2025-2026 Nursing Graduate Catalog and Courses – St Thomas University College of Nursing

GRADUATE CATALOG

2025 - 2026

_______________________________________________________

Published by St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, Florida

The programs, policies, requirements and regulations published in

this catalog are subject to change as circumstances may require.

College of Nursing

"Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter's or sculptor's work." - Florence Nightingale

___________________________________________________________

Nashat Abualhaija

Dean, College Nursing

Academic Credentials: Ph.D. in Nursing (Barry University); MSN (University of Pheonix); BSN (University of Alabama at Birmingham).

Contact Information: 305-474-6025; nabualhaija@stu.edu

Mission: The College of Nursing is committed to the formation of transformational global nursing leaders to engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and community service that reflects our Catholic identity and our mission of creating leaders for life.

Vision: Our vision at St. Thomas University College of Nursing is to create an atmosphere that is conducive to ethical leadership, transparency, excellence, integrity, and respect for diversity will characterize everything that we do. The vision of the College of Nursing is to:

• Prepare highly qualified nurses equipped with skills to fulfill baccalaureate nursing roles locally, nationally and internationally;

• Prepare graduates for ongoing and advanced nursing degrees for the betterment of our world; and

• Develop transformational global nursing leaders to contribute to the healthcare industry and address the health care needs of the citizens of Florida and around the world

At STU, each student is a unique, integrated, holistic human being who is influenced by the complex interaction of biological, psychological, developmental, sociological, economic and cultural elements as part of a multicultural society. As a nursing student, you will be challenged to acquire scientific knowledge base and critical thinking skills of the discipline of nursing, incorporate professional nursing behaviors, develop technical and decision-making skills, embody ethics into your practice, and gain awareness of self and others’ value systems as part of STU’s faith-based professional education. This will require hard work and commitment on your part, but it will be a remarkable and rewarding journey that you will treasure for a lifetime.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)
Accelerated MSN Program
(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Janet Huxley, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Academic Credentials: DNP (St. Thomas University); MSN (Nova Southeastern University); BSN (Barry University); ADN (Broward College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6854; jhuxley@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): J. Huxley

Program Description: The Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed to meet the continuing educational needs of Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates. The Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in preparing advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. With a focus on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based care, this program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to excel in today's dynamic healthcare environment. Graduates will apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the development and implementation of evidence-based projects in a real-world healthcare setting. Graduates are prepared to excel as advanced practice nurses, leaders, and change agents in a variety of healthcare settings through a combination of didactic coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and a comprehensive capstone project.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) must be from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits administrator.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) upper division coursework.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN Accelerated:

Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
Specialty courses are not transferable. A maximum of 6 transfer credit hours from an accredited school may be applied if approved by the College of Nursing. Courses previously completed must be approved by the College of Nursing. NUR 602 and NUR 603 must be taken at STU.
Students admitted into the MSN core or MSN certificates will be subjected to a Competency bundle nursing fee.
Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be subjected to a Specialization track fee.

MSN Core Requirements 24 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 501 Philosophical & Theoretical, Evidenced Based 3 credits

Research

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 504 Adv. Health Assessment & Diff. Diagnosis 3 credits

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice 3 credits

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits

NUR 600 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 3 credits

MSN 6 credits

NUR 601 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 3 credits

NUR 602 Advance Nursing Leadership 3 credits

NUR 603 Advance Nursing Practicum 3 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Integrate advanced knowledge in nursing, related sciences, and leadership skills that will emphasize ethical and critical decision making to promote safe, high quality, cost-effective, and culturally appropriate care across a diverse setting. (AACN 2021, Domain 1 and Domain 8).

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

4. Construct processes for self-accountability of professional growth, adopt lifelong learning, and practice safety and effectively within the chosen specialty to maintain health and improve patient outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 9 and Domain 10).

5. Establish an environment of advanced practice that is conducive to the development of effective interactions with patients, other disciplines, and other entities in the communities. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 2, Domain 6 and Domain 8).

6. Advocate for policies that lead to improved health outcomes for populations and improvement of the quality of the healthcare system at the local, state, national and global level. (AACN 2021, Domain 5, Domain 6, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of Advance Nursing Leadership course and Advance Nursing Practicum course must be taken at STU.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Submission of presentation for quality improvement or innovation project.
Be in good standing with the University.

Satisfactory Academic Progression:

Students who receive a grade of “B-” or less on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the didactic and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure unless an administrative approval is granted before dropping or withdrawing from the course. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING INFORMATICS
(Delivery Locations: Online)

Online Program Director: Ann M Edwards, MSN/MHA-INF, RN

Academic Credentials: MSN-Ed (Grand Canyon University); MHA-INF (University of Phoenix); BSN (University of Phoenix).

Contact Information: 305-474-6035; aedwards4@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): A. Edwards and D. Teran

Program Description: The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics degree is designed to meet the continuing educational needs of Master of Science in Nursing graduates. The Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in preparing advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. With a focus on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based care, this program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to excel in today's dynamic healthcare environment. Graduates will apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the development and implementation of evidence-based projects in a real-world healthcare setting. Graduates are prepared to excel as advanced practice nurses, leaders, and change agents in a variety of healthcare settings through a combination of didactic coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and a comprehensive capstone project.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) must be from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits administrator.
Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) upper division coursework.

MSN Core Requirements 18 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 501 Philosophical & Theoretical, Evidenced Based 3 credits

Research

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice 3 credits

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits

NUR 601 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 3 credits

MSN in Informatics Specialization 18 credits

NUR 515 Introduction to Nursing Informatics 3 credits

NUR 516 Implementation & Evaluation in Health Informatics 3 credits

NUR 517 Interoperability & Workflow 3 credits

NUR 518 Dat Management & Analytics AI App 3 credits

NUR 522 Health IT Practicum 3 credits

NUR-523 Capstone Synthesis Practicum 3 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Completion of Capstone Project.
Be in good standing with the University.

Satisfactory Academic Progression:

Students who receive a grade of “B-” or less on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the didactic and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next.

The Master's in Nursing – Nurse Executive Leadership (MSN-NE Program)
(Delivery Locations: Online)

Online Program Director: Sherron Franks Meeks, Ph.D., MPAL, BA, RN, CNE, CNEcl

Academic Credentials: Ph.D Nursing Research (University of Texas, Tyler); MPAL (University of Texas, Permian Basin); BSN (University of Texas, Arlington), BA Leadership Studies (University of Texas, Permian Basin).

Contact Information: 432.661.4457; sfranksmeeks@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): Dr. Sherron Franks-Meeks, RN

Program Description: The MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership is designed to prepare experienced nurses for senior leadership roles within healthcare organizations. This program combines advanced nursing practices with essential business and management skills to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed and signed Application for Admission.
Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) must be from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits administrator.
Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) upper division coursework.

Additional Requirements:

Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy:

1. Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree.

2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States.

3. Specialty courses are not transferable.

Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Executive Leadership 37 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 501 Philosophical & Theoretical, Evidenced Based 3 credits

Research

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice 3 credits

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits

NUR 604 Nurse Executive Leader Community Integration 4 credits

NUR 605 Transformational Leadership: A Holistic Approach 4 credits

NUR 606 Financial Management for Nurse Leaders 4 credits

NUR 607 Advanced Strategies for Interdisciplinary Collaboration 4 credits

NUR 608 Relationship Management 4 credits

NUR 609 Research and EBP Application Practicum 5 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Submission of presentation for quality improvement or innovation project.
Be in good standing with the University.

Satisfactory Academic Progression:

Students who receive a grade of “B-” or less on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the didactic and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next.

Evidence-Based Practicum Requirements:

Identify a quality improvement or innovation project, design a plan with accompanying budget, plan implementation of project, and evaluate effectiveness of the project on identified quality or safety measurable indicator.

Post Master’s Certificate Advanced Placement Family Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Janet Huxley, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Academic Credentials: DNP (St. Thomas University); MSN (Nova Southeastern University); BSN (Barry University); ADN (Broward College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6854; jhuxley@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): J. Huxley

Program Description: This certificate program prepares a nurse practitioner to focus on skills and clinical reasoning appropriate to a Family Nurse Practitioner providing information across culturally appropriate care in a diverse setting to be eligible to take the national FNP certification examination appropriate to the specialty and to obtain NP licensure at the state level.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

1. A completed STU application

2. Graduate of an approved regionally accredited master’s or doctoral program with a major in nurse practitioner.

3. Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure or Florida and Georgia APRN licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.

4. A grade-point average of 3.0 on all graduate work (A=4.00).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POST MASTERS ADVANCED PLACEMENT FNP:

1. Applicants who are accepted into the Advanced Certificate program must have taken Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology. All courses must be equivalent to STU curricula. Specialty courses are not transferable.
2. Courses previously completed must be approved by the College of Nursing.

3. Courses previously completed – Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology – must be approved by the College of Nursing.

4. Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy: 1. Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree. 2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States. 3. Specialty courses are not transferable.

5. Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be subjected to a Specialization track fee.

Advanced Placement Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate ______20 credits

Course Requirements

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 507 Advanced FNP Children & Families 3 credits

NUR 507CL Advanced FNP Clinical I 2 credits

NUR 509 Advanced FNP Adults 3 credits

NUR 509CL Advanced FNP Clinical III 2 credits

NUR 514 Advanced FNP Women’s Health 3 credits

NUR 514CL Advanced FNP Clinical II 2 credits

NUR 612 Advanced FNP Adult Gerontology 3 credits

NUR 612CL Advanced FNP Clinical IV 2 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:

Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

Students who receive less than an 83% in a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the theory and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion together as they are corequisites. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure unless an administrative approval is granted before dropping the course. Students must successfully pass a term to successfully progress to the next.

Post Master’s Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Janet Huxley, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Academic Credentials: DNP (St. Thomas University); MSN (Nova Southeastern University); BSN (Barry University); ADN (Broward College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6854; jhuxley@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): J. Huxley

Program Description: This certificate program prepares nurses with an MSN degree with the knowledge, skills and information across culturally appropriate care in a diverse setting across the lifespan to efficiently advance their skills, knowledge, clinical reasoning to maintain and promote health as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Graduate of an approved regionally accredited master’s or doctoral program with a major in nursing.
Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
A grade-point average of 3.0 on all graduate work (A=4.00).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POST MASTERS’ CERTIFICATE FNP:

1. Applicants who are accepted into the Post Masters FNP Certificate program must have taken Health Policy, Research, and Diversity courses. All courses must be equivalent to STU curricula. Specialty courses are not transferable.

2. Courses previously completed must be approved by the College of Nursing.

3. Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy: 1. Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree. 2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States. 3. Specialty courses are not transferable.

4. Students admitted into the MSN core or MSN certificates will be subjected to a Competency bundle nursing fee.

5. Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be subjected to a Specialization track fee.

Core Requirements 12 credits

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 504 Advanced Health Assessment & Differential Diagnosis 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits

NUR 600 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 3 credits

Post Master Family Nurse Practitioner 20 credits

NUR 507 Advanced FNP Children & Families 3 credits

NUR 507CL Advanced FNP Clinical I 2 credits

NUR 509 Advanced FNP Adults 3 credits

NUR 509CL Advanced FNP Clinical III 2 credits

NUR 514 Advanced FNP Women’s Health 3 credits

NUR 514CL Advanced FNP Clinical II 2 credits

NUR 612 Advanced FNP Adult Gerontology 3 credits

NUR 612CL Advanced FNP Clinical IV 2 credits

Total 32 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problem and improve knowledge. (Essentials I, III, IV, VI, VII).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (Essentials III, IV).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (Essentials II, IV, VII).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (Essentials I, III, VII).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (Essential III, VII, VIII).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application

Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.

Students must take an Exit examination and score the minimum required in order to successfully demonstrate mastery of the content necessary to enter practice as safe, competent nurse practitioner, and to fulfill degree requirements.

Completion of all required clinical hours.

Be in good standing with the University.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

Students who receive less than an 83% in a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the theory and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion together as they are corequisites. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure unless an administrative approval is received before dropping or withdrawing. Students must successfully pass a term to successfully progress to the next.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)

Family Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Janet Huxley, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Academic Credentials: DNP (St. Thomas University); MSN (Nova Southeastern University); BSN (Barry University); ADN (Broward College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6854; jhuxley@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): J. Huxley

Program Description: The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is designed to meet the educational needs of and allow Registered Nurses (RN), graduated from accredited Bachelor of Science (BSN) programs, to continue their graduate studies and become leaders. The program builds upon the educational and professional experience of the Registered Nurse and prepares them for advanced nursing roles enabling them to make significant contributions to the expansion of nursing knowledge and practice becoming health care providers to a diverse population. The MSN offers concentrated tracks to allow for specialization in the student’s field of interest in Advanced Family Practice.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) must be from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits administrator.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) upper division coursework.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
If necessary, availability for interview upon review of application.
Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy: 1. Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree. 2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States. 3. Specialty courses are not transferable.
Students admitted into the MSN core or MSN certificates will be subjected to a Competency bundle nursing fee.
Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be subjected to a Specialization track fee.

MSN Core Requirements 21 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 501 Philosophical & Theoretical, Evidenced Based 3 credits

Research

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 504 Adv. Health Assessment and Diff. Diagnosis 3 credits

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice 3 credits

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credit

NUR 600 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 3 credits

MSN in Advanced Family Practice Specialization______________26 credits

Course Requirements

NUR 601 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 3 credits

NUR 507 Advanced FNP Children & Families 3 credits

NUR 507CL Advanced FNP Clinical I 2 credits

NUR 509 Advanced FNP Adults 3 credits

NUR 509CL Advanced FNP Clinical III 2 credits

NUR 514 Advanced FNP Women’s Health 3 credits

NUR 514CL Advanced FNP Clinical II 2 credits

NUR 611 Adv. Practice Nursing Integration Practicum 3 credits

NUR 612 Advanced FNP Adult Gerontology 3 credits

NUR 612CL Advanced FNP Clinical IV 2 credits

Total 47 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Student must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Students must take an Exit examination and score the minimum required in order to successfully demonstrate mastery of the content necessary to enter practice as safe, competent nurse practitioner, and to fulfill degree requirements.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Doris Teran, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Academic Credentials: DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner (Palm Beach Atlantic University); MSN (Palm Beach Atlantic University); BSN (Miami Dade College) ADN (Miami Dade College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6833; dteran@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): D. Teran

Program Description: The Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed to meet the continuing educational needs of Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates. The Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in Adult-Gerontology is designed to prepare nurses who will take advanced nursing roles as clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders in the rapidly changing, evidence-driven healthcare environment. Graduates will be prepared to provide care for adults throughout their lifespan to promote maximal health, reduce risks and manage acute and chronic health conditions. This program also prepares Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Students to perform check-ups, conduct tests, analyze results, prescribe medications, and develop preventive care plans.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) must be from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits administrator.
Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program will be reviewed.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) upper division coursework.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy: 1. Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree. 2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States. 3. Specialty courses are not transferable.
Students admitted into the MSN core or MSN certificates will get charged a Competency bundle nursing fee.
Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be charged a Specialization track fee.

MSN Core Requirements 21 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 501 Philosophical & Theoretical, Evidenced Based 3 credits

Research

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 504 Adv. Health Assessment & Diff. Diagnosis 3 credits

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice 3 credits

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits

NUR 600 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 3 credits

MSN in Adult Gerontology Adult Gerontology Practice____26 credits

Course Requirements

NUR 601 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 3 credits

NUR 625 Adult-Gerontology I 3 credits

NUR 625CL Adult-Gerontology I 2 credits

NUR 635 Adult-Gerontology II 3 credits

NUR 635CL Adult-Gerontology II 2 credits

NUR 645 Adult-Gerontology III 3 credits

NUR 645CL Adult-Gerontology III 2 credits

NUR 655 Adult-Gerontology IV 3 credits

NUR 655CL Adult-Gerontology IV 2 credits

NUR 675 Adult-Gero NP Integration 3 credits

Total 47 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Students must take an Exit examination and score the minimum required in order to successfully demonstrate mastery of the content necessary to enter practice as safe, competent nurse practitioner, and to fulfill degree requirements.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

Satisfactory Academic Progression:

Students who receive a grade of “B-” or less on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the didactic and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next.

Post Master’s Certificate Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Doris Teran, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Academic Credentials: DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner (Palm Beach Atlantic University); MSN (Palm Beach Atlantic University); BSN (Miami Dade College) ADN (Miami Dade College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6833; dteran@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): D. Teran

Program Description: This Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate online program is designed to allow students who already hold a master’s degree in nursing to specialize as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner without having to complete a full master’s degree. This Post-Master’s certificate program prepares APRNs for practice that focuses on patients across the lifespan from adolescence to end of life. This program prepares Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Students to diagnose and manage self-limiting and chronic conditions and emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. Their services include, but are not limited to: ordering, conducting and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests; prescribing pharmacological agents and non-pharmacological therapies; and teaching and counseling.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Graduate of an approved regionally accredited masters or doctoral program with a major in nursing.
Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
Graduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in masters or doctoral coursework.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy: 1. Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree. 2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States. 3. Specialty courses are not transferable.
Students admitted into the MSN core or MSN certificates will get charged a Competency bundle nursing fee.
Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be charged a Specialization track fee.

MSN Core Requirements 12 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 504 Adv. Health Assessment & Diff. Diagnosis 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits

NUR 600 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 3 credits

MSN in Adult Gerontology Adult Gerontology Practice____23 credits

Course Requirements

NUR 625 Adult-Gerontology I 3 credits

NUR 625CL Adult-Gerontology I 2 credits

NUR 635 Adult-Gerontology II 3 credits

NUR 635CL Adult-Gerontology II 2 credits

NUR 645 Adult-Gerontology III 3 credits

NUR 645CL Adult-Gerontology III 2 credits

NUR 655 Adult-Gerontology IV 3 credits

NUR 655CL Adult-Gerontology IV 2 credits

NUR 675 Adult-Gero NP Integration 3 credits

Total 47 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Students must take an Exit examination and score the minimum required in order to successfully demonstrate mastery of the content necessary to enter practice as safe, competent nurse practitioner, and to fulfill degree requirements.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

Satisfactory Academic Progression:

Students who receive a grade of “B-” or less on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the didactic and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next.

Post Master’s Certificate Advanced Placement Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Doris Teran, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Academic Credentials: DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner (Palm Beach Atlantic University); MSN (Palm Beach Atlantic University); BSN (Miami Dade College) ADN (Miami Dade College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6833; dteran@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): D. Teran

Program Description: This Post-Master’s Advanced Placement Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate online program is designed to allow students who hold a nurse practitioner master’s degree to earn an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares graduate nurse practitioners holding a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing to assess and manage the full continuum of primary care services to individuals from young adults to older adulthood. The core knowledge provided in the specialty coursework is based on the full spectrum of wellness and health, as well as episodic and chronic health care needs. This Advanced Placement Post-Master’s certificate program prepares APRNs graduates to be well-prepared to provide care in a wide variety of outpatient settings, including private practices, public clinics, home-based primary and specialty care practices, hospital-based outpatient clinics, and specialty practices.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Graduate of an approved regionally accredited masters or doctoral program with a major in nursing.
Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
Graduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in masters or doctoral coursework.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be charged a Specialization track fee.

MSN in Adult Gerontology Adult Gerontology Practice____20 credits

Course Requirements

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 625 Adult-Gerontology I 3 credits

NUR 625CL Adult-Gerontology I 2 credits

NUR 635 Adult-Gerontology II 3 credits

NUR 635CL Adult-Gerontology II 2 credits

NUR 645 Adult-Gerontology III 3 credits

NUR 645CL Adult-Gerontology III 2 credits

NUR 655 Adult-Gerontology IV 3 credits

NUR 655CL Adult-Gerontology IV 2 credits

Total 44 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

Satisfactory Academic Progression:

Students who receive a grade of “B-” or less on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the didactic and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next.

Post Master’s Certificate Advanced Placement Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Linda Mays, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Academic Credentials: DNP, (University of Florida); MSN (Duke University); BSN (University of Miami) ADN (Miami Dade College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6891; lmays@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): L. Mays

Program Description: This certificate program prepares a nurse practitioner to focus on skills and clinical reasoning appropriate to a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing information across culturally appropriate care in a diverse setting across the lifespan. Students will be eligible to take the national PMHNP certification examination appropriate to the specialty and to obtain NP licensure at the state level. They will learn the theories related to mental health nursing, prepare to provide complete and holistic therapeutic approaches to improve the functioning of clients with mental health disorders, and become empowered to advocate for policies that lead to improved health outcomes.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

1. A completed STU application

2. Graduate of an approved regionally accredited master’s or doctoral program with a major as an advanced practice nurse.

3. Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.

4. A grade-point average of 3.0 on all graduate work (A=4.00).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POST MASTERS’ ADVANCED PLACEMENT PMHNP:

1. Applicants who are accepted into the Advanced Certificate program must have taken Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology across the lifespan. All courses must be equivalent to STU curricula. Specialty courses are not transferable. Must have earned a grade of B or higher in each course.

2. Courses previously completed – Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology – must be approved by the College of Nursing.

5. Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be subjected to a Specialization track fee.

Post Master Certificate Advanced Placement PMHNP 26 credits

NUR 520 Psychopharmacology 3 credits

NUR 530 Psychopathology 3 credits

NUR 620 Psychiatric Management I 3 credits

NUR 620CL Psychiatric Clinical Management I 2 credits

NUR 630 Psychiatric Management II 3 credits

NUR 630CL Psychiatric Clinical Management II 2 credits

NUR 640 Psychiatric Management III 3 credits

NUR 640CL Psychiatric Clinical Management III 2 credits

NUR 650 Psychiatric Management IV 3 credits

NUR 650CL Psychiatric Clinical Management IV 2 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:

Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

Students who receive less than an 83% in a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the theory and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion together as they are corequisites. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term to successfully progress to the next. 

Post Master’s Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Linda Mays, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Academic Credentials: DNP, (University of Florida); MSN (Duke University); BSN (University of Miami) ADN (Miami Dade College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6891; lmays@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): L. Mays

Program Description: The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master’s certificate program prepares nurses with an MSN degree with the knowledge, skill, and information across cultures to provide safe and effective care for patients with psychiatric and physical health complex needs across the lifespan in the community. They will learn the theories related to mental health nursing, prepare to provide complete and holistic therapeutic approaches to improve the functioning of clients with mental health disorders, and become empowered to advocate for policies that lead to improved health outcomes.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

1. A completed STU application

2. Graduate of an approved regionally accredited master’s or doctoral program with a major in nursing.

4. A grade-point average of 3.0 on all graduate work (A=4.00).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POST MASTERS’ CERTIFICATE PMHNP:

1. Applicants who are accepted into the Post Masters PMHNP Certificate program must have taken Health Policy, Research, and Diversity courses. All courses must be equivalent to STU curricula. Specialty courses are not transferable.

2. Courses previously completed must be approved by the College of Nursing.

4. Students admitted into the MSN core or MSN certificates will be subjected to a Competency bundle nursing fee.

5. Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be subjected to a Specialization track fee.

Core Requirements 12 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 504 Advanced Health Assessment & Differential Diagnosis 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credit

NUR 600 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 3 credits

Post Masters Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 26 credits

NUR 520 Psychopharmacology 3 credits

NUR 530 Psychopathology 3 credits

NUR 620 Psychiatric Management I 3 credits

NUR 620CL Psychiatric Clinical Management I 2 credits

NUR 630 Psychiatric Management II 3 credits

NUR 630CL Psychiatric Clinical Management II 2 credits

NUR 640 Psychiatric Management III 3 credits

NUR 640CL Psychiatric Clinical Management III 2 credits

NUR 650 Psychiatric Management IV 3 credits

NUR 650CL Psychiatric Clinical Management IV 2 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:

Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

Students who receive less than an 83% in a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the theory and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion together as they are corequisites. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term to successfully progress to the next. 

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Linda Mays, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Academic Credentials: DNP, (University of Florida); MSN (Duke University); BSN (University of Miami) ADN (Miami Dade College).

Contact Information: 305-474-6891; lmays@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): L. Mays

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

1. A completed STU application

2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) must be from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits administrator.

3. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) upper division coursework.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MS IN NURSING:

1. Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.

2. If necessary, availability for interview upon review of application.

4. Students admitted into the MSN core or MSN certificates will be subjected to a Competency bundle nursing fee.

5. Students admitted into the MSN Specialization courses will be subjected to a Specialization track fee.

MSN Core Requirements 21 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 501 Philosophical & Theoretical, Evidenced Based Research 3 credits

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits

NUR 504 Advanced Health Assessment & Differential Diagnosis 3 credits

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice 3 credits

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credit

NUR 600 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 3 credits

MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization_29 credits

Course Requirements

NUR 520 Psychopharmacology 3 credits

NUR 530 Psychopathology 3 credits

NUR 620 Psychiatric Management I 3 credits

NUR 620CL Psychiatric Clinical Management I 2 credits

NUR 630 Psychiatric Management II 3 credits

NUR 630CL Psychiatric Clinical Management II 2 credits

NUR 640 Psychiatric Management III 3 credits

NUR 640CL Psychiatric Clinical Management III 2 credits

NUR 650 Psychiatric Management IV 3 credits

NUR 650CL Psychiatric Clinical Management IV 3 credits

NUR 670 PMHNP Integration Practicum 2 credits

Total 50 credits

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Students must take an Exit examination and score the minimum required in order to successfully demonstrate mastery of the content necessary to enter practice as safe, competent nurse practitioner, and to fulfill degree requirements.
Completion of all required clinical hours.
Be in good standing with the University.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

Students who receive less than 83% in a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the theory and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion together as they are corequisites. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term to successfully progress to the next. 

The Bachelor of Science Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP Program) (Delivery Locations: Online)

Online Program Director: Sherron Franks Meeks, Ph.D., MPAL, BA, RN, CNE, CNEcl

Academic Credentials: PhD Nursing Research (University of Texas, Tyler); MPAL (University of Texas, Permian Basin); BSN (University of Texas, Arlington), BA Leadership Studies (University of Texas, Permian Basin).

Contact Information: 432.661.4457; sfranksmeeks@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): Dr. Sherron Franks-Meeks, RN

Program Description: The BSN to DNP program is designed for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and wish to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. This program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles and leadership positions in healthcare. The curriculum includes a combination of advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, leadership, and evidence-based practice

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

A completed STU application
Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) must be from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits administrator.
Current Florida and Georgia registered nurse licensure with no restrictions. Nurses with any restrictions on their license, including participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program, will be reviewed.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) upper division coursework.

Additional Requirements:

Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy:

1. Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree.

2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States.

3. Specialty courses are not transferable.

Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) 67 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 501 Philosophical & Theoretical, Evidenced Based 3 credits

Research

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice 3 credits

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy 3 credits

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits

NUR 604 Nurse Executive Leader Community Integration 4 credits

NUR 605 Transformational Leadership: A Holistic Approach 4 credits

NUR 606 Financial Management for Nurse Leaders 4 credits

NUR 607 Advanced Strategies for Interdisciplinary Collaboration 4 credits

NUR 608 Relationship Management 4 credits

NUR 609 Research & EBP Application Practicum 5 credits

An MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership will be awarded when the above are completed successfully.

NUR 800 Evidence Appraisal 3 credits

NUR 820 Applied Advanced Research and Nursing 3 credits

NUR 850 Population Health in Nursing 3 credits

NUR 860 Quantitative Research 3 credits

NUR 870 Qualitative Research 3 credits

NUR 880 Quality Improvement in Health Care 3 credits

NUR 900 Practicum Project Proposal 3 credits

NUR 910 DNP Practicum I 3 credits

NUR 920 DNP Practicum II 3 credits

NUR 930 DNP Practicum III 3 credits

Graduate Program (MSN) Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Incorporate evidence-based research to resolve practice problems and improve knowledge. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, Domain 4, Domain 6, and Domain 7).

3. Apply patient-care technology such as informatics to enhance patient care using a collaborative approach. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 4).

7. Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, and consultation to advance inter-professional teams. (AACN 2021, Domain 2, Domain 4, Domain 7).

8. Integrate clinical prevention and health promotion strategies to maintain optimal health and improve patient health and improve health outcomes. (AACN 2021, Domain 1, Domain 3, and Domain 7).

9. Apply advanced knowledge gained from nursing and other related science as a foundation for practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 3, Domain 7, and Domain 8).

DNP Students Learning Outcomes:

Integrate advanced knowledge of nursing theories, methods of inquiry, humanities, and related sciences in the delivery of care of rural and underserved populations (AACN 2021, Domain 1 and Domain 4).
Demonstrate transformational leadership, accountability, and analyze organizational models for safe and quality health care delivery for patients and populations at the advanced nursing role (AACN 2021, Domain 5 and Domain 10).
Apply evidence-based knowledge to guide nursing practice at the advanced role to improve health care delivery and outcomes for patients, communities, and the nation (AACN 2021, Domain 1 and Domain 4).
Demonstrate leadership in the different realms of nursing while utilizing and evaluating the use of health care information systems, information technology, communication systems, and patient care technology (AACN 2021, Domain 8 and Domain 10).
Serve as leaders and participate in the creation and implementation of health policy to advocate for the nursing profession and the healthcare communities (AACN 2021, Domain 9 and Domain 10).
Communicate effectively, support, and collaborate with interprofessional teams to formulate effective practice approaches to improve individuals and communities’ health outcomes (AACN 2021, Domain 6, Domain 9, and Domain 10).
Appraise scientific data to translate the best evidence into nursing practice and health care delivery (AACN 2021, Domain 4 and Domain 5).
Develop health strategies based on scientific knowledge for health promotion, disease prevention, and elimination of health disparities for underserved populations (AACN 2021, Domain 2 and Domain 3).
Implement culturally sensitive and holistic approaches to lead and mentor other nurses to achieve excellence in nursing practice and decision-making in complex situations based on scientific evidence with advanced levels of clinical judgment (AACN 2021, Domain 2 and Domain 3).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application
Students must maintain a grade of B or higher in each course for continuation in the program
Completion of all required clinical hours
Final approval of scholarly project by academic committee
Publishing DNP-SP in the St. Thomas University Library database
Be in good standing with the University

Satisfactory Academic Progression:

Students who receive a grade of “B-” or less on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. A student who fails either the theory or the clinical portion of the course fails the didactic and clinical course. The student must repeat the theory and the clinical portion. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next.

Scholarly Project Requirement

The DNP Scholarly Project (DNP-SP) is a scholarly experience using principles of evidence-based practice and research translation that is designed to provide students with a guided opportunity to address a meaningful practice concern relevant to healthcare systems, processes, and/or outcomes. Working closely with mentors, students identify an issue or question within nursing practice that is of scholarly interest and conduct a thorough review and synthesis of the related literature. Students develop a project around this issue or question, implement and evaluate this project and disseminate findings and recommendations. The DNP-SP end-product will be tangible, practice-related, and deliverable. The final scholarly project will be reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee. The SP should be a synthesis of the student’s work and lay the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors, including publication. DNP projects must be successfully defended before the DNP Project Committee and presented publicly.

DOCTOR IN NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)

Doctor in Nursing Practice Program

(Delivery Location: Online)

Online Program Director: Cassandre Milien, DNP, RN

Academic Credentials: DNP (St. Thomas University); MSN (Kaplan University); BSN (Barry University).

Contact Information: 305-628-6571; cmilien@stu.edu

Program Advisor(s): C. Milien

Program Description: The Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to prepare expert nurses at the highest level of professional nursing practice with the knowledge and skills to drive innovation, translate evidence-based research into practice, and provide leadership for the organizational, system, and/or policy changes necessary to enhance healthcare delivery, performance outcomes, safety, and quality of patient care. The program is for registered nurses with a master’s degree and are interested in expanding their scope of practice and impact on the healthcare system. The program builds upon the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and prepares them for advanced nursing leadership roles and to make significant contributions to the expansion of nursing knowledge and practice.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to this program must submit:

1. A completed STU application

2. Graduate of an approved regionally accredited master’s program with a major in nursing.

3. A grade-point average of 3.0 on all graduate work (A=4.00).

4. Current Florida or Georgia registered nurse RN license with no restrictions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy: 1. Students may transfer a maximum of six

(6) hours of graduate level coursework to be applied to a St. Thomas graduate degree. 2. Transfer credits will be accepted only from regionally accredited and programmatically accredited colleges and universities within the United States. 3. Specialty courses are not transferable. 4. Students admitted into the DNP courses will be charged a DNP-track fee.

DNP Courses 39 credits

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 credits

NUR 800 Evidence Appraisal 3 credits

NUR 810 Transformational Leadership 3 credits

NUR 820 Applied Advanced Research and Nursing 3 credits

NUR 830 Information Technology and Nursing Implications 3 credits

NUR 840 Health Care Policy 3 credits

NUR 850 Population Health in Nursing 3 credits

NUR 860 Quantitative Research 3 credits

NUR 870 Qualitative Research 3 credits

NUR 880 Quality Improvement in Health Care 3 credits

NUR 900 Practicum Project Proposal 3 credits

NUR 910 DNP Practicum I 3 credits

NUR 920 DNP Practicum II 3 credits

NUR 930 DNP Practicum III 3 credits

Academic Requirements

The DNP Program consists of 39 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Clinical practice hours for DNP students with less than 500 master’s-level clinical hours will be individually evaluated based on their transcripts. Additional clinical hours can be completed at the beginning of the program and must be completed before all practicum courses. If not completed, students will be dismissed from the program. The clinical practice component is conducted with the assistance of professional mentors or supervisors. Goals and objectives of the practice experience are negotiated with the student's mentor.

Scholarly Project Requirement

The DNP Scholarly Project (DNP-SP) is a scholarly experience using principles of evidence-based practice and research translation that is designed to provide students with a guided opportunity to address a meaningful practice concern relevant to healthcare systems, processes, and/or outcomes. Working closely with mentors, students identify an issue or question within nursing practice that is of scholarly interest and conduct a thorough review and synthesis of the related literature. Students develop a project around this issue or question, implement and evaluate this project and disseminate findings and recommendations. The DNP-SP end-product will be tangible, practice-related, and deliverable. The final scholarly project will be reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee. The Scholarly Project should be a synthesis of the student’s work and lay the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors, including publication. DNP projects must be successfully defended before the DNP Project Committee and presented publicly.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Integrate advanced knowledge of nursing theories, methods of inquiry, humanities, and related sciences in the delivery of care of rural and underserved populations (AACN 2021, Domain 1 and Domain 4).
Demonstrate transformational leadership, accountability, and analyze organizational models for safe and quality health care delivery for patients and populations at the advanced nursing role (AACN 2021, Domain 5 and Domain 10).
Apply evidence-based knowledge to guide nursing practice at the advanced role to improve health care delivery and outcomes for patients, communities, and the nation (AACN 2021, Domain 1 and Domain 4).
Demonstrate leadership in the different realms of nursing while utilizing and evaluating the use of health care information systems, information technology, communication systems, and patient care technology (AACN 2021, Domain 8 and Domain 10).
Serve as leaders and participate in the creation and implementation of health policy to advocate for the nursing profession and the healthcare communities (AACN 2021, Domain 9 and Domain 10).
Communicate effectively, support, and collaborate with interprofessional teams to formulate effective practice approaches to improve individuals and communities’ health outcomes (AACN 2021, Domain 6, Domain 9, and Domain 10).
Appraise scientific data to translate the best evidence into nursing practice and health care delivery (AACN 2021, Domain 4 and Domain 5).
Develop health strategies based on scientific knowledge for health promotion, disease prevention, and elimination of health disparities for underserved populations (AACN 2021, Domain 2 and Domain 3).
Implement culturally sensitive and holistic approaches to lead and mentor other nurses to achieve excellence in nursing practice and decision-making in complex situations based on scientific evidence with advanced levels of clinical judgment (AACN 2021, Domain 2 and Domain 3).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation application.
Students must maintain a grade of B+ or higher in each course for continuation in the program.
Completion of all required practicum hours.
Final approval of scholarly project by academic committee.
Publishing DNP-SP in the St. Thomas University Library database

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

Students who receive a grade less than 83% on a course must repeat that course. However, a student can only repeat that course once. Failure of the same course or another course will result in dismissal from the program. Dropping or withdrawing from any NUR course before or on the University withdrawal deadline date is considered a failure. Students must successfully pass a term and or semester to successfully progress to the next. 

American Psychological Association (APA), Quality Control, and Style Test Requirements: When the project has been successfully defended, it must pass an APA final Style and Writing Quality Assessment administered by the St. Thomas University Library before it can be formally accepted by the library for processing, binding, and ProQuest admissibility. Projects that fail to meet those requirements will be returned to students for revision and resubmission. The Scholarly Project Checklist must be strictly followed in the process of Final Review by the academic committee. All St. Thomas University Scholarly Projects are subject to quality control to ensure a scholarly product. If a scholarly project is found to contain quality issues in APA format, style, and/or presentation, the writer will be required to provide a corrected copy to the University Library. If the scholarly project is not complete, and the student will not graduate, until the University Library official approves the final document.

Publishing the DNP Project: St. Thomas University requires that all projects be published in the St. Thomas University Library database and all students must submit their projects to ProQuest. Publication is subject to St. Thomas University policy on Intellectual/Creative Property.

Incomplete Policy: If doctoral student is unable to complete an assignment at the end of the course for a particular class due to a significant and extenuating circumstance, it may be necessary for a doctoral student to request an Incomplete for a course. In this case, the student is asked to communicate and identify parameters for completion of the required course materials. Additionally, students and instructors/mentors are asked to complete the necessary paperwork to request an Incomplete and to submit it to the Program Coordinator. The grade of Incomplete (I) may be given in a course at the sole discretion of the professor in unusual and exceptional circumstances. Incompletes are extremely rare and are a contract between the student and the professor. All incompletes must be completed by the assigned due date in accordance to student/faculty agreement or the Incomplete automatically convert to an "F". Incomplete grades assigned in the semester of graduation will result in the postponement of graduation. The student must complete the Incomplete with the professor/mentor of record unless that professor/mentor is no longer a member of the University. In that circumstance the appropriate dean will assign an appropriate member of the faculty.

GRADUATE

NURSING SCIENCE COURSES

(All courses 3 credits unless otherwise specified)

NUR 002 Online Graduate Nursing Orientation 0 Credits

This orientation course is tailored for graduate students to provide a thorough introduction to the program's framework, curriculum, and expected student experiences. Please note, this orientation is not for credit but serves as a valuable resource to familiarize yourself with course requirements, academic resources, and support services essential for your academic journey.

NUR 501 Philosophical, Theoretical Evidence Based Nursing Practice

This course will provide a forum for the student to analysis and utilize appropriate theory within their practice. Throughout the course, the student will enhance the skills to translate evidence-based research into evidence-based practice. The students will acquire skills in learning interrelationship between nursing theory, research, and practice along with the nature of scientific knowledge. The integration of theories from nursing and other sciences will enable the student to develop a broad and holistic methodology to care.

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology

This course will provide the student with an advanced understanding of pathophysiology and system-focused physiology. Content will focus on normal physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of disease which serves as the foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Physiologic changes will be compared. Students will utilize critical thinking processes to analyze diverse client presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.

NUR 504 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis

This course focuses on the advanced comprehensive health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. The course builds on the students’ knowledge and skills of basics physical health assessment and provides a foundational framework for the advanced practice nurse. Upon completion of this course, students will effectively integrate the comprehensive physical, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural components of assessment with diagnostic reasoning. This course requires that the student complete 20 lab hours.

NUR 505 Diversity in Advanced Health Practice

This course explores the complexities of health service delivery to diverse populations. The social ecological models will be used to provide a deeper understanding on how diverse populations impact health policies, social justice, structural inequities, and the value systems of these groups. Variables related to gender, age, lifestyle, religion, culture, social class, race, and geography will also be explored.

NUR 506 Influencing Health Policy

This course focuses on the interactions between healthcare policy makers and nursing professionals. This course will emphasize the influence nursing has on healthcare policy at all levels (e.g. international, national, state, local, and intra- / inter-communities) using microsystem, macrosystem, and mesosystem processes and interactions, including emergency or disaster management, high-risk or marginalized populations, and general health.

NUR 507 Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner I: Children & Families

This course focuses on advanced practice nursing and health care management of children and adolescents. The focus will be on assessment, diagnosis, health promotion, prevention of illness, and management of common health problems in this culturally diverse population. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 507CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 507CL to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 507CL Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner: Clinical I 2 Credits

The role and function of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) will be explored through the clinical rotation experience. This course requires that students complete 125 clinical hours working in an FNP capacity. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 507. The student must successfully pass NUR 507 to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 509 Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner: Adults

This course focuses on advanced practice nursing and health care management of adults. The emphasis will be on assessment, diagnosis, health promotion, prevention of illness, and management of common health problems in this culturally diverse population. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 509CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 509CL to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 509CL Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner: Clinical III 2 Credits

The role and function of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) will be explored through the clinical rotation experience. This course requires that students complete 125 clinical hours working in an FNP capacity. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 509. The student must successfully pass NUR 509 to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 512 Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing

This course will provide a forum for the student to examine the roles of the advanced practice nurse. The content will include professional practice issues for the advanced practice nurse, working independently and collaborating with other health care professionals within the multidisciplinary/multiagency team. This course will also look at the scope of practice, professional responsibilities, informatics, and financial aspects of advanced practice.

NUR 514 Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner: Women’s Health

This course will provide a foundational framework for advanced practice nursing in women’s health. The focus will be on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common health problems in the culturally diverse women population. This course will also look at health promotion and disease prevention strategies in women. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 514 CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 514CL to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 514CL Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner: Clinical II 2 Credits

The role and function of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) will be explored through the clinical rotation experience. This course requires that students complete 125 clinical hours working in an FNP capacity. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 514. The student must successfully pass NUR 514 to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 515 Introduction to Nursing Informatics

This course introduces students to the field of Nursing Informatics, focusing on the integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. Students will explore the role of informatics in improving patient care, enhancing clinical decision-making, and supporting evidence-based practice.

NUR 516: Implementation & Evaluation in Health Informatics

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices involved in the implementation and evaluation of health informatics systems. Students will explore the methodologies and tools used to plan, execute, and assess health informatics projects. The course covers topics such as system design, project management, data analysis, and the evaluation of health information systems' impact on healthcare delivery and outcomes.

NUR 517: Interoperability & Workflow

This course delves into the critical aspects of interoperability and workflow within the realm of health informatics. Students will explore the principles, standards, and practices that enable seamless data exchange and integration across diverse healthcare systems. The course emphasizes the importance of interoperability in enhancing clinical workflows, improving patient outcomes, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.

NUR 518: Data Management & Analytics AI App

This course provides an in-depth exploration of data management and analytics within the context of nursing informatics, with a special focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Students will learn to manage, analyze, and interpret healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. The course covers data collection, storage, and retrieval, as well as advanced analytics techniques, including AI-driven decision support systems. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of AI in nursing informatics, ethical considerations, and the future of AI in healthcare.

NUR 522: Health IT Practicum

This practicum course provides students with hands-on experience in the implementation and management of health information technology (HIT) systems within healthcare settings. Students will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, working under the guidance of experienced preceptors. The course emphasizes the development of practical skills in HIT project management, system integration, data analysis, and the evaluation of HIT solutions to improve patient care and healthcare delivery.

NUR-523: Capstone Synthesis Practicum

This capstone synthesis practicum course provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills acquired throughout the MSN Informatics program in a real-world setting. Students will engage in professional activities and develop a culminating project that demonstrates their ability to integrate theory, principles, and concepts related to nursing informatics. The course emphasizes the enhancement of nursing practice and the promotion of positive social change through the application of informatics solutions.

NUR 520 Psychopharmacology

The Psychopharmacology course will cover the common psychoactive medications, classes, uses, effects, side effects, and prescriptive implications related to nursing care of clients with psychiatric mental health illness. This course provides direction for the psychiatric mental health nurse who functions in an advanced role in a variety of settings. The emphasis of the course will focus on the selection, use and monitoring of psychoactive medications and the ethical and legal considerations of psycho- pharmacology.

NUR 530 Psychopathology

This course builds knowledge of theoretical foundations of advanced nursing practice, mental health assessment, group and family therapy, models and theories of psychiatric nursing, neurobiology, psychopharmacology, research methods and pathophysiology, with psychiatric patients. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-based interventions, psychopharmacological interventions, trauma-based interventions and combinations of these treatments will all be presented.

NUR 600 Clinical Pharmacology

This course will focus on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of broad categories pharmacologic agents for the management of common acute and chronic health problems of diverse populations. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the principles of pharmacology as the foundation for clinical decision making in select pharmacologic agents for the management of client health problems based on client variations and the problem being managed.

NUR 516 NUR 517

NUR 601 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

This course explores nursing as an art and science in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention across the health-illness continuum with clients: the individual, family, or community. Strategies on how to effectively apply culturally and environmentally sensitive interventions will also be explored. The course serves as the foundation to develop further assessment skills to sharpen the knowledge base of the advanced practice nurse in promoting health and preventing acute and chronic diseases. Throughout the course, the student will enhance the knowledge to translate relevant clinical guidelines and evidenced-based research into evidenced based practice to promote health and prevent chronic health problems.

NUR 604 Nurse Executive Leader Community Integration

This course offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students seeking a concentration in nurse executive (NE) leadership an opportunity to learn and practice the NE leadership skills and competencies required for knowledge of the health care environment. This includes practice and application of care delivery models, recognition of both internal and external influences, importance of quality and safety measures, and prioritization of both short- and long-term organizational interests using economic strategies to integrate macro- and micro health care policy influences utilizing applicable regulations, statutes, evidence-based practice, and informational sciences. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, 512.

NUR 605 Transformational Leadership: A Holistic Approach to Leading Change

This course offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive candidates an in-depth exploration of Transformational leadership, aiming to cultivate the essential skills and knowledge needed for leadership within healthcare organizations. Students will explore the theories and principles of transformational leadership and their practical applications to nursing management and policy. Topics will include fostering a culture of innovation, driving change in complex systems, empowering teams, enhancing communication, and addressing ethical considerations in leadership. Students will learn to identify and develop leadership qualities that inspire and motivate others, ultimately promoting high-quality patient care and improved organizational outcomes. By the end of the course, graduates will be prepared to lead with confidence and adapt to the evolving challenges in the healthcare landscape. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 604.

NUR 606 Financial Management for Leaders

This course offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive (NE) students the opportunity to learn and practice the necessary healthcare industry business skills and principles such as financial management, strategic planning, and human resource management skills and competencies. This includes practice and application of financial processes, economic applications (e.g., finance, accounting, bond ratings, and operational margins), data gathering and application, identification of strategic objectives, contract management, diversity of workforce, and establishing mechanisms to support workforce professional growth. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 605.

NUR 607 Advanced Strategies for Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare

This course examines the role of interprofessional collaboration in advancing safe, high-quality patient care and improving healthcare outcomes across diverse settings. Emphasizing complex decision-making and evidence-based practice, the course prepares nursing leaders to spearhead initiatives that integrate advanced communication, quality improvement strategies, and patient-care technologies. Students will cultivate skills in advocating collaborative, patient-centered policies that promote health equity, with a focus on system-level approaches to healthcare delivery. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 606.

NUR 608 Relationship Management

This course offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive (NE) students an opportunity to learn and practice the skills and competencies needed in communication and relationship management. This includes effective communication, influence on behaviors, and relationship management. Skills and competencies practices will include communicating effectively with transparency, creating a consensus toward a common goal, fostering strategic partnerships, managing conflicts, and incorporating organizational influence(s) into stakeholder interactions. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 607.

NUR 609 Research & Evidence-Based Practice Application Practicum

This course will allow the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive (NE) candidate to practice the skills and competencies necessary to lead and manage a health care organization. The candidate will demonstrate the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) Nurse Executive Leadership Competencies and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 2021 Advanced Level Essentials through a research and/or evidence-based practice application practicum utilizing a mentor/preceptor to assist with guiding the candidate in successful project implementation and evaluation. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 608.

NUR 611 Advanced Practice Nursing Integration Practicum

The student will synthesize all elements of previously gained knowledge and skills from courses and clinical experiences by developing a research project about integrating research findings into practice with evaluation of client system outcomes. The students will be expected to present their research project via oral or PowerPoint presentation to the students and our faculty. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, 512, 600, 601, NUR 507, NUR 507CL, NUR 509, NUR 509CL, NUR 514, NUR 514CL, NUR 514, and NUR 514CL.

NUR 612 Adult Gerontology Acute

This course focuses on the management of acute/chronic and rapidly changing conditions of older adults. The emphasis will be on assessment, diagnosis, health promotion, prevention of illness, and management of common health problems in this culturally diverse population. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 612CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 612CL to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 612CL Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner: Clinical IV 2 Credits

The role and function of a Nurse Practitioner in adult gerontology health will be explored through the clinical rotation experience. This course requires students to complete 125 clinical hours working in adult gerontology. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 612. The student must successfully pass NUR 612 to pass this course. The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 501, NUR 502, NUR 504, NUR 506, NUR 512, NUR 600, and NUR 601.

NUR 620 Psychiatric Management I

This course provides didactic experiences in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of clients across the lifespan with acute and/or chronic psychiatric disorders. Evidenced-based practice is used. Emphasis is given to promoting, maintaining, and restoring wellness to patients across the lifespan. A holistic therapeutic approach is used to enhance the functioning of diverse individuals across the lifespan.

NUR620CL Psychiatric Management I

This course provides clinical experiences in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of clients across the lifespan with acute and/or chronic psychiatric disorders. Evidenced-based practice is used. Emphasis is given to promoting, maintaining, and restoring wellness to patients across the lifespan. A holistic therapeutic approach is used to enhance the functioning of diverse individuals across the lifespan.

NUR 625 Adult-Gerontology I

This course will provide students with the ability to be prepared in the professional role in advanced nursing practice focusing on the primary care and wellness of young adults, adults and older adults population on the HEENT, Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems. Students will base their learning on national guidelines, professional standards, evidence-based practice strategies, cultural competency, health promotion and disease prevention. Students will cover patient counseling and education at the advanced nursing practice level, focusing on the diagnosis, management, and therapeutic interventions on the primary care setting for young adults, adults and older adults. The students will be able to evaluate and manage diverse patient populations with complex primary care health needs ranging from acuity to chronicity. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 625CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 625CL to pass this course.

NUR 625CL Adult-Gerontology I

This clinical course will provide the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner student the ability to practice taking patient’s history, completing physical examination while incorporating pharmacology, and implementing evidence-based practice using the national screening guidelines across the young adult. The students will be able to diagnose, recommend therapeutic measures, provide education, health prevention and disease promotion at the level of advanced nursing role. Students will acquire the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 625. The student must successfully pass NUR 625 to pass this course.

NUR 630 Psychiatric Management II

This course provides continuation of didactic experiences in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of clients across the lifespan with acute and/or chronic psychiatric disorders. Evidenced-based practice is used. Emphasis is given to promoting, maintaining, and restoring wellness to patients across the lifespan. A holistic therapeutic approach is used to enhance the functioning of diverse individuals across the lifespan.

NUR 630CL Psychiatric Management II

This course provides continuation of clinical experiences in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of clients across the lifespan with acute and/or chronic psychiatric disorders. Evidenced-based practice is used. Emphasis is given to promoting, maintaining, and restoring wellness to patients across the lifespan. A holistic therapeutic approach is used to enhance the functioning of diverse individuals across the lifespan.

NUR 635 Adult-Gerontology II

This course will provide students with the ability to be prepared in the professional role in advanced nursing practice focusing on the primary care of young adults, adults and older adults population on the Skin, GI, Hematology, and Endocrine systems. Students will base their learning on national guidelines, professional standards, evidence-based practice strategies, cultural competency, health promotion and disease prevention. Students will cover patient counseling and education at the advanced nursing practice level, focusing on the diagnosis, management, and therapeutic interventions on the primary care setting for adults. The students will be able to evaluate and manage diverse patient populations with complex primary care health needs ranging from acuity to chronicity. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 635CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 635CL to pass this course.

NUR 635CL Adult-Gerontology II

This clinical course will provide the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner student the ability to practice taking patient’s history, completing physical examination while incorporating pharmacology, and implementing evidence-based practice using the national screening guidelines across the adults. The students will be able to diagnose, recommend therapeutic measures, provide education, health prevention and disease promotion at the level of advanced nursing role. Students will acquire the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care integrating research-based knowledge on the precepted clinical experiences in the primary care setting. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 635. The student must successfully pass NUR 635 to pass this course.

NUR 640 Psychiatric Management III

This course provides the student with advanced knowledge in group psychotherapy techniques that are applicable across the lifespan focusing on theoretical and conceptual models of group dynamics using evidence-based practices in assessing, planning, treating, and evaluating dysfunctional patterns in groups. This course promotes and maintains effective and therapeutic communication patterns in a variety of groups settings.

NUR 640CL Psychiatric Management III

This course provides the student with clinical knowledge in group psychotherapy techniques that are applicable across the lifespan focusing on theoretical and conceptual models of group dynamics using evidence-based practices in assessing, planning, treating, and evaluating dysfunctional patterns in groups. This course promotes and maintains effective and therapeutic communication patterns in a variety of groups settings.

NUR 645 Adult-Gerontology III

This course will provide students with the ability to be prepared in the professional role in advanced nursing practice focusing on the primary care of young adults, adults and older adults’ population on the Neurology, musculoskeletal systems, and diseases related to gender (male and female). Students will base their learning on national guidelines, professional standards, evidence-based practice strategies, cultural competency, health promotion and disease prevention. Students will cover patient counseling and education at the advanced nursing practice level, focusing on the diagnosis, management and therapeutic interventions on the primary care setting for older adults. The students will be able to evaluate and manage diverse patient populations with complex primary care health needs ranging from acuity to chronicity. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 645CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 645CL to pass this course.

NUR 645CL Adult-Gerontology III

This clinical course will provide the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner student the ability to practice taking patient’s history, completing physical examination while incorporating pharmacology, and implementing evidence-based practice using the national screening guidelines across the older adults. The students will be able to diagnose, recommend therapeutic measures, provide education, health prevention and disease promotion at the level of advanced nursing role. Students will acquire the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care integrating research-based knowledge on the precepted clinical experiences in the primary care setting. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 645. The student must successfully pass NUR 645 to pass this course.

NUR 650 Psychiatric Management IV

This course provides continuation of advanced knowledge for the students in group psychotherapy techniques that are applicable across the lifespan focusing on theoretical and conceptual models of group dynamics using evidence-based practices in assessing, planning, treating, and evaluating dysfunctional patterns in groups. This course promotes and maintains effective and therapeutic communication patterns in a variety of groups settings.

NUR 650CL Psychiatric Management IV

NUR 655 Adult-Gerontology IV

This course will provide students with the ability to be prepared in the professional role in advanced nursing practice focusing on the primary care of young adults, adults and older adult population on infectious diseases, oncology, mental health, and diversity conditions. Students will base their learning on national guidelines, professional standards, evidence-based practice strategies, cultural competency, health promotion and disease prevention. Students will cover patient counseling and education at the advanced nursing practice level, focusing on the diagnosis, management and therapeutic interventions on the primary care setting for young adults, adults and older adults. The students will be able to evaluate and manage diverse patient populations with complex primary care health needs ranging from acuity to chronicity, including palliative and end-of-life care. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 655CL. The student must successfully pass NUR 655CL to pass this course

NUR 655CL Adult-Gerontology IV

This clinical course will provide the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner student the ability to practice taking patient’s history, completing physical examination while incorporating pharmacology, and implementing evidence-based practice using the national screening guidelines across the young adult, adults and older adults. The students will be able to diagnose, recommend therapeutic measures, provide education, health prevention and disease promotion at the level of advanced nursing role. Students will acquire the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care integrating research-based knowledge on the precepted clinical experiences in the primary care setting. This course is a co-requisite of NUR 655. The student must successfully pass NUR 655 to pass this course.

NUR 670 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Integration Practicum

This course provides students with comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric and mental health issues of clients across the life span. Students will apply the knowledge obtained throughout the program and will identify opportunities for collaboration, consulting, and referral within the context of the advanced psychiatric mental health nursing role. The student will synthesize all elements of previously gained knowledge and skills from courses and clinical experiences.

NUR 675 Adult-Gero NP Integration

The student will synthesize previously acquired knowledge and skills from coursework and clinical experiences by developing a research project that addresses a current issue in advanced nursing practice. Students will present their research findings through an oral or PowerPoint presentation to peers and/or faculty: The following courses must be taken prior to being enrolled in this course: NUR 625, NUR 625CL, NUR 635, NUR 635CL, NUR 645, NUR 645CL NUR 655, and NUR 655CL.

NUR 800 Evidence Appraisal

This course will expand on the student’s knowledge and experience in research with the emphasis on clinical applications using a variety of models. A review of research methods including problem identification, levels of research, design, data collection, and strategies for analyzing data will be done. The course gives knowledge of a variety of research models and designs used for specific purposes.

NUR 810 Transformational Leadership

This course synthesizes leadership theory and organizational models within the context of the health care industry. This course will enhance leadership competencies within organizational theory and behavior, leadership principles and practices, and organizational structure and workforce culture. Models of human resource management, change management, strategic planning, program development, and implementation will be explored and applied. Based on these theories and models, the student will derive the DNP's role in complex health care organizations.

NUR 820 Applied Advanced Research and Nursing

This course explores the basis for nursing knowledge and its relevance to advanced nursing practice at the doctoral level. Students will analyze steps on how nursing knowledge is generated, levels of evidence, nursing theories and theories from other disciplines and translate them into their advanced role. Students will identify and analyze concepts relevant to their topic of interest.

NUR 830 Information Technology and Nursing Implications

This course analyzes and synthetizes informatics and its role in the delivery of evidence-based care. Focusing on healthcare information technology's (IT) and contribution to data acquisition, it will enhance the understanding of how data is transformed into information and knowledge for scholarly practice. This course prepares the student to optimize the use of clinical systems and technology tools to continue to advance practice and drive clinical transformation.

NUR 840 Health Care Policy

This course addresses health policy and identifies steps for development, analysis of health policy and its economic impact within a socio-political context. The focus on the role of regulation within the U.S. health care system is addressed. The role of DNP contribution to health policy development is explored in a legal and ethical foundations for health care, as well as policy processes designed to improve health care access among diverse populations.

NUR 850 Population Health in Nursing

This course examines the epidemiological concepts focusing on determinants of health, disease distribution, environmental influences, cultural diversity, health promotion, clinical prevention and disaster preparedness. Nursing practice and its outcomes on populations are analyzed and evaluated using epidemiological, environmental data and statistical measures. The DNP students will explore concepts and nursing strategies to improve individual, aggregate and population health.

NUR 860 Quantitative Research

This course is designed for doctoral students in the Doctor in Nursing Practice program with an emphasis on quantitative research planning, design, and evaluation. The primary goal of this course is to prepare doctoral students for future design and development of project proposal and conduct of dissertation study in the quantitative

paradigm. This course will lay the foundation that builds on these basic concepts and helps students hone skills for writing a quantitative project.

NUR 870 Qualitative Research

This course explores the methods and procedures used in qualitative research. Topics include the philosophical basis for the method, the conceptualization of research questions, and selection of appropriate research designs, data collection data, manual and computerized data analysis, and the drawing of inference

NUR 880 Quality Improvement in Health Care

This course prepares students to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based quality health care practices for patient populations in acute, home, and community settings. The interdisciplinary teams work is illustrated and how to assess organizational culture, gather safety information, analyze data and translate findings into systems changes.

NUR 900 Practicum Project Proposal

This course enables the DNP student to translate evidence-based research and apply it into practice through complex clinical situations where the student will apply and demonstrate expertise and leadership qualities. This course will guide the DNP students how, with research and best evidence, well written project proposals are completed. Knowledge will be provided to Health care professionals in advanced practice to be able to deliver clinical project proposals using best evidence for advancing quality patient care. The course provides practical guidelines of common project models for developing and writing great proposals from start to finish. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 810, NUR 820, NUR 830, NUR 840, NUR 850, NUR 860, NUR 870, NUR 880

NUR 910 DNP Practicum I

This course allows students to obtain residency experience and complete the required hours on the DNP program. The faculty advisors will work with students regarding goals and nursing interventions and their implementation following the AACN DNP Essential in Nursing. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 810, NUR 820, NUR 830, NUR 840, NUR 850, NUR 860, NUR 870, NUR 880, NUR 900

NUR 920 DNP Practicum II

This course allows students to continue to obtain additional residency experience and complete the required hours on the DNP program. The faculty advisors will work with students regarding goals and nursing interventions and their implementation following the AACN DNP Essential in Nursing. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 810, NUR 820, NUR 830, NUR 840, NUR 850, NUR 860, NUR 870, NUR 880, NUR 900, NUR 910

NUR 930 DNP Practicum III

This course allows students to complete the residency experience and complete the required hours on the DNP program. The faculty advisors will work with students regarding goals and nursing interventions and their implementation following the AACN DNP Essential in Nursing Education. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 810, NUR 820, NUR 830, NUR 840, NUR 850, NUR 860, NUR 870, NUR 880, NUR 900, NUR 910, NUR 920

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