Master of Nursing Science

Program Information

The program leading to the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) degree is accredited by CCNE. Nursing course requirements are completed in the College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. Semester hours completed by candidates for the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) vary depending on the area of study selected. 

The Master of Nursing Science program prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice and will provide a foundation for doctoral study. Advanced practice nurses are accountable to society and practice in the roles of clinician, administrator, and educator. The advanced practice nurse is prepared to:
 

1.      provide and manage care of persons (individuals, families, groups, and/or communities;

2.      participate in the development and implementation of health care systems that are accessible and responsive to the consumer;

3.      use and collaborate in research;

4.      develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs; and

5.      provide leadership in the profession, the health care sector, and society as a whole.

 
Students pursuing the Master of Nursing Science degree are considered to be students in the College of Nursing. Accordingly, the College of Nursing Catalog is to be considered the primary catalog for all students in the MNSc program. All provisions in the College of Nursing Handbook, including grievance procedures, are the authority applicable to students pursuing the Master of Nursing Science degree. 
 

Characteristics of the Master’s Graduate

Graduates will enact the role of the advanced practice nurse, which includes:
 

1.      Promote, manage, and coordinate health care in culturally and ethnically diverse populations within areas of specialization.

2.      Design and implement theory and research based health care interventions within a variety of health care systems.

3.      Deliver health care that is responsive and accessible to the consumer in a variety of health care systems.

4.      Analyze the external and internal environment of health care delivery systems including economic, political, ethical, legal and philosophical factors.

5.      Analyze issues related to health policy and health economics.

6.      Provide leadership in the profession and community to advance nursing practice and health care systems.

7.      Plan, implement, and evaluate education activities using teaching and learning theories.

8.      Provide consultation to health care providers and consumers.

9.      Effectively communicate scholarly ideas through a variety of media.

10.  Establish collegial and collaborative relationships within health care systems.

11.  Develop advanced practice based on professional values and standards.

 
NOTES:

1.      In addition to meeting the admission requirements, a minimum of two years of clinical experience is strongly recommended prior to admission. A minimum of 2000 verified experience hours is required prior to admission to a clinical course.

2.      A student must show proof of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate when registering for any practicum courses. The only acceptable courses are American Heart Association, Health Care Provider or American Red Cross, Professional Rescuer. ACLS will not be accepted for CPR certification. 

3.      A student will be charged at registration for professional liability annually when registering for any practicum course. 

Steps in Applying for Admission

Review for admission to the Master of Nursing Science degree program is completed by the College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

1.      Deadlines for application to the Master’s of Nursing Science program:

¡        Admission to full-time or part-time study the following Fall semester: April 1

¡        Admission full-time or part-time study the following Spring semester: September 1

2.      Complete application form, available at  http://nursing.uams.edu/Registrar/Applications/graduate_school_apps_toc.asp3

¡       Official transcripts of all college/university work.

¡        Results of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (sent by the Testing Center).  Results over 5 years will not be accepted.

The Miller Analogies Test is given at most testing centers on most college campuses.
 

University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Office of Testing Services, Ross Hall
2801 South University
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 569-3198

Information on the Graduate Record Examination may be obtained from: 

Graduate Record Examinations
Educational Testing Services
CN6004
Princeton, NJ 08541-6004

 

3.      Return to: 

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Nursing
4301 West Markham, #529
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-8351

The following documents must be on file before an applicant will be considered for admission to the College of Nursing:
 

1.      Applications for admission to the College of Nursing, Master of Nursing Science program.

2.      Evidence of current unencumbered Arkansas or compact state RN license.

3.      Official transcript of course in basic statistics (sent by school) with a letter grade of “C” or better.

4.   Evidence of an academic or continuing education health assessment course.

5.   Official score results for MAT/GRE

Grading Scale 

The following grading scale is effective for the UAMS graduate nursing program (5000 and 6000 series courses): 

Graduation 

All students must complete and pass a Comprehensive Examination through the presentation of an Outcomes Portfolio at the completion of the course of study. All requirements for the master’s degree must be satisfied within six (6) consecutive calendar years from date of first enrollment. Students must be registered for a course the semester of graduation. 

Application for graduation must be made to the College of Nursing Student Services office and fees paid during registration for the semester in which degree requirements will be completed and graduation affected. If a student fails to complete the degree, the student must renew the application.

Post-Master’s Study 

Post-master’s work is available in all specialties offered in the master’s program. Persons interested should call the College of Nursing to obtain the name of the specialty coordinator for the desired area of study to obtain a post-master’s program of study and obtain a non-degree seeking application from the website at nursing.uams.edu. Official transcript reflecting a Master’s of Nurse Science degree should be sent to the Nursing Student Services' Office.