Margaret L. Hodge, R.N., M.S.N., Ed.D., Chair
Carolyn T. Martin, R.N., Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
Phone: (209) 664-6591
CMartin2@csustan.edu
Office: Demergasso-Bava Hall — DBH 260
Phone: (209) 667-3141
View information for the School of Nursing .
The primary purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing is to develop skilled professionals able to assume positions of leadership, which contribute to the health, education, and social structure of the community, state, and nation. The core curriculum provides students with knowledge essential to all nurses prepared at the master’s level. Graduates will be able to critique and evaluate research findings and to apply research findings in order to provide high quality care, initiate change, and implement evidence-based nursing practice. Students will have an understanding of health care policy, health care organizations, and financing of health care which will prepare them to assume leadership positions in an ever-evolving health care system. In addition, knowledge of ethical decision making principles and health disparity issues will help to assure that appropriate and sensitive health care is provided.
Students electing the concentration in education will be prepared to assume roles in nursing education in either an academic or service setting. The concentration in gerontological nursing will prepare nursing professionals to meet the growing demands of an aging population. Furthermore, specialization in this area will provide graduates with essential content to function as managers, providers, and organizers of health care for geriatric patients/clients.
Requirements for Admission to the Graduate Program in the Department of Nursing
- Admission to the CSU Stanislaus Graduate School;
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. If the bachelor’s degree is in a discipline other than nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing is also required (see Bridge Program below);
- Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale);
- Completion of the GRE or the Millers Analogy;
- Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of California;
- Successful completion (minimum grade of C) of an undergraduate statistics course;
- Three professional references; and,
- Résumé with cover letter indicating professional goals.
The School of Nursing Admissions Committee takes into consideration each of the requirements related to rendering an admission decision. Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements but whose credentials reveal potential ability for master’s study are reviewed on an individual basis. Applicants may be required to fulfill specific prerequisites or other conditions of admission prior to an admission decision or may be admitted on a provisional basis. Provisional admission status requires the student to meet specific requirements before full admission status is granted. Students with an Associate Degree in Nursing and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline will be admitted on a provisional basis and must complete 12 units of bridge courses prior to being fully admitted to the Master’s program. Master’s level courses are normally restricted to students admitted to the graduate program. With approval of the nursing graduate director, graduate core course work may be pursued prior to admission if the student has provisional admission status. Enrollment in graduate course work does not guarantee admission to the nursing program.
The Master of Science degree requires completion of 36 units distributed as follows:
- Fifteen units of core courses;
- Eighteen units of graduate coursework in a concentration or specialization including 3 to 5 units of elective course work at the undergraduate 4000 level or graduate level;
- Students in both concentrations may choose between Thesis, Project, or Comprehensive Examination. This choice should be made early in the program. Students should consult with the graduate adviser for current policies. Students choosing the Thesis or Project will enroll in 3 units of culminating experience. Students electing to complete the comprehensive examination will not receive units for the examination so they must enroll in an additional 3 units of elective coursework.
Bridge Program
Students with an Associate Degree in Nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree will also be required to complete the following bridge courses in order to continue to progress through the graduate program. In addition, students must pass the WPST prior to being admitted to the graduate program.
*Availability of the bridging courses would correspond with the current RN-BSN roadmap.
Program Requirements for Master’s Students
From the time a student enters the program and until graduation, the student must have the following:
- Physical examination verified on the Health Evaluation Form
- Continuous Health Insurance
- Current CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers
- Annual two-step TB skin test or X-ray, with evidence of freedom from tuberculosis
- Measles, Rubella, HBV, Varicella, Tdap and flu vaccination, or proof of immunity
- Current California RN license (for RN to BSN track only)
- Background check
- Drug screening
In addition, some agencies may have additional requirements such as fingerprinting and clearance from the Department of Justice. See the Nursing Student Handbook for additional information on other liability and health requirements.
The University reserves the right to limit the enrollment of students in the nursing major to available space and clinical facilities.
Requirements for Continuation in the Program
Students in the graduate nursing program must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the degree. No grade lower than a “B-” will be accepted in courses taken to satisfy degree requirements. Students who fail to maintain a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and will be notified of the conditions required for removal of probation.
