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Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, M.Sc.

  • Application Deadline
  • 24 months
    Duration
University rank #601 (WUR) , CA,
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program at the University of San Diego prepares nurses for an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role as an expert in the care of adults across a variety of health care settings such as hospitals and clinics, as well as their own private practice.

About

Advanced practice as a CNS involves practicing nursing within the three spheres of influence (patient, nurse, organization system) in order to operationalize five CNS role components: expert practitioner, educator, consultant, researcher and clinical leader. As expert practitioner, CNSs provide direct and indirect care to specialized populations. As educators, CNSs teach patients, families, staff nurses, students, and communities regarding health. As consultants, CNSs assist with problem solving regarding patient care including facilitating support groups and establishing health care programs. CNSs also assist with research and promote research dissemination and evidence-based practice in the practice arena. As clinical leaders, CNSs are responsible for program development, quality improvement processes, and managerial operation and activities.

CNS students at USD are able to focus in different areas of adult-health such as critical care, emergency, medical-surgical and palliative care.  In addition, students may take elective courses in nursing education theory and teaching practicum as well as health care informatics.

Graduates are eligible for certification as Clinical Nurse Specialists in the State of California and for national certification by as Adult Health/ Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

Programme Structure

Courses:
  • Pathophysiology
  • Specialty Role and Practice Foundation
  • Evidence Based Practice: Role of Theory and Research
  • Adult Gerontology I: CNS Practice in Individual Patient Sphere
  • Adult Gerontology I: CNS Practice in Individual Patient Sphere Practicum
  • Influencing the Health Care Environment: Policy and Systems
  • Introduction to Health Care Information Management
  • Adult Gerontology II: CNS Practice in Nurse Sphere
  • Adult Gerontology II: CNS Practice in Nurse Sphere Practicum

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity

    You can choose to do this programme part-time or full-time.

    Full-time
    • Full-time duration 24 months
    Part-time
    • Intensity Flexible
  • Credits
    44 alternative credits
  • Languages
    • English
    Schedule TOEFL®
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    80

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: 3

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

  • BSN degree from an approved, accredited school
  • Unencumbered, active California RN license
  • One year of clinical experience preferred
  • Basic statistics course
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Completion of the university application for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program
  • One official transcript from each college or university attended
  • Three professional recommendations
  • Resume/CV
  • Interview (qualified applicants will be contacted to interview based on initial review of their application)
  • Evidence of specified immunizations and screening tests, a report of recent physical examination, and BLS certification if admitted into the program
  • International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission

Tuition Fee

  • International Applies to you

    1500 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 1500 USD per credit and a duration of 24 months.

  • National Applies to you

    1500 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 1500 USD per credit and a duration of 24 months.

  • In-State Applies to you

    1500 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 1500 USD per credit and a duration of 24 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for San Diego

  • 1400 - 2460 USD/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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