Nursing (MSN)

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The program of study that leads to the Master of Science in Nursing degree consists of 49 units (31 units of theory; 12 units of clinical practicum; and 6 units of Social Work courses). The program, which prepares students to practice as family nurse practitioners (FNP), is administered primarily online via the Virtual Academic Center within the School of Social Work, and features two on-campus intensives (OCI) providing students with opportunities for skills assessments and patient simulations. The clinical practica can be taken in various healthcare settings, including private practice and community-based facilities, and are based on the student’s geographical location. The USC MSN degree is offered in a full-time (five-semester) or part-time (eight-semester) format.

The Department of Nursing is committed to achieving distinction and preparing diverse leaders in research, education and advanced nursing practice. The department aims to work collaboratively with its School of Social Work and Keck School of Medicine and other health science colleagues to improve patient care by preparing outstanding advanced practice nurses who provide evidence-based health care, and transform the health care system by preparing leaders in health care policy and research.

Required Courses

MSN Students are required to take the following courses:

NURS 501 Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice Units: 4
NURS 502 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span Units: 3
NURS 503 Theory: Clinical Management of Adult Patients Units: 3
NURS 504 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing Units: 3
NURS 505 Clinical Practicum: Management of Adult Patients Units: 3
NURS 507 Theory: Clinical Management of the Childbearing/Childrearing Family Units: 3
NURS 600 Theory: Clinical Management of Adult Patients with Complex Medical Issues Units: 3
NURS 601 Clinical Practicum: Management of the Childbearing/Childrearing Family Units: 3
NURS 602 Research/Analytical Methods Units: 3
NURS 603 Transforming Research Evidence into Practice Units: 3
NURS 604 Clinical Practicum: Management of Adult Patients with Complex Medical Issues Units: 3
NURS 605 Professional Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing Units: 2
NURS 606 Health Policy Principles in Changing Health Care Contexts Units: 2
NURS 607 Theory: Family Primary Care Units: 2
NURS 608 Clinical Practicum: Family Primary Care Units: 3
SOWK 506 Human Behavior and the Social Environment Units: 3
Plus one elective in Social Work (3 units)

Bridge Course Requirement

During the admissions process, applicants will be identified for NURS 500 Bridge Course based on grades in prior science courses and/or length of time away from an academic program of more than five years. Students that successfully complete and receive credit for the Bridge Course will start the full- or part-time MSN program course sequence in the following semester. Students who do not receive credit for the Bridge Course will not be admitted to the program of study but may reapply to the program in one year.

NURS 500 Bridge Course Units: 2