2015-2016 Graduate Academic Catalog

Page 34 2015–16 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing Course Load Assuming that proficiency requirements have been satisfied, a minimum of 42–43 semester hours is required for graduation in the M.S.N. program. Clinical Requirements Clinical requirements associated with all clinical courses include: • Successful completion of the prerequisite 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. • Evidence of liability insurance in the minimum amount of $2,000,000/occurrence and $5,000,000/aggregate. • Level of technology sufficient for access to facilitate efficient use of tracking system (as determined by faculty). • Provide evidence of personal health insurance. Transfer Credits Transfer credits are allowed for up to nine semester hours. The School of Nursing and the Director of Graduate Nursing Programs will evaluate courses on an individual basis on the following criteria: • The course is equivalent to the required course offered in the M.S.N. program. • The course was completed not more than seven years prior to the time of the transfer request. • The courses were taken at an accredited college/university. • Courses transferred from institutions where quarter hours are awarded will be using the standard quarter hour/semester hour calculation. Graduation Requirements In addition to general graduation requirements listed in the Academic section of this catalog, students seeking the M.S.N. degree must fulfill the following: • Complete all requirements of the M.S.N. program. • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. • Successfully complete an M.S.N. capstone experience. • Obtain approval from the faculty advisor for the student portfolio. • Complete all requirements for the M.S.N. program within seven years after matriculation in the program. Program Delivery The M.S.N. program is designed to be flexible and responsive to student needs. The M.S.N. courses will be offered in a hybrid format with a combination of face-to-face and online modalities. Accreditation The M.S.N. program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents. Admission Criteria Cedarville University invites applications to the M.S.N program from graduates who have received a bachelor of science in nursing degree from a regionally accredited or otherwise approved university, who are able to present strong academic records, who are currently licensed as a registered nurse, and who have a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Each candidate will be reviewed on an individual basis. In addition to the general admission requirements listed in the Graduate Admissions section of this catalog, students must meet the following requirements: 1. Meet all program prerequisites. Students not meeting program prerequisites or admission standards may be considered for conditional admission to the program. 2. Have earned a B.S.N. undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 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. Evidence of computer proficiency or plan for learning informatics skills. 5. Evidence of current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in the United States for clinical experience in the United States. 6. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional; however, taking the GRE may strengthen a graduate application. 7. Clinical work experience as a registered nurse (RN) is highly recommended. 8. Interview with nursing faculty. Admission Process Applicants should follow the steps under “How to Apply” in the Admission’s section of this catalog. Personal interviews with nursing faculty are required. Applicants must present satisfactory evidence of their ability to perform at the graduate level of study to be considered for admission to the graduate nursing program at Cedarville University. Tuition and Fees Tuition cost for the M.S.N. program for the 2015–16 academic year is $536 per semester hour. The graduation fee for the M.S.N. program for the 2015–16 academic year is $100. Financial Aid and Scholarships Federal aid is available to students who meet established requirements and complete the required forms. For additional information, visit cedarville.edu/ gradaid . Institutional scholarships are not currently available. Academic Advising Upon admission into the M.S.N. program, each student is assigned a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor provides guidance for the students throughout the length of study. Course Sequencing See the M.S.N. website ( cedarville.edu/msn ) for course sequencing and completion options information.