Admission will be granted to those applicants who satisfy the basic qualifications and show high promise of success in the graduate program of his or her choice. In general, the admission decision will be based on these qualifications:
In addition to the University’s general admission criteria to graduate programs, the following guidelines for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree include:
The MSN program is a six semester program of course work that includes Fall, Spring and Summer terms. The student may enter the program at the beginning of any semester, however, some courses may require prerequisite courses, therefore, the length of time to complete the degree may be determined by the point of entry into the program. The courses run sequentially with only certain courses offered each semester, which follow an established pedagogy. The full time load for a MSN student is 9 credits. It is not recommended that a student take more than the proposed course work during any given term. Those students seeking their certificate must seek advice from the Department concerning the most appropriate time to enter the program.
NOTE: the RN to MSN Student must complete the undergraduate application form. Upon successful completion of the BSN, admission to the MSN program is automatic at Franciscan University.
Students admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing program must submit to a criminal background check prior to registering for their first course (or show proof that the BCI/FBI check has been completed). Students who do not comply with this requirement will not be permitted to remain in the program. If a criminal background check precludes a student from clinical practice, the student will not be permitted to remain in the MSN nursing program. If a criminal background check has previously been completed and is current, the student must submit proof of such to the MSN department.
Students admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing program must submit to a drug/alcohol screening prior to beginning any clinical experience that requires such a screening. Students who do not comply with this facility requirement will not be permitted to remain in the MSN nursing program. If a drug/alcohol screening precludes a student from clinical practice, the student will not be permitted to remain in the nursing program.
Transfer Credit
Students requesting to transfer graduate course credit from other accredited institutions to Franciscan University’s Master of Science in Nursing Program may be permitted to do so, provided grades are at least a "B" in each course, and the course is not more than ten (10) years old. These credits will not be accepted in lieu of nursing courses required for the Specialization Core Curriculum. Courses considered for transfer to the MSN Program will be determined by the FNP Coordinator in consultation with the graduate nursing faculty and the Director of Academic Advising and Academic Operations. Only courses taken before entry into the Master's program will be considered for transfer. Requests for transfer of credit must be submitted to the FNP Coordinator no later than the end of the first semester of studies at Franciscan. At the discretion of the FNP Coordinator, or an individual instructor, course descriptions, syllabi, or graded assignments from such course work may also be requested.
Note: Because of the scheduling of MSN courses, the transfer of credits into the MSN program should not be expected to shorten the length of time to complete program requirements.
Scheduling and Sequence of Courses
Full- and Part-Time Schedules*
Recognizing that the majority of graduate nursing students are employed full time and have family responsibilities, the University wants to allow as much flexibility within the MSN Program as possible. Projection schedules for program completion are made on an individual basis in order to accommodate the progression goals of all students. The basic full-time program schedule has been organized as a 7 to 9 credit evening program that can be completed in six 15-week semesters. It should be noted that the FNP Program will be full-time for the final two semesters, which include concentrated clinical components.
Academic Standards and Progression
The student’s proficiency in graduate course work toward the MSN or post-master certificate is recorded in the following manner on a 4.0 quality point average (QPA) grading scale:
A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+= 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+= 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
D+= 1.3
D = 1.0
D- = 0.7
Other grades recorded:
P = Passing-No quality points. Used for specific courses.
I = Incomplete – No quality points.
IP = In Progress.
NR = Nor Recorded
F = Failing.
Incomplete Grade
The grade of Incomplete, I, indicates that the work has not been completed because of factors outside of the control of the student. Students must complete the work 30 days after the beginning of the succeeding semester to remove the I grade. If it is not removed within this period, the grade becomes an F. The Master of Science in Nursing is a trimester program.
Academic Honesty
The graduate nursing program expects each student to adhere rigorously to Christian moral standards in the academic life. A student who cheats on any test or plagiarizes a paper shall fail the course and have a memorandum of action placed in his or her file. If the student repeats this action, dismissal will result, with the action so noted in the student’s permanent record.
Progress
Once admitted to the graduate program, graduate nursing students should maintain a 3.0 or B average in all graduate course work undertaken at Franciscan University of Steubenville. In order to progress in the program, students must:
- Maintain a 3.0 or B average in the graduate nursing core curriculum.
- Maintain a 3.0 or B average in the advanced practice nursing core curriculum.
- Retake any graduate course in which they earn less than a C (2.0) one time only.
- Maintain a 3.0 or B in each course in the specialty core curriculum. Students who achieve less than a B in a specialty course will have the opportunity to repeat the course one time. If the student fails to raise the grade to a B or better, the student is subject to dismissal. Only two courses in the specialization may be repeated.
Students who achieve less than a "B" in a specialty course will have the opportunity to repeat the course one time. If the student fails to raise the grade to a "B" or better, the student is subject to dismissal. Only two courses in the specialization may be repeated.
Authority of Instructors
No student will be permitted to enter upon the study of any subject if, in the opinion of the instructor and with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the preparation necessary to insure competent work is lacking.
Students must complete all course work competently as determined by the course faculty. Assignments are due when specified by the instructor. Instructors will periodically report to the Vice President of Academic Affairs the name of students whose attendance or work is unsatisfactory.
With the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, instructors may, at any time, dismiss from a course any student who, in their judgment, has neglected the course work or violates the disciplinary policy. A student thus excluded will be recorded as having failed the course, unless the instructor determines otherwise.
Auditing Classes
Students must adhere to the University policy relating to auditing of classes. Clinical courses cannot be audited.
Evaluation and Due Process
Graduate students are expected to maintain sufficient progress toward a degree. At midterm and at the end of each semester, the faculty reports academic or behavioral problems to the Department of Nursing’s Admissions, Progression, and Graduate Committee (APG). Faculty consults with other members of the graduate faculty and/or clinical/practicum preceptor about the academic, personal, and professional quality of performance of the student. Any student not showing progress toward completing the program and whose academic performance or professional performance does not meet requirements may be subject to probationary status or dismissal from the program.
Probationary Status
A student can be placed on probationary status as a result of one or more semesters in which he or she has done unsatisfactory work or has created disciplinary problems. The Director of the program and nursing faculty will set the conditions that have to be fulfilled by the student so as to have the probationary status removed.
Dismissal
Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to dismiss a student from the MSN program. Reasons for dismissal include, but are not limited to:
- Repetitive violation of nursing ethics as outlined in the ANA Code of Ethics
- Failure to maintain an overall QPA of 3.0
- Failure to obtain a 3.0 in specialization core curriculum courses
- Inappropriate or disruptive behavior toward colleagues, faculty, as well as staff at school or at clinical placement settings
- An inability to carry out one’s assignments in a clinical practicum
- A breach of school or clinical placement policy
- A hostile or resistant attitude toward learning or supervision
- Plagiarism/cheating
- Evidence of chemical dependency or illegal drug use while enrolled in the program
- Conviction of a felony during the course study
It is the hope of the MSN program that problems will not develop to the point of dismissal. If a problem occurs that jeopardizes the standing of a student in the program, the Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee of the Department of Nursing will be informed and will evaluate the situation. In the case of dismissal, the University’s Academic Review Board will issue written dismissal status to the student. If a student feels he or she was treated unfairly during the dismissal, he or she has the right to have his or her situation reviewed through the grievance/ appeal process.
Appeals Policy
Rationale:
A Student Appeal Policy provides a constructive avenue for reviewing whether a decision or action regarding an FUS nursing student or students complies with stated policy and procedures in the FUS Student Handbook, the Nursing Department Policies and Procedures Handbook, the Nursing Department Student Handbook, and the Faculty Syllabi of a nursing course or courses in which an occurrence or occurrences may have resulted in an action or decision regarding a nursing student that was not in compliance with stated policies and procedures listed in the aforementioned documents.
Appeal Policy:
A. Purpose
This policy provides a procedure for students to request a review of whether a decision or action regarding a student complies with stated University and/or Nursing Department policy or procedures.
B. Policy Statement
An appeal is a formal complaint regarding a decision or action that a student believes is in violation of a stated University policy or procedure. A student should begin an appeal by discussing his or her concern with the person or party with whom he or she has an issue. A student may appeal a decision, including a grade, within one year of the decision being received. At any/every stage of the appeal process, the student is encouraged to consult with the Office of Academic Advising. Should the appeal reach the level of being brought before the APG Committee, an employee from the Office of Academic Advising or another individual chosen by the student may accompany the student at the meeting to serve in an advisory/supportive role.
C. Appeal Process
1. A student who wishes to pursue an appeal should consult directly and personally with the nursing department member in question who may, in the chain of authority, be a clinical instructor, the course professor, or the chairperson of the nursing department. The appeal must specify grounds that would justify consideration.
2. The appeal process proceeds in a stepwise fashion, according to the normal chain of command, as follows: Clinical instructor, if applicable, lead professor, if applicable, program director, if applicable, department chair.
3. If no settlement is forthcoming at this attempt at resolving the issue, then the student should request, in writing, a meeting with the department Admissions, Progression, and Graduation (A.P.G.) committee. The letter should outline the student’s reasons for the appeal. The student may opt to have an employee from the Office of Academic Advising or another person who may accompany the student in a supportive role.
4. If no settlement is reached at this stage, a final appeal may be made to the Dean of the School of Professional Programs, who will make the final decision in the matter after simultaneous consultation with the student, instructor, lead professor, and department chairperson. The final decision reached by the School Dean or designee will be communicated in writing to the student, instructor, professor, and department chairperson involved.
D. Considerations
1. The student should start the above appeal process with the department member directly involved in the event that resulted in the decision or action of concern.
2. Also, the student may refer to the FUS student handbook for further information regarding student concerns, appeals, and complaints.
3. The student must follow the above appeal process to achieve proper consideration at each level in the chain of authority.
General Student Responsibilities
The student must assume responsibility for knowing University and his or her graduate department regulations and for complying with all applicable procedures. In no case will a requirement be waived or an exception granted because a student pleads ignorance or claims that his or her advisor or other authority did not inform the student of the requirement. While advisors and personnel of the graduate department will assist in any way possible, the student has the responsibility for meeting the requirements stated herein.
Each student must fulfill all requirements of the program and abide by all academic regulations in order to earn a degree at Franciscan University. It is the student’s responsibility to learn the requirements, policies, and procedures governing the program, and to follow them.
Health Requirements
Students admitted to the graduate nursing program are required to have a health examination and submit the completed form upon admission. Subsequent yearly health examinations or health requirements are contingent on those set by clinical practicum placements.
Liability Insurance
Franciscan University of Steubenville’s policy is that all students in the MSN Program are required to carry the liability insurance provided by FUS for professional/medical purposes. The insurance will be effective during the policy year (from September to the following September) and the charges will be added to the student’s account.
The graduate student must be aware that the University liability does not cover a nurse in any other registered nurse employment role. The University insurance only covers those situations in which the graduate student is practicing in a designated clinical practicum.
Dress Code at Preceptor Sites
Graduate students at preceptor sites represent the advanced professional role of the registered nurse and are representatives of Franciscan University of Steubenville. Therefore proper professional appearance is imperative and an identification badge are imperative.
- The graduate student must adhere to the required dress code in agreement with the assigned clinical placement.
- A student identification badge, which states that the student is a Franciscan University of Steubenville graduate student, with his or her name and title in full view, must be worn. These badges are to be obtained from the Registrar's Office at a minimal charge to the student's account.
Picture Identification Tags
All students entering the nursing major at either the undergraduate or graduate level must obtain a picture identification tag prior to clinical practice and must be worn by the student at all times during clinical practice or clinical visits. This picture identification tag may be obtained at the Office of the Registrar at the student’s cost.
Class Attendance
A major assumption of adult education is that students assume responsibility for their own learning through class discussion and active participation. Therefore, it is the expectation of nursing faculty that students attend all classes.
Transportation Requirements
Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to clinical sites.
Expenses
Graduate students are responsible for payment of tuition and fees. No student will be permitted to attend classes unless payment for tuition and fees, less financial aid, is received in the Business Office prior to the first day of class. Full payment is due by the first day of each term. Registration is not complete until the full payment is made.
The current tuition for the Master’s in Nursing Program is listed on the University's web page. There is also a clinical fee attached to each clinical course. Additional details and/or changes may be seen on the University's web page www.franciscan.edu.
A yearly fee for Advanced Practice Liability Insurance is charged to the student.
Graduation
The Master of Science in Nursing degree will be granted by Franciscan University of Steubenville to candidates who have been recommended for the degree by the faculty of the Department of Nursing and who have completed the following:
-
Fulfills the program requirements.
-
Earns the required credits and clinical hours as required for the FNP specialty track
-
Paid all indebtedness to Franciscan University of Steubenville.
-
Completed a graduation application.
Record Retention
Currently enrolled student records
Maintained by Department of Nursing:
-
Letter of Admission to MSN Program
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Unofficial transcripts as needed
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Academic advising form or course projection plan
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Required Preceptor Forms and Letters of Agreement
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RN License verification
-
Health record in separate file
-
Criminal Background Check in a separate file
Maintained by Office of the Registrar:
Graduates of the Nursing Program
Maintained by Department of Nursing:
-
Unofficial academic file--maintained in Department for 5 years
-
Health record--will be destroyed within 2 weeks post graduation
-
Students written work and projects may be maintained in the Department for assessment purposes with the student's permission.
Maintained by the Office of the Registrar
- The completed official transcript indicating the credential or degree granted and date of program completion is maintained permanently.