2011-2012 Graduate Academic Catalog

Page 22 2011–12 Graduate Catalog Introduction Experience Admissions Academic Info. Financial Info. Campus Services M.Ed. M.S.N. Course Descriptions Appendix Financial Aid and Scholarships Financial aid opportunities are available as grants and loans through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. To address the shortage of nurses and nursing faculty the U.S. government, under Titles VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act, provides scholarship and loan repayment programs. Students may receive nursing traineeships to cover costs of tuition, books and fees. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program is also available to provide financial support for students enrolled in an advanced education nursing program to prepare for a position as a nurse faculty member. This program is available to both full-time and part-time students, covers tuition, fees, books, lab expenses, and other reasonable education expenses with loan forgiveness given for years of employment in a faculty role. The university Financial Aid Office and Department of Nursing provide financial aid counseling for the M.S.N. students. Once CCNE accreditation is obtained the Department of Nursing will apply for these funds. Federal aid is available to students who meet established requirements and complete the required forms. Institutional scholarships are also available. For additional information, visit cedarville.edu/g radaid and cedarville.edu/msn Academic Advising Upon admission into the M.S.N. program, each student is assigned a faculty adviser in the student’s area of focus. The faculty adviser provides supervision and guidance for the students throughout the length of study. Accreditation The M.S.N. program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents. Accreditation from Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) will be sought after one full year implementation of the program. Academic Course Load Assuming that proficiency requirements have been satisfied, a minimum of 41-43 semester hours is required for graduation in the M.S.N. program. Clinical Requirements Clinical requirements associated with NSG-5020 Advanced Health/Physical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning and all subsequent clinical courses include: • Successful completion of the pre-requisite courses and enrollment in the co-requisite courses as specified in this graduate catalog • Earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in graduate courses at Cedarville University • Valid “No Record” FBI criminal background check including fingerprinting • Obtain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) • Provide appropriate health information. • Evidence of current immunization status including Mantoux for TB • Level of health consistent with safe nursing practice • Provide evidence of liability insurance • Level of technology sufficient for access to facilitate efficient use of tracking system (as determined by faculty) Licensure/Certification The graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner area of focus are qualified to seek national certification and employment as family nurse practitioners. The graduates of the Global Health Ministries are qualified to seek national certification and employment as public health nurses. The graduates of the Nurse Educator area of focus are qualified to seek national certification as a nurse educator after two years of full-time employment in an academic faculty role. Admissions Standards Cedarville University invites applications for the M.S.N. program to graduates from accrediated baccalaureate nursing programs, who are able to present strong academic records and a testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. Each candidate will be reviewed on an individual basis. In addition to general admission requirements listed in the Academic section of this catalog, the following are required: 1. A current resume. 2. Have earned a B.S.N. undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale. 3. Official transcripts of a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program. Transcripts must show completion evidence of an undergraduate nursing research course and undergraduate statistics course. 4. Completed Bible minor or take required Bible classes (BEGS-6250 Bible Survey and BEGS-7250 Foundations of Biblical Theology) before or concurrent with other classes during the first year and before taking NSG 5060 Bioethics and Spiritual Care in Nursing. 5. Evidence of computer proficiency or plan for learning informatics skills. 6. Evidence of current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in the United States for clinical experience in the United States. 7. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional; however, taking the GRE may strengthen a graduate application. 8. Clinical work experience as a registered nurse (RN) is highly recommended. 9. Interview with nursing faculty. Admissions Process Applicants should follow steps 1-5 under “How to Apply” in the Admissions section of this catalog. Personal interviews with nursing faculty are required. Each candidate will be reviewed on an individual basis. Applicants who present satisfactory evidence of their ability to perform at the graduate level of study are admitted to the graduate nursing program at Cedarville University. Tuition Cost Tuition cost for the M.S.N. program for the 2011-12 academic year is $495 per semester hour.