VCU School of Nursing’s master’s program receives approval for reduced credit hours
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia recently approved modifications to Virginia Commonwealth University’s Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Nursing to make it more streamlined and efficient. The modifications, effective for fall 2020, include a reduction in the number of credit hours for each of the four concentrations, as well as a name change for one concentration.
“The changes expand upon our strengths and increase efficiencies,” said Carla Nye, DNP, CPNP-BC, CNE, CHSE, clinical associate professor and master’s program director. “This allowed us to create a forward-thinking curriculum with fewer credits and improved synergy to continue to create outstanding nurse practitioners and leaders.”
All master's students complete 12 credits of core coursework in foundations for evidence-based practice, epidemiology and population health, health policy, leadership and advocacy, and teamwork in complex clinical situations. The reduction in credit hours for each concentration includes the following:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner was reduced from 49 to 44 credits.
- Family Nurse Practitioner was reduced from 51 to 44 credits.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner was reduced from 47 to 44 credits.
- Nursing Administration and Leadership, an online program, was reduced from 41 credits to 35 credits and the concentration name was changed to Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science to reflect the expanded focus on leadership within organizations and agencies.
VCU’s M.S. degree in nursing prepares students to serve as a nurse practitioner or in leadership and management roles in health care. The program is ranked among the top 50 master's nursing programs nationwide by U.S. News and World Report.
Applications are still being accepted for fall enrollment in the Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science concentration.
