The graduate curricular model is comprised of three components: 1) nursing science; 2) advanced practice; and 3) supportive fields. Full time and part time plans of study are available in all programs.
^ Courses which are available to non-degree seeking students.
The nurse educator program and post-master's certificate program is dedicated to developing nurse educators who advance nursing clinical practice, education and research in academic and practice settings. Graduates are eligible for national certification as academic nurse educators through the National League for Nursing. The MS is the minimum degree of preparation appropriate for the clinical nursing faculty member in academic and practice settings. The NE Program consists of:
Nursing Science Component:
NURS 601(3), NURS 602(2), NURS 604(3), NURS 620(3), NURS 621(3), NURS 622(3), NURS 640(2) NURS 699(4)
Advanced Practice Component:
NURS 603(3), NURS 606(3), NURS 636(3), NURS 637(3), NURS 638(3), NURS 639(3)
Supportive Fields Component:
HLTH 575(3) or equivalent, KSP 676(4), KSP 678 (4)
Total Credits: 52 (360 clinical hours)
The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) program and post-master's certificate program is dedicated to developing CNSs who advance nursing clinical practice, education and research in practice settings. Graduates are eligible for national certification as clinical nurse specialists to practice with a specialty population. CNSs possess advanced knowledge of the science of nursing with a specialty focus and apply that knowledge to nursing assessments, diagnoses, and interventions and the design of innovation (American Nurses Association, 2004). The CNS program consists of:
Nursing Science Component:
NURS 601(3), NURS 602(2), NURS 604(3), NURS 620(3), NURS 640(2), NURS 699(3)
Advanced Practice Component:
NURS 603(3), NURS 606(2), NURS 660(3), NURS 661(3), NURS 648(3), NURS 649(3), and choice of either NURS 641(2), NURS 642(2), NURS 643(2), or NURS 644 (2)
Supportive Fields Component:
HLTH 575(3) or equivalent, NURS 552(3), NURS 553(3), NURS 554(3)
Total Credits: 47 (500 clinical hours)
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) program and post-master's certificate program is dedicated to developing FNPs who advance nursing clinical practice, education and research in practice settings. Graduates are eligible for national certification as family nurse practitioners and are prepared to practice in acute care and community settings with a focus on primary care of individuals across the lifespan and their families. The FNP Program consists of:
Nursing Science Component:
NURS 601(3), NURS 602(2), NURS 604(3), NURS 620(3), NURS 640(2), NURS 699(3)
Advanced Practice Component:
NURS 603(3), NURS 606(2), NURS 641(2), NURS 642 (2), NURS 643(2), NURS 644(2), NURS 645(4), NURS 646(4), NURS 647(4)
Supportive Fields Component:
HLTH 575(3) or equivalent, NURS 552(3), NURS 553(3), NURS 554(3)
Total Credits: 53 (600 clinical hours)
All students must complete the program within six years of taking the first course that applies to the nursing science major. Students may progress either full time or part time. Full time students can complete the major in four semesters and one or two summer terms. The part time plan includes a minimum of six semesters and one or two summer terms.
Guidelines provided by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the American Nurses' Association Credentialing Center (ANCC), are used in program development. The School of Nursing Graduate Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For further information about accreditation, contact CCNE, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, Phone: (202) 887-6791.
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers numerous sources of financial assistance. Graduate assistantships provide part-time, academically-related employment to eligible graduate students. These carry stipends up to $9,000 per academic year; up to a maximum of nine credits per semester of resident, graduate tuition; and resident rates for nonresident students. Federal Nurse Education Traineeships are available to students who commit to registering for and completing at least 6 graduate credits each semester of the academic year. The award amount is determined by the amount of funding received annually. Other funding is available through national, state, and local public and privates sources.
