Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 UMass Dartmouth Graduate Catalog 
    
2011-2012 UMass Dartmouth Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Nursing MS


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Selection of a Clinical Option

Each student specifies one clinical option at the time of admission. Transfers to other options may be made on a space available basis if the student meets additional criteria specific to tha new option. Changing options may result in loss of credits applicable to final degree.

Clinical Practicum

Clinical practica are essential components of MS level graduate nursing education and offer the best opportunity to apply new knowledge and specialized skills in each advanced nursing practice option.

Clinical experiences vary according to the focus of each option. Typically, there will be 12 hours of clinical each week in three semesters.

Clinical placements are determined by agency/preceptor availability and student learning needs. It should be noted that appropriate clinical preceptors are typically only available during weekdays (although some exceptions do occur).

 

Adult Health Option


Adult Nurse Practitioner


The Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) track prepares the student for management of primary and chronic health problems in adult populations. A foundation in pathophysiology, health assessment, and clinical pharmacology in addition to precepted clinical practicums facilitates the development of diagnostic and management skills. A nursing framework emphasizing wellness and system wide client advocacy strategies is threaded throughout this track.

Upon completion of the Adult Nurse Practitioner Track, students are eligible for the Adult Health Practitioner Examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The examination is now offered at approved computer centers throughout the year.

Sciences: 9 credits


Clinical Core: 19 credits


  • Elective - 3 credits

Total credits: 43


Note


Clinical is based upon 4 clock hours for each clinical credit
Total clinical hours greater than 500
Total credits = 43

Advanced Practice


The Advanced Practice option in Adult Health prepares the nurse in the area of education or a clinical specialist in medical-surgical nursing. Students complete a 27-30 credit core in the MS in Adult Health. They then select 12-15 credits in their functional area of interest (education; clinical specialist).

Required Adult Health Core: 15-18 credits (varies by focus) *


Select from either Clinical (CNS) or education focus


Clinical focus: 12 credits

Education Focus: 15 credits

Select two from the following list: *

  • One course free elective or Independent study in Education (potential practicum hours). If supervised Teaching Assistant, hours can be counted toward teaching practicum hours - 3 credits
Notes

* Education focus selects 3 credits of practicum between 622 and 624; CNS selects 6 practicum credits (622; 624)

* Requirements for Advanced Practice exam = Advanced Assessment, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology and 500 hours practicum; if desired may slightly exceed 42 credits in Education focus

Total credits: 42


Community Nursing Option


Advanced Practice


The master’s program prepares graduates skilled in the advanced clinical practice of community nursing. Community nursing is defined as a focus on the health needs of population groups. The graduate will be proficient in synthesizing a combined theoretical framework from both nursing and public health, and in utilizing theory-based clinical decision making. Five clinical competencies are expected, beginning researcher, clinician, educator, consultant, and clinical program manager. The professional nurse with advanced practice skills is able to design and implement programs, using objectives from “Healthy People 2010” to target the needs of vulnerable populations. Students complete 33 credits in the MS in Community Health and 9 credits of functional options and  electives.

Function options


select one category below— either administrative, education, or general nursing knowledge:

Administrative: 6 credits

  • XXX Management elective - 3 credits
Education: 6 credits

General Nursing Knowledge: 6 credits

  • NUR xxx Elective - 3 credits

Total credits: 42


Note


Clinical hours 1 credits = 4 hours
minimum 500 clinical hours

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