RN to MSN Courses Online
The RN to MSN program at Sacred Heart University allows students to earn their BSN degrees on the way to their Master's. In addition, students who finish the MSN program take four fewer classes, allowing them to graduate faster.
| Prerequisite Courses | Credit Hours | |
| PS 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PS 252 | Child Development Psychology | 3 |
| SO 110 | Sociological Imagination | 3 |
| BI 126 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| BI 127 | Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| BI 128 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| BI 128 | Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| BI 161 | Introduction to Microbiology | 3 |
| BI 161 | Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| BI/CH/PY | Biology, Chemistry or Physics elective | 3 |
| EN 110 | Academic Writing | 3 |
| BSN Requirements | Credit Hours | |
| NU 290 | Validation of Prior Learning | 3 |
| NU 325 | Health Assessment for RNs | 3 |
| NU 376 | Care Management and Capstone | 3 |
| NU 386 | Population and Public Health Nursing | 3 |
| Elective | Pathophysiology for RNs (if needed, completes Free Elective requirement) | 3 |
| University and Nursing Core Requirements | Credit Hours | |
| IL 101 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| EN/CC 102 | Literary Expressions of Human Journey | 3 |
| HI/CC 101 | Human Journey: Historical Paths to Civilization | 3 |
| CC 103 | Social Sciences: The Individual & Society OR Natural Sciences: Scientific Discovery & the Human Community | 3 |
| CC 104 | The Human Search for Truth, Justice, & the Common Good | 3 |
| EN 111 | Effective Speaking | 3 |
| MA 101 | Modern College Math | 3 |
| MA 131 | Statistics for Decision Making OR SO 242 Statistics for Social Research | 3 |
| PH 101 | Introduction to Problems of Philosophy | 3 |
| RS 101 | Introduction to Study of Religion | 3 |
| PH 258 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 3 |
MSN Requirements
BSN Requirements
NU 290 Validation of Prior Learning
NU 325 Health Assessment for RNs Provides an overview of assessment parameters, including interviewing, history taking, physical examination, and functionality, and the need for adequate data collection and careful analysis. Students will make their diagnoses using the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association nomenclature.
NU 376 Care Management and Capstone This course is for the registered nurse student and is focused on the elements of care management of individuals and families across the health care continuum. Care management for individuals and families requires an understanding of family systems and the interaction of individuals with their family during health actual or potential health issues, the integration of understanding, skills and professional practices of clinical leadership, collaboration, communication, teaching and learning, evidence based practice and evaluation in planning for care in various sites for health care provision. Students will engage analytic discussion and analysis of family systems and the influence of standards, systems of care, clinical practice and care planning and personal reflection on one's practice in contemporary nursing. Students will think ethically and morally as they grapple with real-world challenges and contemporary issues in our healthcare environment.
NU 386 Population and Public Health Nursing This course, Populations and Public Health focuses on the community and global society as consumers of health services. The scope of Public/Community Health Nursing practice includes the individual, family, community, and global society and is based on knowledge from nursing, public health, the liberal arts, sciences and the humanities. The different perspectives, sensitivities, and application of knowledge unique to nursing of the community and global society will be identified. Priorities and intervention strategies for health promotion and health protection, and health restoration for families, aggregates, groups, populations and communities will be stressed. The effectiveness of nursing practice will be explored in relation to the problems, priorities, attitudes, culture and resources of the individual, family and community and global society. In collaboration with other health disciplines, students will develop plans for intervention with community-based clients. Within all activities, the students will explore historical, present, and future issues which influence the health care delivery system. The application of critical thinking in the nursing process to the community is explored in experiential learning activities. Available technology will be employed to assess, monitor and promote the health of families, aggregates and communities. Strategies utilized in applying the levels of prevention with family, population, and community will be emphasized.
NU 277 Pathophysiology for RNs (if needed) Students will explore pathophysiological concepts to build an understanding of the mechanisms of disease, using biology, microbiology and physiological sciences as a basis for their approach. The course is designed in two parts: the first introduces the basic principles and processes of the body systems, while the second focuses on diseases and common alterations in body systems.
University and Nursing Core Requirements
IL 101 Information Literacy Students will learn research techniques for both print and electronic information. The process of finding, retrieving, assessing, using, and distributing information, as well as the correct methods for citation, will be studied.
EN/CC 102 Literary Expressions of Human Journey In this course, part of SHU's common core sequence, students will read and analyze significant literary works to answer explore the mysteries and commonalities of the human experience: What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to live a life of meaning and purpose, and is it possible to do so? What does it mean to understand and appreciate the natural world? What does it mean to forge a more just society for the common good? A total of eight works will be studied.
HI/CC 101 Human Journey: Historical Paths to Civilization Another of the common core sequence of courses, this course is an exploration of Western Civilization from the ancient world to the Renaissance. This era in Western history is contrasted and compared with a similar period in a non-Western civilization to help students develop an understanding of the values, concepts, and belief underlying our society.
CC 103 Social Sciences: The Individual & Society OR Natural Sciences: Scientific Discovery and the Human Community Students have a choice of two classes for the third of four courses in the common core curriculum. Social Sciences: The Individual and Society focuses on the social and political dimensions of what it means to be a human. Students will analyze the perspectives of major political philosophers and key thinkers from the Catholic intellectual tradition on this question. In Natural Sciences: Scientific Discover and the Human Community, students will examine the uses and limits of science to address the human condition. The practice of scientific inquiry with respect to political, social and cultural factors will also be examined, particularly in the context of the Catholic intellectual tradition.
CC 104 The Human Search for Truth, Justice, & the Common Good In this course, students will explore the human condition from a religious perspective by studying classic and contemporary texts from religious traditions, particularly the Catholic intellectual tradition.
EN 111 Effective Speaking Students study techniques for public speaking through instruction, individual and group presentations, and oral interpretation of literature.
MA 101 Modern College Math In this course, students examine systems of numeration, the real number system, finite mathematical systems, number theory, sequences and basic financial mathematics.
MA 131 Statistics for Decision Making OR SO 242 Statistics for Social Research Coursework covers descriptive statistics, probability distributions, confidence intervals, correlation and hypothesis testing. Students will study the applications of computer software to statistics.
PH 101 Introduction to Problems of Philosophy The course offers an exploration of the various branches of philosophy for the beginning student.
RS 101 Introduction to Study of Religion Students make a critical and constructive study of the nature of religion, its functions, and its various forms and manifestations.
PH 258 Medical Ethics This course examines ethical issues in everyday nursing, such as truth-telling, decision-making, medical error, as well as larger systemic issues, such as professional codes of conduct and comprehensive health care reform. Students examine their own ethical views in the context of topics presented with the aid of our texts and case studies. Philosophical and theological foundations of ethics, particularly the Catholic intellectual tradition, are described and applied to evaluated tasks.
MSN Requirements
Core Courses
NU 401 Health Care Policy & Ethics for Contemporary Nursing Practice This course examines health care policy issues such as financing, quality, and safety as well as the application of ethics to the field. Students will consider past and current nursing and health care practices and analyze policies and their implications for the future.
NU 433 Theory and Professional Roles for Contemporary Nursing Practice The class provides the foundation for advanced practice nursing by introducing theories from nursing and the natural, social, biological, and organizational sciences to frame their future practice. Students will also consider issues of cultural diversity to assure the delivery of effective care and minimize health disparities.
NU 430 Principles of Health Care Research for Contemporary Nursing Practice This course studies the field of research and its application to solving problems in nursing and health care. Each step of the research process is explored in-depth to develop the skills to apply research to practice. Students apply critical analysis to relevant research literature to determine its usefulness and application. Statistical methods and concepts are reviewed and integrated throughout the course to promote an understanding of those concepts within the context of health care research.
NU 431 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality Care This course builds on NU 601 by reviewing the principles inherent to a sound data collection and analysis, including differences between qualitative and quantitative research. Students will critique research articles according to criteria studied in the course and develop a project related to evidence-based practice.
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Specialization Courses
NU 550 Family and Community Context for Health Care This course examines the family and the community as unique and dynamic systems that require advanced nursing expertise and care at various times across the life cycle. Particular emphasis is placed on family and community assessment strategies, the impact of culture upon the family and community systems, and the impact of various primary care-oriented health problems on family roles and functions. In addition, relevant concepts and principles of epidemiology are applied to the current and emerging health status of families and communities. Students learn to function interdependently with other health team members to evaluate a plan of care using standards for advanced clinical practice.
NU 553 Advanced Pathophysiology Students will learn methods of assessing the pathophysiology of common disease states, including areas of clinical pathology that address alterations in major body systems commonly found in the primary care settings across the life span. Student will also study common diagnostic tests used in advanced nursing practice.
NU 554 Application of Comprehensive Health Assessment Methods Students will learn how to assess patients' physical and mental health status via a complete and accurate health history and a thorough physical exam, and then use that data to formulate a working diagnosis. Integration of common medical testing is also addressed.
NU 575 Health Care Information Systems The class is an introduction to health information systems as tools for decision making and communication. Emphasis is on the ability to take advantage of information systems to deliver patient care and an exploration of the variety of tools available to assist in analyzing its quality.
NU 611 Care Management and Resources Across the Continuum Reviews the basic approaches to care or case management and how they are used in different health care settings. The role of practice guidelines and key relationships among health care professionals is explored, along with the contributions of technology and financial considerations.
NU 612 Disease Management and Outcomes Assessment This course explores the benefits of a comprehensive case and disease management program in selected settings. Health priorities, models of chronic illness, and important concepts related to health status (including quality of life and functional status) are discussed. Research on the outcomes of case and disease management and strategies for identifying and measuring outcomes of care are also discussed.
NU 680 CNL Role Immersion Practicum This 3-credit course provides the opportunity for in-depth analysis of the CNL role within various health care settings and specialties through a guided role immersion experience. Students will demonstrate their understanding of prior coursework through clinical role practice, case studies, and student presentations. Instructors will provide guidance and support.
NU 681 CNL Capstone This 3-credit course provides the opportunity for in-depth analysis of the CNL role within various health care settings and specialties through a guided role immersion experience. Students will demonstrate their understanding of prior coursework through clinical role practice, case studies, and student presentations. Instructors will provide guidance and support.
Patient Care Services Administration Specialization Courses
NU 510 Strategic Leadership for Patient Care Services This class covers five functions of the patient care services administrator: strategic planning and vision, meeting customer needs and expectations, marketing services, care delivery systems, and managing quality. Students will learn to assess and design care delivery services that meet or exceed patient expectations, with an emphasis on how strategic planning affects the development of successful organizational and patient outcomes.
NU 520 Management of Human Resources Emphasis The class focuses on the administration of patient care services in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Students will study human resources issues such as work analysis, staffing, recruitment and selection, staff development, retention, rewards, and disciplinary action. Conflict management, teams, communication, managing a diverse workforce, and legal and regulatory requirements are also covered.
NU 575 Health Care Information Systems The class is an introduction to health information systems as tools for decision making and communication. Emphasis is on the ability to take advantage of information systems to deliver patient care and on exploring the tools available to assist in analyzing its quality.
NU 576 Management of Financial Resources An overview of the budgeting process in the health care setting, this course explores the building blocks used to develop sound financial projections for effective care. The course also reviews and explores the financial and payment structure of the health care system and its impact on the financial health of health care organizations. The ability to use information systems in the development and analysis of financial data is emphasized.
BU 601 Organizational Management This class examines and analyzes principles of planning and ethical decision making, organizing large and small groups, and systems for maintaining control in business and other organizations in a global environment. Students will develop the competencies required to be an effective manager, including self-awareness, trust-building, mentoring, empowering, delegating, and communicating. Students also develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and research through interdisciplinary cases/projects.
NU 670 Patient Care Services Administration Practicum Students apply and analyze the theories, competencies, and concepts of previous courses in a designated role practicum experience. Current issues and trends in health care and patient care services are integrated within each topical area. Students will also complete a capstone project that represents ability to formulate and apply a combination of conceptual and technical knowledge.
NU 671 Patient Care Services Administration Capstone Students apply and analyze the theories, competencies, and concepts of previous courses in a designated role practicum experience. Current issues and trends in health care and patient care services are integrated within each topical area. Students will also complete a capstone project that represents ability to formulate and apply a combination of conceptual and technical knowledge.
Nursing Education Specialization Courses
NU 553 Advanced Pathophysiology Students will learn methods of assessing the pathophysiology of common disease states, including areas of clinical pathology that address alterations in major body systems commonly found in the primary care settings across the life span. Student will also study common diagnostic tests used in advanced nursing practice.
NU 554 Application of Comprehensive Health Assessment Methods This course prepares the learner to assess in depth the biopsychosocial health status of clients across the life span by obtaining a complete and accurate health history and by performing a systematic physical examination. Acquired data will be used to formulate a comprehensive problem list for the client and refine documentation skills Content will be designed to provide correlation of assessment strategies with an understanding of the mechanisms of illness and health problems of the main body systems. Health and wellness in the context of disability will be addressed. This course assists in the socialization of the learner into the role of the clinical nurse leader or nurse educator in the current health care delivery system.
NU 555 Pharmacology for the Nurse Educator This course will focus on the pharmacotherpeutic principles of drugs most commonly used across health care settings. Basic pharmacological concepts, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics, as well as the principal classifications of drugs in clinical use today are discussed in relation to physiologic and psychologic concepts. The role of the nurse educator in teaching students safe and effective medication administration is emphasized. A variety of interactive and experiential activities will be utilized to enable the student to apply pharmacological theory to clinical situations and patient education.
NU 588 Theoretical Basis of Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education This course examines theories of education, teaching, and learning and explores their applications in a variety of settings, levels of education, and in the adult-learning context. Emphasis is on adapting strategies to specific types of learners. Issues and trends affecting nursing education are explored.
NU 589 Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing Education This course prepares students to design and implement effective class teachings and coursework. Focus is on the process of curriculum development for an individual course, including course objectives, content, learning activities, delivery of the content, and student evaluation. The faculty's role in program evaluation of the curriculum is also explored.
NU 611 Care Management and Resources Across the Continuum Reviews the basic approaches to care or case management and how they are used in different health care settings. The role of practice guidelines and key relationships among health care professionals is explored, along with the contributions of technology and financial considerations.
NU 612 Disease Management and Outcomes Assessment This course explores the benefits of a comprehensive case and disease management program in selected settings. Health priorities, models of chronic illness, and important concepts related to health status (including quality of life and functional status) are discussed. Research and strategies for identifying and measuring outcomes of care are also discussed.
NU 690 Nursing Education Role Practicum In this last course in the nursing sequence for the Nursing Education, students apply and analyze the theories, competencies, and concepts of the two previous courses in a designated role practicum experience using a preceptor. Students are required to spend time with a preceptor in a college or staff development site (120 hours total). The student will develop objectives to enhance their clinical expertise in area in which the student intends to teach as a nurse educator. Further, students apply theory to practice in seminar discussion and readings. Current issues and trends in health care and nursing are integrated within each topical area.
NU 691 Nursing Education Role Capstone In this last course in the nursing sequence for the Nursing Education, students apply and analyze the theories, competencies, and concepts of the two previous courses in a designated role practicum experience using a preceptor. Students are required to spend time with a preceptor in a college or staff development site (120 hours total). The student will develop objectives to enhance their clinical expertise in area in which the student intends to teach as a nurse educator. Further, students apply theory to practice in seminar discussion and readings. Current issues and trends in health care and nursing are integrated within each topical area.
*Requires Capstone Project
Find out more about the curriculum of Sacred Heart's online RN to MSN program. Call us today at 877-791-7181 or request more information online.
