If you are in the process of applying for a graduate nursing program, learning about the types of classes for an MSN will help you prepare for your first semester. While the core course requirements vary from school to school, any nursing program that has a specialized or programmatic accreditation through a third-party agency, like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, will be expected to follow the core class standards set by the commission. Read on, and learn about core class standards and how to find the best MSN program.
The Different Types of MSN Programs
Core course requirements will depend upon the type of program that you are enrolled in. Two of the most common MSN programs are the MSN in Clinical Nursing and the MSN in Advanced Practice Nursing. Each program is designed for a different career path available to students. Students who choose the Clinical Nursing program will learn advanced material that will help them as a generalist in the field. Upon completion of this program, students will qualify to earn their Clinical Nurse Leader certification. The Advanced Practice Nursing MSN area of study is designed to help students who want to prepare for a nurse administrator role, rather than providing bedside care in an acute setting. You can choose from different specialties in administration and environmental health and then choose the population that you would like to treat. Some of the subspecialty areas that you can study include: Gerontology, Oncology, Pediatrics, and Adult Care.
Core Course Requirements of Each Program
You will need to decide which degree, specialty and subspecialty you are pursuing before you can learn about any type of course requirements. If you would like to work as a clinical nurse in a leadership role, you will complete MSN Clinical Nursing coursework to earn your degree. Some of the courses that you will be expected to complete to help you advance as a nurse leader include: Physiology, Health Economics, Health Policy, Heath Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Biostatistics for Nursing Practice, Research, Clinical Leadership, and Clinical Immersion. The actual number of required credits can range between 30 and 50 units, depending on the nursing degree you carry.
The curriculum for an Advanced Practice Nursing area of study focuses on teaching students the theoretical knowledge that they need to become administrators, practitioners or specialists. If you specialize in nurse administration, you will take courses in Research Design, Nursing Administration Theory, Essentials of Accounting, Operations Planning and Control for Nurse Administrators. Your subspecialty will also affect requirements. If you specialize in Oncology or Gerontology, you will need to complete focused curriculum on these subspecialties.
The demand for nursing professionals is on the rise, and as the demand grows, the need for graduate professionals with advanced knowledge in nursing areas of study also grows. If you would like to advance your career and fill in the gap that exists between supply and demand, now is the time to enroll in an MSN program. Learn about the types of classes for an MSN, and decide which classes will teach you what you need to know.
