School of Nursing Programs

The curriculum in the undergraduate nursing program is designed as an upper-division major. The program requires a strong liberal arts and science base as a prerequisite to nursing courses. Students complete theory courses in the major as well as hospital and community-based clinical practice. Full-time and limited part-time study options are available.
   

Program Details

The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is a baccalaureate program for individuals already holding a BS/BA from an accredited college or university who wish to change careers and enter the nursing profession. The intensive program allows qualified individuals to complete the nursing coursework in 12 consecutive months (excluding prerequisite courses). The Accelerated BSN program is based on the same curriculum as SCSU's highly successful and nationally accredited traditional nursing program. There are opportunities to learn with other highly motivated, adult learners with rich life and work experiences. Nursing faculty are dedicated to working with this unique population.
  

Program Details

Nurses who hold a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are eligible to apply to the FNP program to receive a Master's of Science in Nursing. The program consists of 24 credits in core courses, 18 credits in the FNP role courses (3 courses), and either 6 credits for a thesis or 3 credits for a special project. The 3 FNP Role courses require 220 hours of clinical practice each semester, in addition to weekly classroom time. The student and faculty work together to locate a suitable and appropriate clinical site and preceptor for each student.  A total of 660 clinical hours is required to complete the FNP program. These hours include practice in women's health, pediatrics, family practice and internal medicine including practice with older adults.
  

Program Details

The Nurse Educator program is for nurses who are interested in developing the knowledge and skill needed to teach nursing. The MSN in nursing education requires 24 credits of core courses and 15 credits in the Nurse Educator Role courses. The program prepares experienced nurses with knowledge of curriculum development, teaching and evaluation strategies. Courses are offered which enable students to develop course syllabi, prepare for individual class presentations, and utilize evaluative measures. Both classroom and clinical teaching strategies are discussed. Two of the Nurse Educator Role courses require 12-hours per week of practicum experience. Completion of a thesis or special project will be required for graduation.
  

Program Details

A certificate program is offered for nurses who have already earned an MSN degree in another area. The certificate program consists of 27 credits including Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advance Pharmacology. Eighteen credits are required in the FNP Role courses (3 six-credit courses). The 3 FNP Role courses each require 220 hours of clinical practice during the semester, in addition to weekly classroom time. The student and faculty work together to locate a suitable and appropriate clinical site and preceptor for each student.  A total of 660 clinical hours is required to complete the FNP Certificate.  These hours include practice in women's health, pediatrics, family practice and internal medicine, including older adults.

The Certificate in Nursing Education is for registered nurses who already have a MSN. It is for nurses who are interested in developing the knowledge and skill needed to teach nursing. The program is a minimum of nine (9) credits that prepares experienced nurses with knowledge of curriculum development, teaching and evaluation strategies. Courses are offered which enable students to develop course syllabi, prepare for individual class presentations, and utilize evaluative measures. Both classroom and clinical teaching strategies are discussed. A minimum of 180 clinical hours are required. Students work with an experienced preceptor during their practicum experience as a way to experience the role of a faculty member, staff development educator or patient educator.

The Doctoral program in Nursing Education (Ed.D.), developed collaboratively by Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) faculty is designed to prepare nurses for academic faculty roles. The program, which builds on CSUS's long standing tradition of excellence in preparing educators and nurses, offers individuals with clinical expertise and a master 's degree in nursing an innovative doctoral program focused on the necessary content and skills required to be effective faculty members, advance the science of nursing education, and transform the education of future nurses.
   

Program Details