Accelerated RN to MSN Overview

Accelerated RN to MSN Program

Registered Nurses who are driven to expedite their professional mobility and who do not yet possess a BSN degree should consider our Accelerated RN to MSN online program. This program delivers an intensive, streamlined course of study that awards both a Bachelor of Science (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) upon completion of the entire program.

The Accelerated RN to MSN online program:

• Combines the curriculums of our RN to BSN and our Master of Science in Nursing degrees
• Allows RNs to focus on a single course of study that enables a significant improvement in their career prospects
• Offers the flexibility and convenience of 24/7 access to classes, which helps working nurses pursue their educational goals while continuing their careers and meeting their personal and family responsibilities.

Within the MSN portion of the program, in addition to our core courses, we are proud to offer an three online specializations:

Nurse Educator Specialization

Students in the MSN program will have the opportunity to focus on the Nurse Educator specialization. This specialization is designed for RNs who want to develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment.

Nurse Administrator in Specialization

Graduates with a Nurse Administrator Specialization may be involved in the design of healthcare delivery systems, making policy and financial decisions, promoting patient safety and quality improvements in patient care, and incorporating technology, contemporary practice and ethics into delivery of health care.

Nursing Informatics Specialization

Technology is transforming modern healthcare by helping to create more efficient and higher quality outcomes. The specialization in Nursing Informatics is designed to prepare graduates to develop, implement and evaluate new operational data systems, train healthcare professionals in the use of computerized clinical information systems, and collect and analyze data for patient information and improvements of clinical care.

Employment Opportunities

"According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Overall job opportunities are expected to be excellent for registered nurses." Learn more.

The RN to Master of Science in Nursing offered in only the online delivery format through the South University – Online campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; http://www.aacn.nche.edu/; telephone: 202.887.6791.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to the Accelerated RN to MSN degree completion program online at South University, prospective students must meet the following requirements:

• An associate degree in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution, or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale in all completed nursing coursework.
• Official transcripts from every college or university attended (submission within 12 weeks after initial start date).
• Holds and maintains a valid unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the US state or territory in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
• Submit, along with your packet materials, three references using the Nursing Graduate School Appraisal Form.  At least two of your references should hold a Master's in Nursing degree.
• Submit an essay (goal statement) of 1-2 pages (typed, double-spaced) explaining your career goals, reasons for your choice of specialization, and why you want to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.
• Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.
• Must meet core Performance Standards as described in the catalog. 

Once enrolled in the program, students must meet the following criteria within the BSN course work before progressing to the MSN studies:

1. Completion of a three-credit-hour undergraduate course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of B or better
2. Overall GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for all BSN-level courses

After progressing to the graduate-level studies, students must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in courses NSG5000, NSG5002, NSG5003. Students who are unable to maintain the minimum GPA requirements may exit to the South University RN to BSN completion program and may apply for graduate studies once they obtain a BSN.

Accelerated RN to MSN - 213 Total Hours

Students pursuing the Accelerated RN to MSN program are required to take a total of 45 courses as follows:

• 24 foundation courses
• 14 major courses
• 6 Specialization courses
• 1 Capstone course

Foundation Curriculum - 90 Credits
Students are required to take 24 foundation courses as follows:

BIO1011 - Anatomy and Physiology 1 (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology I is an introduction to the structures and functions of the human body including the characteristics of life, homeostasis, organizational levels, basic metabolism, the cell, tissues, organs, organ systems, the organism, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and the special senses.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 MAT0099
AHS1001 with a C or better Co-requisites: BIO1012, ENG0099, and MAT0099.

Credits: 4

BIO1012 - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (11- week course)

BIO1012, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO1011 through demonstration and exercises utilizing charts, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely.

Prerequisite(s): ENG099 MAT0099
AHS1001 with a C or better. Concurrent enrollment in BIO1012 or the equivalent.

Credits: 2

BIO1013 - Anatomy and Physiology II (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology II is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. BIO1013 is an introduction to the structure and functions of the human body with emphasis on the endocrine system, circulatory system, respiratory system, gastro intestinal system, urinary system, reproductive system, and genetics.

Prerequisite(s): ENG099 MAT0099
AHS1001, BIO1011, and BIO1012 with a C or better. Concurrent enrollment in BIO1014 or the equivalent.

Credits: 4

BIO1014 - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology II Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO1013 through demonstration and exercises utilizing chart, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. The second part of the term will include a whole specimen dissection, which will assist the comprehensive review of both BIO1011 and BIO1013. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1011 ENG099 MAT0099
Concurrent enrollment in BIO1013. AHS1001 and BIO1012 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 2

BIO2070 - Microbiology (11- week course)

Microbiology introduces the student to microorganisms with particular emphasis on their role in health, wellness and disease. Economic, social and cultural issues related to utilization, control, and research of the monera, protista, fungi, bacteria and viruses are also considered. BIO2070 must be taken concurrently with BIO2071.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 BIO1014
Co-requisite BIO2071 BIO1013, BIO1014, and CHM1010 with a C or better.

Credits: 4

BIO2071 - Microbiology Lab (11- week course)

Microbiology introduces the student to microorganisms with particular emphasis on their role in health, wellness and disease. In this course students perform laboratory exercises, experiments and tests that correlate with the lecture material of BIO2070. Emphasis is placed on aseptic technique, proper handling of lab specimens, universal precautions and proper waste disposal. BIO2071 must be taken concurrently with BIO2070.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 BIO1014
BIO1013, BIO1014, and CHM1010 with a C or better. Co-requisite: BIO2070.

Credits: 2

CHM1010_S - Chemistry (11- week course)

CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Prerequisite(s): MAT 1001 or MAT1002 with a C or better

Credits: 4

ENG1001 - Composition I

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on writing procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

ENG1002 - Composition II / Literature

This course is designed to introduce the student to fiction, poetry, and drama and, through literary analysis and interpretation, to develop the life skills of critical thinking and written expression.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2001 - Composition III

The goal of this course is to refine the student's reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By analyzing ineffective arguments and constructing effective ones, the student will discover how ambiguity, evasiveness, vagueness, and obscurity weaken his or her credibility as a writer.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ITS1000 - Computer and Internet Literacy

This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and internet usage concepts will be covered. Students will also use computer and communications technology to develop information literacy skills.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MAT1001 - Intermediate Algebra

Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

MAT1500 - College Mathematics

College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics.

Prerequisite(s): MAT0099

Credits: 4

MAT2058 - Statistics

This course introduces the student to fundamental laws of probability, levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and variance, random variables, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, small sample techniques and non-parametric methods.

Prerequisite(s):
MAT1005, or MAT1001 and MAT1500

Credits: 4

NTR2050 - Nutrition (11-week course)

This course surveys the principles necessary to promote optimum nutrition throughout the life cycle. Consideration is given to informed evaluation of areas of controversy, as well as influence of socioeconomic and culture on nutritional practices.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

PSY1001 - General Psychology

The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values—how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

PSY2022 - Human Growth and Development

In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual, and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001

Credits: 4

SOC1001 - Introduction to Sociology

This course, a scientific study of human social activity, will provide the student with a new way of looking at the world. In learning about the sociological perspective, the student will be challenged to see the general in the particular, the strange in the familiar, and the importance of the global perspective.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

SPC1026 - Public Speaking

Students will develop and refine presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material in preparation for the assignments.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Math and Science Electives -
Students are required to take 1 mathematics and science course as follows:

AHS1001 - Medical Terminology

This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. This course is designed for health profession students who require study in the fundamentals of medical terminology as part of their professional curriculum.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099

Credits: 4

Humanities Electives -
Students are required to take 2 humanities courses as follows:

ENG2002 - World Literature

This course focuses on world literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: story, poetry and drama.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002

Credits: 4

PHI2301 - Introduction to Philosophy

This course introduces students to critical philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their daily lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world. As a methodology, this course will use the specifics of current events in the world to give a concrete context for the philosophic topics covered in the study materials.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001

Credits: 4

General Education Electives -
Students are required to take 2 general education courses as follows:

POL2076 - American Government

This course is an introduction to American politics and government, focusing on political processes and institutions and on contemporary political issues.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

UVC1000 - Strategies for Success

Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting, and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum - 90 Credits
Students are required to take 15 major courses as follows:

BSNPRE - BSN Prerequisites

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 45

NSG3006 - Professional Nursing Practice

This course provides an introduction to the theories, concepts, and knowledge necessary in professional nursing practice. It emphasizes professional role development; the value of life-long learning; and the trends, issues, values, and standards for advanced nursing practice. The students explore the application of the five integral components of the nursing profession—caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism—in the professional nursing practice role.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 2

NSG3012 - Principles of Assessment for Registered Nurses

This course builds on the physical assessment skills of the registered nurse. The course takes a systems approach to physical assessment and includes both normal and abnormal findings.

Prerequisite(s):
Transition info Professional Nursing for RNs.

Credits: 4

NSG3016 - Caring for a Multicultural Society

This graduate course will focus on ways to assist the nurse to provide holistic care in a multicultural society. Theories related to culture and caring, Holism and spirituality will be used as a foundation for understanding our multicultural world. Specific cultural practices, beliefs and issues affecting the health of persons and communities will be studied. Future directions of transcultural nursing are discussed with worldwide perspectives of different cultures and subcultures.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 2

NSG3028 - Caring for the Community

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in the community and public health. The community and public health focus includes caring for people in the home, school, workplace, health department, as well as various agencies. The course also focuses on the environment, epidemiological issues, and vulnerable populations across the lifespan, communicable disease, and health promotion. Perspectives on health care and community oriented nursing, influences on healthcare delivery, and conceptual and scientific approach applied to community oriented nursing are also emphasized. The principles of professional nursing care to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum.

Prerequisite(s): NSG3016

Credits: 4

NSG4028 - Concepts of Teaching and Learning

This course gives the registered nurse the opportunity to enhance his/her patient teaching skills and develop skills for staff education. Principles of learning, teaching strategies, communication, and preparation of continuing education programs will be included. Considerations for teaching and learning with a diverse population will be explored.

Prerequisite(s):
Transition info Professional Nursing for RNs.

Credits: 4

NSG4029 - Leadership in a Diverse Society

This course prepares the registered nurse, not only for a professional leadership role, but will enhance his/her ability to work with professionals of other cultures. This course emphasizes professional leadership while assisting to develop specialized nursing management skills.

Prerequisite(s):
Transition info Professional Nursing for RNs.

Credits: 4

NSG4064 - Financial Management for Nurses

In this course the student will explore nursing finance and budgeting issues. This course will introduce the student to an overview of the health care system, ethics, leadership and budgeting strategies. The student will also examine the use of information technology.

Prerequisite(s):
Transition info Professional Nursing for RNs.

Credits: 4

NSG4065 - Complementary and Alternative Methods of Nursing

In this course the student will explore complementary and alternative methods of healing. Principles of psychophysiology of healing will be discussed. Alternative therapies such as energy healing, imagery, and music therapy will be examined.

Prerequisite(s): Transition into Professional Nursing for RN?s

Credits: 4

NSG4070 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing

This course analyzes professional ethical and legal issues with the ensuing nursing dilemmas integrating the factors of professional laws/standards, personal ethical stance, social, spiritual, transcultural, economic, institutional and political climate. Legal and ethical practice issues will be reviewed. Emphasis is given to the resolution of ethical dilemmas through ethical reasoning and ethical and legal obligations in professional patient relationships.

Prerequisite(s):
Transition info Professional Nursing for RNs.

Credits: 2

NSG5000 - Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse: Transformational Leadership in Advanced Practice

This course examines the role of the advanced practice nurse in the clinical, primary care, education, administration, health policy, and research arenas. The historical role of the nurse, change theory and leadership models are emphasized. Self-reflection, self-mastery, professional integrity, empowerment, and ethical decision making will be discussed to help the student transition from clinical nurse to the role of advanced practice nurse.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

NSG5002 - Advanced Theoretical Perspectives

This course explores theories related to nursing, health care and learning. Students will have the opportunity to analyze and critique various theories. Students will demonstrate how theory is applied to research.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

NSG5003 - Advanced Pathophysiology (11-week course)

This course will examine common pathological conditions of the human. Pharmacologic, medical, and nursing interventions will be included.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

NSG6001 - Advanced Nursing Practice I

In this course, the learner will synthesize content from physiology, pharmacology, and nursing treatment modalities in order to develop expertise in nursing and collaborative practice. This course will focus on common health problems across the life span.

Prerequisite(s): NSG5000 NSG5003

Credits: 4

NSG6101 - Nursing Research Methods (11-week course)

This course prepares the student to critique research studies, identify researchable problems within the clinical setting, and design research projects to generate and apply new knowledge. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs will be addressed.

Prerequisite(s): NSG5000 NSG5002

Credits: 4

Capstone
Students are required to take 1 capstone course as follows:

NSG6999 - Graduate Project in Nursing (11-week course)

The research project course is a cumulative experience where students demonstrate the integration of research, practice, and theory by formalizing their research project proposal.

Prerequisite(s): NSG5001 NSG5002 NSG6101

Credits: 4

Nurse Administrator Specialization
Students are required to take 6 specialization courses as follows:

MHC6306 - Human Resource Management in Healthcare Organizations

Presentation of human resource management principles as applied in healthcare organizations. Examines the unique aspects of managing healthcare professionals including recruitment and retention; staff privileges; legal issues; job design and analysis; compensation; and labor relations.

 

Prerequisite(s):
Core coursework

Credits: 4

NSG6005 - Essentials of Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses

In this course the student reviews and comprehends the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of drugs commonly used in the management of acute and chronic illnesses of the adult.  Emphasis is on the therapeutic decision-making in drug selection and monitoring therapeutic response for culturally diverse patients.  Patient education, legal, ethical and economic issues are reviewed.  A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

Prerequisite(s): NSG6002

Credits: 4

NSG6601 - Managing Complex Healthcare Systems

This course examines the role of the nurse executive within complex health care environments, focusing on the conceptual frameworks of systems theory, complexity science, appreciative inquiry and organizational learning theory, as well as nursing administration models of organizational management.

Prerequisite(s): None
Core coursework

Credits: 4

NSG6605 - Quality Outcomes and Financial Management in Healthcare Organiz

This course provides an overview of quality, safety and performance improvement, including an analysis of care processes through evidence based practice, research and translation of innovation. In addition, this course provides an overview of healthcare financing and financial management for the nurse executive. Topics may include financial accounting, cost accounting, budgeting, capital expenditures, and reimbursement systems.

Prerequisite(s): None
Core coursework

Credits: 4

NSG6620 - Practicum I: Quantitative Skills in Nursing Administration

This course is the first course in a two-course series which synthesizes content from the specialty administrative courses into a culminating “clinical” nursing administrative experience. In both courses the learner enacts the role of the nurse administrator. Content will include didactic and clinical administrative experiences. The course involves obtaining a local mentor and practicing the administrative role under guided mentorship. The majority of didactic course work includes practical experience with budgets, developing and honing leadership style and expertise, initiating collaborative practice and teambuilding, as well as working with change and motivational theories. The learner will incorporate the five pillars of the conceptual framework into administrative experiences. The majority of clinical time will be spent in an administrative organizational setting. The practicum course will consist of 120 hours in the clinical setting. Online time will be used to analyze and evaluate this experience. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

Prerequisite(s): NSG6601 NSG6605

Credits: 4

NSG6630 - Practicum II: Qualitative Skills in Nursing Administration

This course is the second in the set of two culminating administrative curricular experiences. It expands on previous didactic and clinical coursework, through didactic work in management areas such as quality management, patient care outcomes, and measurement of health care outcomes. Emphasis is placed on long-term and strategic planning, incorporating personnel management tactics such as performance evaluation, and collective bargaining. The student will continue to assimilate knowledge inclusive of the five pillars of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism into the administrative experience. Clinical time will continue with the mentor and requires spending 120 hours in the chosen administrative setting. Online time will be used to analyze and evaluate this experience. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

Prerequisite(s): NSG6620

Credits: 4

Nurse Educator Specialization
Students are required to take 6 specialization courses as follows:

NSG6002 - Advanced Nursing Practice II

In this course the learner will synthesize content from physiology, pharmacology and nursing treatment modalities in order to develop advanced practice skills in health promotion and disease prevention using the focus areas of Healthy People 2010.

Prerequisite(s): NSG5000 NSG5002 NSG5003 NSG6001

Credits: 4

NSG6003 - Teaching and Learning Strategies

This course provides content to assess and motivate learners. Classroom, clinical, simulation and other technology methods will be addressed. The emphasis is on developing the creativity of the nurse educator.

Prerequisite(s): NSG5000 NSG5002 NSG5003

Credits: 4

NSG6102 - Evaluation of Educational Outcomes in Nursing

This course covers content relevant to testing and evaluating learners in classrooms, skills labs, and clinical practice settings. Content includes test construction and design; performance based assessment, assessment of critical thinking and standardized testing.

Prerequisite(s): NSG5000 NSG5002

Credits: 4

NSG6103 - Curriculum Design & Evaluation in Nursing Education

This course prepares the learner to design, examine, revise, and evaluate nursing curriculum. Connecting nursing curricula content to philosophy, objectives, and outcomes will be analyzed.

Prerequisite(s): NSG5000 NSG5002

Credits: 4

NSG6201 - Practicum in Nursing Education I (11-week course)

In this course the learner enacts the role of the nurse educator. The focus of this course is health across the life span. Content will include both didactic and clinical teaching experiences. This course involves obtaining a local mentor and practicing the role of the nurse educator. The learner will synthesize caring and wholism into teaching experiences. The majority of course time will be spent in an educational setting mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the student. Online time will be used to analyze and evaluate this experience. This course will run concurrent with MSN6999.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

NSG6202 - Practicum in Nursing Education II (11-week course)

This course gives the learner the opportunity to choose an area of nursing education. The learner will obtain a local mentor and enact the role of the chosen nurse educator. The learner will synthesize the five pillars of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and wholism into clinical teaching experience. This course will run concurrently with NSG6999.

Prerequisite(s): All nursing courses except NSG6999 Research Project.

Credits: 4

Nursing Informatics Specialization
Students are required to take 6 specialization courses as follows:

ITS5010 - Information Technology Infrastructure

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits:

NSG6005 - Essentials of Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses

In this course the student reviews and comprehends the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of drugs commonly used in the management of acute and chronic illnesses of the adult.  Emphasis is on the therapeutic decision-making in drug selection and monitoring therapeutic response for culturally diverse patients.  Patient education, legal, ethical and economic issues are reviewed.  A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

Prerequisite(s): NSG6002

Credits: 4

NSG6650 - Introduction to Nursing Informatics

This course explores the role of the nurse informaticist using the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Informatics. Informatics theories, including Rogers Theory of Diffusion of Innovation, the Technology Acceptance Model, and Locsin’s Technology Competence as Caring in Nursing will be examined.

Prerequisite(s):
Core coursework

Credits: 4

NSG6652 - Issues and Trends in Nursing Informatics

This course examines issues and trends in nursing informatics from sources such as professional and governmental regulations, technology developments, academic and professional literature, and case studies. Topics may include the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act, meaningful use, and Health Level 7, with an emphasis on how these issues affect nursing informaticists and their current and future roles.

Prerequisite(s): NSG6650

Credits: 4

NSG6670 - Practicum I: Database Management in Nursing Informatics

This course is the first course in a two-course series which synthesizes content from the specialty informatics courses into a culminating “clinical” nursing informatics experience. In both courses the learner enacts the role of nursing informatics professional. Content will include didactic and clinical informatics experiences. The course involves obtaining a local mentor and practicing the informatics role under guided mentorship. The didactic portion of this course will involve setting up and maintaining a database to address current challenges in nursing informatics. Data will be collected, stored, and analyzed using database software. The majority of clinical time will be spent in an informatics organizational setting mutually agreed upon by the instructor, the mentor, and the student. The practicum course will consist of 120 hours in the clinical setting. Online time will be used to analyze and evaluate this experience. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

Prerequisite(s): IST5010 NSG6652

Credits: 4

NSG6680 - Practicum II: Project Management in Nursing Informatics

This course is the second course in a two-course series which synthesizes content from the specialty informatics courses into a culminating “clinical” nursing informatics experience. In both courses the learner enacts the role of nursing informatics professional. Content will include didactic and clinical informatics experiences. The course involves obtaining a local mentor and practicing the informatics role under guided mentorship.  The didactic portion of this course will involve managing a nursing informatics project through the life cycle using project management software. The majority of clinical time will be spent in an informatics organizational setting mutually agreed upon by the instructor, the mentor, and the student. The practicum course will consist of 120 hours in the clinical setting. Online time will be used to analyze and evaluate this experience. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

Ready to take the next step?

Our admissions representatives talk to students in situations like yours every day, and will prepare you with all of the opportunities, challenges, and expectations that come with a healthcare education at South University Online.