Location:

Pocatello, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Nursing

Program Overview

Program Description:

Prospective Students Idaho State University School of Nursing (ISU) offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Nursing and is committed to providing quality graduate nursing education for professional nurses. The program is approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing and is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The strong curriculum is based on recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Graduates, in applicable programs are eligible to sit for national certification. All M.S. students are required to pass a written and oral comprehensive examination during their final semester of study. There is no thesis requirement. Graduate education offers knowledge, skills, and expertise for advanced practice that builds upon a strong nursing foundation. Emphasis on health care policy and rural issues prepare graduates to assume leadership and provider roles in a variety of settings including organizational, educational, primary health care, and many others. Program options of study are either full-time (2 years) or part-time (3 years). Four program options are offered: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nursing Education (EDU), and Nursing Leadership (LD). The Master of Science in Nursing program options are delivered in an online format via the Internet. Students are required to have high speed internet access. A limited number of courses require on site intensive experiences. See frequently asked questions (FAQ's) for more information. Entry Pathways Entry pathway to earn the M.S. degree: B.S.-M.S. for those nurses with a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited Nursing program. Post-Master's Certificate: For nurses with a previous Master’s Degree who seek advanced preparation in a specialty area of nursing. Program Options Clinical Nurse Specialist:The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) option prepares students as advanced practice nurses to work in an adult medical-surgical specialty area. Clinical Nurse Specialists are engaged in education, expert clinical practice, consultation, research, and administration and are prepared to practice in primary, acute, or long-term care settings. Students are required to complete forty-five semester hours of credit. This includes a minimum of 500 hours in clinical settings. Family Nurse Practitioner:The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) option prepares students for primary care throughout the life span in a variety of settings. FNP courses are designed to develop critical clinical decision making skills necessary for primary care providers working with diverse populations. Rural health issues are emphasized. Nurse practitioner faculty members maintain clinical skills through active practice. The curriculum adheres to the guidelines set forth by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Students are required to complete fifty-three semester hours of credit. This includes a minimum of 816 hours in clinical settings. Nursing Education:The Nursing Education option prepares students for nursing faculty positions. Students are prepared as nursing leaders to respond to current and projected changes in the health care system. Grounded in adult learning theory, coursework includes a teaching/learning practicum and a focus on teaching with technology. Students are required to complete forty semester hours of credit. Nursing Leadership: The Nursing Leadership option prepares students for leadership positions in health care organizations and community based settings. Students are prepared to apply leadership in health care systems and collaborate with partners across varied environments. Grounded in leadership theory, coursework includes practicum experiences for application of leadership principles to practice.