The graduate nursing programs, available to adults, carry on Alverno College’s tradition in the professional liberal arts, with particular focus on integrative, experiential, and reflective approaches to learning. The graduate program curricula support students’ development of advanced knowledge and advanced competence in the abilities that frame the undergraduate curriculum at Alverno College: Communication, Analysis, Problem Solving, Valuing in Decision Making, Social Interaction, Developing a Global Perspective, Effective Citizenship, and Aesthetic Engagement. Practicum experiences and didactic courses are designed to support the learner in applying selected abilities with individuals, families, and groups across the developmental lifespan and in diverse health care settings.
The DEMSN Program is specifically designed for college graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing and aspire to complete a second degree; specifically, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Successful completion of the 77 credit program results in the concurrent conferral of a BSN degree and MSN degree. Under no circumstance will partial completion of the program result in the conferral of a BSN degree only.
Students enrolled in FNP MSN Degree Program complete 39 credits in theory and clinical practicum courses. Advanced-practice nursing theory includes but is not limited to Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology (the "3Ps") courses aimed preparing APRN providers. A total of 7501 hours of clinical practice are completed in clinical care settings approved by the FNP Program Director and under the direct supervision of educationally and experientially prepared and appropriately credentialed APRN preceptors. Clinical practice hours are completed across three practicum courses (250 hour each). Students are required to complete all graduate nursing advanced practice nursing core courses prior entering the FNP track courses. Successful students gain the advanced nursing knowledge and clinical practice experience necessary to meet the application eligibility requirements for the American Nurses Credentialling Center (ANCC) FNP board certification examination.
Students enrolled in FNP Post-MSN Certificate Program complete a minimum of 15 credits in theory and practice. At the time of application, the applicant's transcripts, credentials, practice experience, and other pertinent information is reviewed. An individualized program of study is developed for those students who are admitted. All students complete a total of 7501 hours of clinical practice in clinical settings approved by the FNP Program Director, under the direct supervision of educationally and experientially prepared and appropriately credentialed APRN preceptors. Clinical practice hours are completed across three practicum courses (250 hour each). At minimum, the FNP Post-MSN Certificate program of study includes MSN 600a and all FNP track courses; some students may be required to complete MSN-615, MSN-621, MSN-622, and/or MSN-623, or transfer equivalents. Successful students gain the advanced nursing knowledge and clinical practice experience necessary to meet the application eligibility requirements for the American Nurses Credentialling Center (ANCC) FNP board certification examination.
Students enrolled in the PMHNP MSN Degree Program complete 42 credits in theory and clinical practicum courses. Advanced-practice nursing theory includes but is not limited to Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology (the "3Ps") courses aimed preparing APRN providers. A total of 7501 hours of clinical practice are completed in clinical care settings approved by the PMHNP Program Director and under the direct supervision of educationally and experientially prepared and appropriately credentialed APRN preceptors. Clinical practice hours are completed across three practicum courses (250 hour each). Students are required to complete all graduate nursing advanced practice nursing core courses prior entering the PMHNP track courses. Successful students gain the advanced nursing knowledge and clinical practice experience necessary to meet the application eligibility requirements for the American Nurses Credentialling Center (ANCC) PMHNP board certification examination.
Students enrolled in PMHNP Post-MSN Certificate Program complete a minimum of 18 credits in theory and practice. At the time of application, the applicant's transcripts, credentials, practice experience, and other pertinent information is reviewed. An individualized program of study is developed for those students who are admitted. All students complete a total of 7501 hours of clinical practice in clinical settings approved by the PMHNP Program Director, under the direct supervision of educationally and experientially prepared and appropriately credentialed APRN preceptors. Clinical practice hours are completed across three practicum courses (250 hour each). At minimum, the PMHNP post-MSN Certificate Program of study includes MSN 600a and all PMHNP track courses; some students may be required to complete MSN-615, MSN-621, MSN-622, and/or MSN-623, or transfer equivalents. Successful students gain the advanced nursing knowledge and clinical practice experience necessary to meet the application eligibility requirements for the American Nurses Credentialling Center (ANCC) PMHNP board certification examination.
1. Students entering MSN-625P, MSN-626P, MSN-635P or MSN-636P are required to complete a total of 600 hours of clinical practice (200 hours in each of three track practicum courses)
Conditional Admission (DEMSN): The JMSNHP may offer the opportunity for a conditional admission to an applicant who meets certain benchmarks but does not meet all of the criteria for admission to the DEMSN-MKE or DEMSN-Mesa program. The decision to extend an opportunity for conditional admission may be made by the Dean of the JMSNHP, Dean's designee, Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs, or Graduate Nursing Admissions and Advancement Committee (GNAA). Typically, a conditional admission involves stipulations that the student must meet during their first semester of enrollment in the DEMSN program to continue in the program. Except under very extraordinary circumstances, as determined by GNAA, if the student does not meet the conditions of their admission, they are dismissed from the program. If the student is successful in meeting the conditions, they progress in the program.
A note about DEMSN program admissions: Applicants apply for admission to the DEMSN program delivered at a particular location, Milwaukee, WI or Mesa, AZ. If accepted, the student is granted admission to the DEMSN program at one or the other location. Students should be aware that they will not be allowed to transfer from one location to the other after they have begun their program, except under very extraordinary circumstances, as determined by GNAA.
Three American Nurses Association (ANA) documents espouse the basis for all nursing practice, and Alverno nursing faculty use these documents to underpin the DEMSN curriculum and structure its content and learning experiences:
In addition, the following documents espouse standards, competencies, and criteria that specifically serve to ground the DEMSN curriculum:
In the role of the nurse generalist, the DEMSN program graduate:
Advanced Practice MSN Degree Program:
Advanced-Practice Post-MSN Certificate Program:
Conditional Admission (APRN-MSN degree/post-MSN certificate): The JMSNHP may offer the opportunity for a conditional admission to an applicant who meets certain benchmarks but does not meet all of the criteria for admission to a particular advanced-practice nursing program offered at Alverno College. The decision to extend an opportunity for conditional admission may be made by the Dean of the JMSNHP, Dean's designee, Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs, or Graduate Nursing Admissions and Advancement Committee (GNAA). Typically, a conditional admission involves stipulations that the student must meet during their first semester of enrollment in their advanced-practice nursing program to continue in that program. Except under very extraordinary circumstances, as determined by GNAA, if the student does not meet the conditions of their admission, they are dismissed from the program. If the student is successful in meeting the conditions, they progress in the program.
Three American Nurses Association (ANA) documents espouse the basis for all nursing practice, and Alverno nursing faculty use these documents to underpin the curriculum and structure its content and learning experiences:
In addition, the following documents espouse standards, competencies, and criteria that specifically serve to ground the APRN-MSN Degree/Post-MSN Certificate curriculum:
In the role of the advanced-practice registered nurse (APRN), the Advanced-Practice MSN Degree Program graduate and Post-MSN Certificate Program graduate:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BI-538 | Pathophysiology | 4 |
| MSN-600B | Orientation to DEMSN Program | 0 |
| MSN-605 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 |
| MSN-610 | Nursing Leadership: Advocacy, Activism, Innovation and Policy | 3 |
| MSN-614 | Nursing Research and Scholarship | 3 |
| MSN-618 | Population-Based Health | 3 |
| MSN-629 | Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Teams | 2 |
| MSN-631 | Advanced Health and Physical Assessment | 3 |
| MSN-632 | Advanced Nursing Theory I | 3 |
| MSN-770 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Decision-Making | 3 |
| MSN-775 | Advanced Nursing Theory II | 3 |
| MSN-776 | Nursing Clinical Practice IV | 4 |
| N-290 | Clinical Re-entry | 0 |
| N-500 | Professional Nursing Practice Essentials | 3 |
| N-518 | Pharmacology I | 1 |
| N-519 | Pharmacology 2 | 2 |
| N-522 | Ethics for Nurses | 1 |
| N-524 | Health Assessment: Nursing Theory and Practice | 5 |
| N-526 | Clinical Nursing Skills | 1 |
| N-528 | Theories of Holistic Nursing | 4 |
| N-529 | Clinical Nursing Practice I | 4 |
| N-530 | Nursing Inquiry: Evidence-Based practice and Quality Improvement | 2 |
| N-545 | Nursing Management: Women & Children | 3 |
| N-546 | Nursing Management of Aging Adults | 2 |
| N-556 | Nursing Management: Complex Clients | 3 |
| N-557 | Nursing in Complex Communities | 3 |
| N-565 | Clinical Nursing Practice II | 3 |
| N-570 | Clinical Nursing Practice III | 6 |
| Total Credits | 77 | |
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits | Term 3 | Credits | Term 4 | Credits | Term 5 | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BI-538 | 4 | N-519 | 2 | N-545 | 3 | N-570 | 6 | MSN-614 | 3 |
| MSN-600B | 0 | N-526 | 1 | N-556 | 3 | MSN-605 | 3 | MSN-618 | 3 |
| N-500 | 3 | N-528 | 4 | N-557 | 3 | MSN-629 | 2 | MSN-770 | 3 |
| N-518 | 1 | N-529 | 4 | N-565 | 3 | MSN-631 | 3 | MSN-775 | 3 |
| N-522 | 1 | N-530 | 2 | MSN-610 | 3 | MSN-632 | 3 | MSN-776 | 4 |
| N-524 | 5 | ||||||||
| N-546 | 2 | ||||||||
| 16 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 16 | |||||
| Total Credits 77 | |||||||||
Students enrolled in the 5-semester program at Milwaukee or Mesa may work with their Program Director to temporarily reduce their credit load to achieve part-time status, with the understanding that such a change will extend their time to program completion.
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits | Term 3 | Credits | Term 4 | Credits | Term 5 | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BI-538 | 4 | N-500 | 3 | N-519 | 2 | N-290 | 0 | N-557 | 3 |
| N-518 | 1 | N-524 | 5 | N-526 | 1 | N-530 | 2 | N-565 | 3 |
| N-522 | 1 | N-546 | 2 | N-528 | 4 | N-545 | 3 | MSN-610 | 3 |
| MSN-600B | 0 | N-529 | 4 | N-556 | 3 | ||||
| 6 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 9 | |||||
| Total Credits 44 | |||||||||
| Term 6 | Credits | Term 7 | Credits | Term 8 | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-570 | 6 | MSN-605 | 3 | N-290 | 0 |
| MSN-632 | 3 | MSN-629 | 2 | MSN-614 | 3 |
| MSN-631 | 3 | MSN-618 | 3 | ||
| MSN-770 | 3 | ||||
| ----TERM 9---- | |||||
| MSN-775 | 3 | ||||
| MSN-776 | 4 | ||||
| 9 | 8 | 16 | |||
| Total Credits 33 | |||||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSN-600 | Orientation to MSN Program | 0 |
| MSN-602 | Nursing Inquiry, Research & Scholarship | 3 |
| MSN-603 | Health Care Systems: Organization, Economics, and Politics | 3 |
| MSN-615 | Advanced Practice Roles and Nursing Theories | 3 |
| MSN-616 | Ethics for the Advanced Practice Nurse | 1 |
| MSN-617 | Population-Based Health | 3 |
| MSN-621 | Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology | 3 |
| MSN-622 | Advanced Health & Physical Assessment | 3 |
| MSN-623 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Decision Making | 3 |
| MSN-624 | Advanced Primary Care Theory 1 | 3 |
| MSN-624P | FNP Clinical Practicum 1 | 2 |
| MSN-625 | Advanced Primary Care Theory 2 | 3 |
| MSN-625P | FNP Clinical Practicum 2 | 2 |
| MSN-626 | Advanced Primary Care Theory 3 | 3 |
| MSN-626P | FNP Clinical Practicum 3 | 2 |
| MSN-755 | Capstone 1 | 1 |
| MSN-760 | Capstone 2 | 1 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-600 | 0 | MSN-603 | 3 |
| MSN-615 | 3 | MSN-617 | 3 |
| MSN-616 | 1 | MSN-622 | 3 |
| MSN-621 | 3 | ||
| 7 | 9 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-602 | 3 | MSN-624 | 3 |
| MSN-623 | 3 | MSN-624P | 2 |
| 6 | 5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-625 | 3 | MSN-626 | 3 |
| MSN-625P | 2 | MSN-626P | 2 |
| MSN-755 | 1 | MSN-760 | 1 |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| Total Credits 39 | |||
The program map presented here is only one example. Students work with their faculty advisor to create a personal program plan, wherein the number and order of courses included in each term is based, in part, on whether the student begins their program in fall or spring, the semester(s) in which each course is offered, and individual student needs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSN-600 | Orientation to MSN Program | 0 |
| MSN-602 | Nursing Inquiry, Research & Scholarship | 3 |
| MSN-603 | Health Care Systems: Organization, Economics, and Politics | 3 |
| MSN-615 | Advanced Practice Roles and Nursing Theories | 3 |
| MSN-616 | Ethics for the Advanced Practice Nurse | 1 |
| MSN-617 | Population-Based Health | 3 |
| MSN-621 | Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology | 3 |
| MSN-622 | Advanced Health & Physical Assessment | 3 |
| MSN-623 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Decision Making | 3 |
| MSN-630 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| MSN-634 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care Theory 1 | 3 |
| MSN-634P | PMHNP Clinical Practicum 1 | 2 |
| MSN-635 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care Theory 2 | 3 |
| MSN-635P | PMHNP Clinical Practicum 2 | 2 |
| MSN-636 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care Theory 3 | 3 |
| MSN-636P | PMHNP Clinical Practicum 3 | 2 |
| MSN-755 | Capstone 1 | 1 |
| MSN-760 | Capstone 2 | 1 |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-600 | 0 | MSN-603 | 3 |
| MSN-615 | 3 | MSN-617 | 3 |
| MSN-616 | 1 | MSN-622 | 3 |
| MSN-621 | 3 | ||
| 7 | 9 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-602 | 3 | MSN-634 | 3 |
| MSN-623 | 3 | MSN-634P | 2 |
| MSN-630 | 3 | ||
| 9 | 5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-635 | 3 | MSN-636 | 3 |
| MSN-635P | 2 | MSN-636P | 2 |
| MSN-755 | 1 | MSN-760 | 1 |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| Total Credits 42 | |||
The program map presented here is only one example. Students work with their faculty advisor to create a personal program plan, wherein the number and order of courses included in each term is based, in part, on whether the student begins their program in fall or spring, the semester(s) in which each course is offered, and individual student needs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSN-600A | Orientation to the Post-Master's Certificate Program | 0 |
| Advanced Practice Roles and Nursing Theories 1 | ||
| Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology 1 | ||
| Advanced Health & Physical Assessment 1 | ||
| Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Decision Making 1 | ||
| MSN-624 | Advanced Primary Care Theory 1 | 3 |
| MSN-624P | FNP Clinical Practicum 1 | 2 |
| MSN-625 | Advanced Primary Care Theory 2 | 3 |
| MSN-625P | FNP Clinical Practicum 2 | 2 |
| MSN-626 | Advanced Primary Care Theory 3 | 3 |
| MSN-626P | FNP Clinical Practicum 3 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
MSN 615 & 21 in First Year Fall and MSN 622 & 623 in First Year Spring may required, depending on the type of MSN program previously completed, if/when the course was completed in an MSN program, and whether the student holds current National Board Certification in an APRN specialty, has prescriptive authority in the State of Wisconsin, and is currently practicing in an APRN specialty.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSN-600A | Orientation to the Post-Master's Certificate Program | 0 |
| Advanced Practice Roles and Nursing Theories 1 | ||
| Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology 1 | ||
| Advanced Health & Physical Assessment 1 | ||
| Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Decision Making 1 | ||
| MSN-630 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| MSN-634 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care Theory 1 | 3 |
| MSN-634P | PMHNP Clinical Practicum 1 | 2 |
| MSN-635 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care Theory 2 | 3 |
| MSN-635P | PMHNP Clinical Practicum 2 | 2 |
| MSN-636 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care Theory 3 | 3 |
| MSN-636P | PMHNP Clinical Practicum 3 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
MSN 615 & 21 in First Year Fall and MSN 622 & 623 in First Year Spring may required, depending on the type of MSN program previously completed, if/when the course was completed in an MSN program, and whether the student holds current National Board Certification in an APRN specialty, has prescriptive authority in the State of Wisconsin, and is currently practicing in an APRN specialty.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | ||
| MSN-600A | 0 | ||
| 0 | |||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-624 | 3 | MSN-625 | 3 |
| MSN-624P | 2 | MSN-625P | 2 |
| 5 | 5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | ||
| MSN-626 | 3 | ||
| MSN-626P | 2 | ||
| 5 | |||
| Total Credits 15 | |||
MSN 615 & 21 in First Year Fall and MSN 622 & 623 in First Year Spring may required, depending on the type of MSN program previously completed, if/when the course was completed in an MSN program, and whether the student holds current National Board Certification in an APRN specialty, has prescriptive authority in the State of Wisconsin, and is currently practicing in an APRN specialty.
The program map presented here is only one example. Students work with their faculty advisor to create a personal program plan, wherein the number and order of courses included in each term is based, in part, on whether the student begins their program in fall or spring, the semester(s) in which each course is offered, and individual student needs.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | ||
| MSN-600A | 0 | ||
| 0 | |||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MSN-630 | 3 | MSN-635 | 3 |
| MSN-634 | 3 | MSN-635P | 2 |
| MSN-634P | 2 | ||
| 8 | 5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | ||
| MSN-636 | 3 | ||
| MSN-636P | 2 | ||
| 5 | |||
| Total Credits 18 | |||
MSN 615 & 21 in First Year Fall and MSN 622 & 623 in First Year Spring may required, depending on the type of MSN program previously completed, if/when the course was completed in an MSN program, and whether the student holds current National Board Certification in an APRN specialty, has prescriptive authority in the State of Wisconsin, and is currently practicing in an APRN specialty.
The program map presented here is only one example. Students work with their faculty advisor to create a personal program plan, wherein the number and order of courses included in each term is based, in part, on whether the student begins their program in fall or spring, the semester(s) in which each course is offered, and individual student needs.