Changes to MSN Ed program coming....

Nursing Students Western Governors

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Specializes in labor & delivery.

Anyone considering for MSN in Education should ask about the changes coming to the program. I applied and was accepted to the program about a month ago. I looked through the classes and compared them to other MSN programs and noticed that none of the classes listed included advanced assessment, advanced pharmacology or advanced pathophysiology. These classes are in most other MSN programs that I researched. I asked the counselor about these classes and was told the program does not include these right now, but there are changes coming sometime around August 2013 that would include these classes and remove some others. She had no specifics yet, but assured me that I would be grandfathered in if I start before then, and I would not have to take them. However, I want those classes. My options are to begin now and have those classes added when they become available, or wait until the changes are in place. I really want to start, but I risk completing classes that are going to be removed if I decide to move over to the new program. Just wanted to give everyone a "heads up". The program is accredited as it stands, so no worries there. I just prefer to have those advanced classes in case I decide to go further than my MSN.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I think you will find that few MSN-Ed programs require the 'Three P's' as they are known, as this degree is not a preparation for advanced practice.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I was just coming to say that, MaryCarney. Those classes are usually found in APN programs, not education/management programs.

Agreed -- why would the "Three Ps" be in a program that isn't focused on direct clinical care??

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I'd be more interested in learning what they are planning to take out to make room for those advanced practice classes. Will the students be short-changed on the classes related to nursing education?

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
I'd be more interested in learning what they are planning to take out to make room for those advanced practice classes. Will the students be short-changed on the classes related to nursing education?

It's been my experience that when new classes are made 'required' it has been in addition to the other classes, rather than instead of.

Specializes in labor & delivery.

This is why I am waiting for more information. The counselor stated there were a few classes being taken out of the program when the other classes are added. She did not know which classes yet. The other programs I looked at included those classes in one form or another--Walden, Grand Canyon, and Arizona State. I plan to go to either way. I am merely relaying information about the program, as I was told by the counselor. I would not have known if I had not asked.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I've emailed a friend who might have some insight. I'll post when I hear from her.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Yes, the three Ps are being added- apparently it is an accreditation requirement coming up for ALL MSN programs, clinical (CNS / NP / CNM / CRNA) and non-clinical (education/ management/ research).

What is less apparent is what other courses might be dropped, if any. These MAY be just added to the program. However, WGUs MSN programs both are research heavy- there are four, 2-credit research courses PLUS two 3-credit capstone courses, and a full-on research project is part of the capstone. I could see consolidating/ hybridizing some of the research courses into fewer credit hours.

Specializes in Flight Nursing/Critical Care/Education.

Ok then quick question. .. I am already a couple months into the MSN EDU program and was wondering if I will have classes added to the program I already have "signed" on for. .. Thank you in advance for your responses!

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

That would be a great thing to ask your mentor, but in the past, when they've made curriculum changes, it only applies to people who have upcoming start dates, not people who are already entrenched in the program.

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I'm fighting with myself, trying to get myself to the point to where I can consider going back to school. I've applied to and sent transcripts. Good first steps. Wgu looked great to me, for what *i* need.

I really wish they'd stop making changes that make them less attractive to me.

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