Master of Science
in Nursing - Nurse Educator Option

Dr. Virginia W. Adams, Dean

Dr. Bettie J. Glenn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Dr. Ruth Anne Kuiper, Academic Advisor

Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator Options

Purpose

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares advanced practice nurses who possess the knowledge, skill, attitudes, and values to meet the challenges of the 21st Century Health Care Delivery System in the following areas (1) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and (2) Nurse Educator (NE).  The two-year full-time MSN Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The purpose of the UNCW master’s program in nursing is to prepare an advanced practice generalist who possesses knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide community focused primary care for culturally diverse families in rural or medically underserved areas. The graduate of the UNCW School of Nursing master’s program in nursing will be able to practice in the role for which prepared (see objectives for FNP and NE options).

Nurse Educator Option

Purpose                                   

The Master of Science nurse educator option prepares a professional who uses educational theory in instructional situations. The program is designed to produce a professional with the values, knowledge and skills to prepare nurses for the current and future health care delivery systems. 

The two year full-time program includes foundational course work and a faculty guided nursing education residency. The curriculum core focuses on research, nursing and educational theory, and health policy. The clinical cognate focuses on health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. The educational cognate focuses on design and delivery of nursing curricula, incorporation of information technology into teaching-learning strategies, and evaluation of education outcomes. The program is delivered in a nationally accredited school of nursing.

Objectives

The 40 credit hour nurse educator option prepares the graduate for full-time faculty roles in the community college, part-time or non-tenure-track positions in universities, and helps advanced clinicians make the transition to the role of educator.

The graduate of the UNCW School of Nursing Master of Science, nurse educator option will:

1. Design client-centered care through advanced practice and education with an altruistic concern for the welfare of others while supporting autonomy and respecting human dignity.
2. Demonstrate integrity through accountability and responsibility for clinical decisions and life long learning.
3. Manage quality improvement measures that support legal/ethical standards through the use of evidence-based practice.
4. Impact the health of underserved populations through support and promotion of culturally competent care.  
5. Evaluate domestic and global health integrating the knowledge of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare policies, epidemiology, and the environment.
6. Promote the health of client/patients through education and multidisciplinary management of risk reduction, disease prevention and the management of illness.
7. Demonstrate professional role competence in education and advanced nursing practice.  

Link to Program of Study / Degree Requirements for MSN-NE Options

Special Health Requirement for School of Nursing -- Hepatitis B immunization (or signed declination), annual physical exam, and annual TB skin test or chest x-ray prior to clinical enrollment. A drug screen is also required for clinical placement and matriculation as relevant.

Other special requirements: Current CPR (Adult and Child), Annual Liability Insurance, Health Insurance, Criminal Background Check, and other requirements stipulated by clinical agencies.

General Information

In July 1998, the University of North Carolina's Board of Governors approved the MSN program at UNCW School of Nursing, the school's first graduate program in nursing. In 1999 the program received approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing. In 2000, the program received its initial five-year full accreditation from:

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
61 Broadway-33rd Floor
New York City, NY 10006

In 2004, the MSN program was granted full initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Continuing program quality is reflected in the achievement of dual national accreditation.

The first class graduated from the program in May 2000. The initial specialty option prepares the graduate to assume the advanced practice role of family nurse practitioner. The graduate is prepared for practice in rural and urban settings to provide primary care for underserved, uninsured, and/or underinsured populations.

In fall 2004, the second option in the MSN was approved and the program will enroll its inaugural class of candidates for the Nurse Educator role. The Master of Science in Nursing- Nurse Educator option will prepare a professional who uses educational theory in instructional situations. The program is designed to produce a professional with the values, knowledge and skills to prepare nurses for the current and future health care delivery systems.

The School of Nursing is pleased to offer relevant educational program options to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Student Services Information

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

The following information pertains to application activities which should be completed in conjunction with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Nurse Educator (NE) Graduate Application.

Admission Examination

• All applicants must complete the Graduate Record Examination general test (GRE-Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
• To obtain information regarding the GRE or MAT, please contact the UNCW Testing Office, (910) 962-7444.
• To take advantage of test preparation and tutorial enrichment prior to taking the GRE or the MAT, go to the UNCW Testing Office website http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/testing/index.htm.
• Scores older than five years will not be considered.
  

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate, must be sent directly from each institution to The Graduate School, UNCW, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955. Transcripts can be requested and sent prior to application submission.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Three recommendations from individuals who can address the applicant’s potential for successfully completing the Master’s degree are required. It is strongly recommended that at least one recommendation be from a former nursing faculty member, and one recommendation be from a current or former employer. Prior to application, one should consult with professionals from whom the required references will be sought. Completed references must be submitted directly to the Graduate School; the application will not be reviewed without the three references.

Link for SON Reference Form

LICENSURE/EXPERIENCE

Professionals pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator Option must have a current, unrestricted registered nurse license in North Carolina or affiliated compact state.

For questions about licensure in North Carolina, please contact the North Carolina Board of Nursing, 3724 National Drive, Koger Center Office Complex, Camden Building, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27612; (919) 782-3211; Internet: http://www.ncbon.com.

SCHOOL OF NURSING DEMOGRAPHIC FORM

Please complete and return directly to: Paula Kennedy-Dudley, Student Service Director, UNCW School of Nursing; Student Service Office; 110 Friday Annex ; 601South College Road; Wilmington, NC 28403-5995.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING WRITING SAMPLES

Please complete per instructions and return directly to: Paula Kennedy-Dudley, Student Service Director, UNCW School of Nursing; Student Service Office; 110 Friday Annex; 601 South College Road; Wilmington, NC 28403-5995.

Master of Science in Nursing FNP Writing Sample

Master of Science in Nursing NE or Post Master's Certificate-NE Writing Sample

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY

Applicants must demonstrate computer skills including the ability to use electronic mail, web browser, a word processing program, PowerPoint, and basic database software. Enrolled students must own or have access to a computer (initial access may be provided students through the School of Nursing Learning Resource Center).

If computer training/experience is needed to acquire/up-date computer proficiency, opportunities are available through:

• UNCW - undergraduate course: CSC 105 Introduction to Computing and Computer Applications North Carolina community college system provides the computer education/training ranging from computer basics through the advanced operations.
• private/local training and technology centers offer courses ranging from computer basics through advanced learning of specific software packages and Internet operations.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION:

To obtain information regarding financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office, Hinton James Hall, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5951. Financial Aid information may also be accessed through the Internet at http://www.uncw.edu/finaid/apply.htm.
Main Number (910) 962-3177

Time line for funding:
First-serve basis for Institutional Funds (Federal Funds year-round)
Complete as soon as possible and prior to application deadline(s).
File Federal Income Tax, respective year.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), for the current funding year, indicating school(s) of interest. Forms are available through the Financial Aid Office. If the FAFSA is mailed by March 1st, an applicant will meet the Priority Deadline. One must then wait until the federal government responds with the Student Aid Report (SAR). At that time, if admission has been granted by UNCW, the Financial Aid Office should be notified. With the SAR, a “needs analysis” will be prepared, and the available Institutional funds will be assigned/allotted on a first-serve basis, by need.

Financial Aid available at UNCW

Please reference the UNCW Graduate Catalogue or contact Financial Aid Office. Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for most financial aid programs. Applications and information about the financial aid process, eligibility requirements, and important deadlines are available in the Financial Aid Office on the first floor of James Hall. Office telephone (910) 962-3177; Fax (910) 962-3851, email: finaid@uncw.edu; and/or web: http://www.uncw.edu/finaid.

UNCW provides information and opportunities to qualify for Federal, institutional, and departmental funding opportunities:

• School of Nursing (MSN)
  • North Carolina Nurse Education Scholarship Loan Program Department of Health and Human Services Rural and Urban Family Nurse Practitioner Traineeship Grant Program
• State of North Carolina (MSN)
  • The North Carolina Nurse Scholars Program, Master’s Program (M-NSP).
  • The M-NSP application deadline is May 1st.

The Nurse Scholars Commission meets in mid-June to select M-NSP recipients. For information, please contact: NC Nurse Scholars Commission, North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, PO Box 14223, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; (919) 549-8614.

Twenty-five new full-time awards of $6,000 can be made each year. Part-time awards at $3,000 a year can be made if funds are available. Full-time awards may be renewed for one year; part-time awards may be renewed up to three years.

• The Minority Presence Grant Program
• Assistantships
• Fellowships/Scholarships
• Loans/Federal Work Study Program

Graduate Application:

The following information pertains to the completion of the UNCW Graduate Application for the Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) or the Nurse Educator (MSN-NE) option:

As detailed in the current issue of the UNCW Graduate Catalogue, the Graduate School at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will administer applications for the programs of study leading to the Master of Science in Nursing degree. To obtain application materials please contact The Graduate School, UNCW, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955; 910-962-3135; via the internet at http://www.uncw.edu/grad_info/ or e-mail at gradstudies@uncw.edu.

For admission to the MSN degree options at UNCW, the applicant must:

1. hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BS or BSN) from a nationally accredited program from a college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign in institution based on a four-year program;

2. have a strong overall academic record with a “B” average or better in the basic courses prerequisite to the area of proposed graduate study;

3. present satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination general test (GRE-Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing);

4. hold a current unrestricted North Carolina registered nurse (RN) license or license from one of the affiliated compact states;

5. submit the School of Nursing Demographic Form with resume or Curriculum Vita submit the MSN writing sample, as applicable to either the FNP or the NE option.

In addition, it is preferred that the applicant:

• have two years professional experience as a BSN RN;
• have recent specific academic credits in health and physical assessments, community health, statistics and nursing research;
• Nurse Educator Option also requires academic credits in leadership;
• have basic computer skills.

The Master of Science in Nursing degree options require that all application materials be received prior to review of the candidate file for admission. Applications may be filed in the Graduate School no later than sixty (60) days in advance of the term in which admission is sought. Any/all applications to the MSN FNP or Nurse Educator option filed/completed will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

For the December 1st review, all materials must be received by November 30th.

For the March 1st review, all materials must be received by February 28th.

For the July 1st review, all materials must be received by June 30th.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to see that all supporting documentation is received in the Graduate School. Applicants are encouraged to check the progress of their application file. Please contact the Graduate School regarding the progress of your application. Failure to observe this procedure will delay processing of applications.

• An application will not be reviewed until it is complete.
• When required materials are received, the applicant’s file is sent to the appropriate admissions committee for review and recommendation.
• The school or department recommendation is then acted upon by the Graduate School.

All application materials must be submitted directly to The Graduate School, UNCW, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955, unless otherwise instructed.

For questions and/or additional information, please contact:

Dr. Ruth Anne Kuiper
Academic Advisor
Friday Annex 132
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
Phone: (910) 962 - 3343
Email: kuiperr@uncw.edu

For additional questions or more information contact:
Paula Kennedy-Dudley
Director of Student Services
Telephone: (910)962-7211
Email: son@uncw.edu

page updated September 25, 2006