Master of Science in Nursing Program Details

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW #530, Washington, DC 20036, tel. 202.887.6791.

Program Overview

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing is to prepare nurses to improve nursing practice through the advancement of theories of nursing and research. The graduate of this program is prepared in nursing education, nursing administration, or advanced nursing practice. Consistent with Bellarmine’s goal to prepare leaders for our society, graduate students in nursing will be able to effect change within health care.

The graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing builds on the baccalaureate degree. The curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of students, while maintaining a sound academic program in nursing. Each student formulates his or her educational goals with a faculty advisor and maintains a close liaison with the advisor throughout the program of studies. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) track is designed for full-time or part-time study, while the administration and education tracks may be pursued on a part-time basis.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the MSN program will be able to:

Synthesize advanced theoretical, empirical, and ethical knowledge to influence nursing practice.
Demonstrate competence in a professional role in administration, education, or clinical practice.
Use research skills to identify practice and system problems, initiate change, and improve outcomes.
Assume leadership roles that contribute to social, cultural, economic, and political changes to improve health care delivery, health promotion and disease prevention, and to advance professional nursing.

Areas of Concentration

Nursing Administration
The nursing administration track prepares professional nurses to function in management positions in a variety of health care settings. Students focus on financial and economic aspects of health care, human and resource management, and organizational leadership. Selected clinical, administrative, and research experiences provide the students with the opportunity to function as a nurse administrator. Practica must be completed in nursing administration. Prospective students may apply for fall, spring or summer admission. Admission to the Administration track is rolling and we suggest applying 6 – 8 weeks prior to the semester you want to begin.

Nursing Education
The nursing education track prepares professional nurses to function as beginning nurse educators. This may be in the area of staff development, health education, or preparation of nursing students. Selected teaching and research experiences in clinical and classroom setting provide the student with the opportunity to function as a nurse educator. Practica must be completed in nursing education. Prospective students may apply for fall, spring or summer admission. Admission to the Education track is rolling and we suggest applying 6 – 8 weeks prior to the semester you want to begin.

MSN/MBA Program
The MSN/MBA program offers professional nurses a unique opportunity to prepare for leadership, management, and health policy roles in health care organizations. Students complete requirements of both the MSN nursing administration track and the MBA program. Eight hours from the MBA are applied to the MSN requirements of Nurs. 625, Nurs. 640, and an elective.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The family nurse practitioner track prepares professional nurses to provide a wide range of preventive and acute healthcare services to individuals of all ages. NPs take health histories and provide complete physical examinations; diagnose and treat many common acute and chronic problems; interpret laboratory results and X-rays; prescribe and manage medications and other therapies; provide health teaching and supportive counseling with an emphasis on prevention of illness and health maintenance; and refer patients to other health professionals as needed. Students will compete selected clinical practice as part of this curriculum. Prospective students may apply for Fall admission. The priority application deadline is February 15. To be considered for admission in the priority applicant pool, the full Nursing CAS application including all supporting documents (GRE (if required – refer to your Nursing CAS cumulative GPA calculation), personal statement, references, resume, transcripts) must be complete at nursingcas.org.

Degree Requirements

37-39 hours of graduate credits in nursing and/or related fields of administration and education tracks; 43 hours for FNP track.
A minimum of 24 hours of graduate credits earned in residence at Bellarmine.
Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA out of a 4.0 grade point average throughout the program.
Completion of degree work within six (6) years from the time of entry.

Program Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master’s program requires approval by the MSN Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. Admission of applicants is based upon the following criteria:

Applicants to the Education and Administration tracks should complete the Bellarmine University MSN application. Applicants to the FNP track should apply at www.nursingcas.org. No Bellarmine University MSN application is required.
Applicants to the Education and Administration tracks should submit a non-refundable application fee of $40 (fee waived for Bellarmine alumni). Applicants to the FNP track should submit a non-refundable Nursing CAS application fee of $45.
BSN from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited nursing program.
Applicants to the Education and Administration tracks should submit final, official transcript(s) from each college or university attended directly from the institution(s) attended to the Office of Graduate Admission and not be marked “Issued to Student”. Applicants to the FNP track should submit final, official transcripts from each college or university attended directly from the institution(s) attended to Nursing CAS..
If any transcripts or undergraduate degree(s) are from an international institution you must provide an official copy of a third party course by course credential evaluation. The following organizations offer this service and information regarding processes and fees available at: www.aacrao.org, www.wes.org, andwww.ece.org. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score (if required). The GRE is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.28 or higher. Applicants to the FNP track should refer to the Nursing CAS calculation of her/his cumulative GPA to determine if the GRE is required.
If your undergraduate degree is from an international institution, you were born outside the United States, or English is your second language, you will be required to submit an official TOEFLiBT (internet-based test) score and receive a total score of 83 or higher and a 26 or higher on the speaking test. We will also consider an equivalent score on the IELTS or MELAB tests. The Nursing Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reserves the right to require a TOEFL score from any applicant.
Three professional references. Recommendations from friends, other students, or co-workers are not appropriate. Applicants to the Education and Administration tracks should use the forms supplied in the Bellarmine University MSN application. Applicants to the FNP track should use the electronic references available at Nursing CAS.
Goal statement: The goal statement is your opportunity to tell us (as specifically as you can at this time) about your career plans after you finish your master’s degree. This statement provides us with a sample of your writing ability and helps faculty determine your fit with Bellarmine’s offered program. If you are applying for the nurse practitioner track, your goal statement at Nursing CAS should also include your understanding of the role of the nurse practitioner in the primary care of persons, families, and communities, and how you envision your career in this role (including where you would like to work).
Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.
Proof of active, unrestricted license to practice nursing in Kentucky and/or compact states.
An interview with graduate faculty members may also be required of applicants to the FNP track.
Because enrollment is limited in the FNP track, meeting the minimum requirements may not assure admission to that track.
1. Applicants to the Education and Administration tracks should mail completed and signed application to: Bellarmine University, Office of Graduate Admission, 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205. Applicants to the FNP track should complete and submit the application at www.nursingcas.org.

International Applicants

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission, please submit the following:
U.S. law requires financial statements from a bank or other financial institution certifying the student’s ability to fund the cost of attendance for one academic year minus the amount of any scholarship dollars received. Figures should be in U.S. dollars and must be certified as an official document by the bank or financial institution. A sponsor may be used if the sponsor attaches a signed affidavit stating that he/she will financially support the student until completion of a degree at Bellarmine University. If a sponsor is used, the sponsor’s bank statement should accompany the letter. The amount that would need to be shown for the Education & Administration Track is $27,686. The amount that would need to be shown for the Family Nurse Practitioner would be $47,266. This amount includes tuition and fees associated with the program and an average cost for living expenses, books, supplies, health insurance, transportation and personal expenses.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Sherill Cronin, Director MSN Program, 502.272.8149 or 800.274.4723, email scronin@bellarmine.edu

All applications and correspondence relevant to admission should be directed to:

Bellarmine University
Office of Graduate Admission
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
502.272.7200
email

MSN Program Costs:

Graduate Tuition Rates

Financial Aid

For more information on financial aid, click here.