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MSN Program Overview

Gain a unique perspective and influence change

Program Mission

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing program is to prepare visionary nurse leaders who demonstrate advanced critical thinking, communication, and decision making skills to ensure quality outcomes within the complex systems of the healthcare continuum. Graduates are prepared to initiate and effectively utilize research findings to improve outcomes, as well as utilize knowledge of health promotion, healthcare policy and systems, change and finance to effectively manage available resources in the changing health care environment. Masters prepared nurses utilize this knowledge base integrated with theories from nursing and related disciplines to create and implement ethical practices and policies to improve the environment in which healthcare is delivered.

The Masters prepared nurse engages in an expanded scope of practice that is characterized by critical analysis of problems and creative problem solving, and application of theories in the decision making process. The graduate manages change effectively and utilizes effective communication skills and technologies to create collaborative partnerships within nursing and across healthcare disciplines. Graduate education prepares the nurse to identify and evaluate personal and organization values and to implement ethical decisions and strategies to improve outcomes.

Program Goals

Use a variety of strategies to communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding nursing and healthcare system issues.
Identify problems and seek interventions to improve healthcare delivery outcomes using appropriate data, and effective critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Apply leadership and management theory to develop collaborative partnerships across healthcare disciplines in own-practice setting.
Use appropriate data to make decisions in determining effective use of human and fiscal resources.
Develop and utilize evidence based practices to improve quality of healthcare.
Implement the role of the nurse leader/manager, as defined by the ANA scope and standards of practice.
Demonstrate the abilities of nurse leader/manager as outlined by AACN and AONE.
Apply theories of nursing, systems, change, leadership and management in the management of healthcare services delivery.

Additional Features

The Norwich MSN program builds on years of nursing experience so you can:

Develop stronger leadership skills and business acumen in nursing
Bridge patient care with management objectives
Participate fully in healthcare delivery
Improve healthcare delivery outcomes by identifying problems and applying best practices
Shape healthcare policy and the future of the nursing profession

Program structure:

Six, six-credit, eleven-week seminars
Complete all coursework in 18 months
Graduate 18-24 months from your enrollment date
Capstone residency experience
Online, highly experiential, asynchronous curricular activities including threaded discussions, reading, writing, and workplace-oriented assignments

Key program features:

Accreditation – ensure that your degree is from a recognized and quality institution
- The Master of Science in Nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing.
- Norwich University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
- The MSN program was developed according to published standards for national organizations.
Convenience and flexibility – experience the Norwich Virtual Campus
- Based on an innovative online format, the MSN allows you to study at your own pace and schedule.
No thesis requirement – learn by interaction and collaboration
- The MSN program is based on experiential learning making the program seem like one continuous internship.
Acceleration – earn your MSN in as few as 18 months
- Depending on your start date, you can complete the MSN program in 18-24 months.
Faculty – learn from experts in the field of nursing
- Bringing the latest developments to the classroom through professional activities and research, the MSN faculty are some of the best and brightest professors across the nation.

Class Size

Small class sizes (not more than 16 students) ensure you receive individualized attention directly from faculty. You also develop close relationships with fellow learners from around the world as you interact with them creating a vast network of professional contacts.