Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing Program at Dominican University of California offers two Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) programs; one in Integrated Health Practices and another for the Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator. Both of these programs follow guidelines defined by the California Board of Registered Nursing for Clinical Nurse Specialist licensure and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Integrated Health Practices program provides students with a solid base in advanced traditional, Western nursing practice and presents a sound foundation for understanding holistic, complementary, and alternative approaches to healthcare. Courses focus on advanced nursing practice and on alternative health practices, systems, and beliefs. Many theoretical frameworks are embraced and provide the foundation most appropriate for improving or maintaining the client’s health. Graduates of this program are qualified to manage a number of healthcare concerns related to integrated health practice by combining Western and non-Western practice and complementary and alternative approaches to healthcare. This program was designed to address the community’s increased use of non-medical forms of healthcare and healing practices. Special attention is placed on cultural diversity and providing care and guidance for diverse populations, the chronically ill, disabled, and elderly. Graduates are qualified to set for Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certification through the Holistic Nurses Association and to apply for CNS licensure through the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Students in the Geriatric CNS/Nurse Educator track will graduate as advanced practice nurses with a clinical specialty in geriatric nursing. Additionally, this track prepares the graduate to assume the role of nurse educator in clinical and classroom settings. This program was designed using guidelines of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Hartford Geriatric Nursing Initiative, the Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, Nurse Educator Competencies (Southern Regional Education Board), the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, the National League for Nursing, and the California Board of Registered Nursing requirements for licensure as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Graduates are qualified to apply for Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist designation, certification as a Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing, and to apply for CNS licensure through the California Board of Register Nursing.
Both programs require 45 units of coursework including Advanced Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, and a series of four research and thesis development courses designed to culminate in the student’s research project (thesis). Coursework may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time option allows the student to complete the program in 5 semesters; under the part-time option students will complete the program in 7 or 8 semesters. Classes meet alternating weekends on Friday night and all day Saturday.
MSN Program Goals
- To prepare professional practitioners of nursing as the Integrated Health Practices Clinical Nurse Specialist or as the Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator;
- To prepare professional nurses who provide education for individuals, families, students, staff nurses, and communities;
- To prepare advanced practice nurses who are leaders in the field of nursing;
- To prepare advanced practice nurses who serve as consultants to peers, interdisciplinary team members, individuals, families, and communities; and
- To prepare advanced practice nurses who are able to conduct research and disseminate the findings, and who utilize and implement best nursing practices based on empirical findings.
