The IU Kokomo Master of Science in Nursing Program offers three tracks to serve the needs of professional nurses desiring to advance their education. Most of the courses in the MSN are offered on Thursdays throughout the year, to facilitate planning for the working RN. Clinical hours will fall outside the class times on Thursdays. In the MSN in Nursing Administration, a 39-credit track, students complete core courses relevant to all advance practice roles, and a rigorous education in current leadership and administration skills. In the MSN in Nursing Education, a 39 credit track, students similarly complete a core curriculum and then take advanced courses that prepare the nurse to enter the practice of nursing education. In the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track, students complete 42 credit curriculum of core and FNP coursework.

MSN Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, each student will have met the following learning outcomes:

1. Model excellence in nursing leadership to improve nursing practice within a complex health care system.
2. Conduct advanced nursing practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of practice.
3. Synthesize knowledge from nursing as well as biological, behavioral, social, administrative, educational, and communication sciences for application to a chosen domain of advanced practice
4. Demonstrate scholarly inquiry and reflection that exemplifies critical, creative, and systems thinking to advance the practice of nursing.
5. Frame problems, design interventions, specify outcomes, and measure achievement of outcomes while balancing human, fiscal, and material resources to achieve quality health outcomes.
6. Use information technology and knowledge-based resources to manage and transform data that inform clinical practice.
7. Systematically apply evidence from research findings to answer clinical questions, solve clinical problems, and develop innovative nursing interventions for selected patient populations.
8. Demonstrate collaborative practice and interpret nursing science within an interdisciplinary context.
9. Articulate the effects of culture, diversity, values, and globalization in the design, delivery, and evaluation of health services.
10. Engage in lifelong learning activities that contribute to professional development as well as to the advancement of nursing.

Academic Policies for the Graduate Nursing Program
Progression Policy 

Any period of absence that prevents a student from meeting course outcomes may result in withdrawal or an incomplete grade in the course at the discretion of the instructor. Failure to register in each sequential semester also constitutes an interruption in the student's program. Students who have interrupted their program of study for more than one semester are required to submit a written request to re-enter the program to the IU Kokomo MSN Committee. All requests to the MSN Committee must be sent to the School of Nursing via registered mail, to the attention of the Associate Dean for Nursing Graduate Programs. All requests for re-entry will be evaluated on the basis of the availability of resources. Reentry of students who have interrupted their study for any reason is not guaranteed and may require a refresher course and/or documentation of current competencies.

Curriculum changes during the period of interrupted progress toward the degree may result in review and revision of degree requirements based on evaluation of individual situations. Students who re-enter must adhere to the current policies and curriculum of the School of Nursing in effect at the time of reentry. Students re-entering will be expected to apply all knowledge and skills from previous courses upon re-entry.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals are issued to students wishing to withdraw from any or all courses if the official withdrawal request is completed by the deadline dates printed in the current class schedule. A grade of W will appear on student transcripts when students complete the official withdrawal request by the published deadline. Once the deadline for course withdrawals has passed, the student will need the permission of the faculty member responsible for the course and Dean of Nursing to withdraw. A grade of either “F” or “W” will be awarded as determined by the instructor. ”W” is an option after the withdrawal deadline only if the student is passing (with at least a B-) the course at the time of the request and has an overall program GPA of at least 3.0. A grade of “FN” will be recorded on the official transcript if a student stops attending but does not officially withdraw from class.

Students planning to withdraw from the graduate nursing program should meet with the Associate Dean for Nursing Graduate Programs. Additionally, the following policies pertain to students:

• Achievement of a minimum of B- in each required course or equivalent by the second completed
• Removal of all incompletes, deferred grades, and special credit course grades in nursing courses by three weeks prior to the end of the student’s last semester before
• Completion of all coursework within four years after the enrollment in nursing
• Apply for the degree according to published IU Kokomo
• Failure to register in two sequential semesters constitutes withdrawal from the nursing
• A pattern of withdrawals may influence consideration of further reinstatement requests.

Repeat Nursing Courses

A student who receives a grade lower than B- in a nursing course(s) will be required to repeat that/those course(s). A student will receive no more than two opportunities to successfully complete a given nursing course. Failure to receive a minimum grade of B- upon repeating a nursing course will result in dismissal.

Validation examinations may not be used as substitutes for repeating any nursing course. Students who need to repeat a nursing course must make a request to the IU Kokomo SON MSN Committee for placement in the repeated course. All requests for re-entry will be evaluated on the basis of the availability of resources. All requests to the MSN Committee must be sent to the School of Nursing to the attention of the Associate Dean for Nursing Graduate Programs (mbourke@iu.edu ). When a student receives permission from the MSN Committee to repeat a nursing course, the request is granted on a space available basis. All future enrollments in the nursing major will be based on space availability.

Grade Appeals

Grade appeals must be initiated in writing within 30 calendar days after the student’s grade was posted. After 30 calendar days a student may only appeal a grade if severe circumstances have prohibited the student from filing on time. Examples of such circumstances include military deployment or catastrophic illness. For more information please access the IU Kokomo Grade Appeals Policy

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation when any of the following conditions exist:

• The cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0.
• The semester grade point average is below 3.0.
• A grade below B- has been earned in a required
• Failure to comply with School of Nursing and/or MSN Program

Academic probation will be removed after the semester during which the following conditions have been met:

• The cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher.
• A minimum grade of B- has been earned in all required courses taken.

Dismissal

A student will be dismissed from the school of nursing when there is a lack of progress toward the degree.

Evidence of lack of progress consists of one or more of the following:

• Failure to attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in two semesters.
• Falsification of records or reports, plagiarism, or cheating on an examination, quiz, or any other assignment is cause for dismissal. See the Indiana University Code of Students Rights, Responsibilities & Conduct.
• The faculty reserves the right to dismiss any student whose personal integrity, health, or conduct demonstrates unfitness to continue preparation in the profession of nursing.

Reinstatement

A student who has been dismissed for academic failure may request reinstatement by petitioning the IU Kokomo MSN Committee. Students who desire reinstatement in the program must submit a written request to the Associate Dean for Nursing Graduate Programs. All requests to the Associate Dean for Nursing Graduate Programs must be sent via registered mail. Reinstatement is not guaranteed. Reinstatement requests will be evaluated individually on the basis of faculty recommendations at the time of dismissal, academic standing, potential for progress toward the degree, availability of resources, and satisfactory completion of any conditions existing at the time of dismissal.

Intercampus Transfers

Students in the MSN Program who are in good academic standing may seek intercampus transfer by sending a written request to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. Intercampus transfer requests will be evaluated individually based on student record review. Transfer students must meet or exceed admission qualifications. Further, the availability of course positions, faculty, and facilities to meet student needs and program objectives will be considered.

Completion of Degree Requirements

All candidates for the Master of Science in nursing must fulfill the following requirements:

• Satisfactory completion of the required number of credit hours and courses that apply to the degree.
• Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

MSN in Nursing Administration

Admission Requirements:  The following criteria must be met for unconditional admission:

1. Graduate from an accredited baccalaureate degree program in nursing.
2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Valid, unencumbered RN license in the state where practicum will be completed. International students must meet the practice or licensing requirements in their country of origin.
4. At least one year of experience as an RN or currently working as an RN.
5. Complete an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.
6. Complete a criminal background check.
7. Submit an official college transcript (degree granting and graduate courses if applicable).
8. Submit the following: (maximum of 500 words each question)
   1. Personal Statement: Provide a statement (approximately 500 words) that identifies your academic goals, career objectives, why you are applying to this program and the qualifications you have that make you a strong candidate for admission.
   2. What experiences (as it relates to clinical, leadership, or research in nursing) do you feel have prepared you for master's education?
   3. Describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your development, such as honors, activities, and accomplishments that make you a unique applicant. Be sure to include cross-cultural experiences, travel, hobbies, etc. that might influence your contributions to advanced practice nursing.
9. Professional References: Provide two names and contact information (e-mail preferred) for people who know you professionally. Professional references are references from individuals who can attest to your skills, qualifications, and abilities.
10. CV/Résumé
11. Pay application fee.

Nursing Administration Curriculum
The MSN program administration track is comprised of nursing core courses and administration track courses. The curriculum is usually completed in two years.

Nursing core courses:  

• NURS-I 630 Introduction to Nursing Informatics (3 cr.)
• NURS-N 502 Nursing Theory (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 500 Nursing Research (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 505 Measurement and Data Analysis (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 510 (3 cr.) & NURS-Y 520 (3 cr.) Advanced Practice Nursing Concepts I and II

Administration track courses:

• NURS-L 530 Legal Environment of Health Care (3 cr.)
• NURS-L 574 Administrative Management in Nursing (3 cr.)
• NURS-L 579 Nursing Administration Practicum (3 cr.)
• NURS-L 671 Financial Management (3 cr.)
• NURS-N 504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 590 Scholarly Project (3 cr.)
• NURS-T 675 Nursing Elective (3 cr.)

MSN in Nursing Education

Admission Requirements: The following criteria must be met for unconditional admission: 

1. Graduate from an accredited baccalaureate degree program in nursing.
2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Valid, unencumbered RN license in the state where practicum will be completed. International students must meet the practice or licensing requirements in their country of origin.
4. At least one year of experience as an RN or currently working as an RN.
5. Complete an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.
6. Complete a criminal background check.
7. Submit an official college transcript (degree granting and graduate courses if applicable).
8. Submit the following: (maximum of 500 words each question)
   1. Personal Statement: Provide a statement (approximately 500 words) that identifies your academic goals, career objectives, why you are applying to this program and the qualifications you have that make you a strong candidate for admission.
   2. What experiences (as it relates to clinical, leadership, or research in nursing) do you feel have prepared you for master's education?
   3. Describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your development, such as honors, activities, and accomplishments that make you a unique applicant. Be sure to include cross-cultural experiences, travel, hobbies, etc. that might influence your contributions to advanced practice nursing.
9. Professional References: Provide two names and contact information (e-mail preferred)for people who know you professionally. Professional references are references from individuals who can attest to your skills, qualifications, and abilities.
10. CV/Résumé
11. Pay application fee.

MSN in Nursing Education Curriculum

MSN in Nursing Education core courses:

• NURS-I 630 Introduction to Nursing Informatics (3 cr.)
• NURS-N 502 Nursing Theory (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 500 Nursing Research (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 505 Measurement and Data Analysis (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 510 (3 cr.) & NURS-Y 520 (3 cr.) Advanced Practice Nursing Concepts I and II

MSN in Nursing Education track courses:

• NURS-R 590 Scholarly Project (3 cr.)
• NURS-T 615 Curriculum in Nursing (3 cr.)
• NURS-T 617 Evaluation in Nursing (3 cr.)
• NURS-T 619 Computer Technologies for Nurse Educators (3 cr.)
• NURS-T 670 Teaching in Nursing (3 cr.)
• NURS-T 675 Nursing Elective (3 cr.)
• NURS-T 679 Nursing Education Practicum (3 cr.)

International Students 

International students are eligible to apply to the MSN in Nursing Administration or the MSN in Nursing Education track. International students must apply to the campus online by following this link:https://www.iuk.edu/international-student-services/admissions/first-year-undergraduate.html.  Upload personal statement (point #8 under MSN admission requirements) under additional information tab. 

In addition to the MSN admission requirements listed above, international students and students for whom English is not their primary language, must submit TOEFL-IBT scores. If your country teaches nursing courses in English then TOEFL-iBT is not required.  Follow this link to see specific score requirements: https://www.iuk.edu/international-student-services/admissions/english-proficiency-documentation.html. 

MSN FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP) TRACK

The MSN FNP track is a 42-credit hour track with 600 clinical practice hours track designed by doctorally-prepared faculty to prepare registered nurses with advanced practice skills in family practice.  The goal of the FNP track is to provide our region with primary healthcare providers to facilitate access to quality healthcare services for underserved populations.  Advanced practice nurses are also needed to meet the growing regional demand for healthcare, as well as address critical shortages of primary care providers.  These nurses will provide and enhance access to healthcare for the community, improve the delivery of healthcare in Indiana regional areas, and ultimately improve the health of its citizens.  They will also serve in leadership and administrative roles and implement changes in the healthcare delivery system.

Students will begin their study with classroom-based didactic courses in a hybrid format, building the theoretical and contextual background necessary for advanced nursing practice. Students will then progress on to didactic courses with clinical components to include 75 practice hours per semester.  Note:  The final didactic clinical course includes remaining mandatory practice hours as a primary care provider.  Classes and labs will primarily be scheduled on Thursdays, and clinical practice hours will be scheduled based on availability of practice sites.

MSN in Family Nurse Practice Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the FNP program is competitive.  The following criteria must be met for unconditional admission:

1. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from an NLNAC, CCNE, ACEN or CNEA accredited program.  Students who apply to the IU Kokomo MSN program who have graduated from an undergraduate nursing program that does not use/report grade point average (GPA) will be considered for admission if they meet all other criteria and their transcripts contain other indicators of academic success such as dean's list, academic honors, and grades from other degree programs, etc.  Additional considerations for admission include the following: nursing experience, nursing leadership, writing skill, and personal reference recommendations.
2. Copy of current Indiana RN license:  Current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (RN). Applicant must also complete a form attesting that there are no action(s) pending or any have been taken against their license in Indiana or any other state they currently hold or have held a license to practice nursing or other healthcare professions.
3. Three (3) years recent, relevant RN experience either as ASN or BSN (e.g. in acute care medical/surgical, ICU, ER, environments).
4. All applicants must submit evidence of having completed a 3-credit (16-week semester) undergraduate (300 or 400 level) or higher statistics course with a B- (80%) or higher grade by the application deadline.
5. A master's level statistics course is required to graduate from the FNP track. The course may be taken prior (within the last five years) to applying or within the plan of study.
6. Essential abilities: Applicants must agree to the essential abilities policy of the School of Nursing. The policy states that students must demonstrate essential abilities in a variety of areas (judgment, neurological function, emotional coping skills, intellectual/conceptual skills, and other behavioral attributes) as well as meeting all progression criteria.
7. Computer skills: Verification of ability to use computer technologies including accessing, retrieving, receiving, and communicating information.
8. Criminal background check: Applicants must provide verification of a federal criminal background check per program requirements.  The official site for students to use is as follows:  https://portal.castlebranch.com/IA55.
9. Submit an Official College Transcript (Degree granting and graduate courses, if applicable).
10. References: Applicants must provide three professional references (one from your supervisor) who can speak to your clinical expertise and leadership. They must be included with your application.
11. CV/Resume
12. Application fee of $40
13. Complete the following Essay Questions (minimum 2 pages, maximum 500 words per question):
    1. What attributes and current work experiences do you bring that will contribute to your success in the FNP program (community engagement, professional committee work, leadership experience).
    2. What are your goals upon completion and graduation?
    3. What attributes and current work experiences do you bring that will contribute to your success in the FNP program (community engagement, professional committee work, leadership experience).
    4. What are your goals upon completion and graduation?

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

The MSN program family nurse practitioner (FNP) track is comprised of three components:

MSN core courses:

• NURS-F 570 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
• NURS-N 502 Nursing Theory (3 cr.)
• NURS-N 504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 500 Nursing Research (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 590 Scholarly Project (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 515 Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 612 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)

FNP track core courses:

• NURS-F 580 Primary Care I:  Acute Illness Processes (3 cr.)
• NURS-F 581 Primary Care II:  Acute and Stable Chronic Illness Processes (3 cr.)
• NURS-F 582 Primary Care III:  Chronic and Complex Illness Processes (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 535 Dynamics of Family Health Care (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 620 Advanced Primary Care and Office Management (3 cr.)

 Culminating population-focused experience:

• NURS-F 578 Primary Health Care of Families (6 cr.)

Completion time: 7 semesters.  Courses require time in a traditional classroom, simulation, and practice settings.

Semester 1

• NURS-N 504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 515 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)

Semester 2

• NURS-N 502 Nursing Theory (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 535 Dynamics of Family Health Care (3 cr.)

Semester 3

• NURS-F 570 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 612 Applied Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Science (3 cr.)

Semester 4

• NURS-F 580 Primary Care I:  Acute Illness Processes (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 500 Nursing Research (3 cr.)

Semester 5

• NURS-F 581 Primary Care II:  Acute and Stable Chronic Illness Processes (3 cr.)
• NURS-Y 620 Advanced Primary Care and Office Management (3 cr.)

Semester 6

• NURS-F 582 Primary Care III:  Chronic and Complex Illness Processes (3 cr.)
• NURS-R 590 Scholarly Project (3 cr.)

Semester 7

• NURS-F 578 Primary Health Care of Families (6 cr.; 5 didactic and 1 clinical)