Degree: Master of Nursing (MN)

Program Overview

The Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) Program is a full time, graduate-level program designed for students with a baccalaureate degree (BA or BS) in a non-nursing field. The MN program offers a rigorous, accelerated inter-professional education with on-campus classes in our new Health Education Campus. This 20 month, four semester program prepares graduates to take the national licensure exam (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse. In addition, graduates earn approximately 15 credit hours toward an MSN degree following completion of the pre-licensure portion of the program, and awarding of the Master of Nursing (MN) degree. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing has a rich history of preparing national and international nurse leaders. 

After earning the MN degree, students may complete their MSN degree without reapplying, or explore options for doctoral study in the DNP or PhD program.  Refer to the MSN, DNP, and PhD websites for information about these programs. Certain MSN majors have separate RN experience requirements and/or admission process; a DNP is required for some advanced practice registered nursing specialties. 

The MN program has an innovative quality and safety component woven throughout the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of the patient experience.

MN Program Student Learning Outcomes

The MN (Master of Nursing) is an advanced generalist nursing degree awarded to those who satisfactorily complete the required curriculum.  The program outcomes for MN Students are as follows:

• Leads inter professional, culturally-sensitive, and evidence-based initiatives within organizations and systems to continuously improve the safety and quality of healthcare.
• Initiates use of theory and research to identify clinical problems or solutions, participates in scientific inquiry, and translates scholarship into practice.
• Assumes the direct and indirect roles and functions of advanced nursing practice to promote health, prevent illness, and improve the health of patients and populations.
• Promotes implementation of the full scope of nursing practice and assumes leadership positions in employer, professional, or community organizations at the local/state/national level.
• Incorporates ethical principles in complex situations of advanced nursing practice and clinical inquiry.
• Collaborates with other health care professionals to initiate intra- and/or inter-professional teams to enhance practice and patient/population health outcomes.
• Integrates information, technology, and practice guidelines to promote effective communication among patients and colleagues within health care systems.
• Advocates for the development of health and social policy to improve health and practice by community engagement and participating in employer and professional organizations.

Credits Toward the MSN Earned in the Master of Nursing Curriculum (2024-2025)

Students who successfully complete the Master of Nursing curriculum and are awarded the MN degree have earned the following credits applicable toward most MSN majors for the MSN degree (in effect at the time of enrollment in the MN program).

Approval of RN Licensure Applications

The School of Nursing has the right to determine a student's readiness to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and also reserves the right to restrict testing until the student demonstrates a readiness to pass the examination.

In order to have the "Program Completion" section of the application for RN licensure approved by the Program Director, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Have been awarded the Master of Nursing (MN) degree.

2. Demonstrate readiness to take the NCLEX-RN examination on a faculty-selected, standardized NCLEX-RN predictor exam.

3. Completion of the MN Student Program Portfolio. 

Program Requirements

Time Frame for Completion of Degree

•  MN students must complete the program within 4 years of initial enrollment. Students who do not complete the MN curriculum within 4 years are required to reapply for the program; readmission to the program will be determined by the admissions committee.
• Students offered readmission may be required to complete additional coursework upon curricular review in order to meet current MN program requirements.
• Completion of the MSN, DNP, or PhD: refer to policies for those programs.
• Students follow the curriculum of their MSN major in effect at the time they begin the MSN program.

For students with experience in the armed forces of the United States, or in the National Guard or in a reserve component,  the Master of Nursing Program Director will (a) Review the individual's military education and skills training; (b) Determine whether any of the military education or skills training is substantially equivalent to the curriculum established in Chapter 4723-5 of the Ohio Administrative Code; and (c) Award credit to the individual for any substantially equivalent military education or skills training. (In accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4723-5)

Progression in the Graduate Entry Nursing Program

Satisfactory Academic Standing

Progression in the pre-licensure phase of the Master of Nursing Program is contingent upon satisfactory achievement in all required courses. To maintain satisfactory academic standing, students enrolled must attain and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above. A grade of C (2.0), the lowest passing grade, is viewed as borderline performance. An overall GPA of 3.0 is required to progress to the post-licensure component of the MN program. If a student’s semester GPA is less than 3.0 or the overall GPA is less than 3.0, the student will be placed on probation and an individualized plan will be developed and documented. The student will be removed from probation when the overall GPA is 3.0 or higher. 

The academic record of a student on probation for two semesters will be reviewed by the Executive Committee.  The committee will determine whether extenuating circumstances warrant an additional semester of probation, or whether the student should be separated from the program. If separation is advised, the MN Program Director will notify the student in writing.

When a student receives a grade of F for a required course, the student must register for that course the next semester in which the course is available.  Refer to the Student Handbook for more information on repeating a course with an F grade.  MN students who receive two failing grades indicating unsatisfactory performance (F, NP, or U) in required courses will be separated from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Progression from one semester to the next in the MN Program is contingent upon passing grades in all courses taken in the preceding semester.

The grade of Incomplete (I) can only be assigned by the discretion of the instructor when:  1) There are extenuating circumstances, explained to the instructor before the assignment of the grade, which clearly justifies an extension of time beyond the requirements established for and met by other students in the class, and 2) The student has been passing the course and only an evaluative component of the course, such as a term paper, final exam, or project remains to be completed. The "Arrangement to Resolve a Grade of Incomplete" form must be completed prior to the end of the semester, or the instructor may assign a grade of U or F. The instructor shall enter a final evaluative grade if and when the completed work has been submitted.  A grade of Incomplete must be removed by the 11th week of the semester following the one in which the courses were taken.  If the student does not complete the required work by the date established, the Registrar will convert the I to an F when the deadline for completion has passed. Students may not sit in the same course in a later semester to complete the work required for the original course. Please see the University Incomplete Policy.  

Master of Nursing students pursuing a post-licensure degree must meet all progression requirements of the degree program in which they are enrolled (MSN, DNP, or PhD).  Refer to those sections of the Bulletin for further information.

Curriculum

Students may petition for the Master of Nursing (MN) degree upon successful completion of all courses in the MN curriculum (see below). Successful completion requires a grade of at least C in each course and an overall GPA of at least 3.0. See the MN Program Policy on Progression.  Students must meet all University requirements for graduation. 

Ratio of credit hours to clock hours:  Didactic and Seminar, 1:1; Lab, 1:2; and Clinical, 1:4.

Sample Plan of Study