Two-Year, Part-time Program Offers Students Flexibility, Choice of Three Nursing Specializations and Access to Vast Network of Renowned University Faculty and Interprofessional Alumni
San Marcos, CA, August 9, 2016 – In response to the evolving health care industry and the increasing demand for nursing professionals with advanced degrees, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is pleased to announce the launch of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, designed for working nurses who wish to take the next steps in their education and advance their nursing career. This online program provides nurses with the flexibility to meet their busy schedules with 24/7 access to online courses, innovative learning resources and the ability to complete practicum
requirements in their home community. In addition, the USAHS program provides students with access to a vast network of renowned university faculty and interprofessional alumni nationwide.
“In today’s rapidly evolving health care industry, practicing nurses, who have the education and
Wanda Nitsch
expertise, have advanced career opportunities and expanded employment options,” said Dr. Wanda Nitsch, president and chief academic officer, USAHS. “This program solidifies our commitment to meeting the realities of the ever-changing health care industry and provides us the opportunity to continue to lead the charge in molding bright minds to make positive and critical impacts in their field.”
The Master of Science in Nursing provides students with flexible learning opportunities, including the option to take the program completely online or with optional on-campus courses and extracurricular experiences, such as real-life group projects, dynamic discussion groups and campus wellness events. Coursework will incorporate interprofessional education and unique faculty personalization, which aims to prepare students to be leaders in the current and ever-changing nursing environment. The 36-credit program can be completed within two years.
The program offers students the choice of three nursing specializations: Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive and Nurse Informaticist.
USAHS is currently accepting applications and qualified students who enroll for the September 2016 and January 2017 start dates are eligible for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) scholarship that equates to a 50 percent savings on tuition, throughout the program.
“We are excited to add the Master of Science in Nursing to our portfolio of graduate and doctoral level programs in health sciences,” continued Dr. Nitsch. “USAHS has a strong reputation and long history of excellence in education and teaching clinical skills in an intimate learning environment. Our students value the personalization and attention they receive from their faculty and mentors throughout their educational journey, and our graduates have been recognized by our clinical partners for their high level of professionalism and excellence in challenging health care situations.”
USAHS Master of Science in Nursing Renowned Faculty
Dr. Robin Dennison oversees the nursing faculty at USAHS and has developed a leadership team of healthcare and nursing leaders, with doctoral level degrees and many years of educational and practice experience.
Dr. Dennison has extensive experience in critical care nursing and has been involved in the planning and teaching of professional development programs throughout the United States. She is certified as a critical care clinical nurse specialist (CCNS) by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, as a certified nurse educator (CNE) by the National League for Nursing, and as a nurse executive (NEA-BC) and nursing professional development specialist (RN-BC by American Nurses) Credentialing Corporation.
“Recent studies have indicated that interprofessional education produces strong, positive outcomes in the organizational culture, patient satisfaction, collaborative team behavior as well as improved patient safety,” said Dr. Robin Dennison, DNP, APRN, CCNS, CNE, NEA-BC, program director at USAHS. “The USAHS MSN program emphasizes interprofessional education, which enables students from various healthcare professions to learn together and address patient care issues from multiple perspectives. Through this approach, students will participate in discussions and projects simulating the reality of the changing health care environment nationwide, and students will develop the necessary skills to lead their forthcoming healthcare teams and shape the future of nursing.”
The USAHS Master of Science in Nursing program is currently accepting applications for enrollment from the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming.
USAHS is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Additionally, the Master of Science in Nursing program at USAHS is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
