Application Deadline: October 1
Application Available: August 1
Program Start: Summer once a year only
Length of Program: 2.5 to 3 years full-time
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing
Part-Time Study Available? After the foundation (first) year
Distance Learning Available? Not at this time
If you have a bachelor's degree outside of Nursing, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and you are a licensed registered nurse please visit the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program.
About the AE-MSN
The Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE-MSN) program is designed for people holding baccalaureate or graduate degrees in disciplines other than nursing and who are interested in pursuing both their Registered Nurse (RN) License and Master of Science in Nursing degree. After successfully completing the rigorous academic and clinical training, AE-MSN graduates are expected to assume entry-level positions and to advance rapidly in their nursing careers as they acquire experience in the field.
AE-MSN Concentration Areas
AE-MSN students can choose from one of the following concentration areas on which to focus:
Adult - Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist includes perspectives of both health-restoration and health-promotion, while developing skills in case management. This concentration area focuses on physiological and psychosocial theories, concepts, and research underlying self-care and growth needs of individuals age 15 and up. Other commonly emphasized themes include: holism of clients, family relationships, environmental influences, conceptual thinking, and independent nursing actions.
Faculty assist students in individualizing their education by facilitating work in hospital or non-hospital clinical areas in the specialization courses. Practicum experiences provide opportunities for testing new approaches and developing advanced skills.
Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for recognition as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. The curriculum also includes coursework required by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners (TxBON) to be qualified as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). Additional requirements and experience for APN status are available from the TxBON.
Degree Plans
Leadership in Diverse Settings
The Leadership in Diverse Settings (LeaDS) program is a Masters level curriculum designed to respond to a national and local call for nurses to assume leadership positions in diverse healthcare settings. This program will facilitate development of a robust set of competencies preparing the graduate to provide leadership in a variety of patient-centered healthcare, community, and educational settings. The graduates of the LeaDS program will be uniquely qualified to lead change in complex, dynamic, and challenging environments. Through courses and guided experiences this program will develop leaders with:
- Advanced Competencies for Clinical Practice
- Advocacy Skills to Meet the Needs of Diverse and Underserved Populations
- Commitment to Stewardship of Resources
- Communication, Collaboration, and Negotiation Skills
- Dedication to Developing and Renewing Others
- Organizational Change Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Vision for the Future of Healthcare and Nursing Education
Degree Plans
Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)
The PMHNP concentration is a 48-credit hour program that prepares graduates to provide primary psychiatric-mental health care at an advanced level to individuals of all ages and their families. Graduates will be prepared to assume responsibilities including differential diagnosis and management of psychiatric and mental health disorders through medication management and psychotherapeutic interventions including individual, group and family therapies. Graduates will also engage in health promotion and illness prevention strategies with their population. Graduates will participate in and utilize research to improve patient care and patient care systems. Graduates are prepared to work in both inpatient and community based psychiatric/mental health settings, and may work in a variety of health care settings providing psychiatric-mental health care and consultation.
Degree Plans
Advanced Practice Nursing (APN): Visit Advance Practice Nursing to learn about APN programs.