WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Department of Nursing

 RN – MS Pathway

Winona State University is known for its high quality baccalaureate and masters programs in nursing. The nursing department now offers a unique pathway for nurses who have (1) completed an associate degree or diploma nursing program, (2) have nursing experience, and (3) plan to acquire a master’s degree in nursing.    

 Selected individuals who meet the admission requirements and are highly motivated will substitute Master’s-level credits for Baccalaureate-level credits in the RN to BS Completion program that count toward the BS degree. Students may take 7-12 credits of 400/500 level double numbered courses thus reducing the remaining master’s level courses to 30-37 credits. Students plan their streamlined program with advisors from both the baccalaureate and master’s programs in anticipation of formal admission to the master’s program.

Full-time students complete an RN-BS-MS application to the master’s program at the time they enter the RN to BS Completion program. Part-time students will complete the RN-BS-MS application in the fall semester in the second or last year in the RN to BS Completion program. Students will apply to a particular focus in the master’s program (Adult or Family Practitioner, Nurse Administration, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator). Students must meet all criteria for admission to the RN to BS Completion program as well as admission guidelines to the RN- MS pathway.

ADMISSION GUIDELINES:

 SELECTION CRITERIA FOR RN-BS-MS PATHWAY:

In cases where candidates have similar qualifications, preference will be given to applicants serving rural and/or underserved areas.

Nursing Electives:

Other 400/500 level, doubled number courses that may be taken as electives and count toward the baccalaureate degree and will reduce the number of 500 and 600 level credits needed for the master’s degree. These courses are registered at the 400 level.

 *Master’s level courses taken as 400 level course credits count toward the BS degree and reduce the number of 500 and 600 level course credits needed for a master’s degree to 30-42 credits.

 MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 7 YEARS OF THE FIRST 400/500 LEVEL DOUBLED NUMBERED COURSE TAKEN

 BACCALAUREATE DEGREE REQIREMENTS (128 CREDITS)

MASTER’S DEFREE REQUIREMENTS (40-49CREDITS)

(Masters level courses taken as 400 courses are applied toward the BS Degree)

SAMPLE FULL-TIME PLAN OF STUDY TO COMPLETE THE BACCALAUREATE PORTION OF THE RN-MS PATHWAY

 (All other course requirements for the BS Degree are completed before beginning this sequence)

Semester I

 Semester II

* (substitute credits for N465 Population Based Nursing – 4SH & N491 Professional Development – 3SH)

SAMPLE PART-TIME PLAN OF STUDY TO COMPLETE THE BACCALAUREATE PORTION OF THE RN-MS PATHWAY

(All other course requirements for the BS Degree are completed before beginning the second or last year of the program)

 Semester I

 Semester II

 Semester III

Semester IV

* (substitute credits for N465 Population Based Nursing – 4SH & N491 Professional Development – 3SH)

LJ: 2002/ 2006/2008/2009

Last Modified: Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:12