Master of Science in Nursing Program Information

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM The Master of Science in Nursing program enlarges the focus of nursing, using as its foundation the basic baccalaureate nursing program. The program's goals are directed toward educating the Clinical Nurse Specialist, the Nurse Practitioner, the Nurse Midwife, and the Nurse Administrator. These majors present a theoretical base, part of which is held in common with all majors and is completed by all master's students. The theoretical base specific for each major is included in the major area courses. It is accompanied by clinical or practical experience that allows the students to apply the theory in a health care setting. GENERAL DESIGN OF THE GRADUATE CURRICULUM The Master of Science in Nursing curriculum has four major components. These are the Common Core segment, the Advanced Practice segment, the Specialty Core segment, and the Research segment. The Common Core nursing courses provide the core knowledge and skills essential to the nurse practicing in any advanced role in nursing. The Advanced Practice courses extend the student's underlying clinical knowledge and skill base. The Research courses focus on the ability of the nurse to understand and use research to participate in the development of new knowledge in health care. The Clinical/Functional Specialty courses provide information necessary for advanced practice in the student's area. Elective courses offer the student the opportunity to individualize the program to meet his or her specific needs. Courses may be chosen from nursing areas in or outside the student's major or from areas outside nursing. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Admission Committee considers all available information regarding each applicant. The following criteria are considered: Graduation from a nationally accredited bachelor's program in nursing with an overall grade point average of B or above. License to practice as a registered nurse in one state in the USA. One year of work experience in the clinical area of concentration. Community Health Nursing, Nursing Administration, and Nurse Practitioner require one year's experience in any area of nursing. The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner track requires two years experience in a Level III nursery. Acceptable achievement on the Graduate Record Examination. A college level physical assessment course A graduate level statistics course All applicants are considered on an individual basis. If the above admission requirements are not met, opportunities may be provided for admission with a condition that must be removed before attaining regular graduate status. GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Applications are considered three times each year. The deadlines for submission of the completed application (including GRE scores) are July 1 for Fall semester, November 1 for Spring semester, and April 1 for Summer semester. If you do not complete your application for the semester you indicate on your application, your file will become inactive. It will be your responsibility to notify us if you wish to apply for a subsequent semester. The following materials are needed to complete the application: Application to the Graduate School Application to the School of Nursing Masters Track Letter clearly stating applicant's detailed personal objectives and specific career goals Three letters of reference on the forms provided in the application packet. Preferably, the references will be from a former instructor, current employer, and professional colleague. Two copies of official transcripts of all college records GRE scores An informational personal or telephone interview with a School of Nursing representative. To schedule an appointment, call (913) 588-1621. Physical Assessment Prerequisite Course form Statistics Prerequisite Course form Photocopy of current nursing license $35 application fee. Submit all materials to: KU School of Nursing - Graduate Desk The University of Kansas Medical Center 3901 Rainbow Blvd. Kansas City, KS 66160-7501 GUIDELINES FOR FOREIGN AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS In addition to the regular graduate materials, international students must complete the International Graduate Student Application form. If you carry a Resident Alien "green card" or military visa, please include a photocopy of your card with your application materials. If you do not have a Resident Alien card, you must complete a Request Form for F-1 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. International applicants to the graduate nursing program are required to have completed the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Qualifying Exam and successfully completed the NCLEX-RN in at least one state of the United States. All students from abroad and all students whose first language is not English must submit official copies of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. All TOEFL part scores should be at least 57, with an essay score of at least 5.0. For the computer-based TOEFL, all part scores should be at least 23, with an essay score of at least 4.0.

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