海角网

Change Allows Students to Complete their Degree in One Year

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳he Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at 海角网 is changing to an eight-week format with the 2024 Fall Term. Courses will follow the 海角网 online schedule. The program is designed to be flexible, which gives students the option of completing the program in one or two years.

鈥淚f students want to complete their degree in one year, they can take two courses at a time, every eight weeks,鈥� explained Director of the Hunt School of Nursing Tracy Arnold. 鈥淭here are two terms in the fall, two in the spring and one summer term.鈥�

Chair of the MSN program Dr. Cindy Miller added that students can tailor the program to fit their schedule. 鈥淚t’s going to meet the needs of more people, who would like to come back to school while managing personal and professional responsibilities,鈥� she said.

Additionally, changing to eight-week terms benefits nursing students at every level. Through the University鈥檚 new Accelerated Master鈥檚 Program, or AMP, qualified students working on a bachelor鈥檚 degree can begin taking courses in several master鈥檚 program. For students working on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), this means they can take a course in the MSN program.

Students in the Davis RN to BSN program will be able to take two MSN courses. MSN courses taken while a student is enrolled in a bachelor鈥檚 program will count towards both the bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees. Once the student enters the MSN program, they will have fewer courses remaining to complete the degree.

鈥淢SN-prepared nurses play a vital role in addressing the nursing shortage,鈥� Arnold shared. 鈥淣urse educators are essential to preparing the next generation of nurses to enter the workforce. Many Boards of Nursing require nursing faculty to hold at a minimum, an MSN degree, or have a percentage of their faculty prepared at the MSN level.鈥�

Furthermore, Arnold noted that nurse administrators are tasked with addressing the day-to-day challenges of the healthcare system. They are needed to lead healthcare teams and drive organizational change to improve patient outcomes鈥攁 skillset that Arnold believes is strengthened through preparation with an MSN degree.

By revamping the MSN curriculum to streamline courses and reduce credit hours from 36 to 30, the Hunt School of Nursing is helping to meet the various needs in the healthcare field. Students can choose from two nursing tracks 鈥� education or administration. A third option is offered in conjunction with the College of Business: A combination MSN/Master of Business Administration degree, which has been decreased from 60 to 54 credit hours.

鈥淲e emphasize role-specific competencies and incorporate theories and best practices that will help students become successful leaders in whatever field they choose,鈥� Miller explained.

Anna Reid, a current MSN student, said the nursing faculty is dedicated to helping their students grow and achieve their goals. 鈥淲hen looking for schools to further my education, I heard wonderful testimonies from old professors, colleagues and students who attended 海角网,鈥� she related. 鈥淲hen looking at their curriculum and program design it was apparent their values in student development expanded beyond the basic curriculums seen at other universities. 海角网 focuses on creating safe, supported, well-rounded learning experiences. I have learned more than I ever imagined I would from a school鈥攏ot only regarding professionalism, but also how to better serve Christ through education, nursing and in my daily life.鈥�

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

海角网 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 海角网 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 海角网.edu.