NURSING

photo of nurses taking care of a patient

Graduate Program

The Department of Nursing graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and offers an advanced practice 42 credit course of study leading to the Master of Science Degree with a concentration in Adult Health Nursing. The program meets the specialty content and required 500 hours of supervised clinical experiences that would enable graduates to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center examination for Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Adult Health Nursing. Upon successful completion of the examination, graduates will hold the title of Adult CNS, Board Certified (ACNS, BC). The program is designed to be completed in 6 semesters of part time study. A 2 year plan of study can be arranged. The program also provides the foundation for post master's and doctoral studies.

The description of the role of the Adult CNS (AACN, 2004) is: Graduate-prepared clinical nurse specialists in Medical-Surgical Nursing provide care for individuals who have a known or predicted physiological alteration. Clinical nurse specialists demonstrate an in-depth understanding of complex medical-surgical problems, as well as interventions to manage and improve patient care. Guided by theory and research, their practice considers all influences on health status and the related social and behavioral problems arising because of the patient's physiological condition. Clinical nurse specialists are engaged in education, case management, expert clinical practice, consultation, research, administration, and practice in settings where primary, acute, or long-term nursing care is delivered (p.10).

ADMISSION

Admissions are on a rolling basis. For admissions information, academic policies and course descriptions, visit the SUNY New Paltz Graduate School Web site. Prospective students may also contact Dr. Eleanor Richards, Chair, Department of Nursing, at 845-257-2961 or via e-mail at richarde@newpaltz.edu

Applications are available form the Graduate School Web site.

Traditional Admissions Pathway (For registered nurses who hold the Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Admissions requirements:

  1. Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  2. Current licensure as a registered nurse in the State of New York.
  3. Successful completion of undergraduate courses in statistics, physical assessment, and nursing research with grade C or higher in each.
  4. One year full-time and appropriate employment as a registered nurse.
  5. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test may be required.
  6. Three letters of recommendation.
  7. Ability to meet both college and clinical agency health requirements.
  8. Completion of general requirements for admission to graduate study listed in the SUNY New Paltz Graduate Catalog.

Alternative Admissions Pathway (For registered nurses who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree)

Admissions requirements:

  1. Graduation from a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts program from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  2. Graduation from a state approved associate degree program in nursing with a graduating cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
  3. Current licensure as a registered nurse in the State of New York.
  4. Successful completion of a number of prescribed undergraduate courses, including, but not limited to, statistics, physical assessment, and nursing research with grade C or higher in each.
  5. Successful completion of an individual program of selective undergraduate nursing courses
  6. One year full-time and appropriate employment as a registered nurse.
  7. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)General Test may be required.  
  8. Three letters of recommendation.
  9. Ability to meet both college and clinical agency health requirements. 
  10. Completion of general requirements for admission to graduate study listed in the SUNY New Paltz Graduate Catalog.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENT:
In order to be recommended for the M.S. degree, the candidate must meet the following requirements:

  1. Successfully complete the prescribed graduate courses.
  2. Maintain a cumulative average of 3.0 or better, with no more than two grades below B-. All required courses must be completed with a grade C or higher for progression in the curriculum
  3. Demonstrate clinical competence in all course work with a practice component.
  4. Complete prescribed course work and other requirements within seven years after matriculation.

Plan of Study: CNS Adult Health

Fall semester 1
Nursing Theory NUR500 (3cr)
Applied Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing NUR701 (3cr)

Spring semester 2
Advanced Health Assessment NUR501 (3cr)
Chronically Ill Adult/Older Adult NUR522 (3cr)

Fall semester 3
Pharmacological Management in Advanced Nursing Practice NUR702 (3cr)
Acutely Ill Adult/Older Adult NUR535 (3cr)

Spring semester 4
Nursing Research NUR502 (3cr)
Development of Advanced Nursing Roles NUR508 (3cr)

Fall semester 5
Practicum Acutely Ill Adult/Older Adult NUR733 (6cr)
Care Delivery Models NUR521 (3cr) (or summer session)

Spring semester 6
Practicum Chronically Ill Adult/Older Adult NUR722 (6cr)
Thesis in Nursing NUR590 (3cr) OR
Special Project in Nursing NUR591 (3cr)


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