Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Reinhardt University Cauble School of Nursing and Health Sciences Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program focuses on Nursing Education. The continuous 5-semester online program prepares graduates to work in the field of nursing education. Employment opportunities include colleges and universities, vocational technical schools, and hospital educational departments. Upon graduation students are eligible to sit for the CNE (Certified Nurse Educator), CNEn (Novice Nurse Educator), or CNEcl (Academic Clinical Nurse Educator) exams. The MSN curriculum also supports the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a terminal nursing degree.
Program Coordinator
Kimberlin Zelinsky, B.S.N, M.S.N, CNE, DPN
Assistant Professor of Nursing and Health Sciences
kgz@reinhardt.edu 770-720-5711
Accreditation
Reinhardt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters. Questions about the accreditation of Reinhardt University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Mission
The purpose of Reinhardt School of Nursing is to prepare future professional nurses in both the science and art of nursing. The purpose includes preparing the student to be a nurse who is both caring and compassionate while utilizing critical thinking and clinical reasoning as well as evidenced based therapeutic interventions to meet the health care needs of culturally diverse populations along the continuum of health. In addition, the purpose of the Reinhardt School of Nursing purpose is to prepare the student for the role of the professional nurse in the ever changing climate of healthcare in both the local and global community
MSN Student Learning Outcomes
- Patient-centered care: Improve client or student outcomes and enhancing nursing practice through the identification of and application of effective instructional strategies.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Participates in interdisciplinary efforts to address healthcare education needs to promote culturally competent population healthcare in local, national, and international populations.
- Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): Uses evidence to support best practices in teaching. Focus on the relationship between nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice.
- Quality Improvement: Integrates quality improvement strategies in the development, assessment, and evaluation of educational programs.
- Patient Safety: Incorporates Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) resources to promote patient safety.
- Informatics: Utilizes information technology to support educational practice and incorporates the use of informatics to improve quality healthcare and innovative teaching.
Admission Requirements
- See General Admissions Procedures.
- Additional Requirements for the MSN:
- Current unencumbered Georgia or compact state RN licensure at the time of the application deadline.
- Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from an ACEN or CCNE accredited and state approved nursing program or with a previously earned Bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. If the Bachelor's degree is in a field other than nursing, the applicant must complete or show evidence of completion of the following courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and 2 - 8 hours
- Microbiology - 3 or 4 hours
- Pathophysiology - 3 hours
- Any undergraduate statistics course - 3 hours
- Last 60 hours GPA of 3.0
- Cumulative science GPA (Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, statistics) of 3.0 on
- Microbiology - 3 or 4 hours
- 4.0 scale preferred
Transfer Credit
- The Reinhardt University MSN does not accept transfer credit from other programs.
Credit hour policy (Online)Over seven (7) weeks, students will spend a variable number of minutes per week in online lectures, class discussions, and in preparation of class projects and research papers. Instructional time includes a 3-hour final exam. Out-of-class work includes homework and preparation for exams and quizzes and is a variable number of minutes per week (6750 minutes for the semester).
Attendance
Graduate Students are expected to participate each week in required assignments as scheduled by the instructor. This may require collaboration among classmates and outside research.
Graduation Requirements
All courses must be completed with a grade of C or above. NUR 512 is a 16-week practicum. As the students already hold an RN license, there is no additional test required.
Upon graduation students are eligible to sit for the CNE (Certified Nurse Educator), CNEn (Novice Nurse Educator), or CNEcl (Academic Clinical Nurse Educator) exams.
Degrees and Certificates
-
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N)
Courses
NUR 600: HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGIES FOR NURSE LEADERS
Credits 3This graduate-level course prepares nursing leaders to effectively manage human resources within healthcare organizations. Grounded in human resource management theory and nursing leadership practice, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to recruit, retain, and develop nursing staff, while fostering a positive and productive work environment. Emphasizing strategies for performance management, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, the course prepares students to lead diverse nursing teams, address staffing challenges, and ensure high-quality patient care in both clinical and organizational settings.
NUR 601: BUILDING EXCELLENCE: CURRICULUM DESIGN IN NURSING EDUCATION
Credits 3This course provides master’s-level nursing students in the education track with the knowledge and skills to design, evaluate, and implement effective nursing curricula. Emphasizing evidence-based approaches and alignment with accreditation standards, students will explore the principles of curriculum development, including needs assessment, program objectives, and program evaluation. Through collaborative projects and case studies, students will apply theoretical frameworks to create learner-centered educational experiences that prepare nursing students for diverse healthcare environments. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to lead curriculum innovation and contribute to the advancement of nursing education.
NUR 602: ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR NURSING LEADERS
Credits 3In this graduate level course, nursing leaders will gain an in-depth understanding of project management principles, tools, and techniques applicable to the healthcare environment. Focused on leadership and organizational change, students will explore how to effectively manage projects that address key challenges in nursing practice, quality improvement, and patient outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on managing multidisciplinary teams, navigating project risks and barriers, and ensuring successful project delivery.
NUR 603: TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR NURSE EDUCATORS
Credits 3This course equips master’s-level nursing students in the nurse educator track with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective, evidence-based teaching strategies. Emphasizing learner-centered approaches, students will explore diverse instructional methods, including active learning, simulation, technology integration, and clinical teaching. Through interactive experiences and applied projects, students will develop the confidence to engage diverse learners, foster critical thinking, and create inclusive learning environments. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to lead dynamic educational experiences that inspire the next generation of nurses and advance excellence in nursing education.
NUR 604: FINANCIAL ACUMEN IN NURSING LEADERSHIP
Credits 3This graduate-level course provides nursing leaders with the financial skills necessary to navigate complex healthcare environments. Students will learn to apply financial principles, including budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation/management, to support decision-making in nursing leadership roles. The course emphasizes integrating financial strategies with organizational goals to improve care quality, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency. Through the application of evidence-based practices, ethical frameworks, and interprofessional collaboration, students will be empowered to lead fiscally responsible healthcare organizations while advocating for resources and policies that advance nursing practice.
NUR 605: MEASURING SUCCESS: ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION IN NURSING EDUCATION
Credits 3This course equips students in the nurse educator track with the knowledge and skills to assess student learning and evaluate educational outcomes effectively. Students will explore evidence-based assessment methods, including formative and summative evaluations, performance-based assessments, and clinical competency evaluations. Emphasizing the use of valid, reliable, and equitable assessment tools, the course also covers strategies for providing constructive feedback that supports student growth. Students will learn to design, implement, and analyze assessments that measure learning outcomes and inform curriculum improvement. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to promote excellence in nursing education through meaningful assessment and evaluation practices.
NUR 606: LEADING WITH DATA: ENHANCING NURSING PRACTICE THROUGH ANALYTICS
Credits 3This graduate-level course provides nursing leaders with the skills to analyze, interpret, and leverage healthcare data to drive decision-making and improve organizational outcomes. Students will explore the tools, methods, and strategies needed to convert complex data into actionable insights that enhance quality care, patient outcomes, and nursing practice. Emphasizing evidence-based approaches, students will learn to utilize data for quality improvement initiatives, patient safety, and resource management. The course also focuses on the integration of informatics and data analysis within nursing leadership to foster interprofessional collaboration and promote organizational change. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to make data-informed decisions that align with ethical standards and nursing leadership values while improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.
NUR 607: ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY, & HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Credits 3This course provides aspiring nurse educators with an in-depth understanding of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment to enhance their teaching effectiveness. The course integrates scientific concepts with real-world application, preparing educators to translate complex clinical knowledge into meaningful learning experiences. Students will deepen their expertise in disease mechanisms, pharmacologic interventions, and comprehensive health assessments across diverse populations. Emphasizing the role of the nurse educator in fostering clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, this course equips students to confidently teach and mentor the next generation of nurses in both classroom and clinical settings.
NUR 608: LEADERSHIP PRACTICUM
Credits 6In this capstone course, students will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world healthcare setting under the mentorship of an experienced nurse leader. Over eight weeks, students will complete 144 practicum hours, including 72 hours of hands-on experience with a nurse leader in a healthcare environment. This practicum is complemented by coursework, including readings, discussions, and reflective assignments designed to deepen their understanding of best practices in nursing leadership. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate readiness to excel as nurse leaders, utilizing advanced leadership strategies, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices to address complex healthcare challenges. Students will also develop competency in navigating the dynamic healthcare environment and making meaningful contributions as transformative leaders in nursing.
NUR 609: TEACHING PRACTICUM
Credits 6In this capstone course, students will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world educational setting under the guidance of an experienced nurse educator. Over eight weeks, students will engage in 144 practicum hours, including 72 hours of hands-on experience in an academic environment. Complementing the practicum experience, coursework will include readings, discussions, and reflective assignments designed to deepen understanding of best practices in nursing education. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate readiness to excel as nurse educators, fostering the growth of the next generation of nurses.