum of 630 hours of guided experience under the mentorship of an advanced practice nurse or a physician. Emergency Room option available for student in the family track.**

Plans of study are designed by faculty with individual consideration given to students’ goals and geographic locations. Graduates are eligible to take ANCC or AANP certification exams as adult or family nurse practitioners and for state certification as nurse practitioners.

Sample Program Plan:

** Contact Office of Student Affairs for details.

ADULT ACUTE CARE PRACTITIONER CURRICULUM PATTERN

The Adult Acute Care track is the graduate program designed to prepare nurses to deliver acute and/or critical care to adult clients in a variety of settings. The didactic curriculum will provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in biophysiological science, pharmacotherapeutics, acute and/or critical care concepts, advanced assessments, and diagnostic skills as a basis for clinical practice. The clinical component consists of a minimum of 630 hours of guided experience in select areas under the mentorship of an advanced practice nurse or a physician. Plans of study are designed by faculty with individual consideration given to students’ goals and geographic locations. Graduates are eligible to take the ANCC certification exam as acute care nurse practitioners and for state certification as acute care nurse practitioners. Students may select areas of specialization such as Nephrology, and Acute Care. Future areas include Neurology and Critical Care. (Contact school for details)

Program of study

SAMPLE PROGRAM PLAN (sample of full time)

NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER CURRICULUM PATTERN ( FAQ )

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner track in the graduate program prepares the nurse to function in an expanded leadership role in the delivery of comprehensive care to the normal and high risk neonate and family in a variety of health care settings. The program emphasizes the development of advanced independent and collaborative assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation and interpersonal skills. The nurse practitioner focus prepares the graduate to assume responsibility for the direct management and primary care of the acutely ill neonate. Clinical practice takes place under the direct supervision of an attending neonatologist and/or neonatal nurse practitioner in the NICU and other high-risk clinical settings. The graduate also functions in the educator role with nursing staff and families and participates in clinical research. The program of study consists of one-third didactic classroom and two-thirds precepted clinical/laboratory experiences. Graduates are qualified to take the National Certification Corporation examination for neonatal nurse practitioners.

Sample Program Plan

NURSE EDUCATOR CURRICULUM PATTERN ( FAQ )

A nurse prepared at the master’s level in the nurse educator tract is able to serve important functions as an expert clinician as a faculty member in a nursing education program. To achieve this goal, the nurse educator track provides the graduate learner with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of specialty nursing practice within that of a selected clinical specialty role. The graduate faculty teaching within the nurse educator track are in agreement with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing statement, The doctoral degree should be considered the appropriate and desired credential for a career as a nurse educator. The nurse educator curriculum provides the learner with a foundation to pursue doctoral education.

Sample Plan of study

NURSE EXECUTIVE CURRICULUM PATTERN ( FAQ )

The program of study for the Nurse Executive role provides a comprehensive study of concepts, theory and research for effective management of healthcare systems. Students immerse themselves in courses that provide experiental learning in finance, management, organization administration, policy and marketing. The program culminates in a five-month full-time residency in which students integrate practice, theory and research with a senior executive in healthcare.

Plan of Study

NURSE MANAGER CURRICULUM PATTERN

Plan of Study

POST MASTER’S PROGRAM

These programs are designed for master prepared nurses who wish to practice as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators, Nurse Executives or Nurse Managers. Theory and Clinical experiences focus on the role selected by the student and are congruent with the students long term career goals. The curriculum consists of supportive science and clinical specialty courses. Graduates of the Post Master's Nurse Practitioner track are eligible for national certification by professional organizations and Mississippi State Board of Nursing Certification as a Nurse Practitioner.

Admission Requirements

See MSN

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER CURRICULUM PATTERN

Plan of Study

CLINICAL SPECIALIST

Plan of Study

NURSE EDUCATOR

Plan of Study

Ph.D. PROGRAM ( FAQ )

This program is a collaborative Ph.D. program between the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi

PURPOSE

The purpose of the doctor of philosophy degree in nursing is to prepare scholars with expertise in selected, substantive areas who will contribute to the science and practice of nursing through systematic inquiry and theory development. Graduates will be prepared to meet state, regional, and national needs for doctorally prepared faculty in schools of nursing and other leadership positions in health-related organizations.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The doctoral program offers opportunities for registered nurses who hold a B.S.N. degree and a graduate degree, i.e., M.S.N., M.S., or M.N., to gain the complementary knowledge and experiences requisite for scholarly pursuits in nursing and health related fields. The program is designed to develop leaders in nursing and health care who can conduct biologic, physiologic, or experiential research in health and illness. The program of study and research are foundational to understanding client-centered health problems and developing the theoretical and experiential foundation necessary to initiate and coordinate clinical outcomes research. Programs of study are determined in collaboration with the student’s Advisory Committee. Full and part-time programs of study are available.

The collaborative nature of the program allows each institution to grant its own degree; however, there are common admission requirements and a common core of courses. Both Schools of Nursing will offer those courses which have been identified as core. Students may take any of the core courses at either University. Courses successfully completed at one institution will be accepted without reservation at the other. Each school will offer its own selected fields of study, and students will receive their degrees from the institution which offers the area of study selected by the students.

OUTCOMES of the Doctor of Philosophy Program

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

1. Design, conduct, direct and distribute research studies in nursing and health
2. To test and or generate concepts, theories and models in nursing science and practice
3. Collaborate with leaders in the scientific and health communities to generate and implement solutions for society’s health concerns.

SAMPLE PLAN of Study

CORE COMPONENT

Areas of study will include courses from the following selected domains: statistics, research methods and practice, legal and ethical issues, philosophy of science, theory construction and application, and writing for funding. Doctor of Philosophy students are required to complete 30 semester hours of doctoral study in the core component.

ELECTIVE COMPONENT

The elective component will be developed and designed with the student’s advisor to meet the student’s individual needs and the program requirements. Doctor of Philosophy students are required to complete a minimum of eight semester hours of doctoral study in the elective component.

DISSERTATION

Completion of the Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 18 semester hours of dissertation credit.

PLANS OF STUDY

Plans of study are individually designed by faculty and students with closely matching research interests. CORE COURSES

To be taken by all students:

Additional course work is individually planned.

PRACTITIONER- Family, Acute Care FAQ

Q. How long is the clinician program?
A. Five semesters, beginning with the fall semester and continuing through May of the second year.

Q. How many clinical hours are required for this track?
A. 630 hours.

Q. Can I do clinical in my home community?
A. Generally, this is possible. Occasionally the clinical resources are too limited, however, and students may need to travel, usually no more than 45-60 miles.

Q. Who can I do clinical with?
A. Students have clinical experiences with both physicians in various specialty areas and nurse practitioners certified in the students specialty area or related areas, such as nurse midwives, OB-GYN nurse practitioners or acute care nurse practitioners. Selection of clinical practice sites is a mutually negotiated process between the student and faculty, based on the student’s background, the student’s competencies and available resources.

Q. When do clinical courses and clinical practice start?
A. They begin in the second semester in the spring of the year.

Q. How much clinical is there in each clinical course?
A. There are 90 hours in the first spring semester, 90 hours in the summer semester, 180 hours in the second fall semester and 270 hours in the second spring semester.

Q. Wh at is the job market for a nurse practitioner like?
A. Within the state of Mississippi, it is highly variable from one year to the next and from one location to another.

Q. What is the salary for a beginning nurse practitioner?
A. Again, it is highly variable from one year to another and from one setting to another. Generally, health department and comprehensive health centers have the lowest salaries for beginning NPs (around the $60,000 range). Rural health centers and private physician offices generally offer higher salaries.

Q. Can I work and go to school?
A. Most students work part-time while in school, but full-time work, especially in the second year, is rarely possible. Most students who work full-time go to school part-time and extend this over a three-year time period.

Q. What type of clinicals must I have?
A. For Family track , a minimum of 90 hours in maternity/family planning, a minimum of 90 hours in pediatrics and at least 270 hours in a family practice setting. For Adult track, a minimum of 90 hours in maternity/family practice, at least 270 hours in family practice setting and more than 90 hours in any one specialty area, such as cardiovascular or pulmonary. For Acute care track , a minimum of 630 hours in a variety of acute and critical care settings . The clinicals depend upon the student ‘s career goals. For the emergency room focus in the family tract, 180 hours may be in medical and trauma care setting.

E-mail additional questions to: nsrecruiter@son.umsmed.edu

Advanced Standing Program for RNs FAQ

Q. Can I work while I am in school?
A. A majority of our students work full-time.

Q. Do I have to take a full load each semester?
A. No. You may take a part-time load, but courses are only offered one time per year.

Q. Are any scholarship monies available?
A. Yes, but generally RNs who are working do not meet the income criteria to qualify for a loan.

Q. Is on-campus housing available?
A. No, but frequently, students get together and share room expenses.