M.S. Nursing

FAST FACTS: M.S. Nursing
- One year left to get your M.S. in Nursing
- Focus on rural health initiatives, scholarships available
- Study in Duluth or St. Cloud
- Some students complete the program in two years
- Competitively priced program
One more year to start the M.S. Nursing program at St. Scholastica
As a part of a broader industry shift toward the DNP degree for advanced practice nursing education, St. Scholastica will begin retiring our M.S. Nursing program. We will accept students through 2014.
Apply today to reserve your place for summer semester!
Your path to advanced practice nursing
St. Scholastica's Master of Science degree in Advanced Practice Nursing educates professional baccalaureate-prepared nurses for advanced practice nursing.
A focus on the unique health needs of rural areas
We offer the only professional nursing programs in Northeastern Minnesota. As a predominately rural area, the health needs of the region differ from those in more metropolitan parts of the country. Because of this, program faculty believe they have a particular obligation to respond to the healthcare needs of region, especially those whose health needs have been underserved or neglected.
Flexible class format for working professionals and distance learners
Theory classes are available online and at our Duluth campus and labs are offered in Duluth and St. Cloud. On-campus classes are conveniently schedule and may be offered in the late afternoon, one full day format, or on weekends. Some course assignments are done through innovative learning formats such as web-based technology and independent study.
The Master of Science Program accommodates working professionals and can be completed in two years full-time and three to seven years part time, depending upon the track chosen. The Post-master's option can be done in one to two years, depending on the track chosen and the courses that are transferred. Classes are conveniently scheduled and may be offered in the late afternoon, one full day format, or weekends. Some course assignments are done through innovative learning formats such as web-based technology and independent study.
Program Overview
The Master of Science program curriculum consists of core courses, support courses and role courses. The core courses provide a foundation in nursing theory, research design, health policies, professional issues and concepts of advanced practice nursing. Support courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary for specialized advanced practice nursing. Additional specialization and application of theories occur in the role courses.
Career Outlook
Registered Nurses as a whole can expect strong job growth over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, with advanced practice nurses in high demand. Medically underserved areas, such as inner cities and rural areas, will have a particularly strong need for advanced practice nurses, as nurses are able to serve as a reduced-cost option for primary patient care.
In addition, advanced oractuce registered nurses (APRNs) at St. Scholastica, like others across the country, are working to eliminate the barriers to autonomous practice, something called for in the Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing report.

Chad Oppelt