Direct Entry Master's of Science in Nursing
Most of the questions asked about the new DEMSN program are answered on this page. We hope you find all the information you need.
What is the CNL?
Graduates will be prepared as Clinical Nurse Leaders, a role identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as essential for contemporary nursing. See the following website for information that SSU is using to design the curriculum: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/WhitePapers/ClinicalNurse Leader.htm
What if I want to be a CNL and am already a nurse with a baccalaureate degree?
You may take the master's level courses to complete a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership/Management with a concentration as a clinical nurse leader. See the Web site related to the Leadership/Management major.What will the direct-entry student be able to do with this degree?
You will be eligible to take the RN licensure examination (NCLEX). You will be well prepared for a staff nursing position at an acute care hospital or outpatient clinic. In addition, you will have completed the required state curriculum for certification as a public health nurse in the state of California and be able to vie for a public health nursing or school nursing position. Your preparation as a Clinical Nurse Leader will facilitate a career path that uses the educational tools that include leadership, evidenced based nursing and fiscal stewardship. Graduates are eligible for certification as Clinical Nurse Leaders through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
You will also be eligible to apply to a post-master’s certification program in a number of areas including nurse practitioner, nursing administrator, or clinical nurse specialist. In addition, you will be eligible to apply to a doctoral program in nursing or another field in order to pursue a career as a nurse researcher or nurse educator.
When did the program start?
The California Board of Regisered Nursing approved the DEMSN-CNL program in December, 2004. Implementation began January, 2005.
What type of financial aid is available?
Student's are eligible for Direct Loans in an award package that covers year one as Spring and Summer and year two as Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
When can I apply?
Applications areavailable during the spring of odd years with notifcation during the summer. Course work begins January of even years.
I really want to get my nursing degree as soon as possible. What programs are currently available?
There are many public and private nursing programs in the bay area that provide several different options for degreed individuals who wish to be educated as nurses. Following are some examples. This is not an exhaustive list.
Master’s Entry Level Programs in Nursing
These programs are generally three years in length and provide curriculum for RN licensure and two years of specialty study in a field of nursing. The following links will take you to information about these programs:
- University of California, San Francisco (MEPN)
- Samuel Merritt/St. Mary’s College of California
- University of San Francisco (Master’s Entry Option)
- San Francisco
State University (Generic MSN)
Fast-Track Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This type of program provides curriculum for RN licensure and baccalaureate nursing education in a compacted format to decrease the time-to-degree. The following link will take you to information about two of these programs:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
These are traditional baccalaureate nursing programs that include curriculum for RN licensure and baccalaureate nursing education in a traditional format (usually geared to the typical college undergraduate). Sonoma State University is a public institution that has such a Pre-Licensure program. Other public and private universities with traditional BSN programs in the bay area include:
- San Francisco State University
- California State University, Hayward
- San Jose State University
- Dominican University
- Pacific Union College
- University of San Francisco
- St. Mary’s-Samuel Merritt
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
There are also many California Community Colleges in the bay area that
offer the curriculum for RN licensure in an Associate Degree in Nursing
(ADN). The time to complete these programs (after all prerequisites are
complete) is usually two years. After obtaining an ADN and RN licensure,
you could choose to enroll in an ADN-MSN program or a Master’s
Pathway program for nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing
discipline. Most of the programs listed above have such options.
What are the prerequisites courses for the SSU DEMSN?
A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from and accredited institution of higher education
- Current Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Integrated Chemistry that includes significant work in organic and biochemistry in addition to general and inorganic chemistry. Many community colleges have such a course that is designed specifically for those students desiring to enter registered nurse programs. There are also several options available online that would be acceptable such as:
- Human Anatomy with lab
- Human Physiology with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Statistics (Descriptive and Inferential)
- Human Growth and Development (across the lifespan)
Can I satisfy these prerequisites at a school other than SSU?
Yes. Prerequisites may be taken at any accredited college or university including community colleges. Be certain that the chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses indicate that they are for Registered Nursing (RN) programs. These same prerequisite courses designed for Licensed Vocational Nursing programs are NOT acceptable for the DEMSN program.
What courses at other schools match the required prerequisites?
Some of the equivalent courses at colleges and universities in the bay area that correspond to SSU courses may be found in this table.
If I take the prerequisites at a school other than SSU, will I have less of a chance being admitted to the program?
No. Prerequisite courses are accepted if they meet the criteria.
How will students be selected for the program?
The details of student selection are available on the ADMISSIONS FORM. THe admission form will NOT be available until the Spring of odd years.
How long will it take to complete the program?
The program requires 18 months (five continuous semesters/sessions) of dedicated study and clinical experience. The didactic portion of the program is primarily delivered online. A variety of teaching strategies promise to make study interesting and learning efficient. Students come to campus for select learning activities throughout the program.
What is the nature of the clinical portion of the program?
CLinical experiences are designed to merge required generalist nursing skills with clinical nurse leader skills.
Will I be able to work during the program?
Students will not able to work during the program due to the extensive commitment of time required for study and clinical experience. The extensive and intensive time commitment is essential for prospective students to consider. Details of time requirements will be made available, however, it is likely that the program will require a minimum of 50 to 60 hours per week of dedicated time.
How much will the program cost?
THe program is supported by state funds and the cost is the same for all SSU graduate students.
Where can I obtain my CNA certification?
To become a Certified Nurse Assistant in California you must complete a 160 hour approved course. Approved courses are available at the American Red Cross (in Sonoma County, go to http://www.arcsm.org/ or Contact Vicki White 707/ 577-7612.) and at some Junior Colleges (Santa Rosa Junior College offers the course). Certification is granted by the California Department of Health & Human Services. Requirements can be found at their website, http://www.dhs.ca.gov/lnc/cert/default.htm
If I am currently a Licensed Vocational Nurse, do I meet the "CNA Certification" requirement for application to the program?
Yes, you meet and exceed the requirement.
If I am currently a Paramedic, Psych Tech, or Emergency Medical Tech, do I meet the "CNA Certification" requirement for application to the program?
No, you do not meet this requirement with these types of certifications. For information on certification requirements, go to http://www.dhs.ca.gov/lnc/cert/default.htm and click on the publication "Certification Facts".
Does my CNA certification need to be current?
Yes.