Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education (Bridge). This program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or other related fields who desire to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. Courses in the bridge program are a blending of RN to BSN core courses that are considered essential requisites to graduate study. Upon completion of bridge course from the BSN core, students enter one of five emphases offered for the Master of Science in Nursing. The Nursing Education emphasis prepares students for a variety of roles in nursing education, either as clinical educators or academic educators in both traditional and nontraditional settings in nursing education. Graduates are prepared to assess educational needs, plan programs to meet those needs, and evaluate the outcomes of their programs. The curriculum includes an in-depth examination of nursing theory, roles and practice; research, ethics, policy and finance in the health care system; and pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment for nurse educators. In addition, curriculum design and technology for nursing education is explored. A capstone course provides an opportunity for students to develop an evidence-based project proposal that addresses a problem or issue in professional practice. Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills needed to successfully teach nursing in a wide variety of settings.
