Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Science in Nursing program is based on the mission and goals of Allen College. In order to fulfill our mission, the College provides a quality master's program that prepares men and women from culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse communities for advanced roles in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing program focuses on practice that reflects societal needs for complex nursing services in a variety of settings. The Master of Science in Nursing program is dedicated to preparing individuals who possess the skill to synthesize knowledge essential to scholarly practice and inquiry. Master's level preparation for advanced roles in nursing encompasses both generalized and specialized areas of study. Practicum opportunities incorporate a synthesis of both theoretical and clinical components. While some coursework requires a classroom presence, all of the core coursework is completed online.
Program Goals
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Prepare leaders in nursing who are proficient in an advanced role.
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Promote critical thinking, scholarship, and citizenship to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Iowa and the surrounding area.
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Provide graduate education programs of excellence through the use of information, communication, diagnostic, and therapeutic technologies.
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Provide graduates with the foundation for doctoral study.
Graduate Outcomes
In concert with the Philosophy of Allen College, the graduate will:
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Synthesize theories from nursing science and related disciplines in order to develop a theoretical basis to guide practice in an advanced role.
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Demonstrate an advanced level of expertise in a nursing role.
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Provide leadership in clinical practice, service, education, and research utilization.
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Use a process of scholarly inquiry to advance the profession of nursing.
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Analyze the effects of historical, cultural, economic, ethical, legal, and political influences on health care delivery.
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Contribute to the continuing professional development of self, others, and the discipline of nursing.
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Provide leadership for the achievement of organizational planning, analysis, and the initiation of change.
Program Description/Purpose
The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing program is to prepare leaders in nursing that can function in an advanced nursing role. The program leads to a Master of Science in Nursing degree, which may serve as a terminal degree or as the basis for doctoral study.
The following MSN tracks are available:
Post-master's certificate programs of study are available in all tracks of the MSN program for nurses who already hold a master's degree with a major in nursing.
Request a degree audit to find out how your previous graduate college credits may transfer to any of the tracks to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree or Post-master's certificate.
Allen College considers admitting applicants living out of state or country.
Applicants and current students must be aware select states require approval prior to Allen College offering online courses and clinical study in those states. Additionally, a state certification or governing licensing board may also require prior approval for an Allen College student to engage in clinical study within the state. Therefore, Allen College cannot guarantee out-of- state clinical or practicum placement. Allen College also cannot guarantee students maintaining residency in a state other than Iowa will be allowed to enroll in online courses.
Applicants planning to maintain residency in any state other than Iowa, and planning to enroll in an online course or engage in clinical study in any state other than Iowa, should consult an admission counselor prior to applying to Allen College.
FAQs
How often do you admit students?
Students can be admitted to fall, spring, or summer semester.
Is a bachelor's degree in nursing required for admission?
No. Students who do not hold a bachelor's degree in nursing, but hold a bachelor's degree in another field must also have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Undergraduate courses in statistics, nursing research and community health are required prior to enrollment in certain master's level courses at Allen College.
Is an admission examination (e.g. GRE) required?
No.
Is clinical experience required prior to admission?
No. While clinical experience is not required prior to admission, at least one year of clinical experience is required prior to enrollment in clinical courses at the master's level.
Do you require an interview as part of the admission process?
No.
How many students are admitted?
The number of students admitted is dependent on the space available in each program. Most programs have a capacity of 25 students in the program specific courses.
What is the deadline for applying?
While applications are accepted throughout the year, Allen College begins reviewing applications as follows:
September 1 - applications are reviewed for admission for the spring semester.
February 1 - applications are reviewed for admission for the summer and fall semesters.
If the master's programs can be filled by the dates above, they will be. Applications coming in after those dates will be reviewed in date order until the program is filled.
How long will it take for me to know if I am accepted?
Students who have applied prior to the review dates listed above will be notified of an admission decision within one month. Students who have applied after the review dates listed above will be notified as space is available.
Can I take some graduate courses before being admitted?
Because of the high demand of Allen College graduates, we may be unable to accommodate students wishing to take courses prior to admission. However, our recruiters can help students find graduate courses that will transfer to Allen College.
How long will it take me to complete the degree?
A master's degree from Allen College can be completed in two years, dependent on course availability. Most Allen College students complete their degree in three to four years at a part-time pace while working.
Over how many weeks is each class offered?
Fall and spring courses are offered over 16-week semesters. Summer course terms vary, and may be taught in 8 or 12-week terms.
Is a thesis required?
No. Students completing a master of science in nursing degree complete a graduate project.
Will I have to come to campus to complete the degree requirements?
Yes. All tracks in the master of science in nursing degree or post-graduate certificate require some face-to-face meetings. The core master of science in nursing courses are taught in an online format. Each track in the master of science in nursing degree is taught differently. Please refer to the FAQs listed in your desired track.
Is there a residency requirement?
Students enrolled in a nurse practitioner track will be required to attend one, three-day residency.
I have never taken an online course. What should I do to prepare to take an online course?
Take our online learning readiness quiz at (coming soon).
What is the format that masters courses are offered?
Allen College uses Blackboard as the platform for online learning.
What hardware/software will I need?
Please review the hardware/software requirements.
Do I have to carry malpractice insurance?
No, students do not need to carry malpractice insurance.
Do I have to be licensed as an RN to start the program?
Students who have recently graduated from an undergraduate program may be admitted conditionally for one semester while becoming licensed as an RN.
Does Allen College accept transfer credit?
Yes, Request a degree audit to find out how your previous graduate college credits may transfer to any of the tracks to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree or Post-graduate certificate.
What financial assistance is available for me?
Yes. Many Allen College students receive financial assistance to help cover educational expenses. Please visit our financial aid webpage.
How many credits do I need in order to be considered full-time?
Students enrolled in 8 or more credit hours are considered full-time students in the graduate programs. Students enrolled in 4 - 7 credit hours are considered part-time students.
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