Program Overview
San Francisco State University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program equips registered nurses and non-nursing graduates with advanced knowledge and skills in various nursing specialties. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on leadership, clinical practice, and research utilization, preparing graduates for advanced roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Administrators, and Nurse Educators.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at San Francisco State University offers graduate-level education for registered nurses (RNs) and individuals with bachelor's degrees in other fields who wish to pursue advanced nursing practice. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for leadership roles in various nursing specialties.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to:
- Apply and integrate organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts in the planning, delivery, management, and evaluation of evidence-based clinical prevention and population care services.
- Demonstrate effective nursing and interprofessional collaboration to achieve quality patient care.
- Develop collaborative programs and educational approaches that address the health needs of diverse individuals and populations.
- Assume professional leadership roles to promote quality and safe clinical patient care, incorporating ethical decision-making, fiscal accountability, and systems perspectives.
- Advance professional nursing practice through research utilization, informatics literacy, and educational, leadership, or clinical approaches.
- Design evaluation strategies for nursing care outcomes to assess, manage, and determine resource allocation.
- Evaluate methods, tools, performance measures, and standards related to quality improvement within healthcare organizations.
- Apply research outcomes to resolve practice problems.
- Influence health and healthcare services for individuals, families, and communities through policy development, economic principles, and advocacy.
Outline:
The MSN program consists of 44 units, including:
Graduate Core (36 units):
- NURS 702 Health Systems Management (3 units): This course focuses on healthcare systems management, including financial management, quality improvement, and healthcare policy.
- NURS 703 Education, Informatics, and eTechnology in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 units): Students will learn about educational and technological applications in advanced nursing practice, including online learning, informatics, and telehealth.
- NURS 706 Health Care Policy and Nursing Leadership (3 units): This course explores healthcare policy, nursing leadership, and advocacy for patients and the nursing profession.
- NURS 711 Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Life Span (3 units): Students will acquire advanced physical assessment skills for patients across the lifespan, including comprehensive history taking, physical examination techniques, and interpretation of findings.
- NURS 715 Pharmacological Principles Across the Life Span (3 units): The course covers pharmacological principles and the application of medications for patients across the lifespan, including drug interactions, adverse effects, and safe medication administration.
- NURS 716 Advanced Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning I (3 units): This course delves into the pathophysiology of common diseases and disorders, developing students' critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills.
- NURS 717 Advanced Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning II (3 units): Building on the previous course, this course explores the pathophysiology of advanced diseases and disorders, emphasizing the integration of knowledge and clinical application.
- NURS 720 Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Advanced Practice Nursing (3 units): Students will acquire a strong foundation in epidemiology and biostatistics to conduct and interpret research, understand disease patterns, and make informed healthcare decisions.
- NURS 721 Program Planning and Financial Management in Nursing Practice (3 units): This course focuses on program planning, budgeting, and financial management skills for advanced practice nurses.
- NURS 732 Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 units): Students will explore ethical principles, dilemmas, and decision-making in advanced nursing practice, considering legal and professional implications.
- NURS 794 Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing (3 units): Students will learn about research methodologies, evidence-based practice, and the application of research findings to clinical practice.
- Select One (3 units):
- NURS 895 Applied Research in Nursing: This course focuses on the application of research methodologies and evidence-based practice in specific clinical areas.
- NURS 898 Master’s Thesis: Students who choose this option will complete a master's thesis, which requires independent research and writing.
Concentration Requirements (8 units):
The MSN program offers several specializations, and students must complete two practicum courses aligned with their chosen concentration. Each specialization has a set of courses that builds upon the core curriculum:
Nursing Administration:
- NURS 815 Graduate Nursing Practicum I: Nursing Administration (4 units):
- NURS 816 Graduate Nursing Practicum II: Nursing Administration (4 units):
Community Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- NURS 808 Graduate Nursing Practicum I: Community/Public Health (4 units):
- NURS 809 Graduate Nursing Practicum II: Community/Public Health (4 units):
Adult/Gero Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- NURS 819 Graduate Nursing Practicum I: Adult/Gerontology (4 units):
- NURS 820 Graduate Nursing Practicum II: Adult/Gerontology (4 units):
Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- NURS 813 Graduate Nursing Practicum I: Neonatal (4 units):
- NURS 814 Graduate Nursing Practicum II: Neonatal (4 units):
Pediatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- NURS 821 Graduate Nursing Practicum I: Pediatrics (4 units):
- NURS 822 Graduate Nursing Practicum II: Pediatrics (4 units):
Psychiatric and Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- NURS 806 Graduate Nursing Practicum I: Psychiatric/Mental Health (4 units):
- NURS 807 Graduate Nursing Practicum II: Psychiatric/Mental Health (4 units):
Woman's Health Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- NURS 817 Graduate Nursing Practicum I: Women's Health/Gender-Related (4 units): However, it does indicate that all students work with graduate nursing faculty advisors to select their specialized courses.
Careers:
- Nurse Educator: Graduates can pursue careers in teaching and training future nurses.
- Nurse Researcher: Graduates with research interests can contribute to advancing nursing knowledge and practice.
- Nurse Administrator: Graduates can take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, managing nursing services and departments.
Other:
- The program offers both a traditional MSN program for RNs with a bachelor's degree in nursing and an Entry-Level MSN program for individuals with a bachelor's degree in other fields who wish to become registered nurses and then pursue a master's degree.
- There is also a two-year accelerated program for those who meet the prerequisites and want to complete the MSN program in a shorter time.
- The MSN program emphasizes cultural competency and diversity, recognizing the importance of providing culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the national licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.
San Francisco State University
Overview:
San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest system of higher education in the country. SF State is known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to support student success, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Student support services:
SF State offers resources for students facing academic challenges, personal difficulties, or financial hardship.Career services:
The university provides assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career development.Health and wellness services:
Students have access to counseling, health care, and other wellness resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SF State offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can:
Engage in student organizations:
There are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to join, catering to diverse interests.Participate in cultural events:
The university hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.Explore the Bay Area:
SF State's location in the heart of the Bay Area provides easy access to cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues.Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and inclusive community:
SF State prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging for all.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on social justice and real-world application.Location in the Bay Area:
SF State's location provides access to a vibrant and dynamic city, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.Commitment to social justice:
SF State is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, providing students with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.Academic Programs:
SF State offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Visual and performing arts, literature, history, philosophy, and more.Social Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Science and Technology:
Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and more.Education:
Teacher preparation, educational leadership, and more.Other:
SF State has a strong athletic program, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university also has a strong commitment to international education and exchange, offering opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in global learning experiences.
Entry Requirements:
- For all applicants:
- Meet general requirements for admission to graduate study at SF State and submit a separate application to the Division of Graduate Studies.
- Complete the School of Nursing supplemental application process.
- Include a written goal statement.
- Students whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English.
- Three references from work colleagues, supervisors, or educators.
- Provide a resume or curriculum vitae.
- For RN applicants:
- Courses in inferential statistics and an undergraduate nursing research course are recommended.
- RNs who enter the M.S.N. program without a Nursing bachelor’s degree must complete undergraduate nursing research and a community/public health courses before enrollment or concurrent with semester one M.S.N. coursework.
- Some of the prerequisite courses may be challenged or waived for students who have extensive professional experience and have participated in mandatory continuing education programs for RN licensure.
- Family Nurse Practitioner applicants must have a minimum of one year or 2,000 clinical hours of RN experience.
- For Non-RN applicants:
- Entry-level master’s applicants must have completed all prerequisites at the time of application to the program.
- One of the three required references must provide evidence of health-related work or volunteer experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Students whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English.