The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Castleton University has received provisional approval (pending graduation of the first class) from the Vermont Board of Nursing (BON). Email: SOS.OPRLicensing1@Vermont.gov
Office of Professional Regulation, 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor Montpelier, VT 05620-3402. Phone: 802-828-2396
The master's degree program in nursing at Castleton University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
The BSN-to-MSN track in the nursing program allows the qualified licensed registered professional nurse a flexible adult learning experience to complete Master's degree requirements completely online. Students take the Core Curriculum and then pursue one of two concentrations: Nursing Education or Clinical Nurse Leader. The program integrates an interdisciplinary grouping of courses that enable students to gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to advance their careers.
The nursing program at Castleton University is approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791.
Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and will be prepared to further their careers as a Clinical Nurse Leader or Nurse Educator.
Students in the BSN-to-MSN track are admitted directly into the major and enrolled in a transitional course designed to ease them into the on-line teaching-learning environment. The transitional course exposes students to University and Department resources, on-line learning, and Master teaching-learning expectations.
All courses required for completion of the BSN-to-MSN program are offered through distance-learning methods. Indirect and direct "hands-on" clinical experiences occur under the guidance of qualified and approved preceptors with faculty and agency guidance and support in settings local to the student's place of residence. In the semester prior to graduation, students complete a transitional course (involving on-line course work combined with an internship) designed to showcase their advanced practice knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Admission RequirementsAll applicants must possess an unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the United States. Additional admission requirements for this program include:
All nursing courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better. Nursing majors may repeat a maximum of two courses required for the major; each course required for the major may be repeated only one time. Patient safety is our number one priority, thus, students whose health, performance, or behavior is judged unsatisfactory may be withdrawn from the program.
Additional FeesThe nursing student experience is different than that of other students, thus, additional fees apply including but not limited to fees related to equipment and supplies (name badge, stethoscope, uniforms, lab coat, shoes solely for the clinical setting, pen light and bandage scissors), the conduct of a criminal background check, drug screening, maintenance of records necessary for clearance to practice in the clinical setting, and select laboratory and curricular technology fees. Reasonable attempts are made to communicate new fees and changes in fee structures in a timely manner. A description of fees can be found in the student handbook and/or course syllabi.
LicensureStudents enrolled in the BSN-to-MSN program must maintain an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the United States.
To earn a Master of Science in Nursing, students must have acquired 40 total credits (combined core and concentration requirements) and 500 hours of practicum hours.
Code | Course | Credits |
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NUR 5011 |
Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Advanced PracticeThis course builds on previous knowledge of physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Students focus on advanced physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacologic principles to learn to interpret changes in normal function which indicate illness. Students will analyze the relationship between physiologic/pathologic responses and pharmacologic agents using evidence-based research. Other topics include: safe and effective medication administration, assessment of patient medication regime, patient compliance with medication regime, and more. Prerequisite: Undergraduate Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Periodically |
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NUR 5012 |
Advanced Health Assessment and Health PromotionThis course builds on previous health assessment knowledge and offers both theoretical and clinical foundations for assessing biopsychosocial health status of patients across the life span. Students will investigate the concepts of health, health promotion, illness prevention, and maintenance of health. Students will analyze common abnormal findings using comprehensive virtual laboratory modules and will be demonstrated mastery of advanced skills via video. Prerequisite: NUR 5011 Periodically |
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NUR 5013 |
Transitions to the Advanced Practice RoleThis course provides students the foundation for advanced practice nursing. The role of the advance practice nurse as a member of the profession will be emphasized. Students will be introduced to nursing theories and theories from the natural, social, biological and organizational sciences to inform future nursing practice. Other important topics to be introduced include: cultural diversity, ethical practice, civility, and competence to assure the delivery of culturally competent care, minimization of health disparities, and reduce professional burnout. Periodically |
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NUR 5014 |
Evidence Based Practice and Research in HealthcareThis course builds on foundational critical appraisal and research utilization knowledge and skills. Students investigate the relevance and applicability of evidence and research to selected health care settings and populations. Students will examine advanced research processes and models for applying evidence in clinical practice to support nursing care and quality standards. This course will foster students to analyze systems to reduce the variations in patient care. Periodically |
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AHS 6065 |
Healthcare InformaticsThis course, an integration of cognitive science, computer science, and information science, introduces students to the essential role of informatics in improving patient care outcomes in health sciences, athletic training and nursing practice, and creating a safe care environment. Throughout this course students will have opportunities to organize, evaluate, and use health information and knowledge to critically appraise and use information technology to enhance evidence-based practice. The focus of discussions will include ethical considerations, social networking tools, electronic health records, handheld computers, and e-portfolios in health care environments. Prerequisite: AHS 6045 Spring |
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BUS 5130 |
Leading Organizational ChangeThis course focuses on leading organizational change and how to be a change agent in an organization. It emphasizes that the organizational change process is planned change to improve an organization's problem-solving skills and its overall effectiveness within a changing and complex environment. This critical process includes behavioral effects of power and authority, formal organizations, structural variation, and motivation. Prerequisite: BUS 5010 Periodically |
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HCA 5110 |
Healthcare and Social PolicyAnalysis of key contemporary issues in health and social policy will provide students with a deeper understanding of the design and structure of the US government, the US health care system, the policy initiatives that have shaped it, and the roles of the government, the private sector, and consumers and advocacy groups in setting the policy agenda. Seminars will examine the origins of each issue, the policies enacted and their effects, both intended and unintended, and will propose and debate the merits of alternative policy solutions. The role of health services and policy research in informing the policy debate and directions will be highlighted. Periodically |
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HCA 5130 |
Systems Thinking: Healthcare QualityIntegrating principles of systems thinking, interprofessional competencies, and evidence-based practice with the science of safety and quality improvement, students will examine and address issues in quality improvement and patient safety. Using various theories and models, students assess healthcare practices and identify human and systems factors that contribute to quality and safety issues. Lessons learned from the science of safety and quality improvement will be used to develop strategies to enhance patient safety and systems of care. Periodically |
Code | Course | Credits |
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NUR 5025 |
The Nurse Educator RoleLearners examine the multidimensional tripartite faculty role of teaching, service, and scholarship. Learners also analyze nurse educator competencies and the professional development activities that are responsibilities associated with functioning as a nurse educator in an academic or health care environment. External issues and trends that impact nursing education will be explored including ethical and legal considerations. Periodically |
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NUR 5026 |
Teaching and Active Learning Strategies Seminar & Practicum IThis course introduces the learner to research-based educational theory, teaching strategies, and concepts of learning domains and learning styles. Learners relate this knowledge to the classroom, the Simulation Lab, virtual environments, and in clinical settings. Theories will be examined for their application to various settings, education levels, and teaching-learning styles for the adult learner. Various classroom management strategies will also be explored. Communication strategies and skills will be addressed to facilitate effective and collaborative interactions between learners and colleagues. Prerequisite: NUR 5025 Periodically |
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NUR 5027 |
Curriculum Design, Development, & Evaluation - Seminar & Practicum IThis course allows learners to examine, apply, and analyze curriculum models and frameworks commonly used in nursing education. The seminar portion of the course permits learners to explore the curriculum development and evaluation process through seminar discussions and readings. Congruently, learners will begin to develop an evidence based teaching project during a 60 hour instructor led practicum to demonstrate competency of course objectives. Prerequisite: NUR 5026 NUR 5028 Periodically |
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NUR 5028 |
Assessment & Evaluation of Nursing Education- Seminar & Practicum IIIn this final nursing education course, learners probe strategies used to assess and evaluate student learning in the classroom, online, the Simulation Center, and in clinical settings, as well as within all domains of learning. Learners consider how current and advancing technology is integrated into nursing education. Students apply and analyze the theories, competencies, and concepts of the previous nurse educator courses in a 60-hour instructor-led practicum experience. Learners develop and demonstrate the skills required to use assessment and evaluation data to improve the teaching-learning process, measure the achievement of learning outcomes, and evaluate program effectiveness. NUR 5027 Periodically |
Code | Course | Credits |
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BUS 5070 |
Risk & Financial ManagementAll major business decisions have financial implications. Therefore, the manager's role has become increasingly critical in the last decade. This case-based course builds on prior knowledge of financial management by applying concepts and techniques to a broad array of financial issues faced by firms of all sizes. The course reviews the application of concepts and tools necessary to understand the financial decision-making process. Specific topics include: valuation of financial instruments, capital budgeting, an introduction to capital markets, the assessment and pricing of risk, capital structure issues, dividend policy, and working capital considerations. Periodically |
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NUR 5109 |
Nursing Epidemiology and BiostatisticsEpidemiology is the basic science of public health. This course is designed to introduce learners to the background, basic principles, and methods of public health epidemiology. This course also introduces learners to the basic collection, analysis, and dissemination of public health data. Topics covered in this course include: measures of disease frequency, epidemiologic study designs, and outbreak investigations. Learners will develop ability to read, interpret, and evaluate public health information from evidence-based epidemiologic research. Periodically |
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NUR 5110 |
Clinical Nurse Leader Immersion-SeminarThe Clinical Nurse Leader Immersion Seminar experience provides the opportunity for in-depth analysis of the CNL role within various health care settings and specialties. The immersion seminar experience prepares the learner for their 420 hour immersion practicum. The course explores the focus of the clinical nurse leader as a clinician who is responsible for system outcomes, client safety, client care, client advocacy, staff/client education, information, systems analysis, and risk reduction. Integration of prior coursework related to advanced assessment and pathophysiology, pharmacology, information systems, ethics, research, evidence-based practice and health care systems is demonstrated in robust online discussion. Periodically |
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NUR 5111 |
Clinical Nurse Leader Capstone-PracticumIn this 400 hour immersion practicum, learners are paired with a nurse leader in the community to guide and support the CNL immersion experience. Learners will demonstrate CNL skills and core competencies during this valuable immersion experience. Integration of prior coursework related to advanced assessment and pathophysiology, pharmacology, information systems, ethics, research, evidence-based practice, risk management, finance, and health care systems management occurs clinical role practice. Prerequisite: NUR 5110 Periodically |
Click here to see the MSN degree plan.
In recognition of the diversity of the educational preparation of students, additional transferrable grades in courses required to meet graduation requirements will be awarded, where appropriate, on a case-by-case basis.