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Master's Education

The master of science in nursing (MSN) curriculum is designed to prepare nurses for advanced nursing practice. MSN graduates are prepared to practice in a variety of roles in the health care system requiring advanced knowledge of patient/client care delivery and a high level of critical thinking. In addition, MSN graduates have a foundation for future doctoral study in nursing. The School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, offers five focal areas for masters study in nursing: nurse practitioner in either acute and continuing care or primary care, Quality and Outcomes Management in Health Systems, adult clinical nurse specialist, nursing education, and nursing and health systems administration.  We also offer a certificate to prepare teachers in nursing.

Goals of the Program

The MSN curriculum is designed to prepare advanced-practice nurses to practice in a variety of settings and to establish a foundation for future doctoral study in nursing. The MSN program of study is designed to prepare nurses who:

• Provides ethical, culturally competent care in an advanced nursing role independently and collaboratively with professionals from multiple disciplines.
• Differentiates among the advanced nursing role functions to comprehensively perform in an advanced nursing role and communicate ideas in a scholarly manner.
• Applies teaching and learning principles to design a program of education and associated culturally sensitive materials for patients nursing staff, and/ or nursing students.
• Assumes leadership in managing and providing quality and innovative services at a reasonable cost, in influencing health policy to improve health care, and in influencing the future directions of professional nursing.
• Applies theories and principles of marketing, economics, consultation, management, and leadership when appropriate.
• Applies research, theoretical formulations, and principles of scientific inquiry to provide evidence-based practice.
• Monitors quality on one's own advanced nursing practice and participates in continuous quality improvement based on professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.

Flexible Scheduling

Students are admitted to master's study each term. Students may elect a five term or longer program of study depending on their individual needs. The program of study is designed to meet the needs of the student with regard to full-time or part-time study

Clinical Schedule

Clinical experiences for the MSN student are designed on an individual basis. The student contracts to work with a clinical preceptor who is either a certified registered nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, or a physician. The total number of clinical hours required varies depending on the option that is selected. Students must have the equivalent of 1 year of full-time relevant clinical practice experience and a current RN license in Alabama and the state where they do their clinical practice prior to enrolling in the advanced practice courses.