All full-time nursing faculty are registered nurses (RNs).

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW #530, Washington, DC 20036, tel. (202) 887–6791.

Program Overview
The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing is to prepare nurses to improve nursing practice through the advancement of theories of nursing and research. The graduate of this program is prepared in education or administration. Consistent with Bellarmine’s goal to prepare leaders for our society, graduate students in nursing will be able to effect change within health care.

1. Synthesize advanced theoretical, empirical, and ethical knowledge to influence nursing
   practice
2. Demonstrate competence in a professional role in administration or education
3. Use research skills to identify practice and system problems, initiate change, and improve outcomes.
4. Assume leadership roles that contribute to social, cultural, economic, and political changes to improve health care delivery, health promotion and disease prevention, and to advance professional nursing.

MSN/MBA Program
The MSN/MBA program offers professional nurses a unique opportunity to prepare for leadership, management, and health policy roles in health care organizations. Students complete requirements of both the MSN nursing administration track and the MBA program. Eight hours from the MBA are applied to the MSN requirements of Nurs. 625, Nurs. 640, and an elective.

Students interested in the MSN / MBA track must apply to both the MSN and the MBA programs . For more information about the MBA Program, please contact Laura Richardson at 502.452.8258

Nursing Administration
The nursing administration track prepares professional nurses to function in management positions in a variety of health care settings. Students focus on financial and economic aspects of health care, human and resource management, and organizational leadership. Selected clinical, administrative, and research experiences provide the student with the opportunity to function as a nurse administrator. Practica must be completed in nursing administration.

Degree Requirements
1. 37–39 hours of graduate credits in nursing and/or related fields.
2. A minimum of 24 hours of graduate credits earned in residence at Bellarmine.
3. Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 overall grade point average throughout the program.
4. Completion of degree work within six (6) years from the time of entry.

Admission to the MSN Program
Admission to the master’s program requires approval by the MSN Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. The criteria below must be met for unconditional admission. An applicant who lacks one or more of the criteria may be considered for admission with probationary or conditional status.

1. Be a registered nurse and hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
2. File a Graduate Admissions Application form with application fee.
3. Submit official college transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate degrees and credits from accredited institutions.
4. Submit statement on application form outlining how a MSN degree will help meet your professional goals.
5. Satisfactorily complete GRE and submit official record of scores.* (Students applying for the MSN/MBA program take the GMAT instead of the GRE.)
6. 6. Students for whom English is a second language must also submit official report of TOEFL scores.

* GRE must be completed by the end of the first semester enrolled.

See application / information packet