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Help Transform the Future of Health Care with a Master of Science in Nursing

Prepare to further nursing practice, optimize care delivery and improve population outcomes—all while changing the trajectory of your personal and professional future.

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing Degree is to offer a dual track program for the bachelor's prepared registered nurse. The program prepares the student for the role of both Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader. Graduates are equipped to expertly teach the patient, family, nurse, and community regarding health, as well as perform in academic roles. Graduates are also equipped to assume leadership roles in healthcare management, program development, and quality improvement processes. Students complete a quantitative or qualitative research thesis project that addresses the healthcare related needs of a select population or needs related to professional nursing practice. All courses are offered in an online or hybrid format except for practicum courses. The Program consists of 38-41 units that can be completed in a minimum of six semesters.

PROGRAM GOALS

1. Demonstrate advanced performance in critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the role of the nurse leader and educator through a faith-based nursing education
2. Promote character development and spirituality through the integration of truth, virtue and service.
3. Develop professionalism as a patient advocate, nurse educator, and leader
4. Synthesize evidence-based practice to promote optimal outcomes in select groups and populations.
5. Advocate for policy changes that enhance the care of diverse patients in complex healthcare systems.
6. Evaluate the use of technologies, as a nurse leader and educator, to improve and enhance healthcare outcomes.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Advocate for health policy changes that enhance population health and promote professional nursing practice.
2. Utilize emerging technologies to provide credible health information to clients, nurses, and students.
3. Perform assessments focusing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of culturally diverse individuals.
4. Develop curriculum/teaching plan.
5. Support legal and ethical guidelines in all aspects of nursing practice.
6. Develop a thesis project using research, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice principles.
7. Prepare to assume a senior leadership/management position and/or the role of educator in a health care agency or college setting.
8. Integrate faith and lifelong learning in personal and professional life.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Vanguard University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Program Highlights

Small Cohort Sizes

At Vanguard, MSN programs feature classes as small as 8-12 students. You'll thrive in small cohorts while receiving guidance and mentorship from our faculty members.

Flexible Courses

Designed for your busy schedule, our program can be completed in 6 semesters. Complete one class at a time - with most courses meeting synchronously online.

Financial Aid

Nearly 90% of our MSN nursing graduate students receive financial aid, and all MSN program applicants are eligible for a 10% professional discount.

What Alumni are Saying

I really needed a program that was not only flexible, but really cared about me and my success. Vanguard is exactly that!"

Meghan Reahm
MSN Nursing '22
Charge Nurse Surgical Unit, Children's Hospital of Orange
Adjunct Pediatric Clinical Instructor, Vanguard University

MSN Program

Designed to provide flexibility for professional nurses, our CCNE-accredited MSN degree offers coursework in a synchronized/asynchronized online format. This dual focused degree in leadership and nursing education will prepare you to advance your nursing practice, optimize care delivery and improve population outcomes. 

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RN to MSN Nurse Educator Program

Built for registered nurses who do not have a bachelor's degree, our RN to MSN education program prepares you to take on positions as a nurse educator, serve in advanced roles, and teach in academic settings.

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Program FAQs

Meet the MSN Education Program Director

Annette Callis, PhD, RN, CNS

As professor and MSN program director, Dr. Annette Callis, is a leader in nursing education who specializes in critical care and simulation education. Her primary teaching interest is helping graduate students pursue research projects that they're passionate about.

As thesis advisor for Vanguard MSN degree students, she mentors aspiring professionals who are investigating some of the most critical issues facing the nursing profession. Her current research focuses on the impact of moral injury on self-reported nursing work performance and care programs for nurses, such as Tea for the Soul.

We invite you to take the next step