Prepare to work effectively and collaboratively in designing and evaluating complex health care strategies with an advanced degree in nursing.
Known for its high caliber and proficiency in online education, the Clarkson College online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program attracts registered nurses from across the U.S. who are interested in experiencing greater challenges, opportunities and advantages in their nursing careers.
Our rigorous and patient-focused MSN program prepares graduates to function independently and collaboratively in designing, implementing and evaluating complex health care strategies in a variety of advanced-practice nursing roles.
Students in the MSN program choose from five specialties:
Educating nurses who wish to become nursing healthcare administrators (i.e., executives or managers).
Degree plan
Educating nurses who wish to become academic or clinical nurse educators.
Degree plan
Educating nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care of the individual and family in primary care settings.
Degree plan
Educating nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care to the adult and gerontological patients in acute care settings.
Degree Plan
Educating nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care for patients in mental and/or behavioral health settings.
Degree Plan
Although the MSN program is offered entirely online, students enrolled in any of the Nurse Practitioner options are required to complete one on-campus visits. Refer to the Graduate Nursing Handbook for current details. At the completion of the MSN program, students who elected a Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialty will be prepared to sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program National Certification Examination.
State Authorization & Licensure Information
Applicants must first meet all basic admissions criteria for Clarkson College to have your file reviewed by the committee:
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) provides financial assistance to nurses enrolled in the Clarkson College Doctor in Health Care Education & Leadership (Ed.D.) program or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nursing Education program option. The NFLP aims to assist registered nurses as they complete their education to become qualified nursing faculty. Recipients are required to teach for at least four consecutive years following graduation to be eligible for loan forgiveness through NFLP.
Due to the success of the Nurse Faculty Loan Program at Clarkson College funds are very limited for new students. The college will be applying for new funds beginning with the 2021-22 year. New students should consult with their financial aid counselor to discuss funding options that are available.
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become nursing healthcare administrators (i.e., executives or managers). The curriculum encompasses systems, leadership, and organization information, including theoretical models and concepts that are relevant to the role of nursing healthcare administrator. Learners will review and evaluate several health care settings and identify strategies to manage those areas. This program option prepares the learner to engage in evidence-based, data-driven decision-making while pursuing high-quality healthcare that is safe, affordable and results in positive outcomes.
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become academic or clinical nurse educators. The evidence-based curriculum offers students the opportunity to acquire information about teaching and learning theories and strategies, curriculum or program development, and evaluation or assessment strategies while fostering an ethical perspective. These learners will also encounter technologies being used to deliver nursing education content and experiences, from classroom technologies to skills lab and simulation technologies. The nurse educator assumes the role of mentor, coach, guide, and expert, nurturing student nurses and/or providing continuing professional development to registered or licensed practical nurses.
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care of the individual and family in primary care settings. Throughout this program option, the learner will develop an advanced nursing practice that encompasses concepts and theories related to nursing and healthcare, as well as recognized and evidence-based care standards to deliver family-centered care. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) assumes the role of educator, referral agent, and advocate while providing care within an evolving healthcare system.
*The Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through the clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at a time.
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care to adult and gerontological patients in acute care settings. Throughout this program option, the learner will develop an advanced nursing practice that encompasses concepts and theories related to nursing and healthcare, and will assume the role of educator, referral agent, and advocate while providing care within an evolving healthcare system.
*The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progession through the clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at a time.
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care for patients in mental and/or behavioral health settings. The learner will engage in identifying key concepts and theories related to psychiatric-mental health nursing, strategies for communicating clearly with patients, and evidence-based treatment options or plans that meet the unique needs of each patient. The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner takes on the roles of educator, communicator, and advocate while providing care within an evolving healthcare system.
*The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through the clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NS 830). Only one clinical course maybe te taken at a time.
Estimated rates for the 2020-21 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Find out more information about costs, tuition, and fees.
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$93,000
Payscale.com, 2017
Overall employment of nurse midwives and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 26 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.