M.S.N. Course Descriptions

Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online.

NUR5000 Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice: Expanded Practice, Communication, and Collaboration

This course addresses continuing professional role development for Registered Nurses who are returning to school to prepare for advanced generalist roles at the graduate level. This course facilitates the development and implementation of strategies to enable the synthesis of professional development for the nurse. Students will explore and identify what advanced practice means within the context of their own professional practice role. The course enables students to engage in a thoughtful process of inquiry to more intentionally and consciously develop their knowledge and nursing practice, develop their confidence and ability to act in alignment with their nursing values, and to navigate the complexities of contemporary health care settings as they care for patients and families. The focus is on integrating multidimensional care through communication and collaboration, advance students’ skills of inquiry and analysis, and advance students’ clinical reasoning through the use of case analysis.

4 Credits

NUR5005 Population Health in a Global Society, Legislation and Social Policy

This course is designed to explore population health, a field of practice and research concerned with the health of groups of individuals and the equitable distribution of health within these groups. This course is designed to prepare graduate nursing students for leadership in public and global health by exploring the social determinants of health, political process and development of social policy. The course framework integrates knowledge from nursing with contemporary population health knowledge. Using case studies students will be able to explore, examine and analyze evidence based population interventions and outcomes, how population health innovations are applied by health systems, and how legislation influences healthcare delivery.

3 Credits 

NUR5015 Effective Leadership in Healthcare Organizations

This course examines the role of leadership, organizational science, policy, and informatics in supporting safe, high quality, cost-effective patient care within interprofessional, dynamic health care environments. Students explore the roles, responsibilities, and the skills of the nurse leader within the organization, addressing organizational development, systems thinking, complexity theory, cultural diversity, and the change process. This course prepares students to utilize leadership knowledge and skills from evidence-based practice that reinforce ethical and critical decision making such as collaboration, negotiation, delegation, and coordination within inter-professional teams in the healthcare environment. Change theory, systems theory, and leadership styles related to healthcare as well as safety and quality assurance, and positive healthcare outcomes are threaded throughout this course.

3 Credits 

NUR6000 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice

This course is designed to further develop graduate students understanding of the research process to include clinical question generation, literature search methods, critique of research methods and appropriate statistical analysis in published research evidence, and synthesis of evidence related to clinical nursing problems. Emphasis is placed on the importance of research to improve clinical practice, strategies to evaluate the quality of research and evidence, and increase integration of research into practice. Ethical implications of research are considered. Students address evidence-based practice and are introduced to quality improvement models. Each student develops a thesis pre-proposal with application to their area of clinical interest to be implemented as the masters’ thesis requirement.

3 Credits 

NUR6005 Evaluation of Health and Clinical Outcomes

Provides a comprehensive understanding of health outcome measures, including generic health status measures, disease-specific measures, and consumer reports of the quality of care. Use of the nursing process to plan and coordinate care of diverse patients across the lifespan with various acute and chronic conditions. Incorporates study of measurement of client outcomes, including epidemiology and biostatistics. Emphasis on strategies for managing care and assessing client outcomes using evidence-based practice guidelines within the context of the Advanced Practical Nurse role.

3 Credits

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005

NUR6010 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning

This course will build upon health assessment skills developed in the professional nurse's basic educational program. Students will develop the theoretical and clinical basis for health assessment of diverse clients across the life span by the advanced clinician. The process whereby the advanced clinician utilizes comprehensive history, physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment across the lifespan to gather specific data relevant to common health problems is demonstrated. Students will develop clinical reasoning skills to begin to formulate differential diagnoses. Students will also evaluate the use of information systems technology for exploring health care outcomes, application of the nursing process through various technologies, therapeutic communication with diverse clients/groups, and patient education.

3 Credits

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005

Prerequisite or Corequisite: MED5000, MED5005

NUR6015 Curriculum Development, Evaluation and Outcomes Assessment in Nursing Education

This course focuses on the development of an in-depth understanding of curriculum design principles, assessment and evaluation. Design of curriculum and demonstration of knowledge pertaining to curriculum development and program evaluation analysis is explored. Students will focus on teaching/learning philosophies, mission statements, program goals, learning objectives, individual course competencies, and analyze standards and regulations influencing nursing education programs and curriculum development. Students will analyze best practices in assessment of student learning in higher education and evaluate current policies in accreditation, state and federal compliance. Educational program evaluation and accreditation processes will be examined. Correlation of national standards for nursing education with appropriate program evaluation measures is performed.

4 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005

NUR6020 Student-Centered Learning: Classroom Teaching Strategies

A solid preparation in teaching is more important than ever. This course will take a learning-centered approach to teaching, where teaching is seen as facilitating learning. This course will provide an integrated coverage of methods of classroom instruction, management and assessment. Best practice evidence and teaching-learning theory is examined and applied to the concept of learner-centered assessment and evaluation.  Students will take a theory- and research-driven approach to plan, modify and implement teaching strategies and learning experiences based on learner’s cultural background, past educational and life experiences, and generational groups. The course will focus on the underlying principles rather than on teaching tips, so that students can develop informed and systematic teaching strategies grounded in a strong pedagogical rationale and are portable to various contexts, given the necessary adaptations.

2 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6015

NUR6030 Primary Care for Adolescents and Adult Patients

The course explores the theories and practice of advanced practice nursing and health care planning and delivery to adults ages 18-60 considering diverse populations in concordance with nationally recognized FNP competencies. Course content includes developmental, physiological, pathological, and psychosocial changes relative to health maintenance, acute and stable chronic illnesses and life transitions. The role of the nurse practitioner is explored to include the practitioner as educator, leader and provider.

3 Credits

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, MED5000, MED5005

Corequisite: NUR6035

NUR6035 Clinical I: Advanced Practice Nursing in Adolescents and Adults Care

This course serves as a companion course to Primary Care for Adolescents and Adult Patients and consists of two components, a clinical practicum (180 hours with an approved preceptor) and an online seminar.  The diagnostic reasoning skills needed for clinical decision making in the advanced practice role are practiced including refining skills in the performance of a comprehensive health status assessment, development of differential diagnoses, planning, health promotion and care management of adult patients with stable chronic and minor acute health issues. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care. Care includes health promotion counseling, screening, and patient education to optimize patient and family health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of patient illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacological and nonpharmacological integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up.

4 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6010, MED5000, MED5005

Corequisite: NUR6030

NUR6040 Primary Care for Geriatric Patients   

The course provides a problem-based case approach to explore the theories and practice of health care for adults, families and communities in late adulthood in concordance with nationally recognized FNP competencies. Course content includes the assessment, diagnoses, planning, and management and health promotion for elder persons as well as those with complex conditions or multiple chronic conditions. The role of the nurse practitioner is explored to include the practitioner as educator, leader and provider.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6010, NUR6030, NUR6035, MED5000, MED5005

Corequisite: NUR6045

NUR6045 Clinical II: Advanced Practice Nursing in Geriatric Care

This course serves as a companion course to Primary Care for Geriatric Patients and consists of two components, a clinical practicum (clinical hours with an approved preceptor) and an online seminar.  The diagnostic reasoning skills needed for clinical decision making in the advanced practice role are practiced including refining skills in the performance of a comprehensive health status assessment, development of differential diagnoses, planning, health promotion and care management of adults, families, communities in late adulthood, and patients with complex chronic health issues. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care. Care includes health promotion counseling, screening, and patient education to optimize patient and family health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of patient illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacological and nonpharmacological integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6010, NUR6030, NUR6035, MED5000, MED5005

Corequisite: NUR6040

NUR6050 Primary Care for Pediatric Patients   

This course provides a problem-based case approach to explore the theories and practice of health care for pediatric patients, within the context of family health care in concordance with nationally recognized FNP competencies. The course is designed to provide experience with assessment, diagnosis, planning, and management of children for health promotion, minor acute conditions, and wellness visits. The role of the nurse practitioner is explored to include the practitioner as educator, leader and provider.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6010, NUR6030, NUR6035, MED5000, MED5005

Corequisite: NUR6055

NUR6055 Clinical III: Advanced Practice Nursing in Pediatric Care    

This course serves as a companion course to Primary Care for Pediatric Patients and consists of two components, a clinical practicum (clinical hours with an approved preceptor) and an online seminar.  The diagnostic reasoning skills needed for clinical decision making in the advanced practice role are practiced including refining skills in the performance of a comprehensive health status assessment, development of differential diagnoses, planning, health promotion and care management of children for health promotion, minor acute conditions, and wellness visits. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care. Care includes health promotion counseling, screening, and patient education to optimize patient and family health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of patient illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacological and nonpharmacological integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up.

2 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6010, NUR6030, NUR6035, MED5000, MED5005

Corequisite: NUR6050

NUR6060 Primary Care for Maternal-Child     

This course focuses on advanced nursing care to women in diverse populations. It is designed to introduce the student to the role of the nurse practitioner as a provider of women’s health in primary care settings in concordance with nationally recognized FNP competencies. The course will provide experience with assessment, diagnosis, planning, and management of women for health promotion, minor acute conditions, wellness visits and pregnancy. The emphasis will be on health maintenance and illness prevention. The role of the nurse practitioner is explored to include the practitioner as educator, leader and provider.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005

Corequisite: NUR6065

NUR6065 Clinical IV: Advanced Practice Nursing in Woman’s Health and Perinatal Care   

This course serves as a companion course to Primary Care for Maternal-Child and consists of three components, a clinical practicum (clinical hours with an approved preceptor), a simulation on site, and an online seminar.  The diagnostic reasoning skills needed for clinical decision making in the advanced practice role are practiced including refining skills in the performance of a comprehensive health status assessment, development of differential diagnoses, planning, health promotion and care management of patients with stable chronic and minor acute health issues. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care. Care includes health promotion counseling, screening, and patient education to optimize patient and family health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of patient illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacological and nonpharmacological integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6010, NUR6030, NUR6035, MED5000, MED5005

Corequisite: NUR6060

NUR6070 Public Health Nursing Interventions

In this course, students will develop an understanding of the history of public health nursing and how public health nursing is shaped by social, behavioral, cultural, and demographic factors that impact health care at multiple levels. Students will examine the intricacies of public health policy development and the role of federal, state, and local government in the provision of public health programs and services through health policy and law. Emphasis is placed on the role of the public health nurse professional in advocating for public and community health, health equity, and social justice. Through careful analysis of public health policy and utilizing advocacy strategies for mobilizing communities, coalitions, and organizations to support and implement policy learn how to structure and write a health policy analysis, including economic and budgetary impacts of policy options.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, PBH5000

NUR7000 Advanced Nursing Practice Leadership Role Synthesis: Capstone

The course reflects a culmination in advanced education to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout the MSN Program. This capstone course requires the graduate nursing student to incorporate analysis of selected patients and healthcare system issues and the development of action plans for patient care and organizational change. Synthesizes application of theoretical and practical concepts of the Advance Practice Nurse Leader role. The Capstone is a faculty guided scholarly project. It provides evidence of students' critical thinking and ability to translate research into practice on nursing management and leadership within an organization.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, and Specialization Courses, or approval from Chair, Nursing

Corequisite: NUR7005

NUR7005 Application of Advanced Nursing Leadership Strategies: Practicum

This course will provide students with experience in their leadership and management role within a variety of health care settings with diverse populations. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in current evidence-based practices within nursing leadership and management practice. The student will recognize the influence of leadership/management styles, interpersonal interactions, professional communication, technology and cultural contexts on quality outcomes in the relevant practice setting. Students are required to complete a minimum number of field experience hours at an approved site under close supervision of a qualified preceptor (nurse administrator) and will interact with fellow classmates regarding important content throughout the Capstone course so as to provide an integrative and holistic learning experience.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, and Specialization Courses, or approval from Chair, Nursing

Corequisite: NUR7000

NUR7010 Clinical Teaching Strategies and Evaluation

Building on the knowledge and skills students gained in the Student-Centered Learning: Classroom Teaching Strategies course, they will continue to practice reflective self and peer evaluations in relation to professional role development as a nurse educator. This course provides students with a variety of teaching strategies and evaluative approaches designed to promote a productive, safe, and effective clinical learning environment. Evaluation strategies for clinical and laboratory nursing education are explored. Students will compare various methods of measuring student safety in skills and clinical performance and develop an objective laboratory and clinical skills evaluation tool using sound measurement principles is performed.

2 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, NUR6020

NUR7015 Advanced Nursing Educator Role Synthesis-Capstone

The course reflects a culmination in advanced education to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout the MSN Program. This capstone course requires the graduate nursing student to focus on substantive nursing practice issues and to develop solutions. The student is required to complete a scholarly article under the direction of a faculty member, which synthesizes advanced practice knowledge and skills to address the identified issue.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, and Specialization Courses, or approval from Chair, Nursing

Corequisite: NUR7020

NUR7020 Application of Advanced Nursing Educator Role Practicum  

This course provides students with a variety of teaching strategies and evaluative approaches designed to promote a productive and effective learning environment. Students in this course will examine, apply, and evaluate best practice evidence from the literature while participating in the role of nurse educator in either academic or clinical settings. Students work with experienced nurse educator (s) to complete a teaching project which both promotes best practices and integrates teaching/learning theory into the project.  The preceptor and the student collaborate in the design of a teaching project which is completed during the practicum at an approved site.  Practicum hours involve practical observational and hands-on experiences in both the clinical and classroom environments.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, and Specialization Courses, or approval from Chair, Nursing

Corequisite: NUR7015

NUR7025 Advanced Nursing Practice in Population Health-Capstone   

The course reflects a culmination in advanced education to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout the MSN Program. Incorporates analysis of public health issues and provides students the opportunity to apply public health skills based on their professional interests and goals. Students demonstrate competency through the development of a written, professionally prepared project. Students tailor the project based on their professional interests and goals, with the option to write a grant proposal for a public health initiative, develop a comprehensive policy analysis, conduct a secondary data analysis, or complete a program evaluation plan.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, and Specialization Courses, or approval from Chair, Nursing

Corequisite: NUR7030

NUR7030 Application of Advanced Nursing Strategies: Population Health Practicum

This practicum course is intended to provide students an opportunity to transition from theory to practice in public health. During the practicum, students gain hands-on experience in the field while working within an organization that addresses public health issues. The practicum allows students to apply public health concepts, principles, and skills gained during didactic coursework to their assigned responsibilities within a professional setting. Students are required to complete a minimum number of field experience hours in an approved public health setting under close supervision of a qualified preceptor approved by the college. Periodic progress reports are required through reflection on practicum experience, discussion of the application of theory and concepts in practice, and identification of professional growth opportunities.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, and Specialization Courses, or approval from Chair, Nursing

Corequisite: NUR7025

NUR7035 Advanced Practice Nursing in Family Practice Capstone       

The course reflects a culmination in advanced education to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout the MSN Program. Incorporates analysis of selected patient and healthcare system issues and the development of action plans for patient care and organizational change.

This capstone course requires the graduate nursing student to focus on substantive nursing practice issues and to develop solutions. The student is required to complete a scholarly project, under the direction of a faculty member, which synthesizes advanced practice knowledge and skills to address substantive nursing practice issues as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: All MSN Core, Direct Care Core and Specialization Courses, or approval from Chair, Nursing

MED5000 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology

Expands upon basic knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology to provide a more in-depth understanding of human responses to interventions. Students will explore the pathologic mechanisms of disease across the lifespan, incorporating concepts of advanced clinical assessment and management of common, episodic and chronic conditions. Students will demonstrate assimilation of technology and information literacy to access ever-changing research integration of best practices and apply findings to case studies or simulations. 

3 Credits 

MED5005 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology

This course is designed to advance the graduate student’s knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics as they relate to the treatment and management of common illnesses and conditions across the lifespan. Attention is given to the physiologic basis and clinical characteristics of disease states relative to pharmacotherapy. Major categories of pharmacologic agents are examined in the context of the life span, culture, health and disease states. Emphasis is placed on the use of evidence-based practice and current guidelines in the selection and management of medication regimens for patients and populations. Clinical decision-making and review of laws governing prescriptive authority for advance practice are also emphasized.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite or Corequisite: MED5000

HEA5000 Healthcare Informatics and Data Analytics 

This course will introduce the student to the uses of information technology and data analytics as they apply to healthcare, including the basic structure and function of computers, information retrieval, electronic health records, physician order entry, telemedicine, consumer health informatics, security, privacy, and confidentiality in the electronic environment, HIPAA regulations, ethics, computerized medical imaging, decision support, and the use of data analytics in healthcare. The course will provide the student with the fundamental knowledge necessary to practice within the modern healthcare environment and communicate with information technology (IT) personnel.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite or Corequisite: NUR6000

HEA6000 Managing Complex Healthcare Systems

The content of this course prepares students to assume leadership in complex healthcare systems. The course is designed to provide students with a perspective of how large health systems operate. It examines the unique features of healthcare as a product, and the changing relationships between patients, physicians, hospitals, insurers, employers, communities, and government. Using real-life case studies and relevant reading materials, the course will outline the problems, issues, and possible solutions for essential areas of management, operations, and finance. The course describes the major actors and institutions within any country’s healthcare system, and the key strategic, managerial, and financial issues facing industry executives and public policy-makers. The course examines three broad segments of the healthcare industry: payors, providers, and suppliers.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5015

HEA6005 Health Care Economics and Policy

This required graduate course focuses on the theoretical foundations of economics and public policy and applies them to the health care sector. The course examines provider behavior, production, costs, supply, market structure, competition, access, demand, insurance, expenditure, utilization, health care reform and the health care public policy-making process including policy formation, implementation and modification. Particular attention is paid to linking economic theory to interpretations of health policy issues. By the end of the course, students will be able to use economic theory to understand problems of organization, delivery and financing of healthcare services, with an emphasis on the shift toward a market economy, and the application of those economic principles and tools of economic analysis most useful to healthcare managers.

3 Credits 

HRM5000 Human Resources Management in Healthcare Organizations

This course explores the interaction between leadership in health care organizations and human resources (HR), specifically designed for graduate nursing students. Traditional HR topics will be presented with an emphasis placed on an understanding of how this information interfaces with line management. Topics presented encompass the legal framework of HR, processes and policies of human resource management, such as recruitment, selection, talent management, compensation and collective bargaining.

3 Credits 

PBH5000 Public Health Foundations and Systems

This course introduces students to the broad field of public health, professional roles, and the basic principles of disease prevention and health promotion among communities and populations. Students examine historical trends in the field, the 10 Essential Public Health Services, and how public health services are designed and delivered within the public health infrastructure. The focus of the course is on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, logic models, and collaboration with stakeholders. Health behavior theories are considered in the development of health promotion programs, the assignment of evaluation findings, and prioritization of community concerns and resources.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005

PBH6000 Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Response

This course is designed to provide training and education on public health preparedness and response to large-scale emergencies and disasters. Students are introduced to the knowledge, skills, capabilities, and behaviors required for competency in public health preparedness and emergency response. This course builds upon and reinforces basic public health skills and knowledge in epidemiology and biostatistics. Students explore surveillance, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery from natural and human-caused emergency events. Students will learn how the public health system integrates with the National Response Plan and Framework to ensure effective preparedness and response to large-scale emergencies and disasters and how to conduct a Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) to determine community vulnerabilities. Throughout this course, students will learn how to develop, implement and evaluate public health emergency preparedness and response plan elements.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005, SCI6000

PBH6005 Populations at Risk: Collaboration with Vulnerable Populations

The focus of this course is on analysis of clinical preventive best practice for populations and aggregates, with an emphasis on primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive best practice. The course presents the principles and concepts of vulnerability as it relates to health and health care and offers a general framework to study vulnerable populations. Students will be engaged in a comprehensive overview of risk factors for vulnerability and consequences of health disparities in the United States. Students will also examine and evaluate current strategies aimed at serving vulnerable populations and resolving disparities. Students will learn about the application and interpretation of data to assess, design, and justify public health programs.

3 Credits 

Prerequisite: NUR5000, NUR5005

SCI6000 Epidemiological Assessment Strategies

This course will cover the meaning, scope, and applications of epidemiology to the practice of public health and the uses of statistics for the scientific appraisal and dissemination of public health data. The course introduces study designs applied to human populations, including randomized trials and four types of observational studies (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, ecological). Cause-and-effect relations are at the heart of epidemiologic research, therefore, topics related to causal inference, bias, and effect modification are introduced and discussed throughout the course.

3 Credits