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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Designed for experienced nurses who are ready to shape the future

Female nurse practitioner listens attentively to female patient Female nurse practitioner listens attentively to female patient

Lead with Insight. Educate with Purpose. Transform with Evidence.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at St. John’s College of Nursing is designed for experienced nurses who are ready to shape the future of healthcare and nursing education.

We know what you’re thinking-another degree? More time? That’s precisely why we redesigned ours. The MSN program at St. John’s is focused, flexible, and faculty-guided, designed for nurses who want to advance their careers without stepping away from the work they love.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Rooted in Franciscan traditions of care, competence, joy, and respect, the program develops both professional skill and personal meaning.
  • A hybrid format blends online and on-site learning so you can advance without stepping away from your career.
  • You’ll practice where you work and apply what you learn in real time. Many students complete projects and practicums within their own workplaces, adding immediate value and strengthening their leadership credibility.
  • A streamlined credit structure and scheduling options make full- or part-time completion realistic and shorten your time to degree.
  • Experience hands-on learning, gain real experience designing curriculum, leading simulations, and evaluating learners.
  • Graduates are prepared for faculty, education, and leadership roles across hospitals, colleges, and health-care systems.

Program Details

The MSN at St. John’s College of Nursing blends advanced nursing theory with real-world teaching practice. Each course is designed to deepen your understanding of how you think, lead, and educate, so you graduate prepared to teach, mentor, and influence change across healthcare and academic settings.

What you’ll study

  • Evidence and Inquiry: Apply research and data to guide teaching and practice.
  • Teaching and Learning: Understand how adults learn, design lessons, and use technology and simulation effectively.
  • Leadership and Finance: Build skills in budgeting, resource planning, and team leadership.
  • Program Development: Create curricula, assessments, and evaluation tools.
  • Population Health and Policy: Explore the systems and ethics shaping modern nursing education.

How you’ll learn Coursework connects directly to applied experiences:

  • Educator Practicum: Plan and deliver real teaching experiences in classrooms, labs, or professional-development settings.
  • Scholarly Capstone: Complete a faculty-mentored project integrating evidence, leadership, and innovation.
  • 4 semesters (approximately 18–24 months).
  • Format: Hybrid, online coursework with limited in-person components.
  • Estimated Cost: ~$8,000 per semester (before tuition assistance).
  • Eligible for: HSHS Education Assistance and partner tuition benefits
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Our MSN curriculum combines leadership, evidence-based practice, and hands-on teaching experience. Courses are organized around four themes:
  • Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice: Build your graduate-level core through courses in Evidence-Based Practice, Theory, and Data-Driven Decision-Making.
  • Leadership and Systems Thinking: Develop confidence in Healthcare Leadership, Financial Management, and Strategic Planning—skills that prepare you to guide teams and manage educational programs.
  • Teaching and Learning in Nursing: Gain expertise in Curriculum Design, Teaching Strategies, and Learner Assessment through interactive coursework and simulation experiences.
  • Integration and Application: Apply your learning in the Educator Practicum and complete a Scholarly Capstone Project that demonstrates your ability to lead change and improve learning outcomes.
Each semester integrates theory and practicum, allowing students to apply concepts in real-world healthcare and academic settings.
 
The program prepares graduates for non-APRNs roles such as:
  • Nurse Manager/Administrator, Clinical Operations Leader
  • Quality/Patient Safety Leader, Population Health Program Lead
  • Nurse Educator (academic or practice setting), Staff Development/Professional Practice
  • Policy, finance, and resource management roles
About St. John's College

About St. John's College

Discover our tradition of excellence

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Meet Our Faculty

Our leadership team

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Our Accreditation

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Frequently Asked Questions

It’s practice-centered and designed for small cohorts. You’ll apply projects and practicum experiences directly in your workplace, creating immediate impact while you study.
Yes. Courses follow a hybrid model that blends online flexibility with structured on-site learning. Most students maintain full-time employment while completing the degree in two years part-time.
All courses are led by doctoral-prepared nurse educators with current experience in teaching and leadership. You’ll receive one-on-one mentoring and advice throughout the program.

Meet Our Faculty

Our graduate faculty are nurse leaders, educators, and scholars who bring real-world experience from clinical practice, healthcare management, and academia. They guide you through rigorous study and individualized mentorship that supports both professional advancement and personal growth.
Yes. The Educator Practicum lets you apply your learning through guided teaching experiences. The final Scholarly Capstone demonstrates your ability to design and evaluate innovative education strategies.
Applications are open for Fall 2026 enrollment.
 
Yes. Eligible HSHS colleagues can apply their education benefits toward tuition for this program.

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