Program Description

The purpose of these programs is to prepare nurses with advanced nursing theory and experience in functional roles of family nurse practitioner or school nurse or clinical nurse leader. Students are prepared to function within the changing patterns of health care; assume leadership roles; and conduct independent nursing research or clinical projects. Graduates from this program will be qualified for careers in nursing education, school nursing, or primary care. They will also be prepared for doctoral programs in nursing.

The master's curriculum offers the student a role emphasis option in advanced clinical practice (Family Nurse Practitioner), clinical leadership (Clinical Nurse Leader) or School Nurse with a Masters Degree. Students with a Master's Degree who are interested in obtaining the School Nurse Credential may do so by pursuing the post-masters credential-only program.

The content of this program includes advanced health assessment; analysis, utilization and evaluation of theories of nursing; research methodology; role development; care of vulnerable populations; health care policy and delivery systems; application of advanced knowledge in providing nursing care for adults and families representing a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds in both urban and rural community settings. Students complete either a thesis or a project which demonstrates their competence in the conduct of scientific inquiry or problem solving.

Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) option must complete the requirements for the Master’s degree before they can obtain the FNP certificate from the California State Board of Registered Nursing.

A Post-Master’s certificate is available in the FNP option and the School Nurse Credential Program.

The School Nurse Credential option-specific courses are offered every other year in academic years beginning with an odd number.

The graduate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). For further information about the accreditation status of the program, please contact the Department of Nursing office or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, phone (202) 887-6791. The FNP option is also approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The School Nurse Credential Program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

Master Degree Program Objectives (Word Doc.)