Two Nursing students practicing on a plastic model

RN to Master of Science in Nursing Degree: Education or Management Focus

Regis University's RN to MS in Nursing program combines the RN to BSN Completion and Master of Science in Nursing programs into a single curriculum, putting you on a fast track to earning both a BSN and Master of Science in Nursing degree. Offered online or on campus.
Classroom Online Accelerated

RN to MS in Nursing Degree: Education or Management Focus

Degree Overview

Set your sights on your ultimate goal, and advance quickly to the BSN and the MS in Nursing degree.  This program allows students to complete three graduate level courses in the BSN portion of the curriculum which provides a head start in the Master of Science program.

After completion of the BSN portion of the program, you will continue to complete classes for your master’s degree in the same format as the BSN coursework. Within the master’s portion of the program, you will complete graduate level nursing courses along with four courses in a chosen focus area – education or management.

The Education focus includes teaching and learning theory, curriculum development and evaluation. The Management focus entails course work in human resource development, economics and budgeting. Both focus options include a 105 hour practicum class. This practicum is designed to provide an opportunity to apply the skills and principles taught in the theory portion of the focus area in an authentic health care management or education environment. It is recommended that the practicum requirement be completed in a facility outside that of the student’s place of employment.

Learn How Your Past Education Counts

We’re giving credit where credit is due! The Loretto Heights School of Nursing has approved a credit transfer policy aimed to ensure RNs with an associate’s degree are given the maximum amount of credit possible. Here’s how it works - if you graduated from a regionally accredited institution, completed an ADN program requiring a minimum of 72 semester hours, and have a current license, you’re eligible for a lump sum transfer of at least 72 semester hours. If your ADN program consisted of more than 72 semester hours, additional credit may be awarded. This equates to fewer non-nursing courses, saving you even more time and money!

Various core studies courses are not included in the block transfer policy. These courses include: three semester hours (SH) of philosophy; six SH of religious studies; three SH of statistics; three SH of upper division electives; and a minimum of eight SH of lower division electives. If you’ve already completed any of these courses, we’ll review for transfer credit on a course-by-course basis.

Applicants with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from a non-regionally accredited school, from programs that required less than 72 semester hours, and from diploma RN programs will be awarded 33 hours for RN licensure as guided by the Colorado Articulation Model. All previously completed non-nursing courses will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

Degree

Graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) upon completion of the BSN portion of the program, and the Master of Science, Nursing with a focus in either education or management upon completion of the entire program.

Online Option

Flexible format allows you to log in anytime, day or night as you complete weekly assignments. Each class lasts 8 weeks allowing you to progress quickly. No campus visits are required for online students, but we encourage you to celebrate your graduation in person!

Campus Blended Option

Our campus based program blends classroom and online courses, which allows you great convenience, but also personal contact and guidance. Students typically alternate each week spending one week in class, and the next online. Classes typically meet one evening every-other-week from 5:00PM – 9:00PM, and online content can be completed at anytime that is convenient during the alternate week. The eight-week terms allow you to progress quickly toward your BSN while continuing to work.

Start Dates

Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (August)

Application Deadline

Regis University's RN to M.S. in Nursing program has a rolling admission deadline; we accept applications up to the start date of the program. Course size is limited, so it is best to submit applications sooner than later.

Length of Program

The curriculum can be completed in approximately 24 - 36 months.

Next Step

Call us and we’ll walk you through your next step to get started.

Program Requirements

The following list includes requirements for the RN to MS, Nursing program. The total degree requires 158 semester hours which includes: Corequisites (many of which may have been completed in your prior RN schooling), 33 semester hours automatically awarded per your prior degree and RN license, RN to BSN major coursework, and the Master of Science Degree in Nursing requirements.

A minimum of 30 semester hours for the baccalaureate degree and 24 semester hours for the master’s degree must be completed through Regis University.

Corequisites

Core Study Requirements

21 SH

English Composition

3 SH

Literature/Humanities/Oral & Written Communication

6 SH

Economics/Business

3 SH

Philosophy

  3 SH

Religious Studies

6 SH

 

 

Departmental Requirements

24 SH

Human Anatomy and Physiology*

8 SH

Microbiology*

4 SH

General Psychology

3 SH

Development Psychology (or Child Psychology)

3 SH

Sociology

3 SH

Statistics

3 SH

*Indicates prerequisite courses that need to be completed prior to starting the RN to BSN program

 

 

General Electives

14 SH

 

Upper Division Elective

3 SH

We have created Transfer Guides that provide recommended course work from Colorado colleges to transfer to Regis University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program options. One course will fulfill one requirement only. Course requirements are subject to change without notice. For further information contact the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Office of Marketing & Admissions at 303.458.4344.

RN-BSN Major Requirements

NR 444R - Professional Role Development

Examines contemporary professional nursing roles and issues, standards of practice, Jesuit mission, service learning, personal and professional values, and academic tools that foster success in the nursing program. NOTE: RN-BSN and RN to MS in Nursing Program students only.

NR 448R - Updates in Illness and Disease Mgmt

Focuses on updates in genomics and genetics, pain management, the stress response, immune disorders, mental disorders, rehabilitative, and end-of-life care. Examines acute and chronic disease pathophysiology, evidence-based disease management, and nursing care of selected disorders. NOTE: RN-BSN and RN to MS in Nursing Program students only.

Pre-requisite: TAKE NR*444R NR*460R;

NR 452R - Contemporary Topics in Health Care

Explores professional nursing role within contemporary health care topics areas, including informatics, human diversity and cultural competence, gerontology, vulnerable populations, violence, social justice, and global health. Students engage in service learning and reflection. NOTE: RN-BSN and RN to MS Nursing Program students only.

Pre-requisite: NR*444 NR*460R

NR 455R - Health Promotion Concepts

Focuses on health promotion and disease prevention in nursing practice. Explores health promotion models, behavior change theories, societal and environmental impacts on health, and program planning models. Analyzes health education, counseling, and evidence-based wellness strategies. NOTE: RN-BSN and RN to MS in Nursing Program students only.

Pre-requisite: TAKE NR*444R AND NR*460R;

NR 460R - Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

Focuses on the role of nurse as informed consumer of research. Develops skills for evidence-based practice by forming journal clubs to understand aspects of nursing research, critique published nursing studies, and develop best-practice presentations. NOTE: RN-BSN and RN to MS Nursing Program students only.

Pre-requisite: TAKE NR*444R;

NR 466R - Community Health Nursing

Provides overview on population-based nursing. Explores principles relevant to community health nursing including public health, epidemiology, and environmental health. Addresses impact of health care policies on social justice and health care disparities. NOTE: RN-BSN Completion and RN to MS in Nursing Option students only.

Pre-requisite: TAKE NR*444R NR*460R;

NR 478R - Community Health Nursing Practicum

Fosters integration of community health theory into clinical practice while students complete 45 hours of practicum in community settings. Examines emergency preparedness, community and family assessment, health promotion, and program evaluation. NOTE: RN-BSN and RN to MS Nursing Program students only.

Pre-requisite: NR*466R

HCE 604 - Ethics for Nurse Leaders

Examines ethical and moral reasoning relevant to professional nursing practice and health care delivery in today's society. Explores philosophical and faith-based foundations, including Catholic moral tradition, socio-cultural influences, professional codes, organizational and personal ethical norms. Ethical issues are examined with emphasis on advanced practice nursing, leadership roles and models of health care delivery. Introduces skills in analyzing ethical dilemmas and evaluating ethical practice using ethical theory, moral argument, and case studies. NOTE: This course was previously titled Ethics and Society.

Cross listing(s): NR 690E NR 604.

NR 622 - Advanced Leadership Concepts

Analyzes leadership roles in relation to decision-making and strategic planning. Focuses on leadership theories and concepts, team building, motivation, negotiation, mediation, conflict management, mentorship, workforce planning, human diversity, power and communication. Service Learning is further explored in this course in the online MS program.

NR 485R - Advanced Practicum and Capstone

Designed to provide the student an opportunity to integrate leadership and management principles into professional practice and reflect on RN-BSN Completion Program learning. Includes faculty directed assignments and projects as indirect practice activities to achieve course and program outcomes. NOTE: RN-BSN Completion and RN to MS in Nursing Option students only.

Pre-requisite: TAKE NR*480R OR NR*622

Graduate Elective

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

600 level Elective course

Master of Science Degree in Nursing Requirements

NR 601 - Theoretical Frameworks

Examines the theoretical basis of nursing which guides advanced nursing practice. Critiques and evaluates theories from nursing and related fields such as the natural, social, organizational, and biological sciences. Analyzes the usefulness and applicability of theory in nursing practice, research, education, and administration. Regis University, Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions and the Loretto Heights School of Nursing mission and goals are discussed. Service Learning is introduced in this course in the campus-based MS program.

NR 602 - Adv Apps of Research for Evidenced-Based

Addresses best practices for evidence-based nursing practice. Quantitative and qualitative research designs and analytical procedures are compared. Methodologies for implementing evidence-based practice are examined and ethics associated with research are appraised.

Cross listing(s): NR 690F.

NR 608 - Health Care Policy

Focuses on health care policy formation and evaluation. Learning activities will facilitate students' opportunities to learn about change, as a result of public policy and politics. Examines public health care policy emphasizing it's relationship and application to advanced practice nursing, leadership roles in management, and education and models of health care delivery. Topics include history, trends, and issues in health care systems; legal issues; legislation and regulation; funding, planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care services to individuals and populations; and accessibility, quality and outcome issues. The policy and business practices developed by hospitals and other private institutions are not included in the course objectives. Service Learning is further explored in this course in the campus-based MS program. The graduate component extends foundational knowledge through additional readings, case analysis and/or applied project work. Prerequisite(s): Completion of NR 622 for online students. Admission to the Master of Science degree in Nursing or Permission of the Executive Director of the Graduate and Post-Licensure Department required.

Cross listing(s): HCA 408 HSA 608.

NR 620 - Health Care Structure/Dynamics

Explores and analyzes classical and contemporary organizational theories and their applicability in health care. Organizational culture, mission and governance, strategic planning, private, public and integrated health care systems, and environmental issues will be examined in relation to health care organizations. Health care organizations will be evaluated using an analysis of the interplay of structure and function based on contemporary organizational theories. Liability insurance fee.

Cross listing(s): NR 690G.

NR 624 - Issues in Practice

Analyzes issues and forces that influence nursing and health care. Incorporates evaluation of nursing's contribution to social, economic, technological, legal, political, and ethical issues as they affect change and redefine health care. Topics include fiscal accountability, population demographics and diversity, advocacy and changing roles. Facilitates understanding of the complexities of issues shaping health care. Students will demonstrate synthesis of issues influencing local, state, national or international nursing and health care.

NR 625 - The Legal Environment

Focuses on the law and the regulations pertaining to individuals and institutions that provide health care and health care education. Topics include labor and employment law, student rights and responsibilities, patient rights, and professional and organizational accountability.

NR 699 - Comprehensive Eval/Master of Science

This course synthesizes the art and science of professional nursing to educate and prepare the student to transition to responsible membership in the profession of nursing as a lifelong learner in stewardship of the nursing societal contract. Emphasizes contemporary nursing issues, responsible involvement in nursing organizations, health policy, social justice, and advocacy for human diversity in a multicultural society. Assists the student in synthesis of health care policy and finance in relation to regulatory standards and nursing professional life. Dialogue is foundational to the critical examination societal issues in practice of nursing. Included are discussions of selected global and policy issues in nursing practice. A definitive professional portfolio (including career service and transferrable skills, job interviewing and attainment, and ongoing professional uses) is completed. The course also revisits Jesuit mission and values, service learning, selected art of nursing concepts, and professional and personal reflection as they currently relate to the student's professional life and learning at Regis LHSON. The course culminates in a reflective and evaluative capstone project that examines personal change and professional. Pass/No Pass grading only.

Focus Areas

Students select one of the following focus areas:

Education Focus

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(12SH)
Take the following courses: NR 646, NR 647, NR 648, NR 623F

Management Focus

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(12SH)
Take the following courses: NR 614, NR 615, NR 621, NR 623E

Accreditation

Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Commission URL: http://www.ncahlc.org
Commission Phone: 312-263-0456

The Loretto Heights School of Nursing is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (AACN-CCNE). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science (MS) programs are accredited through 2019. Additionally, effective October 2012, the DNP program is now fully accredited by AACN-CCNE.

If you would like more information on AACN-CCNE please go to: www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation.

Fall 2013 - Summer 2014

Undergraduate Tuition (per semester hour) $525
Graduate Tuition (per semester hour) $610
Application Fee $40
Background Check and Drug Screen (external agency fee) $95

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Application Details

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