Nursing, MSN

Admissions

Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate School. Applicants for the MSN Program will be considered on a competitive basis. Nurses who are interested in the MSN are encouraged to contact the Coordinator of Graduate Student Services.

In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a school of nursing that is both regionally and CCNE or CNEA accredited.
• Current unencumbered RN licensure in the United States.
• Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results that are deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.

See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.

Master's of Science in Nursing Program: Nurse Practitioner Concentrations

NOTE: Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing currently accepts applications for admission.

The Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) offers the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with specialization in the Dual Nurse Practitioner (NP) Concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. This dual NP concentration prepares students to sit for both the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – across the lifespan and the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) national board certification exams. Single-role concentrations in these NP specialties are also offered. The FNP concentration prepares students for certification as an FNP, and the PMHNP concentration prepares students for certification as a PMHNP – across the lifespan. Students complete coursework online, attend a virtual orientation, and a clinical intensive before beginning clinical. Students are expected to secure their clinical sites and preceptors to complete their clinical courses. Once identified, CCN will assist students in securing a Clinical Affiliation Agreement (legal contract) with the clinical site.

Curricular Requirements

MSN Program: Family Nurse Practitioner 

Sample Full-time Program of Study		Hours
Semester 1
NUR 505	Advanced Health Assessment	3
NUR 529	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NUR 735	Pop Health APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 2
NUR 521	Advanced Pharmacology	3
NUR 727	Foundations of Implementation	3
NUR 733	Informatics APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 3
NUR 567	FNP Role & Issues	3
NUR 568	Clinical Readiness	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 4
NUR 569	Family Nurse Practitioner I	3
NUR 570	FNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours)	3
NUR 737	Interdisc Leader Role Dev	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 5
NUR 571	Family Nurse Practitioner II	3
NUR 572	FNP Clinical II (180 Clinical Hours)	3
NUR 740	Health Policy & Politics	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 6
NUR 573	Family Nurse Practitioner III	3
NUR 574	FNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Semester 7
NUR 575	FNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours)	5
Credit Hours Subtotal:		11
Total Hours		53

Dual Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner 

Sample Program of Study		Hours
Semester 1
NUR 505	Advanced Health Assessment	3
NUR 529	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NUR 735	Pop Health APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 2
NUR 521	Advanced Pharmacology	3
NUR 727	Foundations of Implementation	3
NUR 733	Informatics APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 3
NUR 567	FNP Role & Issues	3
NUR 568	Clinical Readiness	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 4
NUR 569	Family Nurse Practitioner I	3
NUR 570	FNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours)	3
NUR 737	Interdisc Leader Role Dev	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 5
NUR 571	Family Nurse Practitioner II	3
NUR 572	FNP Clinical II	3
NUR 740	Health Policy & Politics	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 6
NUR 573	Family Nurse Practitioner III	3
NUR 574	FNP Clinical III	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 7
NUR 575	FNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours)	5
NUR 591	PMHNP Roles and Issues	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		8
Semester 8
NUR 595	PMHNP II	3
NUR 596	PMHNP II Clinical (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 9
NUR 593	PMHNP I	3
NUR 594	PMHNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 10
NUR 597	PMHNP III	3
NUR 598	PMHNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 11
NUR 592	PMHNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours)	5
Credit Hours Subtotal:		5
Total Hours		79

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

Sample Program of Study		Hours
Semester 1
NUR 505	Advanced Health Assessment	3
NUR 529	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NUR 735	Pop Health APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 2
NUR 521	Advanced Pharmacology	3
NUR 727	Foundations of Implementation	3
NUR 733	Informatics APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Semester 3
NUR 568	Clinical Readiness	3
NUR 591	PMHNP Roles and Issues	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semster 4
NUR 595	PMHNP II	3
NUR 596	PMHNP II Clinical (180 Clinical Hours)	3
NUR 737	Interdisc Leader Role Dev	3
Semester 5
NUR 593	PMHNP I	3
NUR 594	PMHNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours)	3
NUR 740	Health Policy & Politics	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		18
Semester 6
NUR 597	PMHNP III	3
NUR 598	PMHNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 7
NUR 592	PMHNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours)	5
Credit Hours Subtotal:		5
Total Hours		53

Sample Part-time Program of Study		Hours
Semester 1
NUR 529	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NUR 735	Pop Health APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 2
NUR 521	Advanced Pharmacology	3
NUR 733	Informatics APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 3
NUR 505	Advanced Health Assessment	3
NUR 737	Interdisc Leader Role Dev	3
Semester 4
NUR 568	Clinical Readiness	3
NUR 591	PMHNP Roles and Issues	3
NUR 727	Foundations of Implementation	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		15
Semester 5
NUR 595	PMHNP II	3
NUR 596	PMHNP II Clinical (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 6
NUR 593	PMHNP I	3
NUR 594	PMHNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 7
NUR 597	PMHNP III	3
NUR 598	PMHNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Semester 8
NUR 592	PMHNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours)	5
NUR 740	Health Policy & Politics	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		8
Total Hours		53

Master's of Science in Nursing: Nurse Administrator

Click here to view the states from which the Capstone College of Nursing currently accepts applications for admission.

The Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) offers the distance-based Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with all courses offered online. The Nurse Administrator (NA) program incorporates the AACN MSN Essentials and the AONE Nurse Executive Competencies to provide a comprehensive educational experience for the student.

Nurse administrators are licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) who have formal administrative and managerial positions within health care organizations. They oversee day-to-day and long-term operations for the provision of nursing care. These responsibilities may include managing budgets and human resources, coordinating the distribution of material assets, managing and developing strategic plans, and providing professional leadership. Nursing administration (NA) and management covers a diverse field of formal leadership from those who supervise individual units within a medical facility as front-line managers to higher-level nurse administrators and executives who oversee nursing operations for an entire hospital or healthcare organization.

Front-line nurse managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in addition to an RN license. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and/or programs in business and healthcare administration may be necessary for career advancement in nursing management. The NA program uniquely prepares future nurse executives for the challenges of providing cost-effective high-quality patient care outcomes in a chaotic health care environment.

The MSN program of study for NA is offered as both full-time and part-time programs of study, with the part-time program being more suitable for working professionals. The NA program has a significant clinical/administrative component to support learning objectives. Overall, the program focuses on navigating the complexities of the American healthcare system, the challenges of personnel management, quality improvement, budgeting, and other resources in healthcare organizations, as well as professional political advocacy for nursing and quality patient care.

Note: This program requires a clinical/administration immersion component, and it is the student’s responsibility to identify a site with an appropriate clinical facilitator. Prior to the clinical/administrative immersion, the student will start the process of obtaining a CCN Letter of Agreement (LOA) or a Clinical Affiliation Contract with the agency. No clinical practice will take place until the student has been notified by CCN of approval.

Curricular Requirements

The MSN program with a Nurse Administrator concentration can be completed in one-two years. 

Nurse Administrator 

Sample Full-time Program of Study		Hours
Semester 1
NUR 549	Roles&Leadership Nursing Admin	3
NUR 550	Roles&Lead Nur Admin Practicum (180 Practicum Hours)	3
NUR 735	Pop Health APN	3
NUR 737	Interdisc Leader Role Dev	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Semester 2
NUR 551	US Healthcare Quality & Safety	3
NUR 552	US Health Care Qual&Safe Pract (180 Practicum Hours)	3
NUR 727	Foundations of Implementation	3
NUR 740	Health Policy & Politics	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Semester 3
NUR 553	Adv Fin & Strategic Plan in HC	3
NUR 554	Adv Fin&Strat Plan in HC Pract (180 Practicum Hours)	3
NUR 733	Informatics APN	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Total Hours		33

Transfer Requirements

Graduate School information on Transfer Credit. 

Clinical Hours

Clinical hours are completed under the supervision of advanced practice providers specific to each specialty concentration (FNP, PMHNP, or NA)

Graduate Student Clinical Placements

1. The Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) will initiate a Clinical Affiliation Agreement (CAA) for all clinical experiences involving direct or indirect patient care by graduate students.

2. Students will not be permitted to start clinical experiences involving direct or indirect patient care until either a CAA (along with a Letter of Notification [LON]).

3. Faculty are responsible for sending written notification to the student that he/she is approved to begin the clinical experience.

Thesis (Optional)

A thesis is an original research project conducted by one student and directed by a graduate committee. The student must register for a minimum of six semester hours of thesis credit and successfully complete the thesis to complete the program. An oral public defense of the thesis is required. The thesis must conform to the guidelines of the Graduate School.

Comprehensive Exams

MSN students do not complete comprehensive exams.  Students must complete all of their clinical coursework and clinical hours to graduate.

Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements

Graduate School information on Time Limits. 

Student Progression Requirement

Student progression is monitored and evaluated each semester.  

Additional Academic Requirements

The MSN will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Good standing at the time of graduation
• Successful completion of the required coursework
• NP Student must participate in orientation and on-campus intensive if required by concentration.

Annual Graduate Student Background Checks and Drug Screening

1. Students accepted to the graduate nursing programs are required to have an annual background screen and drug screen.

2. Students accepted to the graduate nursing programs are required to pass a background screen and have a negative drug screen.

3. The College of Nursing must certify to clinical agencies where students practice that each student has had an acceptable background screen and negative drug screen.

4. The background screen and drug testing screen will be conducted by a qualified agency using established methods and procedures. Confidentiality of the student will be protected. All costs associated with screenings are the responsibility of the student.

5. Initial acceptance to graduate nursing courses will be withdrawn for students who have a positive drug screen.

6. A student who has a positive drug screen while taking graduate nursing courses will follow the CCN Substance Abuse Policy/Drug/Alcohol Testing Policy.  Any readmission consideration will be based on the CCN Substance Abuse Policy/Drug/Alcohol Testing Policy.

7. Initial acceptance to graduate nursing courses will be withdrawn for students who have been convicted of or have pending a charge that would not be acceptable for clinical practice.

8. A student whose acceptance to graduate nursing courses is withdrawn or is dismissed from the College of Nursing due to findings from a background screen will be considered for readmission on a case-by-case basis depending upon the situation.

HEALTH, IMMUNIZATION, AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS: POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Once admitted to a clinical graduate program, new students will receive instructions in their admission packets outlining health requirements and other required documents and verifications. In addition, each incoming student must complete a drug and background screening by the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) specified provider. Those documents will be uploaded by the CCN directly from the website.

Proof of compliance must be submitted before the removal of the initial registration hold and during progression through the program. Failure to comply with updating required documents will result in a registration hold or an administrative block to course access.

Incoming students enrolling in MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate programs must upload the following into the document management system:

1. Completion of BLS Provider (must be valid and updated prior to expiration as long as you are attending).
2. Completion of the program on OSHA Standards.
3. Advanced Practice Certification (if applicable and must be valid or updated as long as attending).
4. Proof of Health Insurance.
5. Graduate Nursing Student Health & Physical Exam Form signed by a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), DO, or MD.
6. Initial Graduate Nursing Student TB Test and Immunization Form.  New students with a history of TB or a history of a positive TB skin test must submit documentation of a clear chest x-ray completed within the month immediately prior to document submission.
7. Completion of HIPAA Training in the UA Learning Management System that can be accessed through the MyBama Student Tab.

All graduate students (e.g., MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate programs) must upload the following into the document management system:

1. Current unencumbered RN licensure for state of legal residence.

Annually, students continuing in the MSN and DNP programs must:

1. Complete and upload the Continuing Graduate Nursing Student TB Status Form into the document management system verifying that the student has an up-to-date negative TB skin test.
   1. Continuing students with a history of a positive TB skin test must submit an annual chest x-ray to document a negative standing or an annual Quantiferon laboratory test. No exceptions will be allowed.  
   2. Continuing students with a newly positive TB skin test must provide documentation of clearance to attend clinical learning experiences by an appropriate practitioner prior to enrolling in any clinical course or attending any clinical site.
2. Upload into the document management system the Continuing Graduate Nursing Student Statement of Health Status Form indicating that no change in health status has occurred. If health status has changed, the student uploads an updated Graduate Student Health & Physical Exam Form signed by CRNP, DO, or MD.
3. No later than October 31st of each year, upload into the document management system the Continuing Graduate Nursing Student Annual Influenza Vaccine Form. Exceptions for allergies only. This vaccine cannot be declined.
4. Completion of HIPAA Training in the UA Learning Management System that can be accessed through the MyBama Student Tab.

Annually, all graduate students, EXCEPT EdD and PhD students, must complete a drug and background screening by the CCN specified provider. Those documents will be uploaded by the CCN directly from the provider website.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization or a titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Initial Graduate Nursing Student TB Test and Immunization Form for the vaccines listed below. Vaccination or titer testing are available at the UA Student Health Center (corner of University Blvd. and 5th Avenue), most County Health Departments in most states, private healthcare provider offices, and clinics such as the University Medical Center. A plan for all injections should be discussed with the healthcare provider. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PLAN A TIME SCHEDULE WITH THE SELECTED HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO ASSURE THE COMPLETION OF IMMUNIZATIONS TO COINCIDE WITH THE DATES SPECIFIED. Students are responsible for making all arrangements for receipt of and payment for vaccines. Failure to submit documentation of immunization will result in the inability to continue attendance and/or progression courses in the college of nursing.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization for hepatitis B or a hepatitis B titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Initial Graduate Nursing Student TB Test and Immunization Form. In the event that a titer is performed, or after the first series of immunizations, antibodies are insufficient to offer immunity a repeat of the complete hepatitis B series is required. Students who have completed the hepatitis B series prior to enrolling in any graduate program must provide documentation to satisfy this requirement. If a student has not already completed the hepatitis B series, adherence to the following information is required. It is highly desirable that the series of 3 injections be completed prior to beginning courses. However, the minimum expectation, and proof of immunization injections for hepatitis B are as follows:

• Injections 1 and 2 -- documented on the Graduate Student Health & Physical Exam form.
• Injection 3 -- documented either on the Graduate Student Health & Physical Exam form or by official documentation from the healthcare provider who administered the vaccine. This documentation must be uploaded into the document management system by the date specified on the letter. FAILURE TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION OF THE THIRD INJECTION WILL RESULT IN THE INABILTY TO CONTINUE ATTENDANCE AND/OR PROGRESSION COURSES IN THE COLLEGE OF NURSING.

Tetanus Vaccination

TD/Tdap booster or basic series within the past ten years is required, prior to entering graduate programs.

Influenza Vaccination

An influenza vaccine is required annually no later than October 31st, unless contraindicated by allergy or prior reaction. This must be demonstrated by official documentation by a healthcare provider. 

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization for MMR or an MMR titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Immunization Form. However, students can either submit using the form, an official immunization records or other official documentation from their provider.

If a student has not already completed the MMR series or cannot provide history of vaccination documentation to satisfy this requirement, adherence to one of the following is required:

• 2 Vaccinations OR
• Positive antibody titer (lab report required)

If the titer submitted was negative or equivocal, the student will need to receive 1 MMR Booster vaccine (administered after titer).

Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine

Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization for Varicella or a Varicella titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Immunization Form. However, students can either submit using the form, an official immunization records or other official documentation from their provider.

If a student has not already completed the Varicella series or cannot provide history of vaccination documentation to satisfy this requirement, adherence to one of the following is required:

• 2 Vaccinations OR
• Positive antibody titer (lab report required)

If the titer submitted was negative or equivocal, the student will need to receive 1 Varicella Booster vaccine (administered after titer).

Academic Misconduct Information

Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct. 

Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information

Please contact the Coordinator of Graduate Student Services for assistance with the Leave of Absence process.

Additional Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence. 

Academic Grievances Information

Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.

Grades and Academic Standing

Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing. 

Graduate School Deadlines Information

Information on Graduate School Deadlines. 

Application for Graduation Information

Information on the Application for Graduation. 

RN/BSN Pathway to MSN (Phase Two)

Nurse Administrator		Hours
Summer 2
NUR 733	Informatics for Advanced Practice Nursing	3
NUR 735	Population Health in Advanced Practice Nursing	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Fall 2
NUR 549	Roles & Leadership in Nursing Administration	3
NUR 550	Roles & Leadership in Nursing Administration Practicum (180 clinical hours) 1	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Spring 2
NUR 551	US Healthcare Systems and Quality & Safety	3
NUR 552	US Health Care Systems and Quality & Safety Practicum (180 clinical hours) 1	3
NUR 599	Master’s Thesis (Optional)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Summer 3
NUR 553	Advanced Financing and Strategic Planning in Health Care	3
NUR 554	Advanced Financing and Strategic Planning in Health Care Practicum (180 clinical hours) 1	3
NUR 599	Master’s Thesis (Optional)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9
Complete MSN requirements; MSN degree awarded
Total Hours		30

Footnotes
1	These courses require a field placement component and it is the student's responsibility to secure a site for the field placement.