An MSN degree can open up new career doors, and gives you the potential to earn a higher salary.

Graduates of the Education track are prepared for educational positions in academic and practice settings.

Graduates of the Administration track are prepared for nursing leadership positions in a variety of health care settings.

Graduates of the Informatics are prepared to assume an advanced practice role in nursing informatics.

Conveniently online.

Conveniently online.

  • The RN-MSN Expressway is designed for RN to BSN Program students who desire to move directly into one of the MSN Degree Programs with a focus in administration, education, or informatics in a seamless manner
  • TTUHSC full-time RN to BSN students who meet graduate admission criteria can opt to take up to two graduate level courses as a component of the RN to BSN degree plan
  • Students who elect to pursue the RN-MSN Expressway should contact the Admissions Coordinator prior to the first semester of enrollment
  • You do not need to put your professional career on hold while you further your education

MSN Nursing Administration

Nurses with a MSN degree in Nursing Administration have high-level nursing leadership and management skills focused on

  • implementing evidence-based management practices
  • using national quality criteria to address the safety and effectiveness of health care, and
  • addressing the multiple challenges inherent in today's complex health care organizations.

Upon completion of the administration track, graduates are prepared for nursing leadership positions in a variety of health care settings.

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MSN Nursing Education

Nurses with a MSN degree in Nursing Education are able to

  • develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum
  • use technology to strengthen the learning process; and
  • incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies to prepare today's nursing graduate or to advance the continuing education of the practicing nurse.

Upon completion of the education track, graduates are prepared for educational positions in academic and practice settings.

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MSN Nursing Informatics

Nurses with a MSN degree in Nursing Informatics are able to

  • focus on a variety of technical areas to better support patients, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers
  • analyze data to see what's working and what isn't
  • suggest improvements, lead projects, and implement change

Upon completion of the Informatics track, graduates are prepared to assume an advanced practice role in nursing informatics

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements for admission?

To be eligible for admission, all applicants must be enrolled in the 2 semester degree plan in the RN to BSN program and have completed 14 semester credit hours of BSN course work. All applicants must complete and submit an online application as directed on the respective Program website (MSN Education, MSN Administration). All applicants must also meet admissions requirements as stated in the Graduate Program section of the Student Catalog or click here. Admission consideration is not automatic and is based on a successful review process.

Is the GRE required?

No.

When are the application deadlines?
  • Fall – February 15th
  • Spring – August 31st

All supplemental items (official transcripts, application fee, letters of recommendation, essay, resume/CV, oath of residency) must be received by Admissions Coordinator prior to the application deadline.

Is the program completely online?

The didactic portion of the MSN Administration and MSN Education is completely online. Students in both tracks will complete practicum experiences with a preceptor in a healthcare facility or academic site (for nursing education). Students in the Education track are required to come to campus 1-2 days for the health assessment course and 1-2 days for the simulation course.

ALL students are required to attend a one-day mandatory orientation on-campus in Lubbock prior to starting the program.

How long does the program take to complete?

The MSN Expressway tracks (Administration and Education) is completed in approximately 2 years. A standard degree plan is created for each track. Deviation from the standard degree plans must be approved by the Program Director and is contingent on courses availability and enrollment. The number of total credits required for the MSN program depends on the track:

  • MSN Administration Track 36 credit hours
  • MSN Education Track 39 credit hours
Can I defer to the next semester?

Yes, you may have the option to defer 1 semester upon successful completion of the RN to BSN program.

What license and certifications are required for students?
  • Unencumbered RN – required for all students
  • BLS – required for all students

Once a student is accepted in to the program, he / she must provide the Office of Student Affairs with current copies of license and certifications (applies to student whose license and certification expires during enrollment).

How do clinical hours work? Do students have to find their own preceptors?

Students are responsible for obtaining their own preceptors based upon the requirements for each clinical course. A listing of preceptors used within the past two years is available for current graduate students to use as a guide. Clinical hours can be completed in a student's home area but both the preceptor AND the facility must be approved by SON staff and faculty. There is an electronic preceptor agreement process that students must complete for every preceptor they use each semester.

What is the cost of the program?

Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Semester can be located here: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/nursing/student-affairs/fees.aspx.

Are Scholarships and/or Financial Aid available as I complete the program?

Yes, all of the above mentioned assistance is available. Applicants interested in applying for financial aid upon admittance to the School of Nursing must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The School of Nursing requires a FAFSA on file to be eligible for scholarships offered by the school.

Scholarship eligibility is only available once admitted into the program. Additional information can be found by clicking here.

How will I have access to the faculty?

You will have access to each of your course facilitators and any clinical faculty via the methodologies that will be used to deliver the educational material during regular school hours (Canvas, TTUHSC email, and phone).

How much time will I need to allocate to my course work?

As a general rule, for every hour of instruction you will need to plan to spend at least 2-3 hours in preparation and course assignment work. These assignments and projects are very applicable to your present or future nursing position yet are not designed to be accomplished in a short time, so this will require interaction with all the required resources of the course. Some courses have clinical expectations as part of the course.

Will I need a computer for my courses?

Yes, you will need a computer with high speed internet capabilities. Click here for minimum system recommendations.

Will I have access to library resources from any location?

Yes, resources are available via computer and internet access, such as electronic article reserves. Information about the TTUHSC library resources with web-based courses will be provided at orientation. Many assignments in the program will require library / internet searches.