Required MSN Course Descriptions

The MSN curriculum includes content in:

• the theory and practice of nursing
• consideration of nursing's present and future roles in the health care system
• analysis of the social and ethical problems associated with professional issues

A minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate courses is required for the Master of Science in Nursing degree. Of the 36 hours, 24 must be completed in Nursing. Electives may be taken outside UTHSCSA.

Each MSN degree program of study includes:

• Required Courses
• a Major
• Minor courses, Electives or Thesis

Required Course Descriptions:

• NURS 5306 Nursing Science I
  Credit Hour Allocation: 3 semester hours: 3 class hr. per week.
  Prerequisites: Graduate standing
  Note: Portions of this course are web enhanced.
  
  This course is designed to help students explore the development of nursing knowledge and theory. The course is grounded in the experience of nursing as a caring, practice profession. The process of theory generation and concept analysis will be an integral part of this course. Students are encouraged to examine their own experiences through inductive methods. Students will use qualitative modes to explore nursing care outcomes and quality of life issues.
  
  
• NURS 5307 Nursing Science II
  Credit Hour Allocation: 3 semester hours; 3 class hours per week.
  Prerequisites: NURS 5306 Nursing Science I
  Note: Portions of this course are web enhanced.
  
  This course is designed to further nursing knowledge through application of research findings and the testing of theoretical propositions. The students will be given the opportunity to apply quantitative research methods to nursing problems identified in their practice. Deductive approaches will be explored. The focus of this course is to acquire knowledge and understanding of research reported in the literature, critique findings and apply to practice.
  
  
• NURS 5339 Nursing Leadership and Policy
  Credit Hour Allocation: 3 semester hours; 3 class hours per week.
  Prerequisites: Graduate standing
  Note: Portions of this course are web enhanced.
  
  The theories germane to leadership will be explored in relation to organizational structures and behaviors. These structures and behaviors will be related to the development of leadership styles and policy making within organization. Emphasis will also be placed on the political and economic forces that influence the development of health policy and professional nursing practice. In addition the basis for the legal / ethical dimensions of the nursing practice at the advanced level will be explored.
  
  
• NURS 5226 Nursing Role in Financial Planning in Healthcare Organizations
  Credit Hour Allocation: 2 semester hours class; 2 clock hours class
  Prerequisites: Graduate standing
  Note: Portions of this course are web enhanced.
  
  This course focuses on the economic impact of fiscal policies in healthcare organizations. The fiscal components of the budgetary process in the healthcare organizations as well as the concepts of costs, skill mix, budget development and marketing will be discussed. Methods of analyzing budget reports will be explored. In addition, the relationship of the economic environment and healthcare costs and their implications for nursing practice will be examined.

For further information, contact: Beverly H. Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor & Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing Program
UTHSCSA School of Nursing 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC # 7943, San Antonio, T X 78229-3900
(210) 567-5815
Website: www.nursing.uthscsa.edu

On-line application : http://studentservices.uthscsa.edu/publications/nursing.html

Graduates are eligible for national certification and recognition by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas as an Advanced Practice Nurse.

“Not an Official Publication of UTHSCSA”