Nursing (M.S.N.)

Director: Judith Malachowski

Assistant Director, Graduate Programs: Deborah MacMillan debby.macmillan@gcsu.edu

Senior Secretary: Jess Tanner, jess.tanner@gcsu.edu

Macon Campus Graduate Center Contact Information

433 Cherry Street

Macon, GA 31204

Phone: 478-752-1074

Fax: 478-752-1077

In concert with the Georgia College liberal arts mission, the School of Nursing is committed to the formation of nurse leaders to engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning and civic participation in a health information intensive environment through the development and mastery of clinical reasoning, professional nursing skills and values.

Georgia College offers the Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus in the family nurse practitioner role.

The Post-MSN option is available for those who hold an MSN and are seeking specialization as a family nurse practitioner. Admission requirements include completing an application for enrichment and sending all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (no testing is required). An individualized program of study will be developed on the basis of previous coursework completed. For information, contact the Graduate Program at 478-752-1074.

Admission Requirements for the MSN Degree

Admission is limited to the most qualified applicants.

Applicants shall:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program.
2. Provide evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse and eligibility for licensure in Georgia. If the student expects to complete any clinical learning in the state, a Georgia RN license is required. At least one year of clinical practice is required for consideration, additional clinical experience is preferred.
3. Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 undergraduate hours required in the nursing major.
4. Have successfully completed an undergraduate level statistics course and have successfully completed a physical assessment course.
5. Participate in an interview in person or by phone.
6. Submission of GRE score less than 5 years old.

An application is complete when all of the following have been submitted:

• Application form and non-refundable application fee: $35 online, $40 paper
• Two letters of reference from professionals who can speak to the applicant's experience and potential for success in master's studies
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Statement of Professional Goals
• Sample of professional writing on a topic of clinical interest that focuses on evidence-based practice (500-800 words in APA format)
• Copy of RN license appropriate to the state where clinical courses will be completed

Regular Admission

Admission Criteria:

• Undergraduate GPA (minimum 2.75)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• GRE
• Statement of professional goals
• Professional writing sample

Enrichment Status

Georgia College offers an enrichment status for a "person who holds a baccalaureate degree and wishes to enroll in graduate courses for purposes of self-improvement or enjoyment." In the School of Nursing, a maximum of nine (9) credit hours is permitted in this status. Enrichment students may enroll only in non-clinical courses. Enrichment students may apply for any semester.

Successful completion of courses taken as an Enrichment Status student does not lead to admission to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Students desiring regular admission and having a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 undergraduate hours required in the nursing major, are encouraged to consider retaking the GRE exam and reapplying for the next academic year.

Acceptance into a course is dependent upon availability of space and facilities after full-time and part-time students have been registered.

Other Nursing Program Requirements:

1. Have computer access, preferably at home. All MSN majors are expected to be able to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) when submitting assignments. Graduate students should have proficiency with Microsoft Office, Internet, and e-mail. In addition, graduate students are expected to have updated and enabled virus protection software on their computers. Students may be required to purchase additional software as listed in individual course syllabi.
2. Complete and return all forms specified in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook found at http://www.gcsu.edu/nursing/graduateprogram/index.htm to the Assistant Director, Graduate Programs.
3. Complete all required courses for the MSN degree within a period of 7 years from the date the student begins graduate courses at Georgia College. Any course work completed more than 7 years prior to completion of requirements for the MSN degree will be considered outdated and will not be applied toward the MSN degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred in from other institutions.

Clinical Courses

Prior to participation in any clinical learning rotation, students must submit evidence of health status, immunizations, TB screening, professional liability insurance, RN license, current CPR certification, criminal background checks, urine drug screens and other laboratory tests as specified by clinical agencies, ability to meet technical standards or ask for accommodations, and complete required documents as described in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook, which is found at http://www.gcsu.edu/nursing/graduateprogram/index.htm.

All documents must be updated annually. Students are required to earn a grade of B or higher in clinical courses in order to progress to the next semester.

Transfer Credits

No more than 9 semester hours of graduate course work in nursing may be accepted from other institutions. All requests for transfer credit must be approved by the Assistant Director, Graduate Programs.

Synthesis Requirement

All students who expect to complete requirements for the MSN degree must demonstrate synthesis of knowledge/skill for their respective areas of specialization prior to graduation. Synthesis will be demonstrated by successful completion a portfolio. Details are available in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook.

In addition, students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner track will take and pass a written comprehensive practice exam in their last semester of coursework. Details are available in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook.

Facilities

The large number of health care agencies in the region makes it possible for the College of Health Sciences to offer a variety of clinical learning opportunities; however, students can anticipate driving up to 100 miles for clinical learning on occasion. Students considering application to the MSN program should be aware that criminal background checks, drug screens, and other laboratory tests can be required by clinical sites.

Online Course Fees

All programs that provide at least 95% of a program through On-Line delivery methods will charge a $50 per credit hour course fee.  Click here for information about special fees.

Career Information

Students completing the MSN degree have opportunities encompassing management, administration, teaching, and advanced clinical positions throughout Georgia and the nation. Career information is available from faculty in the School of Nursing.

National Accreditation

The MSN program at Georgia College is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326. For more information, please contact Dr. Sharon Tanner at 404-975-5000.

Steps in Completing the Master of Science in Nursing Program

1. Submit a complete application for graduate study, test scores, and official transcripts from every college or university attended to the Graduate Admissions Office.
2. Complete all admission documents and return them to the School of Nursing.
3. Consult faculty academic advisor for development of a Program of Study.
4. Complete course requirements, maintaining 3.0 GPA.
5. While enrolled in clinical courses, assure that current clinical documents have been submitted for the student file in the Office of the Assistant Director, Graduate Programs.
6. Complete synthesis requirement.
7. Complete a written application for graduation by the date specified in the official University calendar.