Saint Xavier University - Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificates

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Saint Xavier University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with three specializations: Nurse Educator, Clinical Leadership, and Executive Leadership. There is also a Nurse Educator Post-Master’s Certificate and Clinical Leadership Post-Master’s Certificate offered.

The MSN Nurse Educator track is designed for nurses who want to educate the next generations of nursing students. Topics covered include curriculum design and evaluation, creating lesson plans, development of course objectives, evaluation techniques, and how to present in the classroom. The Nurse Educator Certificate is designed for nurses who hold their MSN and would like to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Topics covered may include learning theory, roles and responsibilities, conceptual frameworks, curriculum design, learning strategies, and the teacher-student relationship. Graduates of both programs are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.

The MSN in Clinical Leadership track is designed for nurses who want to continue to work with patients, developing care plans and working with patient care teams. Topics covered include pharmacology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, population-based health, preventative health, and health assessment. The Clinical Leadership Certificate is designed for nurses who hold their MSN and would like to become certified as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Topics covered include health assessments, pathophysiology, epidemiology, population-based health care, and pharmacology. Graduates of both programs are eligible to take the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) exam.

The MSN in Executive Leadership track is designed for nurses who wish to move into high levels of management and leadership. Topics covered may include administrative skills, quality and safety controls, regulatory compliance, communication and conflict resolution, strategic planning, and project management. Graduates are eligible to take the Nurse Executive, Board Certification (NE-BC) exam and the Nurse Executive, Advanced Board Certification (NEA-BC) exam.

The Nurse Educator and Clinical Leadership tracks comprise 38 credits while the Executive Leadership track comprises 35 credits. The certificates consist of 11 credits each. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer. The MSN degree can be completed in two years and the certificates in one year. Coursework is 100% online with no campus visits required. The Clinical Leadership MSN and corresponding certificate require four practicums. The other specializations require three practicums.

Online courses through Saint Xavier University are delivered asynchronously through the with set deadlines for assignments and assessments. Assignments may include readings, papers, projects, and online discussions in the discussion forums. Students may email, phone, or chat with faculty and staff for support. Xavier offers a Personal Support Center with 24/7 technical support, a Student Services Coordinator, and library and career services.

All MSN specializations complete the following courses: Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice; Nursing Inquiry; Health Care Systems and Financing; Epidemiology and Population Based Health Care; Communication, Culture, Collaboration, and Conflict in Health Care; and Information Technology and Health Care Outcomes. The Nurse Educator and Clinical Leadership tracks include the courses Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Advanced Pharmacology.

Specialty courses for the Nurse Educator track as well as the four courses for the Nurse Educator Certificate include Nurse Educator Role; Nurse Educator Clinical Practice Practicum; Learning Principles and Instructional Methods for the Adult Learner; and Nurse Educator Role Practicum.

Specialty courses for the Clinical Leadership track as well as the four courses for the Clinical Leadership Certificate include Clinical Leader Role I-II and Clinical Leader Immersion I-II.

The Executive Leadership track includes the courses Executive Leader Role; Administrative Leadership in Nursing I-II; Advanced Health Care Finance; Advanced Health and Social Policy; and Administrative Leadership in Nursing Capstone.

Saint Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MSN program and certificates are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).