Nursing (MSN)

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chathamadmissions@chatham.edu

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Nursing (MSN) Overview

Chatham University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is delivered fully online with working nurses in mind. The program offers faculty expertise and support in an interactive learning environment that encourages reflection and growth in professional practice. Through exposure to evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and experiential learning opportunities, students gain essential skill sets to advance in roles in one of our three tracks: nursing leadership, nursing education, or nursing informatics. The curriculum consists of 11 (six core and five specialty track) 15-week courses. The Master of Science in Nursing program (along with Chatham's DNP) was ranked in the top 100 of all programs in the U.S. News & World Report "2018 Best Online Programs" edition.

Degrees Offered
  • MS
Program School
School of Health Sciences
Credits required

33

The curriculum consists of 15-week MSN and specialty track courses to prepare nurses for a variety of advanced practice roles.

Cost per credit

$798

Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.

Explore the MSN Degree:

The Chatham University MSN program is delivered as an online program. The program builds on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing foundation by preparing nurses to advance their careers as nurse educators, leaders, or informatics specialist in a variety of settings. 

Requirements

  • Complete free online application 
  • 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale
  • Official academic transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended verifying completion of BSN degree
  • Copy of your current résumé
  • Copy of current valid RN license
  • Admissions Essay:
    • Can be mailed or emailed as a Word document. Requirements for the essay: "Describe the role of the master’s-prepared nurse in advancing nursing practice. Include a specific example of how your current nursing practice could change as a result of completing a master of science in nursing program." (500 word limit).

State Restrictions for Online Learning

State Restrictions for Online Learning Chatham University requires state authorization to provide distance education in states other than their own. Please follow the link below to see if Chatham is authorized to deliver instruction in your state. Also, this program has a required practice experience component. Please check the information in the Practice Experience and Special requirements column to see if the state you plan on completing your practice experience hours is approved or has special restrictions.

State Authorization for Distance Education and Practical Experiences

Admissions Materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Berry Hall/SCPS Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: 412-365-1609
Email

NUR640: Leadership for Change

This course focuses on the needs of healthcare leaders to take healthcare delivery into the future through creative, innovative design initiatives focusing on a consumer-driven healthcare delivery system. Content includes: variables impacting healthcare delivery systems, reimbursement and funding for design change, managing competition, and managing human and financial resources.

NUR641: Promoting Healthier Lifestyles in the Community Using Innovative Technology

This course is designed to assist health professionals in understanding the impact technology has on patients/consumers living within the community. Students will be encouraged to think creatively to understand how technology can further extend healthcare services within the surrounding community through Internet and web-based platforms. 

NURS652: Teaching Strategies and Information Technology for the Nurse Educator

This course focuses on strategies to develop knowledge and skill sets in pedagogy; teaching-learning theories; testing and measurement; and various educational technologies. An in-depth introduction to information technology that supports practice and improves patient care and outcomes is explored.

View Full Curriculum

Today’s ever changing health care environment has created a need for nurses to be leaders in evidence based practice. Chatham’s MSN programs prepare graduates to improve health outcomes by using advanced leadership, education, and informatics skills.

- Emily Hopkins, PhD, MSN, FNP, Associate Professor, MSN Program Coordinator, IRB Co-Chair

Our Faculty

Faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field.

Full Faculty
Diane Hunker
Diane Hunker
Program Director of Nursing, DNP Program Coordinator & Professor
Emily Hopkins
Emily Hopkins
Associate Professor, MSN Program Coordinator, IRB Co-Chair
Lora Walter
Lora Walter
Assistant Professor of Nursing, Pathways to Nursing Coordinator

Timing

A cohort of full-time and part-time students for each track is admitted on a rolling basis. Full-time students are able to complete the degree in four sequential terms; part-time students in six terms.

Funding Opportunities

The AfterCollege/AACN Scholarships support students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree in nursing. Eight $2,500 scholarships are awarded throughout the year. A limited number of nursing scholarships may be available. A FAFSA form must be completed and on file to be considered for the scholarship. To fill out the FAFSA, please visit their website and use the Chatham school code (003244).

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Nurse Educator Certificate

The Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit certificate that provides the nurse with the basic educational tools necessary to teach nursing and/or nurses in an academic or clinical setting. The Certificate can be completed in two terms. There is an optional 250 experiential practice-hour practicum course for those students who want to apply their teaching knowledge and skills under the supervision of an educator preceptor for an additional three credits.

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RN-to-MSN Educator Track

The RN-to-MSN Educator Track allows the student to complete two graduate degrees in 47 credits. The BSN component prepares the registered nurse to improve leadership and management skills in the role of the clinical nurse. The MSN educator track provides the student with the graduate level knowledge and skills to become leaders and educators to nurses and other healthcare professionals as well as patients in clinical, academic, medical device sales, pharmaceutical sales, continuing education, and healthcare insurance settings. A minimum of 120 practice experience hours will be accrued.

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