Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing program allows the advanced practice nurse to specialize in one of two concentration areas: adult or family nurse practitioner. The University of Tampa’s nursing programs are accredited by and affiliated with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, . The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the University to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees.
Department of Nursing Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Nursing is consistent with the mission of The University of Tampa in its commitment to challenge learners academically and contribute to the fulfillment of their aspirations to become productive individuals prepared to meet the global challenges of the future. The faculty members believe that the education of students should promote the development and integration of intellectual, ethical/moral and practical knowledge. The faculty supports the University’s aim of developing students who possess an appreciation for rational and disciplined thought, as well as a sense of obligation to provide service to the community.
The Department of Nursing promotes the integration of experiential and didactic learning that engages students, faculty and community experts in collegial partnerships. These relationships form the basis for lifelong contribution to the health of the community, nation and world.
Faculty
Professor Warda, Director/Chair; Professor Kessenich, MSN Program Director/Associate Director; Dana Professor Ross; Associate Professors Curry, BSN Program Director/Associate Director; Associate Professors Collins, Parsons; Assistant Professors Botwinski, Kennel.
Admission Standards
Admission to the MSN program is competitive. Every student admitted to the MSN program must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. At least one year of direct patient care experience within the past five years must be demonstrated.
General Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Florida.
- Completed application with $40 nonrefundable fee.
- Official college transcripts.
- Résumé.
- Personal statement.
- Two letters of reference (forms are attached to the application, available at www.ut.edu/msn).
- Completion of a statistics course, an introductory computer course and an upper-level health assessment course.
- Optional: GRE score of 1,000; 4.0 in analytical writing.
Note: No credits taken more than seven years prior to application will be accepted for transfer credit.
Students can be admitted under two categories based on the criteria listed below. Grade point averages are based on the last 60 credit hours of coursework completed at the undergraduate level.
Full Admission
For full admission, applicants must have achieved the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Florida RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Pre-MSN Admission*
For pre-MSN admission, applicants must have achieved the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing
- Florida RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Three required nursing prerequisites
*Students who have bachelor’s degrees in an area other than nursing are admitted as pre-MSN students. They are required to take NUR 318, NUR 322 and NUR 420 or NUR 422 prior to starting the graduate-level curriculum. These courses can be completed without the GRE because they are undergraduate courses. Students may complete pre-MSN courses at another university with the program director’s permission. Only grades of “C” or better will be accepted. Students will be re-evaluated for admission once the pre-MSN courses are completed.
Non Degree-Seeking Students
Students with a BSN and a valid Florida nursing license may be permitted to take up to two graduate-level nursing courses at the discretion of the program director. Non degree-seeking students are permitted to take classes only on a space-available basis, with priority registration going to current degree-seeking MSN students. Those interested must apply to the University as a non degree-seeking student. Being granted permission to take classes as a non degree-seeking student does not assure admission into the MSN program. Non degree-seeking students are not eligible for University or federal financial aid. International students are not eligible for non degree-seeking student status.
Also see the Continuing Studies section of this chapter for information about the RN/BSN/MSN admission option.
Post-Master’s Admission
A student with a previously earned MSN may apply for admission to the post-master’s program to complete requirements for the Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration. Students will be individually evaluated to determine required coursework. There must be evidence from the previous master’s program of courses fulfilling UT requirements. Courses taken more than seven years prior to admission will not be applied toward a post-master’s certificate.
Advising
Each student will be assigned to the program director for advising purposes pertaining to class selection and professional guidance. For matters related to registration, withdrawal and other academic issues, students should contact their adviser in the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies.
Student Organizations
In addition to student organizations at The University of Tampa, nursing students have access to several professional and honorary organizations. The Student Nurse Association (SNA) participates in planning activities for the department and organizes community activities for students to provide services to underserved populations. In addition, the SNA plans the Pinning Ceremony each fall and spring. Students are also encouraged to join the Florida Nurses Association Student Nurse Organization. The Delta Beta Chapter-at-Large of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing was founded in 1980 at the University of South Florida and re-chartered in 2000 to include The University of Tampa. Delta Beta sponsors an annual research program, provides opportunities for scholarships and research grants, and promotes scholarly work in the community. The Nursing Alumni Association provides an opportunity for students to maintain relations with the University and to network with colleagues.
Nursing Student Handbook
More information about the MSN program can be found in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook provided to each student upon entrance to the University. Policies and procedures in the handbook may exceed those outlined in this catalog. See the handbook for further details.
Program and Course Requirements
Satisfactory completion of the MSN curriculum requires a minimum of 41 (Adult Nurse Practitioner) or 48 (Family Nurse Practitioner) credit hours of graduate work.
MSN students must obtain a grade of “B” or higher in the four nursing core classes in order to progress in the program. A grade below a “B” in any of the core classes will result in immediate dismissal from the program. No grade below “C” will be accepted toward a graduate degree or certificate completion. MSN/post-MSN students cannot earn more than one grade below a “B.” If they do, they can repeat up to one course, but the original grade will not be removed from their academic record. A second grade below “B,” regardless of grades in repeated courses, will result in academic dismissal. Students may withdraw from one course for academic reasons. Withdrawal from a second course for academic reasons will result in dismissal. Students who receive less than a “B/C” in a practicum course will be required to repeat that course.
A student is allowed seven years from the time graduate work begins, whether at UT or elsewhere, in which to complete the degree. Under certain circumstances, the student, with approval from the director, may retake outdated courses.
Degree Requirements
Core nursing courses (applies to both concentrations):
| NUR 600 | Scholarly and Professional Communication in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 601 | Current Perspectives in Health | 2 |
| NUR 605 | Theory Development in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 615 | Nursing Research | 3 |
NUR 601 may be waived for students in the RN/BSN/MSN option. The credit hours are not waived, but may be taken as an elective.
NUR 600 may be waived for students who receive a score of 4.0 or higher on the analytical writing section of the GRE.
Concentration options: Family Nurse Practitioner concentration courses:
| NUR 618 | Advanced Health Assessment and Lab | 4 |
| NUR 635 | Professional Issues and the Nurse Practitioner | 3 |
| NUR 645 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 646 | The Family: Theory, Research and Practice | 2 |
| NUR 655 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 675 | Practicum in Adult Primary Care I | 4 |
| NUR 676 | Practicum in Older Adult Primary Care | 4 |
| NUR 677 | Clinical Management of the Adult Client | 3 |
| NUR 685 | Practicum in Infants, Children and Adolescent Primary Care | 4 |
| NUR 686 | Practicum in Women's Primary Care | 4 |
| NUR 687 | Clinical Management of Infants, Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| NUR 697 | Clinical Management of Women and Older Adults | 3 |
NUR 675, 676, 685, 686: These courses each require a minimum of 224 hours of supervised clinical practice in a designated facility.
Concentration options: Adult Nurse Practitioner concentration courses:
| NUR 618 | Advanced Health Assessment and Lab | 4 |
| NUR 635 | Professional Issues and the Nurse Practitioner | 3 |
| NUR 645 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 646 | The Family: Theory, Research and Practice | 2 |
| NUR 655 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 675 | Practicum in Adult Primary Care I | 4 |
| NUR 676 | Practicum in Older Adult Primary Care | 4 |
| NUR 677 | Clinical Management of the Adult Client | 3 |
| NUR 697 | Clinical Management of Women and Older Adults | 3 |
| NUR 686 | Practicum in Women's Primary Care | 4 |
NUR 675, 676, 686: These courses each require a minimum of 224 hours of supervised clinical practice in a designated facility.
Oral Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive oral examination must be passed by every MSN and post-MSN student prior to enrolling in his or her first practicum experience. The examination process provides students the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge learned during the graduate coursework. The focus of the examination is the integration and application of content from all previous courses.