College of Nursing - Radford University Carilion Campus

Nursing Administration, MSN

Misson
Goals/Outcomes
Background

Admission Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Advising Tips

Program Director

Patty Vari, PhD, RN, CNE
Professor
540-985-8532 (Office)
540-224-4785 (Fax)
pvari@radford.edu

Mission

Radford University Carilion Nursing Programs promote excellence in nursing education, practice, scholarship, and service. Through innovative interprofessional practice and education experiences, graduates are empowered to provide leadership in the rapidly changing and culturally diverse healthcare environment. Graduates contribute to the health of all populations as ethical clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders.

Goals/Outcomes

Upon completion of the MSN program, the graduate nurse will:

Analyze and integrate theories of nursing, education, leadership, and other sciences to guide professional role development and improve nursing practice across diverse settings.
Provide organizational and system leadership that emphasizes the importance of professional accountability, ethical decision making, collaborative relationships, and protection of human dignity and diversity.
Synthesize and apply the principles, methods, tools, performance measures, and standards related to quality and safety within the healthcare system.
Contribute to nursing knowledge by applying current research outcomes within the practice setting: resolving practice problems; working as a change agent; and disseminating results.
Integrate patient-care and communication technologies to improve delivery and enhance coordination of care.
Analyze the impact of system policies on healthcare, participate in policy development, and use advocacy strategies to influence the quality of health care.
Communicate, collaborate, and consult with clients and health professionals to manage and coordinate care as a member and leader of interprofessional teams.
Integrate organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts in the planning, delivery, management, and evaluation of evidence-based health promotion and population care.
Demonstrate and integrate advanced nursing knowledge and relevant sciences into safe advanced nursing practice.

Background

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is to prepare nurses for leadership roles within healthcare organizations and clinical and academic education; to influence the provision of high quality healthcare; initiate and manage change; and contribute to improving nursing knowledge and practice.
In the Nursing Administration track, students develop the knowledge and skills needed in an evolving healthcare environment. Students analyze and apply organization and leadership theory, develop expertise in the areas of financial management, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. In addition, the student, through didactic and supervised practice, gains the competencies required to implement change within complex healthcare environments using collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.
The MSN Program of Study is designed to accommodate the needs of both full and part time adult professionals. Non clinical courses are delivered in a primarily online format. During the course of the program, precepted experiences will occur at sites arranged in partnership with Radford University Carilion faculty.
Earn your Master of Science in Nursing degree in 4 semesters as a full-time student or 6 semesters as a part-time student
Benefit from being part of a small cohort of students:
Graduate faculty provide a more personal education with small classes
Participate in an online learning environment that accommodates optional opportunities for face to face learning.
Participate in clinical experiences at sites arranged in partnership with Radford University Carilion faculty
Benefit from being a part of an interprofessional community of learners at Radford University Carilion, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Carilion Clinic
The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: 202-887-6791).

Admissions Requirements

Application Information for Radford University Carilion College Current Students and Alumni

Applicants who are current students or alumni of Radford University Carilion may contact Sarah Boswell, Director of Admissions, at srboswell@jchs.edu to apply. No formal application or transcripts are necessary. These applicants should submit the following with their e-mail to the Director of Admissions:
A current resume,
An essay,
Three references.

Application Information for All Other Prospective Students

The recommended deadline for priority admission is November 1; however, applications are always accepted.
Application Information for All Other Prospective Students
Must apply through NursingCAS The Centralized Application for Nursing Programs. Radford University Carilion does not require a supplemental application. The application through NursingCAS can be found at http://www.nursingcas.org. The recommended deadline for priority admission is November 1; however, applications are always accepted.
The completed Application for Admission – digitally signed online and submitted.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities in which you have enrolled.
Three completed Graduate Recommendation Forms from individuals who are knowledgeable regarding your suitability for graduate work.
GPA of 3.0 or higher recommended (based on a 4.0 scale) • Current unrestricted RN license from any state or territory in the United States • College level Statistics course (3 credits) with a grade of C or higher.
Recommendation from three professional references who can address the applicant’s potential for advanced practice nursing. At least one reference should be from a former faculty member if possible.
A two page essay describing career goals and how a graduate credential will assist in meeting professional goals. The writing style (i.e. grammar, punctuation, spelling, word use) and content of the essay will be used in the overall evaluation of the application.
Curriculum vitae or resume. This document should include education and professional practice.
Official MAT or GRE scores if no master’s degree (School codes: GRE/5099; MAT/2522). Requirement is waived if Cum GPA is 3.0 or greater.
Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field of study other than nursing must meet the following program course prerequisites
Completion of NSG 490 , Contemporary Nursing Issues with a B or better
Completion of a college level research course with a C or better

The number of credits a student may transfer will be determined on an individual basis, but will be no greater than 35% of the total program credits.

Graduation Requirements

Students may receive a graduate degree only after meeting all of their program requirements. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better is required by all programs for completion of a graduate degree. A minimum of sixty-five (65) percent of the course work required to earn a graduate degree must be taken at Radford University Carilion. Transfer courses must be approved by the Program Director and the Registrar. Students must also complete the electronic Graduation Survey and the online Exit Form.

Advising Tips

A graduate academic advisor is assigned to help the student with the program of study. The advisor should approve all academic plans. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule advising appointments with the advisor as necessary to plan a course of study to complete a graduate program, or to discuss current academic questions and problems.