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Nursing, M.S. (Accelerated)

pro’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers a 21-month, five-semester direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program that will prepare you to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL).

SLU’s direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) is the first and only of its kind in Missouri. This 21-month, five-semester program is designed for individuals who are not registered nurses but have already earned a baccalaureate degree in another field. By completing the program, you will graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing and be prepared to sit for both the nursing licensure exam and certification as a clinical nurse leader. This in-person, hands-on program is high touch, located in St. Louis on the campus of pro at our nursing school.

The Valentine School of Nursing is renowned for excellence in nursing education.In 2022, our AMSN NCLEX pass rate was 100%. U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Schools survey consistently ranks our graduate programs as some of the top in the nation.The AMSN program provides a seamless transition for those graduates interested in upon the completion of their master’s program.

Students who are reviewing our A.M.S.N. program may also consider our one-year accelerated B.S.N. program.

pro Clinical Nurse Leaders

The master’s level coursework of SLU's direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program focuses on the competencies and role development you need to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL). Clinical nurse leaders coordinate the care of a distinct group of patients and actively provide direct patient care in complex situations. They focus on outcomes measurement, risk assessment, quality improvement, interprofessional communication and application of evidence-based practice.

Graduates initially work as staff nurses, with their CNL skill set later allowing them to pursue advanced roles in health care.

Program Highlights

The increasing number and range of opportunities available in nursing today make the accelerated Master of Science in Nursing the perfect second-degree option. Unique features of this program include:

  • Nearly 1,000 hours of clinical experience throughout the program
  • Excellent clinical experiences at major St. Louis-area hospitals and health care facilities
  • Clinicals begin in the first semester of the program
  • Minimum prerequisite course requirements (4) (Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology and Statistics)
  • Faculty who are nationally recognized for teaching, research, leadership and student mentorship
  • State-of-the-art classroom and simulation laboratory facilities

Curriculum Overview

The master’s level coursework of our direct entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program focuses on the competencies and role development you need to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL). Clinical nurse leaders coordinate the care of a distinct group of patients and actively provide direct patient care in complex situations. They focus on outcomes measurement, risk assessment, quality improvement, interprofessional communication and application of evidence-based practice. Pleasesee the roadmap for our AMSN curriculum plan.

Careers

Graduates of our direct entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing often initially work as staff nurses, with their CNL skill set later allowing them to pursue advanced roles in health care.

This is not an advanced practice role. Graduates of this accelerated master’s program will not be prepared for certification as a nurse practitioner but may pursue a post-master's certificate in that area.

Admission Requirements

The pro Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing adheres to the principles of a holistic admission process in which selection criteria are broad-based and linked to our University’s and school’s mission and goals. While we do consider academic metrics, we also look at applicant experiences, attributes, potential for success, and how applicants may contribute to the school’s learning environment and to the profession.

  • Previous completion of a prior baccalaureate or higher degree from aregionally accreditedU.S. college or university, or an internationally equivalent degree. WES, ECE or equivalently translated transcripts are required for international courses.
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher on a 4.00 system in previous college work.
  • Completion of the following prerequisite coursework: (*Science coursework preferably completed within the last five years.)
    • *Microbiology (3 credits)
    • *Human Anatomy (3 credits)
    • *Human Physiology (3 credits)
    • Inferential Statistics (3 credits)

DzԳٲgradnurse@slu.edufor an unofficial transcript review.

Licensure Disclosure

The curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Missouri. Note that the Missouri Board of Nursing may impose additional requirements on candidates prior to granting a license; we encourage you to investigate these requirements.

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at pro has not determined whether the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for nursing licensure in any other states or territories. We encourage you to investigate the requirements in your state or territory before accepting an offer of admission at the Valentine School of Nursing.

Requirements for International Students

Due to the rigor of this accelerated program, international students are recommended to have a 100 on the computer-based TOEFL (iBT) or a 7 on the IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency.

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

  • ٱ𳾴DzԲٰٱEnglish Language Proficiency
  • Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships.
  • Proof of financial support that must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at pro
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
    • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
    • Practical laboratory work
    • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
    • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
    • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Process

Applying for the direct entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursingprogram requires careful planning to ensure that all admission requirements are met. You may experience a significant delay in processing if the application instructions are not followed exactly as listed.

Please follow the four steps outlined below to apply:

Step 1 - Application

Submit the application form and pay the associated fee through . Select pro.

Step 2 - Transcripts

Please submit your official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended directly to . They will provide details when the application is initiated.

If you have completed college coursework outside the U.S., you must submit:

  • The official evaluated transcript needs to come from an accredited credential evaluation service (WES or ECE).
  • The official foreign transcript.

Step 3 - Resume

Attach your professional resume within the application.

Step 4 - Professional Goal Statement

Attach your professional goal statement within the application. The goal statement should outline your anticipated nursing career trajectory for five years after graduating and include an explanation of why you've decided on that path. The statement should be one-to-two pages and double-spaced.

Step 5 - Letter of Recommendation

Attach one letter of recommendation within theapplication.

Application Deadline

Although the application deadline is July 15, students are strongly encouraged to apply and submit all supporting documents by Feb. 1, as space is limited.

Review Process

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at pro admits students on a rolling basis. A completed application will be reviewed and a decision will be made within four weeks.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
Accelerated Generalist Master's in Nursing $1,240

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional financing plans. For price estimates, please review the SLU Cost Calculator.

The Valentine School of Nursing offers scholarship and graduate research assistantship opportunities to eligible graduate students. Additionally, most nursing students will participate in a tuition assistance program provided through their employer.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at/financial-aid.

Accreditation

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Valentine School of Nursing are accredited by the and approved by the . To achieve its educational objectives, the school uses the hospitals within SSM Health and many health care organizations in the greater St. Louis area.

  1. Graduates will be able to implement collaborative strategies to provide ethical, high quality, safe, effective, patient-centered care.

  2. Graduates will be able to use scholarly inquiry including evidence-based practice and research application to improve decision-making and health outcomes.

  3. Graduates will be able to integrate advanced competencies, skills, theories, and cultural sensitivity in relationships with patients and professionals.

  4. Graduates will be able to design culturally sensitive patient care that includes health promotion and disease prevention.

  5. Graduates will be able to facilitate the improvement of health care through leadership within health care systems and communities.

  6. Graduates will be able to demonstrate competence in a specialized area of advanced practice nursing that builds on foundational nursing knowledge.

  7. Graduates will be able to utilize health care informatics and technologies to support practice.

  8. Graduates will be able to advocate for policies that improve the health of the public and the profession of nursing.

鳧4600Pharmacology in Nursing3
鳧5010Nursing Strategies in Physiological Health Alterations6
鳧5015Nursing Strategies in Psychosocial Health Alterations4
鳧5020Health Care Systems & Policy3
鳧5025Informatics and Quality Improvement3
鳧5035Foundations in Nursing Care3
鳧5080Advanced Pharmacology3
鳧5115Advanced Health Assessment for the Generalist Nurse3
鳧5145Nursing Strategies for Health Promotion3
鳧5170Advanced Pathophysiology3
鳧5205Evidence-Based Practice for the Advanced Generalist Nurse3
䷡5500Ethics in Nursing& Health Care2
鳧5601Clinical Studies I4
鳧5602Clinical Studies II3
鳧5603Clinical Studies III4
鳧5604Advanced Clinical Studies4
鳧5605Practicum in Clinical Leadership5
鳧5606Clinical Nursing Leadership for Advanced Generalists3
鳧5607Advanced Synthesis of Nursing Concepts1
鳧5608Physiological Adaptations of the Complex Client2
Total Credits65

Non-Course Requirements

Students will complete 1000 clinical hours.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentunless otherwise noted.

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
鳧4600 Pharmacology in Nursing 3
鳧5115 Advanced Health Assessment for the Generalist Nurse 3
鳧5170 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
鳧5035 Foundations in Nursing Care 3
鳧5145 Nursing Strategies for Health Promotion 3
Credits15
Spring
鳧5010 Nursing Strategies in Physiological Health Alterations 6
鳧5015 Nursing Strategies in Psychosocial Health Alterations 4
鳧5205 Evidence-Based Practice for the Advanced Generalist Nurse 3
䷡5500 Ethics in Nursing& Health Care 2
Credits15
Summer
鳧5601 Clinical Studies I 4
鳧5602 Clinical Studies II 3
鳧5020 Health Care Systems & Policy 3
Credits10
Year Two
Fall
鳧5603 Clinical Studies III 4
鳧5604 Advanced Clinical Studies 4
鳧5025 Informatics and Quality Improvement 3
鳧5080 Advanced Pharmacology 3
Credits14
Spring
鳧5605 Practicum in Clinical Leadership 5
鳧5606 Clinical Nursing Leadership for Advanced Generalists 3
鳧5607 Advanced Synthesis of Nursing Concepts 1
鳧5608 Physiological Adaptations of the Complex Client 2
Credits11
Total Credits65

Licensure Examination

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the professional licensure examination; however, the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 335.066, states, “Completion of an educational program leading to a degree or diploma in nursing does not guarantee eligibility to write the licensure examination.” Background checks are required of applicants for clinical rotations and again to apply for licensure.


For additional admission questions, please contact the Valentine School of Nursing's recruitment and enrollment staff:

Undergraduate Inquiries
314-977-8995
slunurse@slu.edu

Graduate Inquiries
314-977-8976
gradnurse@slu.edu