Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Major in Leadership and Administration in Nursing

NURS 5112. Advanced Psychiatric Assessment and Clinical Interview.

This course examines the principles and methods of psychiatric assessment and clinical interviewing used to evaluate mental health status across the lifespan. Students analyze techniques for collecting subjective and objective data, conducting mental status examinations, and synthesizing findings. The course emphasizes the evaluation of psychiatric differential diagnoses using diagnostic criteria, standardized screening and assessment tools, and evidence-based frameworks. Documentation practices for psychiatric assessments are examined to support clinical decision-making, communication, and continuity of care. Through applied analysis and case-based review, students develop skills in interpreting assessment data within diverse clinical contexts. Prerequisite: NURS 5301 with a grade of "B" or better.

NURS 5135. Foundations of Leadership Practicum.

This course engages students in applied leadership and organizational analysis within healthcare settings. Students examine leadership frameworks, organizational designs, and operational cultures to evaluate their impact on team performance. Practicum experiences include investigating healthcare team dynamics, assessing leadership styles, and applying evidence-based strategies to enhance organizational effectiveness. Experiential learning methods, such as simulations, case studies, and supervised clinical practice, allow students to develop analytical and decision-making skills. By course completion, students will be able to critically assess leadership approaches and propose actionable strategies to optimize healthcare team and organizational performance. Corequisite: NURS 5335 with a grade of "B" or better.

NURS 5165. Quality Improvement Practicum.

This course provides experiential learning in applying evidence-based practice within clinical settings. Students analyze research evidence, evaluate quality improvement methods, and implement evidence-informed strategies to optimize healthcare processes and system outcomes. Practicum experiences include case studies, clinical simulations, and applied projects that allow students to critically appraise research, integrate findings into practice, and assess the impact of interventions on healthcare delivery. By the end of the course, students will be able to translate research into practice, evaluate outcomes, and apply quality improvement principles to enhance organizational effectiveness in clinical environments. Corequisite: NURS 5265 with a grade of "B" or better.

NURS 5190. Transition to Practice: The Advanced Practice Nurse as Healthcare Provider.

This course evaluates the nurse practitioner role within legal, regulatory, and professional practice frameworks relevant to entry-level advanced practice. Students examine licensure requirements, malpractice considerations, national certification and examination processes, and prescriptive authority, including controlled substances. The course analyzes regulatory mechanisms such as prescriptive delegation and DEA requirements that govern advanced practice nursing. Instruction emphasizes systematic review of statutes, professional standards, and credentialing expectations. Analytical outcomes focus on understanding role responsibilities and regulatory accountability within healthcare delivery systems.

NURS 5208. Health Policy, Ethics, and Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice.

This course evaluates health policy processes and their implications for healthcare delivery and advanced practice nursing roles. Students examine ethical, legal, professional, and economic factors that inform health policy decision-making. The course emphasizes analytical methods for assessing policy design, implementation strategies, and outcomes across multiple levels of the healthcare system. Using evidence-based policy analysis tools and structured case evaluation, students develop the ability to critically assess policy impacts on practice regulation, healthcare access, and system efficiency within contemporary healthcare environments.

NURS 5230. Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnostics and Clinical Management for Pediatric Clients.

This course analyzes foundational concepts and methods used in the evidence-based assessment and management of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Students evaluate theoretical models, psychotherapeutic approaches, and intervention strategies applicable to acute and chronic behavioral health conditions. The course emphasizes examining clinical patterns, differential diagnostic considerations, and treatment-planning processes. Additional focus is placed on principles informing therapeutic communication and the analytical approaches clinicians use to interpret behavioral health data. Students investigate the integration of developmental, psychological, and contextual factors that influence diagnostic decision-making in pediatric and adolescent populations. Prerequisite: NURS 5312 and NURS 5112 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5102 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5233. PMH Diagnostics and Clinical Management for Pediatric Clients Practicum.

This course serves as a companion course to NURS 5230 and focuses on the application of health promotion, diagnostic, and assessment competencies in pediatric and adolescent psychiatric care. Students analyze clinical presentations using evidence-based psychiatric theories, psychotherapeutic interventions, and pharmacologic and complementary approaches. The course emphasizes integrating assessment data to inform treatment planning, clinical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration. Learners evaluate intervention outcomes and apply evidence-informed strategies to support clinical reasoning. All course activities are aligned with national nurse practitioner education standards to promote the acquisition of discipline-specific knowledge and skills essential for pediatric psychiatric practice. Prerequisite: NURS 5230 and NURS 5312 and NURS 5112 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5102 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5243. PMH Diagnostics and Clinical Management for Adult and Geriatric Clients Practicum.

This course serves as a companion course to NURS 5340 and applies advanced assessment, diagnostic, and health promotion competencies in the management of adult and geriatric clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Students examine evidence-based psychiatric theories, psychotherapies, psychopharmacologic interventions, and complementary approaches. Emphasis is placed on analyzing assessment findings, developing and evaluating treatment plans, and applying clinical reasoning to patient care. Learners investigate interprofessional collaboration strategies and system-level factors affecting care delivery. All course activities are structured to align with national nurse practitioner education standards and support development of competencies required for safe, effective, and evidence-informed psychiatric practice. Prerequisite: NURS 5340 and NURS 5312 and NURS 5112 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5102 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5255. Pediatric and Adolescent Primary Care Practicum.

This course explores clinical practices in pediatric and adolescent primary care through the examination of evidence-based approaches to health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management. Students evaluate clinical assessment techniques, diagnostic processes, and management strategies during supervised practicum experiences. The course analyzes family-centered and developmental models as frameworks for interpreting patient presentation and clinical decision-making. Students assess the strengths and limitations of different clinical approaches in relation to pediatric patient outcomes. Practicum activities provide opportunities to observe and analyze real-world healthcare delivery. Course requirements, including practicum hours and competency expectations, are defined in the syllabus and reflect established nurse practitioner education standards and clinical education guidelines. Prerequisite: NURS 5209 and NURS 5210 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5354 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5256. Geriatric Primary Care.

This course analyzes multidimensional assessment approaches and diagnostic reasoning in the care of older adult and geriatric patients aged 65 and older. Students examine physiological changes associated with aging and evaluate their implications for acute and chronic disease management. The course emphasizes systematic evaluation of polypharmacy, comorbidities, and functional status in clinical decision-making. Evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention strategies are assessed within geriatric primary care contexts. Family-centered care frameworks are examined for their role in care coordination and treatment planning. Instructional methods include case-based inquiry, clinical guideline appraisal, and structured analysis of palliative and end-of-life care considerations to support informed, evidence-based practice. Prerequisite: NURS 5209 and NURS 5210 and NURS 5301 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5257. Geriatric Primary Care Practicum.

This course explores geriatric clinical care through evaluation of evidence-based strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic conditions in older adult patients and families. Students critically examine comprehensive health assessments, management of complex chronic illnesses, and end-of-life care planning within primary and long-term care settings. Instruction combines case-based learning, literature appraisal, and supervised practicum experiences to analyze clinical decision-making, integrate guidelines, and assess patient outcomes. Students evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, interpret clinical findings, and apply best-practice approaches in geriatric care. Practicum requirements, including hours and performance standards, are aligned with current nurse practitioner education standards and detailed in the course syllabus. Prerequisite: NURS 5209 and NURS 5210 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5256 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5260. Organizational Development: Culture, Communication, & Interprofessional Concepts for Nurse Leaders.

This course examines organizational theories and dynamics relevant to nursing leadership and healthcare system performance. Students evaluate organizational structures, interprofessional team interactions, and communication strategies to understand their impact on patient and operational outcomes. Experiential learning methods, including team-based projects and simulations, allow students to analyze methods for leading and implementing change within healthcare organizations. By course completion, students will be able to assess organizational effectiveness, apply leadership principles, and propose evidence-informed strategies to enhance system-level performance.

NURS 5261. Informatics and Innovation in Nursing Leadership.

This course provides graduate nursing students with skills in healthcare informatics relevant to management and executive roles. Students analyze healthcare information systems, evaluate technology applications, and apply data-driven strategies to support quality improvement and organizational decision-making. Course methodologies include case studies, applied projects, and simulations to examine the use of informatics tools for process optimization, performance evaluation, and effective leadership within healthcare organizations. By the end of the course, students will be able to integrate healthcare data and technology to support informed decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and enhance system-level outcomes.

NURS 5264. Health Policy, Law, and Ethics.

This course provides graduate nursing students with an in-depth examination of health policy development, implementation, and evaluation. Students analyze the professional, ethical, and legal factors influencing healthcare delivery and nurse leadership. Through case studies, policy analysis exercises, and applied projects, students evaluate local, national, and global health policy initiatives and apply strategies to influence organizational and system-level decision-making. By the end of the course, students will be able to assess the impact of health policy on healthcare systems and implement evidence-informed approaches to address policy challenges within organizational contexts.

NURS 5265. Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, and Healthcare Systems.

This course provides students with foundational skills to analyze and apply research evidence in support of evidence-based practice. Students examine clinical and organizational problems, evaluate quality improvement methods, and apply research findings to enhance healthcare processes and systems. Instruction includes critical appraisal of research literature, case studies, and practical exercises to integrate evidence into decision-making and operational improvements. By the end of the course, students will be able to translate research into practice, critically assess healthcare interventions, and implement evidence-informed strategies to optimize patient care and system-level outcomes. Corequisite: NURS 5165 with a grade of "B" or better.

NURS 5285. Business and Financial Management in Healthcare.

This course examines foundational business, accounting, and financial concepts in the context of healthcare delivery systems. Students analyze staffing, budgeting, revenue, and cost management to inform decision-making within nursing leadership roles. The course also evaluates entrepreneurial strategies and the development of business plans. Instruction combines case studies, financial modeling exercises, and applied projects to foster critical thinking and practical application. By the end of the course, students will be able to interpret financial data, develop operational plans, and make evidence-based management decisions relevant to healthcare organizations. Corequisite: NURS 5185 with a grade of "B" or better.

NURS 5301. Advanced Pathophysiology.

This course examines the pathophysiology and underlying dysfunctions of human physiological processes across the lifespan, emphasizing interrelationships between normal function and disease states. Students analyze mechanisms of disease development, progression, and recovery, integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical applications relevant to advanced nursing practice. Instruction combines case-based inquiry, literature appraisal, and lifespan-focused scenarios to evaluate the impact of pathophysiological processes on patient outcomes. Students critically assess clinical evidence to interpret disease mechanisms, examine interactions among body systems, and evaluate interventions across acute, chronic, and recovery contexts. Analytical outcomes include synthesis of pathophysiology principles for clinical reasoning and evidence-informed decision-making.

NURS 5303. Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics.

This course examines principles for selecting pharmacologic agents and specific medications used in the management of acute and chronic health conditions. Students analyze pharmacologic classifications, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, dosing considerations, and adverse effects across clinical contexts. Instruction emphasizes evaluation of patient-specific variables, including age, comorbidities, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors. Students evaluate evidence related to medication safety, therapeutic effectiveness, and drug interactions. Course methodology includes case-based analysis, application of clinical guidelines, and interpretation of pharmacologic evidence. Students apply pharmacologic principles to clinical decision-making and assess strategies for monitoring therapeutic outcomes and medication-related risks in advanced nursing practice.

NURS 5312. Neuroscience, Epigenetics, and Psychopharmacology.

This course examines advanced concepts in neuroscience, epigenetics, and psychopharmacology as they relate to psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Students analyze neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions and evaluate the pharmacologic management of psychotropic medications using evidence-based frameworks. The course applies prior knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology to interpret treatment response, medication mechanisms, and clinical outcomes. Students evaluate laboratory diagnostics and neuroimaging findings relevant to psychiatric assessment and management. Instruction emphasizes critical analysis of neurobiological processes, pharmacologic interventions, and diagnostic data to support clinical reasoning and informed decision-making in psychiatric mental health care. Prerequisite: NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 both with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5335. Foundations of Leadership and Executive Nursing Practice.

This course evaluates principles of organizational and systems leadership, including leadership theory, management practices, and change processes. Students examine healthcare organizational designs, analyze leadership styles, and apply sustainability strategies to improve organizational performance. Instruction uses applied learning methods such as case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects. By the end of the course, students will be able to synthesize leadership theories, assess organizational and system-level effectiveness, and develop evidence-based recommendations for leading and sustaining operational improvements in healthcare organizations. Corequisite: NURS 5135 with a grade of "B" or better.

NURS 5340. PMH Diagnostics and Clinical Management for Adult and Geriatric Clients.

This course examines evidence-based approaches to the assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of adult and geriatric individuals with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Students analyze major psychiatric theories, psychotherapeutic models, and frameworks relevant to symptom evaluation and treatment planning. The course evaluates health promotion strategies and the methodological considerations that guide their application in adult and older adult populations. Learners investigate the structure and function of therapeutic interactions and their role in clinical decision-making, with emphasis on developing the analytical skills needed to interpret assessment data and integrate evidence into psychiatric care. Prerequisite: NURS 5312, NURS 5112, NURS 5301, NURS 5303 and NURS 5102 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5345. Young and Middle Adult Primary Care.

This course focuses on comprehensive assessment, differential diagnosis, and integrative clinical management of young and middle adult primary care patients (ages 18–65). Students examine health promotion and maintenance, including sexual, perinatal, and reproductive considerations for child-bearing patients and families. The course emphasizes management of common acute and chronic conditions, with attention to family dynamics and care in rural and practice settings. Learners apply evidence-based guidelines to formulate diagnostic reasoning, develop treatment plans, and evaluate patient outcomes. Analytical skills in assessment, decision-making, and patient management are emphasized, preparing students to deliver safe, clinically effective, and evidence-informed primary care to adults. Prerequisite: NURS 5209 and NURS 5210 and NURS 5301 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5346. Young and Middle Adult Primary Care Practicum.

This course, a companion to NURS 5345, focuses on applying evidence-based theory to the management of young and middle adult patients, including sexual, perinatal, and reproductive care considerations. Students analyze acute and chronic conditions, integrate diagnostic reasoning, and develop patient-centered care strategies incorporating family influences. Emphasis is placed on applying professional and ethical standards, evaluating patient outcomes, and refining clinical decision-making. Practicum experiences provide structured opportunities to enhance assessment, management, and documentation competencies, ensuring alignment with nurse practitioner accreditation requirements and preparing graduates to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-informed primary care to adult patients. Prerequisite: NURS 5209, NURS 5210 , NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5345 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5351. Theoretical Foundations and Role Development of Advanced Integrative Nursing.

This course examines the historical development and evolving roles of advanced nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on analyzing nursing theories and conceptual frameworks that inform advanced nursing roles, professional practice, and scholarly inquiry. The course explores theoretical perspectives drawn from nursing, integrative care, and related disciplines to evaluate how these frameworks shape role development and decision-making in advanced practice. Through critical analysis and application of theory, students examine the relationship between conceptual models and evidence-based practice as it applies to advanced nursing roles.

NURS 5354. Pediatric and Adolescent Primary Care.

This course investigates comprehensive assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management of pediatric and adolescent patients (ages 0–21). Students analyze the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of common acute and chronic illnesses while integrating family-centered and developmental frameworks into care planning. The course emphasizes evaluation of health promotion and disease prevention strategies across diverse clinical settings. Students critically examine factors affecting underserved and rural populations and apply clinical reasoning to develop management plans. Instruction incorporates case studies, evidence-based guidelines, and clinical practice experiences to strengthen analytical skills and support decision-making in pediatric and adolescent primary care. Prerequisite: NURS 5209 and NURS 5210 and NURS 5301 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5370. Psychiatric Mental Health Integrative Clinical Management Across the Lifespan.

This course examines advanced clinical management approaches for clients with complex psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Students analyze evidence-based practice guidelines to refine assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment planning within the Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role. The course evaluates strategies for self-directed management, crisis stabilization, and interprofessional coordination across clinical environments. Students also investigate telehealth and other emerging care modalities to understand their application in varied geographic and demographic contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing analytic, integrative competencies for applying contemporary psychiatric care models in multiple practice settings. Prerequisite: NURS 5312 and NURS 5112 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5102 and NURS 5230 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5371. Clinical Prevention and Population Health.

This course examines global and national population health with emphasis on evidence-based approaches to clinical prevention. Students analyze social determinants of health, factors influencing health disparities, and cultural considerations that affect patient and community outcomes. The course emphasizes evaluation of health resources, access, and barriers in urban and rural populations. Instruction integrates case studies, community data, and literature review to support critical assessment of population-level health trends. Students apply evidence-based frameworks to assess community needs, identify interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of preventive strategies in diverse populations. Prerequisite: NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5351 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5373. Psychiatric Mental Health Integrative Clinical Management Across the Lifespan Practicum.

This course serves as a companion to NURS 5370 and offers students a culminating practicum focused on developing advanced competencies in the PMHNP role. Students examine comprehensive and integrative approaches to managing complex psychiatric conditions across diverse clinical contexts. Through supervised practicum experiences, learners analyze crisis intervention strategies, evaluate stabilization protocols, and apply interprofessional communication techniques in various mental health settings. The course also investigates telehealth and other emerging modalities to assess their effectiveness and applicability in delivering psychiatric care in different geographic and organizational environments. Learning activities strengthen clinical judgment, treatment planning, and practice readiness consistent with current evidence. Prerequisite: NURS 5312, NURS 5112, NURS 5301, NURS 5303, NURS 5102, NURS 5230, NURS 5233, NURS 5340, NURS 5243 and NURS 5370 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5391. Translational Science for Evidence Based Practice and Innovation Capstone.

This course examines evidence-based practice (EBP) principles and their application in advanced nursing roles. Students evaluate research ethics, identify clinical or organizational problems, and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence to inform practice solutions. Instruction emphasizes appraisal of evidence quality, development of evidence-based projects or interventions with strategies to sustain or improve practice, and dissemination of findings to stakeholders. Through guided project work, literature analysis, and application of EBP models, students develop the skills to integrate research into practice, support data-informed decision-making, and enhance patient care and organizational outcomes. Prerequisite: NURS 5371 with grade of "B" or better.

NURS 5392. Integrative Family Primary Care.

This course explores the application of evidence-based practices in managing patients and families with complex co-morbidities. Students examine clinical scenarios involving primary care, emergency interventions, and integrative treatment approaches, incorporating pharmacologic and supportive therapies. Instruction emphasizes critical appraisal of research, clinical reasoning, and development of care plans that address multiple patient needs. Through analysis of case studies, scenarios, and literature evaluation, students develop the capacity to synthesize evidence and implement comprehensive, data-informed strategies that optimize health outcomes and support safe, effective, and analytically driven patient management. Prerequisite: NURS 5209 and NURS 5210 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5345 and NURS 5354 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5393. Integrative Family Primary Care Practicum.

This course explores the application of evidence-based assessment, clinical reasoning, and treatment planning for patients with complex or co-morbid conditions across the lifespan. Students apply pharmacologic and integrative interventions to develop and implement individualized care plans. Through guided clinical practicum hours aligned with nurse practitioner education standards, students practice patient assessment, decision-making, and outcome evaluation in diverse settings. Instruction emphasizes integrating research evidence into practice, adapting care to patient needs, and refining strategies to ensure safe, effective, and analytically driven management in primary and specialty care environments. Prerequisite: NURS 5209 and NURS 5210 and NURS 5301 and NURS 5303 and NURS 5345 and NURS 5346 and NURS 5256 and NURS 5354 and NURS 5255 all with grades of "B" or better.

NURS 5401. Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Practicum.

This course examines advanced health assessment concepts essential to advanced practice nursing, emphasizing the analytical processes involved in patient evaluation across the lifespan. Students explore interviewing strategies, systematic physical examination techniques, and the interpretation of clinical findings to inform differential diagnosis. Students analyze physiological, psychosocial, developmental, spiritual, and integrative factors that influence health assessment. Learners evaluate case-based scenarios and apply documentation methods using informatics and electronic health record systems within simulation activities. The course includes 50 indirect practicum hours designed to support the development of comprehensive assessment competencies.