Nursing 2011-2012
JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing
Location: 233 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
Nursing Advising for ADN and BSN 409.880.8868
Advising for MSN 409.880.7720
Chair: Dr. Eileen Deges Curl
Degree Coordinators:
- Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies, Iva Hall, 409.880.8831,Email, 254 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
- RN-BSN Articulation Track, Carol Hammonds, 409.880.7817, Email, 206 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
- Director of Graduate Nursing Studies, Nancy Blume, 409.880.7720, Email, 252 McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing faculty believe in preparing students to become competent graduates who provide quality nursing care to diverse populations in an ever-changing society. Personal, social, and professional strengths of the graduates are developed to form a basis for continued growth.
Nursing is based on the concepts of professional integrity, effective communication, active inquiry, and service to the community. The goals of nursing are to assist humanity in disease prevention, health promotion, health maintenance and restoration, and the support of death with dignity. Nursing utilizes a spirit of caring, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and therapeutic interventions to contribute to the health of the individual and society. The responsibility of nurses is to utilize the nursing process to assist people to meet health care needs and to attain health related goals. The faculty believe in the preparation of professional nurses for three major roles: provider of care, coordinator of care, and member of the profession.
Associate Degree graduates are prepared as competent entry-level practitioners to assess the health needs of individuals and families. General education courses provide a foundation for nursing content in the associate degree program. As members of the profession, graduates are able to plan, implement, evaluate and coordinate care for clients in a variety of health care settings. Through education, articulation, and experience, graduates are able to pursue lifelong learning.
Baccalaureate Degree graduates are prepared with a broad perspective and understanding of society, the environment, and people as diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities. Baccalaureate education incorporates a broad range of basic, behavioral, and social sciences, communication and data analysis content to provide a strong foundation for future critical thinking and problem solving. A baccalaureate degree is the most common requirement for entry into graduate nursing education where nurses may further develop their professional roles to become nurse educators, researchers, administrators, or advanced practice nurses.
Nursing students meet course requirements through didactic courses, laboratory and simulation activities, and clinical experience in healthcare facilities under the supervision of University faculty. Students are expected to adhere to rules and regulations of Lamar University and the various agencies to which they are assigned. Specific policies may be obtained from the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies.
Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to receive licensure to practice professional nursing. Graduates will be required to meet criteria established by the Texas Board of Nursing in order to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
Lamar University nursing programs, both associate and baccalaureate degrees, are fully accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, phone 409.975.5000, fax 409.975.5020).
The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing offers two graduate tracks leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree and one dual track in nursing and business. The graduate nursing program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Persons seeking admission may pursue the degree on a full or part-time basis. Potential students who qualify with a high GPA and are graduates of a nationally accredited undergraduate program may have the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) waived in the admission process. A Post-Master's Certificate option is also available in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. Applicants for the Post-Master's Certificate program must have a MSN degree and meet additional entrance requirements.
Admission and Progression in Nursing Undergraduate Programs
Students wanting to be admitted to nursing must submit an Application for Admission to Nursing. Admission to nursing is competitive; Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in pre-requisite courses and in required science courses, have met the THEA requirement, and be in good standing in the university.
Students not enrolled at Lamar must submit two separate applications: one for admission to Lamar (obtained from the Office of Admissions), and one for admission to the specific nursing program (obtained from the Nursing Advising Center, Room 255, McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Building).
Applications for admission to the nursing programs must be received by March 1 prior to the fall semester admission and October 1 for spring admission. The following items must accompany the application:
- Application fee,
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended,
- Official transcript evaluation by Lamar University, and
- Written documentation of passing all components of THEA.
Applicants are urged to follow application instructions carefully to ensure processing by the Admissions Committee. Admission to the nursing programs is competitive. Students are responsible for assuring that their applications are complete, including the transcript evaluation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Students seeking readmission are required to submit an application and fee.
Applications for admission to nursing are evaluated competitively on the following basis:
- Admission to the university (See Admissions section of this bulletin.)
- Transcript evaluation of previous college work
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses and science courses with a minimum grade of "C" and 2.5 GPA
- Overall academic career GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Pre-admission exam scores. (Contact Nursing Advising Center for information.)
- Admission may be limited by available space.
- See program of choice for additional requirements.
Official transcript evaluation by Lamar University is required for all transfer credits. Transfer credits which are not equivalent to Lamar credits must be evaluated on an individual basis by the appropriate department chair.
As part of the admission process, students are required to:
- Complete criminal background screening;
- Obtain CPR certification;
- Document essential health competencies and update immunizations; and
- Obtain nursing liability insurance.
Students accepting admission into the Undergraduate Program must demonstrate essential physical competencies for nursing. (Request a copy from the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies). Students must also demonstrate emotional capability for completing the program's instructional and clinical practice. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) requires students to report significant mental diagnoses and treatment to TBON, as well as criminal backgrounds.
For progression in the program, a minimum grade of "C" must be earned in English composition, nursing and science courses, and an overall academic GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in all course work. A student who fails a nursing course must apply for readmission to progress. If re-admitted, the student must repeat all designated corequisite courses. Students may be readmitted only one time. Under no circumstances may a nursing course be repeated more than once. Failing two nursing courses results in program failure. See the Undergraduate Nursing Studies Handbook for specific policies. The handbook is available by contacting the Dishman Department of Nursing, 409.880-8821.
Students are required to complete nursing courses in the sequence identified on the program of study. Due to the required sequencing of the nursing program courses, students who fail a nursing course will not be allowed to progress to the next courses. Re-admission to the program is not guaranteed and is based upon space availability, assessment of previous performance in the program, and grades. Progression policies are published in the Undergraduate Nursing Studies Student Handbook.
Students requesting readmission or transfer must submit an application for readmission or transfer to the Nursing Admissions Committee by October 1 for Spring admission and March 1 for Summer and Fall admission. Students who have been unsuccessful ("D" or lower) in one or more nursing course(s) at another nursing program are not eligible for admission. Transfer students are admitted on a space-available basis. See department transfer policy available from the Nursing Advising Center.
Additional costs above tuition and fees are involved in nursing programs. Uniforms, equipment, instruments, liability insurance, health examinations, immunization costs, CPR certification, special testing fees, course packet fees, additional laboratory/clinical fees and transportation to clinical facilities are the student's responsibility. Financial aid is available for eligible students (see Financial Aid and Awards section of this bulletin).
Liability insurance, CPR certification, health examinations and immunizations must be renewed each year of the nursing programs. Students may be assigned to clinical experiences during day, evening, night or weekend hours. Clinical agencies may require additional health examinations, dress codes or conformity with other policies. Students will be informed in advance of such requirements.
Eligibility for Graduation
In addition to the university graduation requirements and compliance with the written degree plan, students must pass a nationally standardized examination designated by the department in order to graduate from the respective program. (RN to BSN students also take a nationally standardized exam.) The courses of the final semester of each program constitute the capstone experience. The Department recommends that all other course requirements are completed prior to entry into the final capstone semester. Further explanation is provided in the Undergraduate Nursing Studies Handbook.
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -128 hrs
RN/BSN Articulation Track – 128 hours
(Up to 66 hours of non-nursing hours can transfer from a community college in addition to 32 hours of escrow credit for prior nursing courses.)
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing – 69 hours
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing – 37 hours
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration Dual Degree -61 hours
Post-Masters Certificate – 20 hours
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies: Iva Hall 254 McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Building
Completion of the program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Recipients of the degree are eligible to make application to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
The baccalaureate program also provides an opportunity for Registered Nurses who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This special track is called the RN-BSN Articulation Track. Please refer to separate admission requirements in the appropriate section below.
To be considered for admission to the BSN program, the student must:
- Have completed all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C" and GPA of 2.5.
- Have a minimum grade of "C" with a GPA of 2.5 in the sciences (Biology and Chemistry courses)
- Have an overall academic grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.
- Have a minimum grade of "C" in Nursing Pathophysiology from an accredited college or university that was earned within 3 years prior to admission.
- Meet criteria in the section on Admission to Department of Nursing.
- Take the department designated pre-admission exam.
Applications are available by calling the Advising Center at 409.880.8868 or via the web at http://dept.lamar.edu/nursing. BSN students are admitted for Spring and Fall semesters.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum Plan for Spring Admission into the BSN Program
| First Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| BIOL 2401 A & P ◊ | 4 | BIOL 2402 A & P II ◊ | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 English ◊ | 3 | ENGL 1302 English ◊ | 3 |
| MATH 1314 Algebra ◊ | 3 | CHEM 1406 Chemistry ◊ | 4 |
| PHIL 1370 Philosophy ◊ | 3 | FCSC 1322 Nutrition ◊ | 3 |
| HIST 1301 History ◊ | 3 | HIST 1302 History | 3 |
| PEGA PE | 1 | ||
| Total | 34 | ||
| SUMMER I | |||
| POLS 2301 Political Science I | 3 | ||
| ENGL Literature | 3 | ||
| SUMMER II | |||
| POLS 2302 Political Science II | 3 | ||
| Communication | 3 | ||
| Total | 12 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Semester I | Semester II (Level 1) | ||
| BIOL 2420 Microbiology ◊ | 4 | NURS 2340 Concepts of Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 1373 Pathophysiology ◊ * | 3 | NURS 2241 Practicum: Concepts of Prof. Nsg | 2 |
| PSYC 2315 Lifespan ◊ | 3 | NURS 2213 Theories in Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 1102 Nursing as a Profession** | 1 | NURS 2210 Nursing Simulation Lab I | 2 |
| PSYC 2471 Psyc. Statistics *** | 3 | NURS 2316 Holistic Health Assessment | 3 |
| Total | 26 | ||
| SUMMER I | |||
| NURS 2330 Principles of | 3 |
| Pharmacology | |||
| SUMMER II | |||
| Fine Art | 3 | ||
| Total | 6 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Semester I (Level II) | Semester II | ||
| NURS 3420 Care of Adults | 4 | NURS 3560 Care of the Parent-Child Family | 5 |
| NURS 3221 Practicum: Care of Adults | 2 | NURS 3361 Practicum: Care of Parent-Child Family | 3 |
| NURS 3210 Nursing Simulation Lab II | 2 | NURS 3282 Care of Older Adults | 2 |
| NURS 3230 Care of Behavioral Health Clients | 2 | NURS 3390 Nursing Inquiry and EBP | 3 |
| NURS 3231 Practicum: Care of B.H. Clients | 2 | ||
| Total | 25 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Semester I (Level III) | Semester II | ||
| NURS 4320 Care of Adults with Complex Health State | 3 | NURS 4180 Synthesis of Nursing Seminar | 1 |
| NURS 4221 Practicum: Care of Adults with Complex Health States | 2 | NURS 4381 Preceptorship: Synthesis of Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 4340 Care of Communities | 3 | NURS 4350 Nursing Management & Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 4241 Practicum: Care of Communities | 2 | NURS 4251 Practicum: Nursing Mgt. & Lead | 2 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | NURS 4360 Transition to the Profession | 3 |
| Total | 25 | ||
| ◊ Denotes prerequisite for admission to the nursing program. *NURS 1373 -must be taken within 3 years of starting the nursing program. **NURS 1102 -Nursing as a Profession is recommended but not required. ***PSYC 2471 -Statistics is a prerequisite for NURS 3390. | |||
Non-nursing Credits -63 Nursing Pre-requisite (Patho) -3 Nursing Required Credits -62 Total Credits -128 (**129 with pre-nursing elective)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum Plan for Fall Admission into the Program
| First Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| BIOL 2401 A & P I ◊ | 4 | BIOL 2402 A & P II ◊ | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 English ◊ | 3 | ENGL 1302 English ◊ | 3 |
| MATH 1314 Algebra | 3 | CHEM 1406 Chemistry ◊ | 4 |
| PHIL 1370 Philosophy ◊ | 3 | FCSC 1322 Nutrition ◊ | 3 |
| HIST 1301 History | 3 | HIST 1302 History | 3 |
| PEGA PE | 1 | ||
| Total | 34 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | 3 | |
| BIOL 2420 Microbiology ◊ | 4 | NURS 1373 Pathophysiology ◊* | 1 |
| PSYC 2471 Psyc. Statistics *** | 3 | NURS 1102 Nursing as a Profession ** | 3 |
| PSYC 2315 Lifespan ◊ | 3 | POLS 2302 Political Science II | 3 |
| POLS 2301 Political Science I | 3 | ENGL Literature | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | Communication | 3 |
| Fine Art | 3 | ||
| Total | 32 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| NURS 2340 Concepts of Professional Nursing | 3 | NURS 3420 Care of Adults | 4 |
| NURS 2241 Practicum: Concepts of Prof. Nsg | 2 | NURS 3221 Practicum: Care of Adults | 2 |
| NURS 2213 Theories in Nursing | 2 | NURS 3210 Nursing Simulation Lab II | 2 |
| NURS 2330 Principles of Pharmacology | 3 | NURS 3230 Care of Behavioral Health Clients | 2 |
| NURS 2210 Nursing Simulation Lab I | 2 | NURS 3231 Practicum: Care of B.H. Clients | 2 |
| NURS 2316 Holistic Health Assessment | 3 | ||
| Total | 27 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 3560 Care of the Parent-Child Family | 5 | NURS 4320 Care of Adults with Complex Health States | 3 |
| NURS 3361 Practicum: Care of the Parent-Child Family | 3 | NURS 4221 Practicum: Care of Adults with Complex Health States | 2 |
| NURS 3282 Care of Older Adults | 2 | NURS 4340 Care of Communities | 3 |
| NURS 3390 Nursing Inquiry and EBP | 3 | NURS 4241 Practicum: Care of Communities | 2 |
| Total | 23 | ||
| Final Semester | |||
| NURS 4180 Synthesis of Nursing Seminar | 1 | ||
| NURS 4381 Preceptorship: Synthesis of Nursing | 3 | ||
| NURS 4350 Nursing Management & Leadership | 3 | ||
| NURS 4251 Practicum: Nursing Mgt. & Lead | 2 | ||
| NURS 4360 Transition to the Profession | 3 | ||
| Total | 12 | ||
| ◊ Denotes prerequisite for admission to the nursing program. *NURS 1373 -must be taken within 3 years of starting the nursing program. **NURS 1102 -Nursing as a Profession is recommended but not required. ***PSYC 2471 -Statistics is a prerequisite for NURS 3390. | |||
Non-nursing Credits -63 Nursing Pre-requisite (Patho) -3 Nursing Required Credits -62 Total Credits -128 (**129 with pre-nursing elective)
RN – BSN Articulation Track
Coordinator: Carol Hammonds 206 McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Bldg. Phone 880-7817
This flexible online track is designed for the career-oriented registered nurse seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The nurse must be a registered nurse in the state of Texas with an unencumbered license. Progression through the track is dependent upon the nurse's initial nursing preparation. Admission to Lamar University is required as well as admission to the RN–BSN Articulation Track. Transcripts must be evaluated by the Coordinator of the RN-BSN Articulation Track prior to submitting an application. Official transcripts from other colleges or universities must be evaluated by Lamar. The nursing courses for this track are also offered online.
RN – BSN Articulation Track Admission Criteria
Students are not officially admitted to the RN-BSN track until they have completed all prerequisite courses. RN-BSN students are admitted for Summer and Spring semesters. Applications may be obtained from the Nursing Advising Office (Room 255), or by calling 409.880.8868. An application fee is required. (The RN-BSN Articulation Application is separate from the basic BSN Application.) Applications are available on the Dishman Department of Nursing website (http://dept.lamar.edu/nursing).
Applicants for the RN-BSN Track must meet the same admission requirements as specified for the basic BSN program in addition to holding an unencumbered license to practice professional nursing in Texas prior to taking practicum courses. A meeting with the RN-BSN Articulation Coordinator is required to develop a degree plan. Advising is available by phone or in person.
Curriculum Plan for RN to BSN Track
This plan of study is the minimum prescribed program. The remaining 24 credit hours of non-nursing core curriculum (general education) courses can be taken while enrolled in nursing courses. Consult with the RN-BSN Articulation Coordinator for the best options, 409.880.7817. Students enrolled full time can complete the nursing courses within 12 months. Part-time study is available.
| Prerequisite Courses | Core Nursing Courses | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Phys I | 4 | NURS 2213 Theories in Nursing | 2 |
| BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Phys II | 4 | NURS 2316 Holistic Health Assessment | 3 |
| BIOL 2420 Microbiology | 4 | NURS 3390 Nursing Inquiry and EBP | 3 |
| CHEM 1406 Chem. for Allied H.S | 4 | NURS 4320 Care of Adults w/Comp. Health St | 3 |
| NURS 1373 Pathophysiology | 3 | NURS 4221 Practicum: Adults w/Comp. H. St | 2 |
| PSYC 2315 Lifespan | 3 | NURS 4340 Care of Communities | 3 |
| PSYC 2471 Intro. Statistical Meth | 4 | NURS 4241 Practicum: Care of Communities | 2 |
| MATH 1314 College Algebra | 3 | NURS 4180 Synthesis of Nursing Seminar | 1 |
| FCSC 1322 Intro. to Nutrition | 3 | NURS 4381 Preceptorship: Syth. of | 3 |
| Nursing | ||||
| ENGL 1301 Composition | 3 | NURS 4350 Nursing Management & Leadership | 3 | |
| ENGL 1302 Composition | 3 | NURS 4251 Practicum: Mgt. & Leadership | 2 | |
| PHIL 1370 Philosophy of Know | 3 | NURS 4360 Transition to the Profession | 3 | |
| PEGA Phys. Ed. (if < age 25) | 2 | |||
| Total | 41-43 | Total | 30 | |
Escrow: Thirty-two hours of essential upper division escrow credit will be added to the RN to BSN student's transcript in the last semester of the curriculum.
ESCROW COURSES
| NURS 2340 Concepts of Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 2241 Practicum: Concepts of Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 2210 Nursing Simulation Lab I | 2 |
| NURS 3420 Care of Adults | 4 |
| NURS 3221 Practicum: Care of Adults | 2 |
| NURS 3210 Nursing Simulation Lab II | 2 |
| NURS 3230 Care of Behavioral Health Clients | 2 |
| NURS 3231 Practicum: Care of Behavioral Health Clients | 2 |
| NURS 3560 Care of the Parent-Child Family | 5 |
| NURS 3361 Practicum: Care of the Parent-Child Family | 3 |
| NURS 3282 Care of the Older Adult | 2 |
| NURS 2330 Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| Total | 32 |
Non-Nursing Credits: Only non-nursing credits which carry college credit may transfer. See Transfer Credit Evaluation in this bulletin.
Transfer credits from a junior college are limited to 66 semester hours of the number of hours required by the University during the freshman and sophomore years in the chronological order in which the student plans to enroll. No junior college credits will be considered for upper (junior-senior) level.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies: Iva Hall 254 McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Building
Completion of the program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. Recipients of the degree are eligible to make application to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The associate degree program complies with the SCANS guidelines and the THECB Workforce Education Course Manual.
To be considered for admission, the student must:
- Have completed all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C" and a 2.5 GPA;
- Have a minimum grade of "C" with a GPA of 2.5 in the sciences (Biology courses);
- Have an overall academic grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher;
- Have a minimum grade of "C" in Nursing Pathophysiology from an accredited college or university that was earned within 3 years prior to admission;
- Meet criteria in the section on Admission to Department of Nursing Program; and
- Take the department designated pre-admission exam
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing students are admitted into nursing for the Fall semester.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Curriculum Plan
| Prerequisite Courses | |
| BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Phys I | 4 |
| BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Phys II | 4 |
| BIOL 2420 Microbiology | 4 |
| NURS 1373 Pathophysiology * | 3 |
| ENGL 1301 Composition | 3 |
| MATH 1314 or TM Option | 3 |
| Total | 21 |
| Pre-Nursing Elective | |
| NURS 1102 Nursing as a Profession | 1 |
| First Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| RNSG 1413 Foundations for Nursing Practice | 4 | RNSG 1341 Common Concepts of Adult Hlth | 3 |
| RNSG 1160 Clinical: Foundations | 1 | RNSG 1161 Clinical: Common Concepts | 1 |
| RNSG 1215 Health Assessment | 2 | RNSG 1144 Nursing Skills II | 1 |
| RNSG 1105 Nursing Skills I | 1 | RNSG 1343 Complex Concepts of Adult Hlth | 3 |
| PSYC 2315 Lifespan ** | 3 | RNSG 1162 Clinical: Complex Concepts | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | RNSG 1301 Pharmacology | 3 |
| Total | 26 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| RNSG 2201 Care of Children/Families | 2 | RNSG 2221 Management of Client Care | 2 |
| RNSG 2160 Clinical: Children/Families | 1 | RNSG 2260 Clinical: Mgmt of Client Care | 2 |
| RNSG 2208 Maternal/NB Women Health | 2 | RNSG 2231 Advanced Concepts of Adult Hlth | 2 |
| RNSG 2161 Clinical: Maternal NB/WH | 1 | RNSG 2207 Transition to Nursing Practice | 2 |
| RNSG 2213 Mental Health Nursing | 2 | RNSG 2263 Clinical: Capstone | 2 |
| RNSG 2162 Clinical: Mental Health Nsg | 1 | ||
| Humanities/Fine Art | 3 | ||
| Total | 22 | ||
| *NURS 1373 -Pathophysiology must be taken within 3 years prior to starting the nursing program. **PSYC 2315 – Lifespan is a prerequisite to RNSG 1341. | |||
Non-Nursing Hours -27 Nursing Hours -42 Total -69
Graduate Program
Director of Graduate Nursing Studies: Dr. Nancy Blume 252A McFaddin-Ward Health Sciences Building MSN Advising: 409.880.7720
The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing offers two graduate tracks leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree and one dual track in nursing and business. The graduate nursing program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Persons seeking admission may pursue the degree on a full or part-time basis. Potential students who qualify with a high GPA and are graduates of a nationally accredited undergraduate program may waive the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in the admission process. A Post-Master's Certificate option is also available in Nursing Education or Nursing Administration. Applicants for the Poster Master's Certificate program must have a MSN degree and meet additional entrance requirements.
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing Administration Track
The Nursing Administration track provides registered nurses with preparation for advanced roles as Nurse Administrators. Primary focus is placed on advanced knowledge central to organization, management, leadership, health care policy and economics. Research and theory are used to explore issues related to patient outcomes. Nursing Administration courses and business support courses in financial accounting, economics, and marketing prepare leaders for a rapidly changing health care environment. Practicum experiences provide administrative learning and opportunities.
Nursing Education Track
The Nursing Education track provides registered nurses with the theoretical knowledge and skills necessary to become educators in academic settings. Particular focus is placed on teaching-learning strategies and theories, curriculum development, measurement and evaluation, and role development as an educator. Practicum experiences provide the student with expert teacher mentors in the nursing education environment.
Dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA)
This degree provides the nurse executive with leadership skills for complex healthcare organizations. Advanced knowledge from nursing administration, business, finance, and the managerial arena prepares a well-rounded nurse leader.
Graduate Admission
Nurses seeking admission to the MSN program at Lamar University, JoAnn Gay Dishman Department of Nursing must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from a nationally accredited undergraduate program (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, NLNAC or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, CCNE).
- 3.0 GPA or higher for all undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Satisfactory scores on either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE-see graduate catalog) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT) taken within the last five years. Entrance exams may be waived for those who graduate with a BSN from a nationally accredited program and possess an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Current unencumbered Registered Nurse License in the State of Texas.
- College statistics course taken within the last five years with a grade of "C" or better.
- Clear criminal background check.
Degree Requirements
- Meet all graduate degree requirements.
- Complete 37 semester hours of graduate work as specified by the department including at least 4 hours of Advanced Role Practicum in the selected track.
- Successfully pass a comprehensive examination.
- Meet the specific requirements listed in the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Nursing section of this catalog.
Core Courses (MSNC)
MSNC 5310 Theoretical Foundations MSNC 5311 Nursing Research MSNC 5312 Healthcare Policy & Finance MSNC 5315 Advanced Nursing Issues MSNC 5195 Evidence-based Project I MSNC 5296 Evidence-based Project II
Nursing Administration Courses (MSNA)
MSNA 5320 Role Development for Nurse Administrators MSNA 5321 Planning & Organizing Healthcare Delivery MSNA 5221 Practicum in Administration I MSNA 5331 Directing and Controlling Healthcare Delivery MSNA 5232 Practicum in Administration II MSNA 5370 Special Topics or Required Elective
Required Courses in the College of Business for Nursing Administration
ACCT 5200 Financial Accounting ECON 5200 Foundations of Economics MKTG 5200 Marketing Concepts
Nursing Education Courses (MSNE)
MSNE 5330 Advanced Clinical Concepts MSNE 5350 Learning Theory and Teaching Strategies MSNE 5351 Curriculum Design MSNE 5352 Measurement and Evaluation MSNE 5353 Role Development for Nurse Educators MSNE 5254 Nurse Educator Practicum I MSNE 5255 Nurse Educator Practicum II MSNE 5370 Special Topics or Required Elective
Academic Standards
- A written comprehensive examination and Evidence-Based Project are required.*
- Alternate admission criteria may be used for admittance by using a formula method that considers both the undergraduate GPA and MAT score and approval of the graduate faculty.*
*See the Graduate Nursing Studies Student Handbook for specific policies. Handbook available from the Graduate Nursing Studies Office, P.0. Box 10081, Beaumont, Texas 77710, 409.880.7720.
Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing
The Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Program is a 20 credit hour curriculum to broaden the expertise of nurses with a previous Master's degree in Nursing to include Nursing Education or Nursing administration. Courses are track-specific for either Nursing Education or Nursing Administration.
Post-Master's Admission Requirements
The student seeking a Post-Master's Certificate will meet the following admission requirements:
- Completion of a Master's degree in Nursing with a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above from an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Submission of official transcript of completed Master's degree in Nursing.
- Completion of the Lamar University Graduate Admission Form.
- Unencumbered RN license and unencumbered advanced practiced licenses (if applicable)
- Clear criminal background check.
Post-Master's Curriculum Courses
Each track contains 20 credit hours total.
Nursing Education Track
MSNE 5353 Role Development for Nurse Educators MSNE 5254 Nurse Educator Practicum I MSNE 5350 Learning Theories & Teaching Strategies MSNE 5352 Measurement & Evaluation MSNE 5255 Nurse Educator Practicum II MSNE 5330 Advanced Clinical Concepts MSNE 5351 Curriculum Design MSNC 5197 Advanced Nursing Role Synthesis (Capstone)
Nursing Administration Track
MSNA 5320 Role Development for Nurse Administrators ACCT 5200 Financial Accounting MSNA 5321 Planning & Organizing Healthcare Delivery MSNA 5331 Planning & Controlling Healthcare Delivery MSNA 5221 Administration Practicum I ECON 5200 Foundations of Economics MKTG 5200 Marketing Concepts MSNA 5232 Administration Practicum II MSNC 5197 Advanced Nursing Role Synthesis (Capstone)
