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Master of Science in Nursing

Whether you are a prospective or current student, an alumnus, faculty colleague or friend, we appreciate your interest in our MSN program. The master’s degree program in nursing at Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (Consortium of McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and University of Louisiana at Lafayette) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The consortium universities work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive curriculum preparing graduates to participate in a number of opportunities in the health care profession. Faculty members are expertly engaged in distance education, clinical practice, research, and mentor students in the following specialty concentrations:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Education

Apply Now for Fall 2024!

Deadline: Friday, May 17, 2024

DEGREE PROGRAMS

The graduate nursing program admits students in Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants should possess the following:

  • Evidence of a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited undergraduate nursing program.
  • Evidence of a valid, unencumbered Louisiana Registered Nurse license.
  • All transcripts from the undergraduate school and any work attempted at the graduate level. Submit documentation of satisfactory standing in graduate nursing program at last institution attended (if applicable).
  • A current resume, including applicant’s full name, address, telephone number(s), email address(es), academic preparation, degrees held, honors, awards, special interest work history, and other relevant information.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale for last 60 undergraduate hours of required nursing degree courses, as indicated by a transcript.
  • Completed a course in introductory statistics with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.
  • At a minimum, two (2) Statements of Recommendation (Form).
  • A Statement of Intent/Purpose with rationale for pursuing study in selected concentration.

Students meeting admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the MSN program. Additionally, ICMSN programs reserve the right to limit the number of students enrolled in a course in order to make the most effective use of educational resources available.

During the first semester of enrollment of regular admission the student must:
  • File a degree plan with the MSN Graduate Coordinator, in accordance with the General Requirements of the Master’s Degree in the Graduate School section of the Catalog.
  • Submit a complete history and Student-Employment-Physical.
  • Submit current certification in CPR (every two years), annual TB results, and required immunizations. (MSN Health Requirements)
  • Submit a negative drug screen.
  • Submit an acceptable background check.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Professional Liability Insurance.

 

Non-Degree Classified Admission

For information, please call the MSN Program Office (985) 448-4690.

Admission and Progression Requirement for the Advanced Practice Concentrations (FNP, PMHNP)

Admission to the practicum component of either advanced practice concentration (FNP or PMHNP) means that the MSN degree-seeking student is eligible to progress beyond the core courses to complete the program of study. Applications for admission to the  practicum component should occur during the semester in which the student is scheduled to complete the core course work.

The following criteria will be considered for admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or  Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations:

  • Meet regular admission criteria to MSN program (formula score is considered).
  • Cumulate Grade Point Average (GPA) rank in the MSN program. Cumulate GPA in the required advanced practice core courses: NURS 507/607, NURS 517/617, and NURS 518/618 (calculated after completion of semester).
  • Written commitment to a full-time or part-time degree plan as established by the MSN program. For limited practicum slots, preference will be given to full-time students.
  • At least one (1) year of appropriate nursing experience.
  • Drug testing will be required.
  • Evidence of CPR certification, OSHA/HIPPA Training, verification of Tb test, required immunizations, liability insurance, and health insurance.

The Graduate Coordinator will notify students of the status of their application at the close of the semester in which they have applied, following calculation of final GPA. Once admitted to the declared NP concentration, the student is expected to follow the full-time or part-time degree plan which becomes part of their record. Students who do not follow their degree plan may lose a practicum slot and will be required to reapply to the role concentration.

Start Here!

Admission Procedures for graduate nursing program:

1. Apply for admission to Nicholls State University Graduate School by clicking here.

2. Have official transcripts from all universities attended sent to Nicholls State University Office of Admissions.

3. Once the Graduate School application has been completed and application fee paid, the applicant must complete the following requirements specific to the MSN program and submit to the address listed below:

Complete the fillable (MSN Nursing Application) form online then print, sign, and include with documents.

Current resume` including full name, address, telephone number(s), email address(es), academic preparation, degrees held, honors, awards, special interest work history, and other relevant information.

Evidence of a valid, unencumbered Louisiana Registered Nurse license. Print verification and include with documents. (LSBN)

Two (2) Statements of Recommendation (FORM). Each completed recommendation form must be enclosed in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s signature over the seal of the envelope.

A statement of intent/purpose explaining:

  • goal(s) in pursuing a graduate degree in nursing,
  • professional strengths and weaknesses,
  • preferred area of interest (ie. chronic pain; children; cardiac conditions; mental health disorders) and why,
  • leadership contributions (current or past) to the profession and/or community and
  • long range goals upon completion of graduate degree in nursing

(cover page, double spaced,  limit 500 word count)

  • Signed acknowledgment of document Checklist.

NOTICE: Change to application process effective March 18, 2020.

Please submit all application documents electronically to Ms. Laura Terracina, Administrative Coordinator 2 at laura.terracina@nicholls.edu.

Statement of Recommendation Forms should be sent directly from the recommender to Ms. Terracina via email. 

 All application materials must be submitted for review by the deadline posted on the graduate nursing website for consideration by the Admissions Committee.

Retention and Progression Requirements

  1. Must earn a “B” or better in each course in the program to be eligible for progression.
  2. A student who earns a grade below “B” will be placed on probation and must repeat the course within the following two semesters and earn at least a “B”. If a grade below “B” is earned in any subsequent course, the student will be dismissed from the program.
  3. A student may not receive more than two grades of “W.”
  4. A student who receives a failing grade because of extenuating, nonacademic reasons may appeal for readmission.
  5. Any student who does not enroll in graduate nursing courses toward a degree for 2 consecutive regular semesters must reapply to the program.
  6. Any student dismissed for failure to meet academic standards may make an appeal to the dean of the College. If unsuccessful, a subsequent appeal must be made to the Graduate Council of the University.
  7. Requirements for graduation must be completed within 6 years from date of enrollment in MSN program.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to candidacy indicates a judgement by the Graduate Council that the student has shown sufficient promise to be permitted to complete work toward a degree. For admission to candidacy for a Master’s degree, a student must submit a formal application (Petition for Admission to Candidacy for a Masters Degree) to the Graduate Coordinator after satisfying the following candidacy requirements:

  • has successfully met all applicable admission formulas;
  • be classified as a regular student;
  • has completed 12 semester hours of graduate work toward the degree;
  • has earned at least a 3.0 grade point average on all graduate work. Once candidacy has been approved, the student may complete program requirements for the degree.

Minimum Grade Point Average

To be awarded a graduate degree, a student must have an average of at least 3.0 on all work pursued for graduate credit at Nicholls State University, as well as, a minimum overall average of 3.0 on all work pertaining to the degree.

Grading System

The grading system for all ICMSN universities is as follows:
A = 92.5-100;
B = 84.5-92.49;
C = 76.5-84.49;
D = 68.5-76.49;
F = 0-68.49.

Grades of “S” or “U” are assigned only for designated courses for which this grading procedure is specified. These grades and grades of “I” are not used in the computation of the grade-point average because the student does not receive quality points for these grades. When the “I” grade is resolved into a permanent grade, quality points are earned and the student’s scholastic standing is adjusted to reflect the influence of the permanent grade.

A student may drop a course or courses or may resign from the institution with a grade “W” prior to a date specified in the official university calendar. After that date, a student may not drop a course or resign from the institution. After that date, in extraordinary circumstances, the academic dean having jurisdiction may authorize resignation from the institution or dropping a course with the grade “W”. Extraordinary cases do not include dissatisfaction with an anticipated grade or the decision to change a major.

Transfer Credits

Students who have attended another graduate nursing program and wish to apply to the Nicholls MSN program must be eligible for readmission to the graduate nursing program from which they are transferring and must meet Nicholls Graduate School requirements. Students may transfer credit earned from a regionally accredited college or university to Nicholls as long as the hours of transfer does not exceed one-third of the total credit hours required for their degree program; they earned no grade lower than a B in the transferred courses; and, the transfer credit is applicable to the degree program. Transfer credits are subject to the six-year time limitation to satisfy all MSN degree requirements. The student must formally petition his or her academic dean for acceptance of transfer graduate credit. Final authorization of transferred credit is made by the student’s academic dean.

Change of Program Concentration

Students wishing to change the concentration within the MSN program must notify both the graduate coordinator and the graduate school at their respective universities. A revised degree plan must be constructed and approved by the graduate coordinator, and filed with the graduate school.

MSN Curriculum Degree Plans

For more information contact:
Melissa Clay, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Graduate Program Coordinator
Email: melissa.clay@nicholls.edu

The master’s degree program in nursing at Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (Consortium of McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and University of Louisiana at Lafayette) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Master of Science of Nursing

Office Location:
247 Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall
 
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2143
Thibodaux, LA 70310
 

Contact:
Laura Terracina, Administrative Coordinator
Email: laura.terracina@nicholls.edu
Phone: 985.448.4690
Fax: 985.448.4932

CAMPUS LOCATION

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