Nursing, M.S.

Program Director: Esther Igboerika, DNP

Overview

The complexities of health and nursing care today make expanded nursing knowledge a necessity in contemporary care settings. The transformation of health care and nursing practice requires a new conceptualization of master's education with Christian perspective. The MSN program is developed with the latest recommendations from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The program also integrates the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties' Nurse Practitioner competencies "acquired through the mentored patient care experiences, with an emphasis on independent and interprofessional practice; analytical skills for evaluating and providing evidence-based, patient-centered care across settings; and advanced knowledge of the health care delivery system" (NONPF, 2016). A master's education in nursing equips nurses with valuable knowledge and skills to lead change, promote health and alleviate suffering in various levels and settings in synergy with current and future healthcare reform legislation.

With a focus on assessment, prevention and instruction, the Master of Science in Nursing gives a broad education, applicable in today's evolving health care field. An FNP emphasis focuses on primary care across the lifespan with practicums that prepare participants for this specialty. Family nurse practitioners demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the relevance of the family's identified community in the delivery of family-centered care.

Nursing Mission

We develop nursing professionals equipped with the values, knowledge, and skills to improve health for all through leadership and service.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyze information to provide leadership, education, and service across the lifespan in healthcare settings.
2. Integrate applicable leadership, organization, and role theories to lead and teach at micro and macro levels in health care.
3. Employ informatics and healthcare technologies to evaluate and improve the quality and safety of patient care.
4. Utilize evidence-based scholarship, leadership, and ethical health care policy, practice, and service in clinical prevention and health care maintenance across the lifespan.
5. Professionally collaborate and advocate for the improvement of individual, family, and community health outcomes across the life span.
6. Apply ethically and culturally sound principles and solutions to complex socioeconomic issues related to family, community, and population health.
7. Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to lead and promote change in healthcare settings.
8. Synthesize Christian beliefs and values in the nursing field to advance a culture of excellence professionally and personally through life-long learning.

Project

Nursing students complete a project during the program. The master's project is a scholarly piece of research, analysis and writing which must be relevant to the discipline of nursing and the student's chosen practice area. The purpose of the activity is to foster an understanding and application of the scientific method as a basis for studying problems in advanced nursing roles. The paper should be analytic in nature and grounded in theory and research with recommendation for implementation.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University Master of Science in Nursing program is based on a review of each applicant's complete profile including previous academic work and achievements, work/nursing experience, professional references and written personal statement and interview with the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
  • Application Deadline for Spring is November 15
  • Application Deadline for Fall is June 1
  • Applications received after the posted deadlines will be considered on a space available basis.
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts must verify satisfactory completion of college-level statistics, chemistry (with lab), and upper-division writing courses.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the Master of Science in Nursing program. These references should be from someone in the medical field that can attest to your professional and academic qualities and qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Forms can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• Resume – Submit a personal resume detailing your work experience.
• Program Interview – After submitting your application materials including transcripts, a representative will be in contact with you to schedule an interview.
• Proof of licensure as a professional Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of California.
• Pre-requisites for the MSN program to be submitted before the end of the first semester: certified background check, evidence of a current physical exam and immunization record, and evidence of current malpractice insurance.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Locations Offered

North Fresno Campus