The primary purpose of the graduate program in nursing is to prepare students for advanced practice
in nursing. The program aims to prepare a graduate capable of assuming diverse leadership roles in clinical practice, thereby contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession
while enhancing the quality of life for those that we serve.
The program has a strong clinical emphasis and provides an opportunity for
continuing career development. An educational environment is created in which
scientific inquiry, role development and leadership behavior are synthesized to
facilitate the implementation and advancement of nursing theory and to
contribute to the scientific knowledge base needed for advanced clinical
practice.
The graduate program builds on the foundation established by undergraduate nursing education by providing experiences designed to increase the knowledge base necessary for advanced practice
in nursing. This increased knowledge base includes developing expertise in scientific inquiry, specialized practice, and leadership skills.
Concepts are ordered and related within the curriculum systematically. The
core knowledge of nursing theory, sociocultural theory, evidence-based nursing
practice, health promotion, ethics, and health policy form the basis of the
curriculum. Grounding in the core concepts prepares students to move
through the program to the advanced practice core and specialty courses.
The faculty believes that this sequencing of curricular content best enables
students to acquire the knowledge, attitudes and abilities necessary for
advanced practice in nursing in an increasingly complex health care environment.
