MS in Nursing

The mission of Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professions at the undergraduate and graduate levels is to prepare critically inquiring, competent, professional nurses who embrace truth and learning and who respect Christian values while promoting health for persons in dynamic healthcare environments.

The nursing practice incorporates the four metaparadigm concepts: nurse, person, health, and environment. These four components are interconnected in a dynamic, ever-changing milieu.

At Valpo’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, there are several paths students can take to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Advising in the master of science in nursing program is done by the assistant dean of graduate nursing.

Program Requirements

• Special Topics in Biology (Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology)
• Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators (35 clinical clock hours in simulation activities)
• Pharmacologic Principles for Nurse Educators
• Organizational and Systems Leadership for Nurse Educators
• Research and EBP for Nurse Educators
• Foundations of Nursing Education
• Evaluation in Nursing Education
• Leadership in Clinical Nursing Education (35 clinical clock hours)
• Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice
• Direct Care Practicum (70 clinical clock hours)

Total Credit Requirements 30

Note: A Nursing Lab Fee is payable by each graduate nursing student enrolled in NUR 505, NUR 653, and NUR 680.

MSN students are required to come to campus to attend new student orientation at the beginning of their program.

Prior to beginning clinical courses (NUR 505, 653, and 680), students must submit evidence of a current nursing license, medical/health insurance, CPR certification, TB skin test results, immunizations (Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and annual influenza), a statement of good health, clear criminal background check, and a negative drug screen. These items must be uploaded on a tracker purchased through the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The clinical clearance items must be updated annually and must be current through the end of the semester.

Additional state licensure is not associated with the MSN degree.

Completion of Valparaiso University’s CCNE-accredited MSN Program, with its Nurse Educator Focus, meets the educational requirements to apply for NLN CNE® and/or CNE®cl certification.

The master of science in nursing prepares nurse educators for academic communities and/or healthcare organizations. At the completion of the 30-credit program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Synthesize the roles of the nurse educator in academic communities and/or healthcare organizations.
2. Facilitate and evaluate learner achievement of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes in diverse settings.
3. Design curricula and create program outcomes that reflect the dynamic health environment.
4. Develop and implement strategies to address the environmental influences of culture, economics, ethics, law, policy, politics, society, and technology on teaching and learning.
5. Integrate the processes of scholarship, critical thinking, communication, change, and lifelong learning into the nurse educator role.
6. Contribute to the academic community or health care organization, profession, and community as an innovative nurse educator.