School of Nursing Program Catalog; September 2012 Edition

www.excelsior.edu School of Nursing Catalog The Philosophy of Excelsior College Accreditation What you know is more important than where or how you Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission learned it.® on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, telephone: 267-284-5000. The Middle States Commission About Excelsior College on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency rec- Excelsior College was founded in 1971 as the external degree ognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for program of the New York State Board of Regents. In 1998, the Higher Education Accreditation. Board of Regents granted the College (then known as Regents The associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in College) an absolute charter to operate as a private, nonprofit, nursing at Excelsior College are accredited by the National independent college. As are all accredited colleges in the state, League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Excelsior College is a member of The University of the State of Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, telephone: New York. Today, the College is governed by a board of trustees 404-975-5000. The NLNAC is a specialized accrediting agency comprised of individuals from across the United States who are for nursing recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and prominent in the fields of business, education, government, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). the professions. The bachelor’s degree programs in electrical engineering A leader in online and distance learning, Excelsior College technology and nuclear engineering technology are accredited awards degrees at the associate and baccalaureate levels in liberal by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of arts, nursing, business, technology, and health sciences, and at the ABET, http://www.abet.org/, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Bal- master’s level in liberal studies, nursing, and business. Certificate timore, MD 21202, 410-347-7700. ABET is a specialized programs are also offered by the Schools of Business & Technol- accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Educa- ogy, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Nursing. More than tion Accreditation (CHEA). 141,000 persons have earned degrees from Excelsior College. Excelsior College has received specialized accreditation for Excelsior’s student body represents a diverse group of adult its business programs through the International Assembly for learners. Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), 11374 Strang Line Rd., The average age of an Excelsior student is 40; about 55 per- Lenexa, KS 66215; 913-631-3009; www.iacbe.org. The IACBE is cent are female, 45 percent are male. a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the Council for More than one-third of our enrolled students are from Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The business pro- groups historically underrepresented in higher education. grams in the following degrees are accredited by the IACBE: Bachelor of Science in Accounting (NYS CPA track) and Bach- More than one-quarter of our students are active-duty or elor of Science in Business. reserve military personnel. All the College’s academic programs are registered (i.e., ap- Ten percent of our students come from New York State; the proved) by the New York State Education Department. remaining are from the rest of the United States and other This school is a nonprofit corporation authorized by the nations. State of Oregon to offer and confer the academic degrees de- The faculty of Excelsior College, both full-time and adjunct, scribed herein, following a determination that state academic are drawn from many colleges and universities as well as from standards will be satisfied under OAR 583-030. Inquiries con- industry and the professions. They teach our courses, establish cerning the standards or school compliance may be directed to and monitor academic policies and standards, determine degree the Oregon Office of Educational Policy and Planning at 255 requirements and the means by which credit may be earned, de- Capital Street NE, Suite 126, Salem, Oregon 97310-1338. velop the content for all examinations, and recommend degree conferral to the Excelsior College Board of Trustees. Recognition The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program has been accept- The Mission of Excelsior College ed into full membership by the Association of Graduate Liberal Excelsior College provides educational opportunity to adult Studies Programs (AGLSP). learners with an emphasis on those historically underrepresent- The American Council on Education’s College Credit ed in higher education. The College meets students where they Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) has evaluated and are—academically and geographically, offering quality instruc- made college credit recommendations for Excelsior College tion and the assessment of prior learning. Examinations. The National League for Nursing (NLN) has designated The Vision of Excelsior College the Excelsior College School of Nursing as a Center of Excel- Excelsior College aspires to be a model university for the 21st lence in Nursing Education, 2011-2016. This distinction has century. Excelsior will be a provider of choice for those who pur- been awarded in recognition of the College’s sustained achieve- sue their educational goals in a flexible, individualized manner. ments in creating environments that promote student learning Excelsior will continue to serve as a cost-effective stimulus for and professional development, and it is the third consecutive lifelong learning and individual achievement, advocating the as- designation the School has received since the NLN began the sessment of learning and aggregation of credit. Excelsior will be program in 2005. recognized as an ideal academic collaborator and as a valuable partner in addressing societal and workforce needs.

Individual State Registration/Authorization Disclosure Minnesota: Excelsior College is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. Florida: Additional information regarding Excelsior College may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400. Programs in Nursing

A Message from the Dean

Dear Student:

Congratulations on taking the next step in achieving your educational and professional goals. The faculty and staff of Excelsior College School of Nursing are here to guide your journey.

Our School of Nursing is home to the Tau Kappa chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing and has been designated as a National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence in Nursing Education: Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development, 2005–2008, 2008–2011, and 2011–2016. Being acknowledged by the NLN and identified as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education not once, but three times, is something we are very proud of and strive to live up to every day!

In addition, we are very dedicated to diversifying the nursing workforce, one way of which is by serving those traditionally underrepresented in nursing. Our efforts in this area have been recognized in a number of ways. The American Assembly for Men in Nursing presented Excelsior with its Best School award in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011, and Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine named Excelsior as a top 20 school for having Hispanic graduates.

As a not-for-profit, private institution of higher education chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, the College is fully accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the oldest and most respected regional accreditors in the United States. All of our nursing programs hold prestigious specialty accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

This catalog describes all of our nursing degree and certificate programs in detail. Please take the time to read it carefully along with the Student Policy Handbook available on our website. I also encourage you to take full advantage of the many learning resources Excelsior College has to offer. We offer a full array of resources, designed and delivered by our nursing faculty and staff, that will be useful as you meet each of your program requirements.

Best wishes for your success!

Mary Lee Pollard, PhD, RN Dean, Excelsior College School of Nursing

Programs in Nursing i LIMITATIONS Information in this catalog is current as of September 2012, and is subject to change without advance notice. CHANGES IN COLLEGE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND REQUIREMENTS The College reserves the right to modify or revise the admission requirements of any program of the College; degree and graduation requirements; examinations, courses, tuition, and fees; and other academic policies, procedures, and requirements. Generally, program modifications and revisions will not apply to currently enrolled students so long as they actively pursue their degree requirements. However, in the event that it is necessary to make program changes for enrolled students, every effort will be made to give notice. It is also the responsibility of students to keep themselves informed of the content of all notices concerning such changes.

“Excelsior College, and “CPNE” are registered service marks of Excelsior College. “FCCA” is a service mark of Excelsior College.

Printed in the USA, September 2012.

Excelsior College maintains a drug-free workplace and is a drug-free school, as provided by the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

Excelsior College does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, or sexual orientation in the educational programs and activities which it operates. Portions of this publication can be made available in a variety of formats upon request. Inquiries should be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer, Excelsior College, 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-5159.

Campus Crime Statistics can be found at the following website: http://ope.ed.gov/security.

Individual State Registration/Authorization Disclosure Minnesota: Excelsior College is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Edu- cation pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. Florida: Additional information regarding Excelsior College may be obtained by contacting the Commis- sion for Independent Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

ii > www.excelsior.edu/nursing The Excelsior College School of Nursing offers the following degree and certificate programs:

Associate in Science in nursing Associate in Applied Science in nursing Bachelor of Science in nursing Master of Science in nursing RN to MS in nursing Graduate Certificate in Nursing Management Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education

At the associate degree level, we are a competency- based distance learning program. Associate degree students without licensure are prohibited from Our nursing degree programs are specif- performing many clinical activities in their usual ically designed to serve individuals with work setting. This is in contrast to students in significant experience in clinically oriented campus-based instructional programs who can health care disciplines. While it is possible engage in such learning activities under an exempt for some associate degree nursing students clause in the Nurse Practice Act. This clause to learn the necessary nursing competen- enables them to perform patient care under faculty cies in a learning laboratory and through supervision. Students without a registered nursing observation, it is extremely difficult to do license enrolled in Excelsior College are not eligible so. Students with a limited background in to practice under this clause, except during the nursing or a related health care discipline actual administration of the Clinical Performance are best advised to attend an instructional in Nursing Examination. All students who pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in nursing at Excel- program. Excelsior College is not associated sior College have a current license to practice as a with, nor does it endorse, any external orga- registered nurse, and may, therefore, work within nization, external firm, or group that provides the scope of their license while engaging in educa- theoretical and clinical learning opportuni- tional endeavors. ties for students. Learning opportunities and resources are provided by the College and are described in the Student Services section of the general information catalog, Start to Finish, and on our website.

ii > www.excelsior.edu/nursing iii The American Assembly for Men in Nursing Excelsior College is home to the The American Assembly for Men in Nursing presented their Tau Kappa chapter of Sigma 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011 Best School of Nursing award to the Theta Tau International, Honor Excelsior College School of Nursing. Society of Nursing. Tau Kappa Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing

The School of Nursing has been Tau Kappa, the Excelsior College chapter of Sigma Theta Tau designated an NLN Center International, Honor Society of Nursing, was originally chartered in July of 2004. It shares the vision of Sigma Theta Tau International—to create of Excellence three times and a global community of nurses who lead using scholarship, knowledge, and technology to improve the health of the world’s people. Eligible is a four-time recipient of the bachelor’s and master’s degree students are invited for induction. American Assembly for Men in Specific information about the chapter and its activities is available on a link from the Excelsior College website. Nursing Best School Award.

The Excelsior College School of Nursing has been designated a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing for 2005–2008, 2008 –2011, and 2011–2016. This coveted designation is awarded on the basis of a national peer-review process. Recognition by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence indicates that the Excelsior College School of Nursing has demonstrated sustained, evidence-based and substantive innovation in creating environments that enhance student learning and professional development, that it conducts ongoing research to document the effectiveness of such innovation, that the School sets high standards for itself, and that we are committed to continuous quality improvement.

iv > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Table of Contents

A Message from the Dean. . . . . i Associate Degree Requirements: Purpose of the Bachelor of Science General Education and Nursing . . . 12 in Nursing Degree Program. . . .30 Excelsior College offers seven General Education Component. . 12 Program Outcomes...... 30 programs in nursing ...... iii Associate in Science Degree. .12 Chart 2, Bachelor’s Degree. . . .31 Important Information for Associate in Bachelor of Science in Nursing All Students ...... vii Applied Science Degree. . . .14 Degree Requirements...... 32 Nursing Component for Both General Education Component. . 32 The School of Nursing ...... 1 Associate Degrees in Nursing. . .16 The Requirements ...... 33 Mission Statement...... 1 Meeting Requirements...... 20 Meeting Specific Requirements.34 Goals of the Excelsior College® Meeting Specific Requirements. . 20 Nursing Component ...... 35 School of Nursing...... 1 The Theory Examinations. . . . .20 Certifications Approved for Philosophy...... 2 Policies Specific to the Elective Credit...... 37 Nursing Curricula ...... 2 Associate Degrees in Nursing. . . . 20 Policies Specific to the Bachelor of Organizing Framework Admission...... 21 Science Degree in Nursing . . . . .37 for the Nursing Curricula . . . . . 2 Military Personnel...... 21 Admission...... 38 Metaparadigm Concepts: Minimum Academic Average. . . 21 Time Limit ...... 38 Definitions...... 2 Time Limits...... 21 General Education Component . . 38 Supporting Concepts: Definitions. .3 Nursing Theory Examinations Nursing Component ...... 38 Admission Requirements...... 3 Policies...... 22 Mathematics Policy ...... 39 International Student FCCA® and CPNE® Policies. . . .23 Minimum Academic Average . . . 39 Admission Requirements . . . . .4 Physical Education Courses . . . 24 Policy on Repeating Nursing Time Limits and Average Time Waiver of Associate Degree Computer-Delivered Examinations for Program Completion ...... 4 in Nursing Theory Exams . . . . 24 and Nursing Courses...... 39 Licensure...... 5 Planning for Degree Completion. . . 25 Waiver of Excelsior College Nursing Criminal Background Checks. . . .5 Regional Performance Bachelor’s Theory Examinations. .39 Requirements for All Assessment Centers...... 25 Excelsior College® Examinations. . .40 Degree Programs...... 5 Learning Resources for AS and Learning Resources for Bachelor’s The Excelsior College Nursing Pin. . . 6 AAS Nursing Students...... 25 Degree in Nursing Students. . . . .40 Nursing Theory: About Test Preparation Online Conferences...... 26 Graduate Programs in Nursing. . . 41 and Tutorial Services...... 8 Nursing Theory Practice Beliefs About Master’s Degree Nursing Practice...... 41 Associate Degree Examinations...... 26 Purpose of the Programs in Nursing...... 9 Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE®) Workshop. .26 Graduate Program in Nursing. . . . 42 Associate in Science and Educational Outcomes. . . . . 42 Associate in Applied Science ...... 9 CPNE® Online Conferences. . . .27 Master of Science in Nursing with a Beliefs About the Practice Additional CPNE® Specialization in Clinical Systems of Associate Degree Nursing . . . . .9 Learning Resources...... 27 Management...... 42 Purpose of the Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Programs...... 10 Program in Nursing...... 29 Specialization in Nursing Education. .43 Educational Outcomes. . . . . 10 Bachelor of Science in Nursing . . . . . 29 Master of Science in Nursing with a Chart 1, Associate Degrees. . . .11 Beliefs About the Practice of Specialization in Nursing Informatics. 43 Bachelor’s Degree Nursing. . . . . 29

iv > www.excelsior.edu/nursing v Policies Specific to the Master Minimum Academic Average— Excelsior College of Science Degree in Nursing. . . . 44 Graduate Courses...... 58 Board of Trustees...... 68 Admission...... 44 Chart 6, Clinical Systems Time Limit...... 45 Management Specialization . . . 59 Excelsior College Executive and Course Waiver...... 45 Chart 7, Nursing Education Academic Leadership Staff. . . . .69 Specialization...... 60 Master of Science in Nursing School of Nursing Faculty and Chart 8, Nursing Informatics Requirements for the Clinical Systems Consulting Faculty...... 70 Management Specialization. . . . .46 Specialization...... 61 Chart 3, Clinical Systems RN to MS in Nursing Requirements. . 62 New York State Education Management Specialization . . . 47 General Education Component. . . .62 Department Inventory of Master of Science in Nursing Nursing Component...... 62 Registered Programs...... 72 Requirements for the Nursing Bachelor’s Phase...... 62 Education Specialization...... 49 Bachelor’s Phase Requirements . .63 Chart 4, Nursing Education Graduate-Level Phases. . . . . 63 Specialization...... 51 Master of Science in Nursing Certificates in Nursing ...... 64 Requirements for the Nursing Graduate Certificate Informatics Specialization. . . . . 52 in Nursing Management...... 64 Chart 5, Nursing Informatics Program Outcomes...... 65 Specialization...... 53 Admission...... 65 Required Courses...... 65 Graduate Programs in Nursing. . . 56 Post-Master’s Certificate RN to Master of Science in Nursing Education...... 66 in Nursing Program...... 56 Program Outcomes...... 67 Policies Specific to the RN to MS in Admission...... 67 Nursing Program ...... 57 Required Courses...... 67 Admission...... 57 Elective Courses...... 67 Time Limit...... 57 Course Load Requirement. . . . 58

vi > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Important Information for All Students

Student Policy Handbook tributes toward increasing the value of the degree by providing evidence of student learning to external The Excelsior College Student Policy Handbook is organizations, employers, and the general public. your resource for understanding the academic and administrative policies that are important to your academic success. It includes a wide range of infor- Excelsior College Website mation from important federal policies, including Through the College’s website, you have access to your right to privacy, to grading policies and a wealth of information to help you succeed as a policies and procedures concerning refunds, with- student. If you haven’t already done so, create a drawals, and other administrative issues. MyExcelsior user account. It will serve as your gate- It is your responsibility to be familiar with these way to a variety of support services and is where policies. The term “students” includes those cur- you will find up-to-date information tailored to rently matriculated at Excelsior College taking your specific academic program as well as general examinations and/or courses, non-matriculated announcements from the College. students taking examinations and/or courses, non- matriculated students in the application process, individuals using the OneTranscript® service (for- General Education Outcomes for All merly Credit Bank), formerly matriculated students Undergraduate Degree Programs currently in withdrawn status, and graduates. Each undergraduate degree program has a strong Policies and procedures that apply only to a spe- arts and sciences component designed to help you cific degree program are listed in the appropriate develop a broad-based understanding of multiple school catalog. You may download a copy of the disciplines, obtain a breadth of academic experi- Handbook from our website. File your Handbook ence to enrich your life and become more informed with your other important academic papers and and engaged as a citizen and a lifelong learner in this program catalog for easy reference. an increasingly complex and changing world. This arts and sciences component, offered via a delivery model of flexibility, quality, and accessibility Standardized Testing Participation that is based on adult learning theory, helps you Students have a responsibility to participate in to integrate knowledge from multiple sources and standardized tests (an example is the “Proficiency experiences in diverse ways of knowing. These Profile” published by Educational Testing Services) guiding principles have thus formed the six learn- that may be required during the period of their ing goals for general education at Excelsior College. enrollment. These tests may be in addition to regu- 1. Communication and Oral Expression . Excelsior lar coursework and are required to gather critical students will be able to express themselves effec- information on achievement of student learning. tively in English, both orally and in writing, Students are expected to actively participate and and with clarity, persuasiveness, and coherence make every effort to do their best on these assess- using standard conventions of English. ments to produce scores that accurately reflect their 2. Mathematics and Scientific Method . Excelsior abilities. The results from these assessments will students will utilize scientific reasoning and not be part of the course grade but are crucial for basic mathematical calculations in problem the purpose of program improvement and are fre- solving in their public discourse. quently required by regulators and accreditation agencies. Participation in these assessments con-

vi > www.excelsior.edu/nursing vii Important Information for All Students

3. Information Literacy . Excelsior students will information to improve learning. This will facilitate be able to discern information from multiple the ability to acquire new knowledge for lifelong sources critically. They will be able to identify learning in the 21st-century global workplace. the amount and type of information needed for a particular purpose and will be able to locate and access the information needed. In Baseline Technology all instances, they will evaluate the source of Skills and Resources information and consider legal and ethical 1. Prior to being admitted to Excelsior College, all implications when using information. students should be knowledgeable in the use of 4. Human Thought and Creativity . Excelsior students a personal computer (Windows or Macintosh). will be able to explain, interpret, critique, cre- Entering students should have the ability to ate, or perform works of human creativity at an use a personal computer, informed level. use office automation programs to create, 5. Diversity and Global Understanding . Excelsior edit, store and print documents, students will have an understanding and appreciation of the complexities of diversity and will use electronic communication tools, and be able to interact effectively with people from search and retrieve information from elec- backgrounds and cultures different from their tronic resources to complete assignments own. They will have gained a global perspective and activities. that is grounded in the issues, trends, and oppor- 2. Students must have reliable access to a tunities that connect nations and communities computer with Internet connectivity. around the world. They will challenge their own sense of “self” vis-à-vis an understanding of 3. Student’s computer and operating system those with different thoughts, beliefs, traditions, must meet the minimal technical requirements behaviors, and understandings. as noted in the Excelsior College Computer 6. Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement . System Requirements (www.excelsior.edu/ Excelsior students will acknowledge the system-requirements). importance of social responsibility and civic 4. Students must be able to utilize required engagement and the behaviors that support software applications. these beliefs. 5. Students need to utilize the Excelsior College For more information on the General Education website to access information, resources, and goals and outcomes please visit: the Message Center, and to participate in www.excelsior.edu/gened activities. See the Excelsior College Electronic Use policy (www.excelsior.edu/electronic-use- Technology Literacy policy). Excelsior College Definition of Technology 6. Students are required to conduct themselves Literacy [Based on State Educational Technology appropriately and professionally at all times, Directors Association (SETDA)] including online. Excelsior College defines technology literacy as the ability to identify and responsibly use appropriate technology to communicate, solve problems, and access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create

viii > www.excelsior.edu/nursing The Excelsior College School of Nursing

Mission Statement

The mission of the Excelsior College School of In the master’s degree program, the student is able Nursing is to prepare nurses at the associate, to demonstrate expert/specialty knowledge and skills bachelor’s, and master’s levels, whose practice through participation in online discussion, assessment reflects humanistic, ethical, culturally sensitive, of knowledge and experiential learning, and evaluation technically competent, safe, and scientifically of credit earned from regionally accredited colleges. based care. The programs of study are designed to expand individual horizons, foster commitment to lifelong learning, and assist in the development of intellectual curiosity and respect for inquiry. The School of Nursing strives to increase access to quality nursing education for a diverse and Goals of the School of Nursing underserved population of adult learners to meet 1. Maintain national leadership in nursing a global society’s need for nurses and educated and distance education and serve as an citizens. The three distance education nursing advocate for innovative and alternative programs employ teaching/learning and rigorous educational models. assessment strategies that are efficient, economi- cal, and innovative. The curricula are designed 2. Contribute to the goal of the College to to provide students with opportunities to achieve enhance the student experience thereby career goals through seamless transitions pro- ensuring access, success, and satisfaction. gressing along the educational continuum. 3. Maintain a healthy and diverse work The nursing degree programs meet the standards environment in which faculty and staff for registration by the New York State Education can grow and develop intellectually and Department. The programs’ curricula are com- professionally. parable to campus-based instructional programs. In the associate degree programs, the student 4. Sustain the School as a Center of is able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge Excellence in Nursing Education with and competencies through a variety of assess- an environment that develops students’ values, socializes them to new roles, and ment and evaluation methods including review of creates a commitment to lifelong learning. credit earned from regionally accredited colleges, completion of nursing theory examinations, and 5. Expand and enhance learning support criterion-referenced performance examinations services that are responsive to students’ and requirements. In the bachelor’s degree pro- needs and reflect best practices. gram, the student is able to demonstrate generalist knowledge and competence through participation 6. Provide evidence-based, high-quality, in online discussion, assessment of knowledge and rigorous, learner-centered academic experiential learning, evaluation of credit earned programs. from regionally accredited colleges, nursing the- 7. Provide flexible, dynamic curricula with ory examinations, and professional certification. sound objective assessments that assure achievement of learning outcomes.

viii > www.excelsior.edu/nursing School of Nursing 1 Philosophy learn are seen as characteristics of the adult learner in Nursing rather than of the faculty or the educational institu- Degree Programs The School of Nursing community believes that tion providing the degree. nursing is a scientific discipline with a distinct body of knowledge. Nursing uses this knowledge along The faculty believes that society’s health care with knowledge from other disciplines to shape needs can be served by nurses with different levels of and inform practice. Nurses engage with clients in education. Therefore, the Excelsior College School a dynamic partnership and come to know them as of Nursing offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s holistic beings. The nurse-client relationship reflects degree programs and learners have the opportunity dignity, valuing, and respect for personhood. The to seek the educational level most suited to their focus of nursing is with individuals, families, aggre- needs and prior preparation. gates, communities, and systems. Health is the actualization of human potential and is manifested Nursing Curricula uniquely in multidimensional and dynamic patterns and processes across the life span in response to changes in the environment. Environment, both Organizing Framework external and internal, provides the context within for the Nursing Curricula which nurse–person interaction and health occur. These paradigmatic beliefs guide nursing practice The organizing framework consists of nine interre- and underpin nursing knowledge development and lated concepts that direct delivery of the curriculum discovery. at each level—AD, BS, and MS. They include the The faculty is committed to an educational phi- four metaparadigm concepts of nursing, client, losophy that emphasizes competency assessment health, and environment supported by concepts of and learning at a distance. The faculty supports critical thinking, communication, research, role programs that are designed to meet the educational development, and caring/cultural competence. The goals of a diverse population of adult learners who faculty believes that the metaparadigm concepts bring varied lifelong knowledge and experience underpinned by the supporting concepts represent to the learning encounter. The faculty views adult concepts critical to the practice of nursing at each independent learning as a process of knowledge level of practice addressed in the Excelsior College acquisition attained through exposure to varied nursing programs and that those concepts serve as planned educational strategies unconstrained by a foundation to nursing education. Each is evident time and/or place. The faculty believes that curri- and operationalized throughout each of the cur- cula are best designed using consensus-building by ricula and is reflected in the educational program a national faculty of content experts, master educa- objectives. tors, and clinicians who make curricular decisions based on principles of adult learning, internally generated data, and evidence of best practice in Metaparadigm Concepts: Definitions nursing education. The faculty believes that knowledge related to adult learning and assessment of Health competence can be applied to support the concepts of both external and distance nursing education. Defined at all levels as the actualization of human potential. The faculty is responsible for determining what must be learned; how learning can be supported; Nursing and how learning is assessed. The faculty believes Defined at the associate degree level as engaging that adult learners have the capability to create their with clients in dynamic partnerships and coming own learning experiences guided by each program’s to know them as holistic beings reflecting dignity, curricular framework. The ability to learn, readiness values, and respect for personhood in three roles: to learn, motivation to learn, and responsibility to provider of care, manager of care, and member of profession. At the bachelor’s degree level, nursing

2 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Degree Programs in Nursing

is defined as coordinating and providing care for Role Development clients with multiple, complex, and variable health Dynamic professional socialization into the three care problems to promote, protect, and restore broad roles of nursing practice: Provider of Care, health and support end of life care. At the master’s Manager of Care, and Member of Profession. In degree level, nursing is defined as applying specialty these roles, the professional nurse demonstrates knowledge to engage in clinical reasoning and deci- knowledge, skills, values, and competencies neces- sion making. sary for nursing practice.

Environment Caring and Cultural Competence Environment, both internal and external, is defined Patterns of nurse–client interactions that are char- at all levels as providing a context within which acterized by sensitivity to and respect for human/ nurse-client interaction and health occur. person values, experiences, and cultures.

Client Defined at the associate degree level as the indi- Admission Requirements vidual within the context of the family. At the bachelor’s degree level, client includes individuals, All prospective nursing students must submit an families, aggregates, and communities. At the mas- application for admission to the School of Nursing. ter’s degree level, client is defined as individuals, Each program has admission requirements. The families, aggregates, communities, and systems. associate degree programs are open to licensed practical/vocational nurses, paramedics, selected classifications of military service corpsmen,** and Supporting Concepts: Definitions individuals who hold degrees in clinically oriented health care fields in which they have had the opportunity to provide direct patient care (e.g., physicians, Critical Thinking* respiratory therapists, and physician assistants). The intellectually disciplined process of concep- The necessary documentation, such as copies of tualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and licenses, certificates, and official transcripts must be evaluating information gathered from varied submitted with the admissions application. The sources including observation, experience, reflec- Undergraduate Application for Admission identifies tion, reasoning, communication, and other data required supporting documentation for admission sources to inform decision making. by each category of applicant as well as additional admissions criteria. Communication Excelsior College offers a bachelor’s in nursing A verbal and non-verbal process of interactive degree program for registered nurses as well as an exchange with others used to demonstrate car- RN to MS in nursing degree program. These pro- ing and to receive, process, and send information, grams are designed for registered nurses who have thoughts, ideas, and feelings. successfully completed the NCLEX-RN®, have had

Research A process of scientific inquiry leading to state- of-the-discipline knowledge that can be used as ** Military Personnel evidence to inform nursing practice. Admission to the associate degree in nursing program is limited to military personnel who are on active duty, reserves, or have a discharge date within one year of enrollment into the Excelsior College School of Nursing. See the Undergraduate Application for Admission for a listing of the military occupations that * Adapted from Scriven & Paul 1987. meet the admission criteria.

2 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing School of Nursing 3 their learning validated by prior education, and have 2. Successful completion of Excelsior College’s in Nursing

Degree Programs a current license to practice as a registered nurse in ENGx111: English Composition examination or the United States. UExcel’s ENGx110: College Writing examination. Admission to the Master of Science in nursing 3. Submission of evidence of the successful com- program is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree pletion of at least nine credit hours of academic in any field from a regionally accredited institu- work in courses delivered in English at an insti- tion and an RN license who seeks to obtain an MS tution of higher education in the United States. in nursing degree with a specialization in Clinical Systems Management, Nursing Education, or Nursing Informatics. Time Limits and Average Time for International Student Admission Requirements Program Completion Admission to the associate degree in nursing programs is not open to international students. For the All of Excelsior College nursing degree programs bachelor’s and master’s programs, in addition to are designed to be completed at the student’s own official transcripts, nursing candidates must demon- pace, but must be completed within a specified strate that they have an equivalent U.S. Registered period of enrollment. Time limits on enrollment Nurse (RN) license. To be eligible for admission, are cumulative if enrollment is not continuous. Stu- the applicant must be a graduate from an approved dents who do not meet the time limit for program school of nursing in their country of education and completion are subject to dismissal from the School hold a current, unencumbered nursing license (if of Nursing. The faculty recognize that the time licensed in multiple jurisdictions and/or countries, limits are generous and believe they are appropri- all licenses must be unencumbered). All nursing ate because the students served by the College are school transcripts and all licenses will be validated working adults. by primary source verification. International candidates must apply to the Commission on Graduate Associate degree in nursing of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) New York Students have seven years to complete the associ- Credential Verification Service (NYCVS) and the ate degree in nursing programs. The average time New York State Education Department (NYSED) to completion for part-time students is three years. to have their foreign nursing education evaluated and approved by the aforementioned organizations. Bachelor’s degree in nursing Detailed application information and instruc- Students have seven years to complete the RN to tions are found in the application for admission. bachelor’s degree in nursing program. The average Submit email questions concerning international time to completion for part-time students is five student admission requirements to: international@ years. excelsior.edu. Master’s degree in nursing English Language Proficiency Requirement Students have seven years to complete the RN to International candidates from non-English speak- master’s degree in nursing program. The average ing countries must show evidence of sufficient time to completion for part-time students is four English language proficiency through one of the fol- years. lowing options: Registered Nurse to Master of Science 1. Submission of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International in nursing completion program English Language Testing System) taken within Students have 12 years to complete the RN to MS in the last two years. nursing program. The average time to completion for part-time students is six years.

4 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Degree Programs in Nursing

Note: You are encouraged to obtain a copy of Licensure the NCLEX-RN® Test Plan for the National Coun- cil Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses Excelsior College nursing programs are designed in from the National Council of State Boards of accordance with the requirements for Registered Nursing Inc., 676 N. St. Clair St., Suite 550, Chi- Nurse programs in New York State. The asso- cago, IL, 60611-2921. http://www.ncsbn.org ciate degree programs prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Reg- istered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) for practice in the United States. Excelsior College graduates who Criminal Background Checks meet eligibility requirements are eligible to take the All students enrolled in an associate degree in nurs- ® NCLEX-RN in New York State. ing program must complete a criminal background Our graduates are eligible for licensure in most check prior to applying to take the Clinical Per- other states by examination or endorsement. formance in Nursing Examination (CPNE®). Refer However, states may have different requirements to the CPNE Study Guide or the Excelsior College for pre-licensure education; students are respon- website for detailed information about the purpose sible for determining the legal criteria for licensure of the background check, process for obtaining the in the state where they wish to practice. Some states check, and submission of records with your CPNE have special licensure requirements for our gradu- application. ates. Graduation from a registered and accredited program does not guarantee eligibility for licensure; students may also need to meet other requirements Requirements for regarding age, high school graduation, type of education, and so forth. All Degree Programs If the state in which you wish to be licensed is part of the national compact for licensure, ask about those specific requirements. Written English Requirement (WER)

Students are required to demonstrate competence You must contact the boards of nursing in the in expository writing in English by completing one states where you wish to practice for information of the following for the associate degree and two of about their specific licensure requirements. the following for the bachelor’s degree. 1. Examination ® Excelsior College graduates who are licensed a. Excelsior College Examination, ENGx111 as RNs in one state may be employed as RNs by English Composition (fulfills the requirement Veterans Administration institutions or other fed- for associate and bachelor’s degrees) eral facilities anywhere in the United States. b. UExcel® examination, ENGx110 College Writ- ing (fulfills the requirement for the associate Individuals convicted of felonies or certain misde- degrees; partially fulfills the requirement meanors or individuals with a history of substance for the bachelor’s degrees) abuse may not be eligible for licensure or eligible to c. Advanced Placement (AP) English Exami- take the required performance examinations for the nations (fulfills the requirement for the Excelsior College nursing degree. associate and bachelor’s degrees) Note: Excelsior College does not accept the CLEP General Examination in English Composition with Essay toward this requirement.

4 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing School of Nursing 5 2. College coursework: Successful completion of 4. Noncollegiate-sponsored instruction: Success- in Nursing

Degree Programs one college course (minimum 3 semester- or ful completion of a noncollegiate-sponsored four quarter-hour credits; minimum grade of instructional writing course or program that C) from one of the following options for the has been evaluated by either the NYS Board of associate degrees, and from two of the following Regents National College Credit Recommen- options for the bachelor’s degrees: dation Service (formerly National PONSI) or a. Expository writing courses such as Excel- the American Council on Education Center for sior College’s ENG 101 English Composition, Adult Learning and Educational Credentials ENG 201 Writing for the Professions, or MLS (ACE CREDIT), and contains a recommen- 500 Graduate Research and Writing (some dation of at least 3 semester-hour credits for restrictions apply). the course; this course must contain an actual assessment of the student’s competence in b. Two institutionally designated writing- expository writing in English. intensive, writing-emphasis courses. c. Two applied writing courses. The applied writing courses must focus on different A maximum of two semester courses or three applications of the writing process. quarter courses of credit in English composi- Note: Coursework must be from an English- tion/freshman English courses will apply toward speaking institution. English as a Second degree requirements. Courses or examinations Language courses may not be used to satisfy used to fulfill the written English requirement the written English requirement. may not be used to satisfy the humanities requirement. 3. Statement of Equivalency: Submission of an official statement from a regionally accredited institution, from which transfer credit is being accepted, verifying satisfactory completion of the student’s writing requirement. The statement Information Literacy must reflect whether the institution had a one- course or two-course writing requirement in Students are expected to demonstrate competency effect at the time of the student’s matriculation. in information literacy. The standards, performance indicators, and outcomes for this requirement were selected from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. Competency will be assessed through a one-credit Excelsior College pass/fail course offered online by Excelsior College or through successful completion of a course taken Nursing Pin at a regionally accredited college covering comparable content. Excelsior College has a nursing school pin Courses in information literacy will be considered available to all graduates of the nursing for transfer if they were completed within five years programs. The pin features a reproduction of the date of the current enrollment in Excelsior of the Excelsior College logo. The nursing College. Students who have completed a U.S. mas- pin is a symbol of accomplishment, knowl- ter’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited edge, and competence in nursing. Students or otherwise approved source of credit or who have will be notified that they are eligible to pur- earned a degree from an institution outside the chase a pin when they complete their U.S. deemed equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree degree program. or higher by the College’s international credential

6 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Degree Programs in Nursing

evaluators may be exempt from the information lit- Mathematics Policy eracy requirement if the degree was earned within five years prior to enrollment at Excelsior. Excelsior No more than three courses in the semester-hour College’s MLS 500 Graduate Research and Writing system (four courses in the quarter-hour system) of course will satisfy the requirement if taken within college-level mathematics below the level of calculus five years prior to the current enrollment. can be applied toward degree requirements. Credit The information literate student will be able to from courses listed as developmental or remedial cannot be applied toward degree requirements. determine the nature and extent of the information needed. access needed information effectively and efficiently. evaluate information and its sources critically. incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system. understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information. Your Personalized MyExcelsior Account: access and use information ethically and legally. www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior

Students seeking additional information should Admissions: toll free 888-647-2388, ext. 27 check the Excelsior College website or consult with College Publications, Applications, and Forms: an academic advisor. www.excelsior.edu/publications

Student Policy Handbook: www.excelsior.edu/StudentPolicyHandbook

Fee Schedules, Financial Aid, and Scholarships: www.excelsior.edu/fees www.excelsior.edu/FinancialAid www.excelsior.edu/scholarships

Excelsior College Learning Resources: www.excelsior.edu/library www.excelsior.edu/bookstore www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab

Student Online Success Guide: www.excelsior.edu/SuccessGuide

Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL): www.excelsior.edu/OWL

Free Writing Resources: Online Software Skills Training through Atomic Learning (EC course and exam registrants only), Online Tutoring Services through SMARTHINKINGtm (EC course and exam registrants only) www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab

Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab

School of Nursing 7 in Nursing Degree Programs About Test Preparation Services

Preparation for Excelsior College® Examinations, Does the company: though based on independent study, is supported by Clearly articulate that it is an independent busi- Excelsior College with a comprehensive set of exam ness enterprise, separate from Excelsior College, learning resources and services designed to help you and that it is not a degree granting institution? succeed. Clearly inform you that the products and services These learning resources are prepared by Excelsior it provides have not been reviewed, nor are they College so you can be assured that they are current endorsed, by Excelsior College? and cover the content you are expected to master for the exams. These resources, and your desire to Openly indicate that it is not an agent of Excelsior learn, are usually all that you will need to succeed. College, that it is not authorized to provide admissions counseling or academic advising regarding There are test-preparation companies that will Excelsior’s degree requirements, and that all its offer to help you study for our examinations. Some costs and fees are separate from those you will may imply a relationship with Excelsior College and/ pay to the College? or make claims that their products and services are all that you need to prepare for our examinations. Have a record of unresolved complaints/disputes with consumer protection agencies, nursing Excelsior College is not affiliated with any test prep- boards, attorneys general offices, or other similar aration firm and does not endorse the products or organizations? services of these companies. No test preparation vendor is authorized to provide admissions counsel- Require clients to commit to long-term, binding ing or academic advising services, or to collect any contracts to access its products and services? payments, on behalf of Excelsior College. Excelsior Provide data to substantiate the satisfaction of its College does not send authorized representatives to clients with its products and services? a student’s home.

Depending upon your individual learning style and needs, you may consider using the services and prod- www.excelsior.edu/testprep ucts of a test preparation vendor to help you prepare for an Excelsior College Examination. Some students have found such materials beneficial while others Important: It is important for you to keep us have not. The decision to purchase the services and informed of your current contact information, so we can products of any of these vendors is entirely up to you. reach you. You can update your address, phone num- bers, fax number, and email preference on our website, Excelsior College does not review the materials pro- through your MyExcelsior user account, or you can call vided by test preparation companies for content or us with this information. compatibility with Excelsior College Examinations.

To help you become a well-informed consumer we suggest that you consider the following before making www.excelsior.edu/ any purchase decision regarding study materials provided by organizations other than Excelsior College. myexcelsior

8 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 9 Associate Degree Programs in Nursing Associate Degree

Associate in Science and Programs Associate in Applied Science AS Beliefs About the Practice of Associate Degree Nursing

The faculty believes that the practice of nursing at the associate degree level is well-defined through three complementary and interrelated nursing practice roles: provider of care, manager of patient care, and member AAS of the profession. Nursing at the associate degree level is practiced in a variety of settings characterized by well-established policies, procedures, and protocols. Associate degree nursing practice requires a knowledge base that emphasizes facts, concepts, principles, theories, verified

observations, critical thinking, and humanistic values. Associate degree nurses use the nursing process to meet the physiological, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, and rehabilitative needs of clients. The focus/ scope of practice for associate degree nurses is on the care of clients who are individuals or members of a family. Associate degree nurses care for clients whose adaptations and resources lead to an expected response to health problems. As providers of care, associate degree nurses deliver quality care, which assists in restoring and maintaining optimal health. As managers of patient care, associate degree nurses communicate and collaborate with other members of the health care team and with clients and their families to assure quality outcomes across the continuum of care. As members of the profession, associate degree nurses function as patient advocates within ethical and legal parameters and are accountable to society and to the profession for their practice.

8 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 9 Purpose of the Associate Degree Educational Outcomes Nursing Programs 1. Applies analytic reasoning and problem solving The purpose of the Excelsior College associate skills, using principles, concepts, and theories degree nursing programs is to provide an alterna- from the natural and social sciences to choose tive educational approach to earning an associate among alternative solutions to make clinical degree in nursing. The student’s qualifications as decisions. a learned individual and a competent member of 2. Uses multiple strategies of communication to the nursing profession are documented through an express self, convey caring, and establish objective assessment program in general education collaborative partnerships with clients and and nursing education designed to promote Programs health care providers. Associate Degree proficiency in the practice of associate 3. Participates in problem identification, assists in degree nursing. data collection, and uses interpreted research a sense of social responsibility and personal ful- findings to plan and implement care. fillment by emphasizing the need for students 4. In the role of provider of care: to evaluate their own learning and potential achievements in terms of professional relevance Uses knowledge and skills to apply the nursing and personal goals. process to care for clients in a variety of settings to restore and maintain health or a foundation for lifelong learning. provide end-of-life care. Uses a holistic approach to prioritize and evaluate care delivered to clients across the continuum of the complex health care environment using established nursing standards and protocols.

In the role of manager of care: Identifies scope of practice for members of the health care team. Appropriately delegates and manages individuals to deliver care in a variety of settings.

In the role of member of profession: Practices within the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing and standards of professional nursing practice. Articulates the contributions of professional nursing to health care. Advocates for the rights of clients and members of the profession of nursing.

5. Demonstrates a pattern of human-centered behaviors by maintaining an environment that signifies caring, sensitivity, and cultural competence with others.

client: individual within the context of the family.

10 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing CHART 1

Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science Degrees in Nursing Total Degree Credits Required: 67 AS AAS General Education Credit Nursing Component Credit Requirements Hours Hours

Written English Requirement 3 NUR x 214 Transition to the Registered 3 Professional Nurse Role ➃

Information Literacy 1 NUR x 104 Essentials of Nursing Care: 3 Health Safety Humanities NUR x 105 Essentials of Nursing Care: Humanities Requirement 6 3 Health Differences ➅

Total Humanities 6 NUR x 106 Essentials of Nursing Care: 3 Chronicity

Social Sciences NUR x 107 Essentials of Nursing Care: 3 Life Span Developmental Psychology 3 Reproductive Health Sociology Requirement 3 NUR x 211 Health Differences Across the 3 Total Social Sciences 6 Life Span 1

NUR x 212 Health Differences Across the 3 Natural Sciences and Mathematics Life Span 2 Human Anatomy and Physiology ➀ ➇ 4 NUR x 213 Health Differences Across the Microbiology ➇ 3 3 Life Span 3 Mathematics 2

NURx274 Focused Clinical Competencies 4 Total Natural Sciences and Mathematics 9 Assessment® (FCCA®) ➄

➁ NUR x 299 Clinical Performance in AS Arts & Sciences Electives 6 ➆ 8 ONLY Nursing Examination (CPNE®)

AAS Free Electives/Arts & Sciences ➂ 6 ONLY Total Nursing 36

Total General Education 31

➀ The Human Anatomy and ➂ Requirements for the ➄ Students are eligible to have demonstrated success ➆ This examination may be Physiology requirement can AAS degree include a take this requirement when on the NCLEX-PN within five scheduled after the entire also be met by: Anatomy minimum of six credits of all 8 of the nursing theory years prior to enrollment FCCA requirement is suc- (2 credits) and Physiology free electives or arts and examinations and 21 of in the School of Nursing. cessfully completed. (2 credits). science electives. the required 31 credits Submit a copy of your LPN/ in general education are LVN license and official tran- ➇ Must be completed no ➁ Requirements for the AS ➃ Only NURx214 is available successfully completed. script so that your academic more than 5 years prior to degree include a minimum to individuals not enrolled advisor can validate your the date of enrollment and of six credits of arts and in Excelsior College School ➅ NURx105 can be waived if license and award you credit before any nursing compo- science electives. of Nursing. you hold a valid and current for this examination. nent requirements. U.S. LPN/LVN license and 11 Associate Degree Requirements: General Education and Nursing Both the Associate in Science and the Associate in Applied Science require a total of 67 credits — 31 in general education and 36 in nursing. The two degrees have identical nursing component requirements, but they differ in their general education requirements. Chart 1 (p. 11) offers a visual representation of the AS and AAS programs. Programs

Associate Degree You are subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of your enrollment or program/degree transfer (program transfer refers to change from one school to another; degree transfer refers to changing degrees within the same school). The faculty reserves the right to make changes in curricular requirements as necessary to reflect current professional practice. Changes may affect both enrolled and prospective students. It is your responsibility to keep informed of such changes. We make every effort to inform you of changes as they occur. Current information about degree requirements is posted on our website. Information about changes to degree requirements is also made available on our website.

General Education Component Associate in Science Degree

The general education Thirty of 31 required general education credits must 31 credits requirements ensure that be earned in the arts and sciences. One credit must you develop basic college- be earned in information literacy. Credits must be level competence in the arts distributed as follows: and sciences areas (humanities, social sciences/his- 1. Information Literacy: Students are expected tory, and natural sciences/mathematics) as well as to demonstrate competency in information the ability to express yourself in writing, read ana- literacy. This requirement provides a broad lytically, and think critically. overview of information literacy concepts. The study of the arts and sciences is an essential Please see Information Literacy on page 6 part of the preparation of a college graduate in that for more information. such study helps develop both knowledge in the discipline and an intellectual approach to problem The Excelsior College INL 102: Information solving. For a complete list of general education Literacy online course meets this requirement. outcomes, see page vii. Register at www.excelsior.edu/courses.

2. Written English Requirement: Three credits Note: Throughout this catalog the term are required in expository writing, which may “credits” is used to indicate semester be at the freshman level. (See Written English hours. Quarter hours are converted to Requirement on page 5 for specific details.) semester hours by multiplying quarter- hour values by two-thirds.

12 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 13 The Excelsior College Examination, ENGx111 Within the social sciences/history distribu- English Composition, meets this requirement. tion, students are required to complete the life A comprehensive guided learning package span developmental psychology and sociology is available for the English Composition requirements. examination. The following Excelsior College Examination 3. Humanities Requirements: The humanities meets the life span developmental psychology requirements are designed to help you learn to requirement: PSYx210 Life Span Developmental read critically, reason well, think logically and Psychology. Associate Degree Programs critically, and express aesthetic appreciation. The following Excelsior College Examination A minimum of 6 credits must be earned in meets the sociology requirement: SOCx310 subjects such as art (e.g., appreciation, history, Foundations of Gerontology. or studio), English, ethics, literature, music, 5. Natural Sciences/Mathematics Requirements: philosophy, religion, theater, speech, and The natural science/mathematics requirement AS foreign languages (e.g., technical writing). is designed to provide you with the scientific Within the humanities distribution, students background essential to nursing practice and an are required to complete a minimum of 3 cred- understanding of the natural world as well as its in a humanities subject other than English teach you problem-solving skills. AAS composition or expository writing. One intro- Within the natural sciences/mathematics ductory, applied, or professional writing course distribution, students are required to complete beyond the written English requirement may 9 credits. This must include human anatomy and apply to the humanities distribution. physiology (minimum 4 credits), college-level The following Excelsior College® mathematics (minimum of 2 credits), and micro- Examinations will fulfill the humanities biology (minimum 3 credits) requirements.

requirement: MUSx101 Introduction to Music, A combined human anatomy and physiology HUMx310 Bioethics: Philosophical Issues, PHIx310 course must include all major body systems and Ethics: Theory & Practice, and RELx310 Religions must be at least 4 credits. Survey courses are of the World. not acceptable. The following Excelsior College courses and examination satisfy the anatomy and physiology requirement: Requirements listed with an “x” in BIOx210 Anatomy & Physiology the prefix indicate examinations; HSC 105 Anatomy and Physiology I and requirements listed without an “x” in HSC 106 Anatomy and Physiology II the prefix indicate courses.

4. Social Sciences/History Requirements: This requirement is designed to provide you with a School of Nursing Enrolled Students and better understanding of people and society and Nursing Content Exams Questions: the processes that individuals use to order their 888- 647-2388, ext. 1314 world. Studies of Western and other cultures are Excelsior College Course and Exams encouraged. Information and Registration: A minimum of 6 credits must be earned www.excelsior.edu/courses in subjects such as sociology, psychology, www.excelsior.edu/exams anthropology, history, geography, political www.excelsior.edu/CourseSearch science, and economics. Course/Exam Approval: www.excelsior.edu/MessageCenter

12 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 13 The following Excelsior College course encouraged to study a foreign language so you and examination satisfy the microbiology can communicate better with clients from other requirement: cultures. Always consult your advisor before BIOx220 Microbiology registering for any examination or course. BIO 212 Microbiology All students who enroll on or after Associate in Applied Science Degree October 1, 2012, must complete the anatomy and physiology and the microbiology require- Of the 31 required general education credits, at ments no more than 5 years prior to the date least 24 must be earned in the arts and sciences. Of of enrollment. The anatomy and physiology Programs the remaining 7 credits, 1 credit must be earned in

Associate Degree and the microbiology requirements must be information literacy and the other 6 credits must be completed before registering for any associ- earned in any academic area other than nursing or ate degree (AD) theory examinations with the physical education. If you have a degree in another exception of NURx214. Students who withdraw applied field such as education, health, business, from an AD program in nursing, or withdraw social work, or respiratory therapy, you may find or graduate from any other Excelsior College that the Associate in Applied Science in nursing degree program, and reenroll in the AD in allows you to apply more transfer credit toward the nursing program are subject to the anatomy general education component. and physiology and microbiology time limits 1. Information Literacy: Students are expected and requirements even if they have previously to demonstrate competency in information completed the Excelsior College examinations literacy. This requirement provides a broad or taken courses that applied during a previous overview of information literacy concepts. enrollment. (See Information Literacy on page 6 for Note: Some state boards have specific require- more information.) ments regarding the above-listed areas of study The Excelsior College INL 102: Information (e.g., some require a laboratory component for Literacy online course meets this requirement. the science courses). Please be sure to check the licensure requirements in the state of your 2. Written English Requirement: Three credits choice when planning your degree program. are required in expository writing, which may be at the freshman level. (See the Written 6. Arts and Sciences Electives: An additional English Requirement section on page 5 for 6 credits are needed to satisfy general education specific details.) requirements in the arts and sciences. These 6 credits may be distributed among the The Excelsior College examination, humanities, social sciences/history, and natural ENGx111 English Composition, meets this sciences/mathematics areas described above. requirement. A comprehensive guided You are encouraged to consider your interests learning package is available for the English carefully and to select subjects that complement Composition examination. your professional or personal interests. For 3. Humanities Requirements: The humanities example, if you are interested in working requirements are designed to help you learn to with elderly clients, you could complete read critically, reason well, think logically and examinations or courses in gerontology and the critically, and express aesthetic appreciation. psychology of aging; or if you are interested in ethical issues, you might consider completing A minimum of 6 credits must be earned in study in ethics, values, and philosophy. If you subjects such as art (e.g., appreciation, history, have a strong interest in the arts, you could or studio), English, ethics, literature, music, study music, drama, or art. You are also philosophy, religion, theater, speech, and foreign languages.

14 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 15 Within the humanities distribution, students A combined human anatomy and physiology are required to take a minimum of 3 credits course must include all major body systems and in a humanities subject other than English must be at least 4 credits. Survey courses are composition or expository writing. One intro- not acceptable. ductory, applied, or professional writing course All students who enroll on or after beyond the written English requirement may October 1, 2012, must complete the anatomy apply to the humanities distribution. and physiology and the microbiology require-

The following Excelsior College® Examina- ments no more than five years prior to the date Associate Degree tions will fulfill the humanities requirement: of enrollment. The anatomy and physiology Programs MUSx101 Introduction to Music, HUMx310 Bioeth- and the microbiology requirements must be ics: Philosophical Issues, PHIx310 Ethics: Theory & completed before registering for any associ- Practice, and RELx310 Religions of the World. ate degree (AD) theory examinations with the exception of NURx214. Students who withdraw 4. Social Sciences/History Requirements: This from an AD program in nursing, or withdraw AS requirement is designed to provide you with a or graduate from any other Excelsior College better understanding of people and society and degree program, and reenroll in the AD in the processes that individuals use to order their nursing program are subject to the anatomy world. Studies of Western and other cultures and physiology and microbiology time limits

are encouraged. and requirements even if they have previously AAS Within the social sciences/history distribu- completed the Excelsior College examinations tion, students are required to complete the life or taken courses that applied during a previous span developmental psychology and sociology enrollment. requirements. Note: Some state boards have specific require- The following Excelsior College examination ments regarding the above-listed areas of study

meets the life span developmental psychology (e.g., some require a laboratory component for requirement: PSYx210 Life Span Developmental the science courses). Please be sure to check Psychology. the licensure requirements in the state of your The following Excelsior College examination choice when planning your degree program. meets the sociology requirement: SOCx310 6. Applied Professional/Arts and Science Foundations of Gerontology. Electives: The additional 6 credits may be 5. Natural Sciences/Mathematics Requirements: earned in any of the above arts and sciences The natural sciences/mathematics requirement areas or in other college-level subjects such as is designed to provide you with the scientific health, business, computer science, counseling, background essential to nursing practice and education, and/or nutrition. Credit from asso- an understanding of the natural world as well ciate-level nursing courses, physical education as teach you problem-solving skills. activity courses, and courses listed as remedial or developmental cannot be used to satisfy Within the natural sciences/mathematics general education degree requirements. distribution, students are required to complete 9 credits of natural sciences supportive of nursing that will include the human anatomy and physiology (minimum 4 credits), microbiology (minimum 3 credits), and college-level mathematics requirements.

14 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 15 Nursing Component for Both The CPNE® is a criterion-referenced performance assessment and is scored as a pass or fail. Associate Degrees in Nursing It is administered in the acute care environment The nursing component is (i.e., a hospital setting). It is an assessment of clini- designed to ensure that cal competencies focusing on your ability to 36 credits you possess competence in identify, plan for, and meet a variety of nursing theory and performance in care needs for adult and pediatric patients with nursing comparable to the competence of graduates common health problems. Critical thinking skills of campus-based associate degree nursing pro- and caring behaviors needed to provide and man- grams. The curriculum is designed to facilitate age care for patients are also assessed. The CPNE is

Programs achievement of the educational program outcomes graded as a Pass or Fail.

Associate Degree determined by the faculty. A description of each nursing theory examina- The two Excelsior College associate degree tion, the FCCA®, and the CPNE follows. programs have identical nursing component requirements. In order to satisfy the 36-credit nursing component requirement, students must pass eight nursing theory examinations, the Focused Clinical Competencies Assessment (FCCA®), and the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE®). The content of the eight nursing theory examinations corresponds to that which is typically included in the curricula of associate degree nursing programs at accredited community colleges. The examinations assess essential knowledge of medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing as integrated with knowledge related to growth and development, nutrition and phar- macology, ethical and legal issues, and the arts and sciences. The passing score for the Excelsior College nursing theory examinations is a scaled score, which is equivalent to a C grade. Three credits will be awarded for each successfully completed exam. The FCCA® is a computer-delivered, simulated clinical assessment with two components: Head to Toe Assessment and Nursing Process Managing Multiple Patients/Working in Interdisciplinary Health Care Teams You are eligible for the FCCA when you have successfully completed all of the nursing theory examinations and 21 of the required 31 credits of general education. This requirement is scored as a pass or fail and four credits are awarded upon successful completion of all components.

16 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 17 NUR x 214: Transition to the NUR x 105: Essentials of Registered Professional Nurse Role 3 credits Nursing Care: Health Differences 3 credits This examination tests concepts and principles This examination tests the student’s ability to apply related to the professional role development of the concepts and principles relevant to the nursing care Registered Nurse. Emphasis is placed on super- of patients across the life span with common health visory and delegation functions of RN practice differences related to nutrition, elimination, oxygen- as well as differentiating levels of RN practice. In ation, fluid and electrolyte balance, rest and activity. addition, the examination tests factors affecting the Associate Degree The examination requires the student to use the Programs health care system, knowledge and skills necessary nursing process as a framework for critical think- for functioning on interdisciplinary teams, legal, ing and clinical decision making. Evidenced-based ethical, and educational aspects of nursing as well nursing care and standards for nursing practice as as the influences of history, nursing organizations, well as ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns are

and regulatory bodies on nursing practice. addressed. In addition, students are required to AS apply principles, concepts, and theories from nursing science as well as the natural and social sciences, Requirements listed with an “x” in and the humanities to the practice of nursing.

the prefix indicate examinations; AAS requirements listed without an “x” in NUR x 106: Essentials of the prefix indicate courses. Nursing Care: Chronicity 3 credits This examination tests the student’s ability to apply concepts and principles relevant to the nursing care of patients across the life span in community set- NUR x 104: Essentials of tings who are experiencing chronic illness, disability, Nursing Care: Health Safety 3 credits or end of life, with primary health concerns includ- This examination tests the student’s ability to apply ing, comfort, pain, and sensory impairment. concepts and principles related to medication safety, The examination requires the student to use the physical safety, emotional safety, and environmental nursing process as a framework for critical think- safety. In addition, this examination tests appli- ing and clinical decision making. Evidenced-based cation of the nursing process to care for patients nursing care and standards for nursing practice as across the life span who are responding to common well as ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns are health needs related to health promotion, wellness, and self-responsibility. The examination requires the student to use the nursing process as a framework for critical think- School of Nursing Enrolled Students and ing and clinical decision making. Evidenced-based Nursing Content Exams Questions: nursing care and standards for nursing practice as 888- 647-2388, ext. 1314 well as ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns are addressed. Students are required to apply prin- Excelsior College Course and Exams ciples, concepts, and theories from nursing science Information and Registration: as well as the natural and social sciences, and the www.excelsior.edu/courses humanities to the practice of nursing. www.excelsior.edu/exams www.excelsior.edu/CourseSearch

Course/Exam Approval: www.excelsior.edu/MessageCenter

Learning Resources: www.excelsior.edu/practice www.excelsior.edu/bookstore www.excelsior.edu/library

16 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 17 addressed. Students are required to apply prin- NUR x 212: Health Differences ciples, concepts, and theories from nursing science Across the Life Span 2 3 credits as well as the natural and social sciences, and the humanities to the practice of nursing. This examination tests concepts and principles related to the application nursing process to care for patients across the life span who are experiencing NUR x 107: Essentials of health differences related to behavioral, regulatory, Nursing Care: Reproductive Health 3 credits and metabolic dysfunction. This examination tests concepts and principles The examination requires the student to use the related to the application of the nursing process to nursing process as a framework for critical think- care for patients across the life span with nursing

Programs ing and clinical decision making. Evidenced-based care needs related to human sexuality, congenital Associate Degree nursing care and standards for nursing practice as anomalies, genetic disorders, and reproductive dis- well as ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns are orders. In addition, this examination tests the addressed. Students are required to apply prin- student’s ability to care for the childbearing family. ciples, concepts, and theories from nursing science The examination requires the student to use the as well as the natural and social sciences, and the nursing process as a framework for critical think- humanities to the practice of nursing. ing and clinical decision making. Evidenced-based nursing care and standards for nursing practice as NUR x 213: Health Differences well as ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns are Across the Life Span 3 3 credits addressed. Students are required to apply principles, concepts, and theories from nursing science This examination tests concepts and principles as well as the natural and social sciences, and the related to the application of the nursing process to humanities to the practice of nursing. care for patients across the life span who are experiencing health differences related to musculoskeletal NUR x 211: Health Differences disorders, infectious and communicable diseases, tis- Across the Life Span 1 3 credits sue trauma, and neurological dysfunction. The examination requires the student to use the This examination tests concepts and principles nursing process as a framework for critical think- related to the application of the nursing process to ing and clinical decision making. Evidenced-based care for patients across the life span who are expe- nursing care and standards for nursing practice as riencing health differences related to cardiovascular well as ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns are and respiratory illness, or abnormal cell growth. addressed. Students are required to apply prin- The examination requires the student to use the ciples, concepts, and theories from nursing science nursing process as a framework for critical think- as well as the natural and social sciences, and the ing and clinical decision making. Evidenced-based humanities to the practice of nursing. nursing care and standards for nursing practice as well as ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns are addressed. Students are required to apply principles, concepts, and theories from nursing science as well as the natural and social sciences, and the humanities to the practice of nursing.

18 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 19 NUR x 274: Focused Clinical success. A videotape and workbook, workshops, Competencies Assessment® (FCCA®) 4 credits teleconferences, and online programs are also available to assist students in learning the necessary Prerequisites: Students are eligible to take the competencies. Enrolled students are sent the study FCCA® when they have successfully completed 21 guide when they meet the eligibility requirements. of the required 31 credits in general education and Student may contact a member of the nursing fac- all eight nursing theory examinations. ulty via telephone or the Message Center with any

This computer-delivered, simulated clinical assess- questions about the examination. It is essential to Associate Degree

ment provides a means for students to demonstrate use the study guide to prepare for the CPNE, focus- Programs competencies related to the following two essential ing on areas of care and critical elements to guide components of nursing practice: study and practice. Students who use a variety of learning resources and take a thorough and detailed Head-to-Toe Assessment and Nursing Process approach when preparing for the examination are

Managing Multiple Patients/Working in more likely to be successful. The pass rate for this AS Interdisciplinary Health Care Teams examination was 61 percent for the 2007–2011 time period. This examination may not be waived under NUR x 299: Clinical Performance any circumstances. in Nursing Examination (CPNE®) 8 credits Included in the CPNE Study Guide are instruc-

tions for submitting an examination application AAS Prerequisites: Students are eligible to schedule the electronically and information about the required CPNE® when they have successfully completed the documents to be submitted with the application, entire FCCA® requirement. In addition, a criminal including the criminal background check. The background check report is required with submis- study guide is designed to be a guide for use in pre- sion of the CPNE application. See the CPNE Study paring for the examination and is intended to serve Guide or our website for information about crimi- as a supplement to information in nursing text-

nal background checks. books, i.e., it is intended to guide study, but does not The CPNE tests application of the nursing process and technical components of nursing practice in the care of adults and children in the acute care setting. Patients in these settings are experiencing potential, Your Personalized MyExcelsior Account: actual, and/or recurring health problems requiring www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior maintenance and restorative interventions. Excelsior College Learning Resources: The CPNE is organized around three phases of www.excelsior.edu/library the nursing process: planning, implementation, and www.excelsior.edu/practice evaluation. The planning phase includes assessment www.excelsior.edu/bookstore and analysis of information necessary for iden- www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab tifying nursing diagnoses. Nursing interventions are based on accurate assessments of the patient’s The LEARN Team: response to health problems. Care of the patient is email [email protected] designed to maintain, restore, alleviate, or rehabili- or call toll free 888-647-2388 (ext. 1316) tate, and is then evaluated for effectiveness. Critical About Test Preparation and Tutorial Services: thinking, diagnostic reasoning, use of knowledge see page 8 or visit www.excelsior.edu/testprep from nursing and related disciplines, and standards of care are assessed in this examination. CPNE® Resources: The CPNE Study Guide provides information on www.excelsior.edu/cpne the process and content of this criterion-referenced FCCA® Resources: performance examination and on the criteria for www.excelsior.edu/fcca

Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab

18 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 19 replace in-depth information provided in nursing Excelsior College® Examinations textbooks. Additional learning resources are listed The theory examinations are the primary method in the CPNE Study Guide and the Student Support for documenting the required associate degree-level Services section of the General Information booklet. theoretical knowledge in the nursing component. The order of examinations depicted on the preced- ing pages is the suggested sequence. The faculty Meeting Requirements strongly recommends that all natural and social sci- All students enrolling on or after October 1, 2012, ence requirements be completed before taking any must complete anatomy and physiology and micro- nursing examinations. Students enrolling on or after biology within five years prior to enrollment if they October 1, 2012, are held to additional program

Programs are seeking transfer credit. In addition, all stu- requirements for anatomy and physiology and Associate Degree dents must successfully complete the anatomy and microbiology as described on page 14. physiology and microbiology requirements before The theory examinations are administered via registering for any AD in nursing theory examina- computer on an appointment basis at Pearson tions with the exception of NURx214. The faculty Testing Centers throughout the United States and strongly recommends that all natural and social sci- Canada as well as in other selected locations. ence requirements be completed before taking any Contact Excelsior College for examination con- nursing examinations. tent guides, applications, and information about Pearson Testing Center locations and examination Meeting Specific Requirements fees. Write or call: Test Administration Office, Excelsior College The following requirements must be completed 7 Columbia Circle with a grade of “C” or higher. Courses less than 2 Albany, NY 12203-5159 semester credits will not apply to meet these specific 518-464-8500 or call toll free: requirements. 888-72EXAMS (888-723-9267) College-level Microbiology Mathematics Psychology Policies Specific to Ethics Sociology the Associate Degrees Expository Writing Statistics Human Anatomy Written English in Nursing Human Physiology The Excelsior College Student Policy Handbook is your resource for understanding the academic and A combined human anatomy and physiology administrative policies that are important to your course must be at least 4 semester credits. academic success. It includes a wide range of information from important federal policies, including your right to privacy, to grading policies and policies The Theory Examinations and procedures concerning refunds, withdrawals, and other administrative issues. It is your responsi- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) bility to be familiar with these policies. If you wish to take CLEP tests to meet general edu- Policies and procedures that apply specifically to cation requirements, write or call: the associate degrees in nursing are listed on the CLEP Tests following pages. Please file your Handbook with College-Level Examination Program Services your other important academic papers and this PO Box 6600 program catalog for easy reference. Princeton, NJ 08541-6600 800-257-9558 www.clep.org/clep

20 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 21 Admission Military Personnel

The associate degree programs are open to licensed Admission to the associate degree in nursing pro- practical/vocational nurses, paramedics, selected gram is limited to military personnel who are on classifications of military service corpsmen, and active duty, reserves, or have a discharge date individuals who hold degrees in clinically oriented within one year of enrollment into the Excelsior health care fields in which they have the opportu- College School of Nursing. See the Undergraduate

nity to provide direct patient care (e.g., physicians, Application for Admission for a listing of the mili- Associate Degree

respiratory therapists, and physician assistants). tary occupations that meet the admission criteria. Programs The necessary documentation, such as copies of licenses, certificates, and official transcripts, must be submitted with the admissions application. Minimum Academic Average The Undergraduate Application for Admission identifies required supporting documentation for Grades of D are not acceptable in transfer. Grades AS admission by each category of applicant as well as of D and F earned in any Excelsior College course additional admission criteria. or general education examination will be listed on your status report and official transcript and will be

calculated in your GPA. Grades of D and F awarded

for Excelsior College nursing theory examinations AAS will be listed on your status report and official transcript and will be calculated into your GPA only for your fourth and final attempt. In order to graduate, you must have a cumulative average of C (2.0) or better. Although grades of D for Excelsior College courses will be accepted for credit in the general education component (except where otherwise specified), you must have the necessary grades to achieve a C average.

Note: Throughout this catalog the term “credits” is used to indicate semester hours. Quarter hours are converted to semester hours by multiplying quarter- hour values by two-thirds.

Time Limits

The associate degree in nursing program is designed to be completed at your own pace. Students enrolled in either the AS or AAS degree program are required to complete all degree requirements within a seven- year period of enrollment. This time limit on enrollment is cumulative if enrollment is not continuous. Those who do not complete the program within this time may be subject to dismissal.

20 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 21 General Education Component along with full name and student identification num- Except for the information literacy, anatomy and ber, well in advance of the registration deadline. It physiology, and microbiology requirements, there may take up to two weeks to receive a written reply. are no time limits on general education examina- If you do not have time to obtain approval in tions or courses submitted for transfer credit. Credits writing, please contact the College for tentative earned at regionally accredited degree-granting approval. When speaking with an academic advisor institutions or through approved examination have all the necessary information available, includ- programs and for which official transcripts are ing the name of the institution, the course title and available will be evaluated regardless of when they course number, the academic department under were completed. which the course is offered, and the catalog content description. The advisor can give tentative approval

Programs You should plan carefully, consulting with your by phone if the course appears to meet requirements, Associate Degree academic advisor about the examinations and courses to take to fulfill degree requirements. We but final approval will not be sent until the catalog recommend that you obtain prior approval from description has been verified. In choosing courses to your academic advisor before applying or register- meet the general education requirements, you should ing for an examination or course. Prior approval consider selections that will help to meet future edu- should be obtained by submitting a catalog descrip- cational or professional goals. tion or official course outline; include the full name of the institution offering the course. Information should be sent via mail, fax, or the message center, Nursing Theory Examinations Policies

Policy on Registration Limitations for Nursing Computer-Delivered Exams A student enrolled in the associate degree in nursing Your Personalized MyExcelsior Account: program may be registered for a total of four nurs- www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior ing theory examinations at any one time. A student Apply for Admission to the School of Nursing: may register for additional nursing theory examina- www.excelsior.edu/apply tions once an exam has been completed provided toll free: 888-647-2388, ext. 27 the total number of scheduled examinations and pending examinations does not exceed four. International Applicant Questions: [email protected] Policy on Repeating Nursing Student Policy Handbook: Computer-Delivered Exams www.excelsior.edu/StudentPolicyHandbook Students enrolled in the associate degree in nursing program taking the nursing theory exams may Excelsior College Course and Exams take the computer-delivered theory examinations Information and Registration: up to a total of four times. Failure of the exami- www.excelsior.edu/courses nation at the fourth administration will lead to www.excelsior.edu/exams academic dismissal from the nursing program. www.excelsior.edu/CourseSearch Prospective students who fail an examination at Course/Exam Approval: the fourth administration will be denied admission www.excelsior.edu/MessageCenter to Excelsior College nursing programs. The most recent nursing theory examination grade applies Excelsior College Learning Resources: toward the degree. www.excelsior.edu/library www.excelsior.edu/practice Students may repeat an examination 60 days www.excelsior.edu/bookstore after the first attempt and 120 days after the second www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab and subsequent attempts.

Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab

22 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 23 Focused Clinical Competency Assessment® accommodation that would be unduly costly, sub- ® stantially disruptive, or that would fundamentally (FCCA ) and Clinical Performance alter the nature of the program. Both matriculated Examination in Nursing (CPNE®) Policies and non-matriculated students may request reasonable accommodations from Excelsior College. Policy on Repeating the FCCA® and CPNE® Additionally, the College is required to abide by The FCCA® and CPNE® may be repeated twice the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation for a total of three opportunities. Failure of either Act of 1973 which protect otherwise qualified Associate Degree requirement at the third administration will lead to individuals from discrimination based on their dis- Programs academic dismissal from the nursing program. ability. In order to be otherwise qualified, a student with a disability must be capable, either with or Technical Standards for the CPNE without accommodation, of fulfilling the essential requirements of the educational program.

Technical standards are the required and essential AS abilities that an individual taking the CPNE® must Individuals requesting reasonable accommoda- effectively demonstrate as an Excelsior College tions are required to self-disclose to the disability associate degree nursing student. services coordinator and submit a request in writ-

ing or an accessible format appropriate for their Excelsior College is committed to the principle limitation, which generates a durable record. that every individual should have an equal oppor- AAS tunity to enroll in an Excelsior College degree The request must be accompanied by official program, to register for courses or examinations documentation of the disability from an appropri- in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills ate, licensed professional, which must address the under appropriate conditions, and to complete a current functional limitation(s), their prognosis, degree. The College seeks to assure access by pro- and recommendation(s) of appropriate accom- viding reasonable accommodations to individuals modation. Once eligibility has been established,

with physical, mental, or learning disabilities rec- accommodations are requested on a course-by- ognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act course (or exam-by-exam) basis. of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of The CPNE tests a student’s application of the 2008 (ADAAA). Reasonable accommodation is the nursing process and technical components for nurs- provision of aids, or modification to testing, ser- ing practice in the care of adults and children in the vices or a program of study, that allows access by acute care setting. Therefore, the nursing student individuals with disabilities. must be able to perform the following: The ADA defines a disability as “any mental or Assess, perceive, and understand the condition physical condition that substantially limits an indi- of assigned patients. vidual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities” as compared with the average person in See, hear, smell, touch, and detect subtle the general population. Major life activities include, changes in colors. but are not limited to, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, Communicate (both verbally and in writing) concentrating, caring for one’s self, working, learn- with English-speaking patients and/or family ing, and the operation of a major bodily function members/significant others as well as members such as those of the immune system, respiratory of the health care team, including nurses, physi- system, etc. cians, support staff and faculty. The ADA requires an institution of higher edu- Read and understand documents written cation to provide reasonable accommodations to a in English. qualified individual with a documented disability, provided that the accommodation does not create Perform diagnostic and therapeutic functions undue hardship. An undue hardship refers to any necessary for the provision of general care and emergency treatment to the hospital patient.

22 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 23 Stand, sit, move and maintain the physical Waiver of Excelsior College® Associate effort necessary to meet the demands of provid- Degree in Nursing Theory Exams ing safe clinical care.

Solve problems involving measurement, Under certain conditions, credits from previously calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. completed associate-level nursing courses may be submitted for the purpose of requesting a waiver of Perform nursing skills in the face of stressful an Excelsior College nursing theory examination. conditions and exposure to infectious agents Any requirement approved for waiver will be des- and blood-borne pathogens. ignated as a “pass” or “P” grade. Any such college coursework submitted for faculty review must Programs You can find information about disability ser-

Associate Degree vices, examples of accommodation, and the be from a regionally accredited degree-granting accommodation request process on our website at institution of higher education. http://www.excelsior.edu/disability-services. have been completed no more than five years Canceling a Nursing Performance Exam prior to the date of enrollment* in an Excelsior College nursing program. To cancel the CPNE do so with thought and consideration as a cancellation fee is charged. Notify the cover content equivalent to that of the examina- Regional Performance Assessment Center (RPAC) tion for which the waiver is sought. where you are scheduled to take the examination as soon as you are aware of the need to cancel a carry a grade of B or better. confirmed examination date. You are also required be submitted for faculty review before the the- to submit a written request for cancellation. ory examination in that content area is taken. Cancellation fees are charged according to the cancellation policy included with the confirmation Credit earned from most military service, foreign materials. Students who do not report to a sched- nursing schools, and occupational specialties may uled examination will forfeit the full examination fee. not be used to waive the nursing theory examina- Submission of another application form is required tions because their course content is not equivalent to reschedule a confirmed examination date. to that of Excelsior College® Examinations. If you have this type of background, you should discuss options with an academic advisor. Physical Education Courses Due to the comprehensive content of each Excelsior College nursing theory examination, College courses in physical education can be applied most students need a cluster of courses, including toward the associate in applied science in nursing study of the care of adults and children, to meet the degree if they have a classroom component with a criteria for waiver. You are encouraged to obtain theoretical base and are applicable to the degree. Excelsior College nursing theory examination con- Academic advisors may request course descriptions tent guides and to review the content outlines for to verify the theoretical content of a physical educa- comparison to courses already completed before tion course. submitting materials for waiver. This may help determine which examinations to take while waiting for the faculty to make a decision regarding a waiver request.

* If you transfer to a different degree program, the five-year time limit is based on the academic policy date for your new program.

24 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 25 Nursing courses from licensed practical voca- This is an important consideration when planning tional nursing programs and hospital diploma for program completion. Complete applications are programs both in the United States and abroad are processed in the order they are received. not eligible for transfer credit since they do not carry college-level credits. However, the learning acquired in such course work is an important and valued asset Regional Performance and may be converted into academic credit by pass- ® Assessment Centers

ing the Excelsior College Examinations in nursing. Associate Degree

See Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences Excelsior College has developed a national net- Programs for special considerations for waiver of that exami- work of Regional Performance Assessment Centers nation by LPN/LVN graduates. (RPACs). Each RPAC is responsible for scheduling and administering the Clinical Performance in Should your enrollment lapse and you need to Nursing Examination. For additional information

reenroll, you will lose any nursing credits earned AS about each RPAC, and a list of hospital test sites, more than five years prior to enrollment. If you visit the RPAC area on our website. have waived any of the nursing theory examinations or requirements during a previous enrollment,

you will not automatically receive waiver of those same examinations/requirements when reenroll- Learning Resources AAS ing. Upon re-enrollment, Excelsior College nursing faculty will review the courses again to determine for AS and AAS applicability toward current degree requirements. Nursing Students Any requirement approved for waiver will be designated as a “pass” or “P” grade. The primary resource for each requirement is the content outline/study guide. They are intended Note: You may not request a waiver of a specific to help guide learning and preparation for each examination if you have failed the Excelsior College requirement. Each content outline/study guide examination in that content area after completing identifies required textbooks to be used in learning ® ® the course. The FCCA and CPNE may not be the content of the particular requirement, as well as waived under any circumstances. supplemental resources. Other learning resources include online chats hosted by nursing faculty via MyExcelsior Community (formerly the Electronic Planning for Peer Network) and seminars to help guide you through the various requirements. Degree Completion In order to help you achieve your educational The nursing component of the associate degree in goals, the Excelsior College School of Nursing nursing curriculum is designed to be completed offers a variety of learning services to you as an in 18 months. The average time from enrollment enrolled student. to program completion for part-time study is four Access to academic advisors to assist with years. You are encouraged to enroll in the College program planning. to receive the necessary academic advisement necessary for degree completion. Access to members of the nursing faculty via When scheduling the Clinical Performance in phone and the message center to advise you on Nursing Examination, you should plan for a three- preparing for the nursing theory and perfor- to five-month waiting period from the date the mance examinations. Regional Performance Assessment Center (RPAC) Individual 30-minute teleconference with fac- administrative office receives your completed appli- ulty program directors for advisement related cation packet until the examination is administered. to theory and performance examination preparation.

24 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 25 Online chats and discussion groups to help Nursing Theory: Online Conferences you prepare for theory and performance examinations. These eight-week online conferences are designed Video resources and workbooks to help you pre- to prepare you for the nursing theory examinations. pare for the nursing performance examinations. The conference will improve your understanding of the nursing theory content. Through textbook Workshops in various regions of the United readings, learning activities, case studies, pre/post States for the Clinical Performance in Nursing tests, and discussion boards, the sessions will pro- Examination. vide you with an opportunity to learn each of the areas tested in the examination as well as connect Online nursing conferences to help you prepare

Programs you with other students and nursing faculty who for the theory examinations and the CPNE®. Associate Degree will answer any questions posed. Online practice exams for the theory examinations and several of the general education examinations. Nursing Theory Practice Examinations

If you have a question about a particular learning If you are working toward an associate degree in resource or want more information on the learning nursing, you may take advantage of the Excelsior services available, including dates, fees, and loca- College practice examinations. Practice exams are tions offered, contact our LEARN team directly or available for all of the associate degree in nursing visit our website. theory examinations as well as some of the general education requirements. These exams are comprised of “retired” exam questions from previous versions of the respec- tive exams. Students can take two forms of practice exams online at home within a 120- day period. Valuable feedback is provided as students learn how they performed on each question and why each answer was right or wrong. Your Personalized MyExcelsior Account: Although these exams are not predictive of antici- www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior pated student performance, the student can improve Excelsior College Learning Resources: their knowledge of the relevant subject material and www.excelsior.edu/library upgrade their skills. www.excelsior.edu/practice www.excelsior.edu/bookstore www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab Clinical Performance in Nursing The LEARN Team: Examination (CPNE®) Workshop email [email protected] or call toll free 888-647-2388 (ext. 1316) This three-day interactive workshop is designed to enable you to understand the structure and About Test Preparation and Tutorial Services: process of the Clinical Performance in Nursing see page 8 or visit www.excelsior.edu/testprep Examination (CPNE®) and validate your readiness CPNE® Resources: to successfully complete the CPNE. Your ability www.excelsior.edu/cpne to perform the areas of care will be critiqued, and feedback will be provided related to a mock simu- FCCA® Resources: lation lab and patient care situation. Our team of www.excelsior.edu/fcca nursing faculty mentors offer these workshops in a variety of locations across the United States. Excelsior College Community Resources: Workshops are open to those individuals who are www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab CPNE-eligible.

26 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 27 A skills portion of the workshop is designed to Documentation provide you with the opportunity for “hands on” This online conference is designed to be completed practice of specific clinical skills. Clinical man- in two weeks. The one-on-one guided learning agement/assessment skills include: abdominal interaction will enhance your ability to accurately assessment, neurological assessment, skin manage- document patient information in a manner consis- ment, medications (NG, IM, SubQ, IV, IV push), tent with the required critical elements of the CPNE. wound management (wet to moist), peripheral In addition, you will self-assess the completed doc-

vascular assessment, patient teaching, respiratory umentation to validate your understanding of the Associate Degree

management, vital signs, mobility, and musculo- CPNE requirements. This online conference can be Programs skeletal management. Working collaboratively with accessed at any time during the two-week session our nursing faculty and your fellow students, you (24 hours per day, for two weeks). will have the opportunity validate your knowledge and skill performance so as to develop a plan of Skills

action for successful completion of the CPNE. AS This online conference is developed to be completed in four weeks. This online conference has CPNE® Online Conferences been developed to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as they relate to specific CPNE

skills. The clinical management/assessment skills Beginning CPNE® Preparation included are: asepsis, vital signs, abdominal assess- AAS Beginning CPNE® Preparation is an online confer- ment, neurological assessment, peripheral vascular ence designed to provide the learner with one-on-one assessment, respiratory assessment/management, interaction, to introduce the learner to the CPNE medication administration (IM, SubQ, IV, IV preparation. It will review the structure and process push, and others), oxygen management, wound of an actual CPNE weekend, the criterion by which management/skin assessment, and musculoskeletal the learner will be evaluated, and how critical think- management. Our nursing faculty is available to ing and empowerment strategies are used during answer questions and provide the support needed to the examination. In addition, the design, func- be successful with the skills included in this online tion and use of the required Handbook of Nursing conference. In addition, the online conference pro- Diagnosis will be reviewed. This online conference vides an overview of the structure and process of can be accessed at any time during the two-week the CPNE. This online conference can be accessed session (24 hours per day, for two weeks). anytime during the four-week session (24 hours per day, for four weeks). Nursing Care Planning This online conference is designed to be com- Additional CPNE® Learning Resources pleted during a three-week period. The one-on-one guided learning interaction will enhance your skill in applying the nursing process to manage patient CPNE® Preparation Video and problems. It is designed to provide you with the Interactive Workbook skills necessary to maximize your nursing care plan This 90-minute CPNE® orientation video is designed preparation. The guided learning interaction will as a visual supplement to the Clinical Performance in enhance your understanding of the application of Nursing Examination Study Guide. The video pres- the nursing process through self assessment and ents selected aspects of the orientation, laboratory problem-solving patient care situations. Successful simulation, and adult and child patient care situa- completion of the CPNE requires you to develop tions. The video is accompanied by an interactive and implement a nursing care plan that is congru- workbook, which offers study strategies, critical- ent with standards of nursing practice and medical thinking exercises, and suggestions on preparing for regimens. This online conference can be accessed the CPNE. In addition, it also provides written exer- at any time during the three-week session (24 hours cises using diagnosis and critical thinking. per day, for three weeks).

26 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Associate Degree Programs in Nursing 27 CPNE® Skills Kit and Guided Learning Booklet CPNE® Flash Cards or Audio CD Flash Cards The basic skill bag includes dressing, intrave- These flash cards or audio CD flash cards present nous, and medication supplies that will allow the each area of care with the required critical ele- student to simulate many aspects of patient care. ments in a compact, easy-to-read or easy-to-listen The enhanced skill bag includes a double teaching format. In addition, the flash cards/CD contain stethoscope and/or a wound like those used during helpful study strategies and sample documentation the CPNE®. Either bag includes the guided learn- related to that area of care. These 5 × 8-inch cards ing booklet, Nursing Clinical Skills: A Thinking are compact enough to be used for practice in the

Programs Approach. This has multiple learning strategies, clinical area, but large enough for the addition of Associate Degree two case studies, and several critical thinking exer- notes. Cards are hole punched and come with a ring cises that will assist the student in preparation for for easy assembly. The CD is designed to provide the CPNE. easy navigation (forward and reverse) from critical element to critical element.

www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior

28 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Beliefs About the Practice of Bachelor’s Degree Nursing BS

The faculty believes that bachelor’s degree nursing practice requires an intellectual focus, the application of nursing theory, an extensive knowledge

base, and the use of a scientific mode of inquiry. Nurses prepared at the bachelor’s level use a distinct body of knowledge as well as intellectual and Degree Program Bachelor’s practice skills to provide culturally appropriate care to clients across the life span and at various points on the health-illness continuum. They are

educated to deliver patient-centered care as a member of an interprofessional team emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches, and prevention. Nursing practice is built on nursing knowledge, theory, and research, and the nurse applies and adapts knowledge from other fields and professions as appropriate.

The program framework is based on the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008) which identifies curricula elements and expected outcomes and provides the educational framework for the preparation of professional nurses. Achievement of these outcomes enables graduates to practice in an ever-changing and complex health care environment. The document emphasizes content and concepts such as patient-centered care, clinical reasoning/critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and genetics. It also provides a solid base in liberal education so students can apply learning to complex problems and challenges.

28 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 29 ®2011 Excelsior College Purpose of the Bachelor of Science Program Outcomes in Nursing Degree Program 1. Uses a holistic approach to design care with The purpose of the nursing program is to build clients experiencing variable and complex upon prior knowledge with new learning. Using health care needs. both a teaching and outcomes assessment model, 2. Integrates multiple communication strategies to the program provides a flexible means for registered establish relationships with clients and health nurses to obtain their bachelor’s degree. The pro- care team members for the provision of safe, gram offers access to education for students of all quality care. backgrounds, including diverse and underserved populations. The curriculum serves as a foundation 3. Evaluates data to inform decision making in for graduate study and the pursuit of lifelong learn- response to complex situations. ing, which is essential for practice in the profession. 4. Applies evidence from varied sources to impact quality client outcomes. 5. Applies leadership concepts and principles to deliver accessible, cost-effective, safe, quality care in a variety of settings for diverse populations.

Bachelor’s Bachelor’s 6. Articulates responsibilities and contributions Degree Program of professional nursing to health care.

client(s): individual, family, aggregate, and community.

30 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 31 CHART 2

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree for Registered Nurses Total Degree Credits Required: 121 BS General Education Credit Hours Credit Component Nursing Component Hours

➀ ➁ 3 English Composition 30 semester hours of nursing credit Expository Writing ➀ ➁ 3 granted for prior learning validated by 30 nursing education and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN®. Total Written English Requirement 6

NUR 436: Professional Transitions 3 Information Literacy ➁ 1

NUR 442: Health Assessment and 4 Humanities 9 Promotion in Nursing Practice Ethics ➁ 3

NURx 430: Research in Nursing (exam) Total Humanities 12 OR 3 NUR 430: Research in Nursing (course)

Social Sciences/History 9 NUR 446: Teaching and Learning 3 Psychology Requirement 3 in a Diverse Society Sociology Requirement 3 NUR 422: Nursing Leadership and 4 Management Total Social Sciences 15

NURx448: Community-Focused 4 Natural Sciences/Mathematics 3 Nursing Examination Human Anatomy and Physiology ➂ 4

Microbiology 3 NUR 438: Nursing Informatics 2 Sciences Supportive of Nursing 2 Statistics ➃ 3 Nursing Elective Credits (upper level) 3

Total Natural Sciences 15

NUR 462: Nursing Capstone ➄ 4 Arts & Sciences Electives 12

Total Nursing 60 Total General Education 61

➀ Three credits must be ➁ Written English requirement, ➂ The Human Anatomy and ➃ Statistics is a prerequisite ⑤ Students must complete all at the intermediate or information literacy, and Physiology requirement can for the Research in Nursing other nursing component advanced level. ethics (upper level) must be also be met by: Anatomy (2 course and examination requirements and be within completed prior to beginning credits) and Physiology (2 requirements. 6 credits of completing gen- the nursing component. credits). eral education requirement.

30 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 31 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Requirements The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree requires a total of 121 credits including 61 in general education and 60 in nursing.

You are subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of your enrollment or program/degree transfer (program transfer refers to change from one school to another; degree transfer refers to changing degrees within the same school). The faculty reserves the right to make changes in curricular requirements as necessary to reflect current professional practice. Changes may affect both enrolled and prospective students. It is your responsibility to keep informed of such changes. We make every effort to inform you of changes as they occur. Current information about degree requirements is posted on our website. Information about changes to degree requirements is also made available on our website. Bachelor’s Bachelor’s Degree Program

Your Personalized MyExcelsior Account: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior General Education Component Because it contributes both Apply for Admission to the School of Nursing: knowledge and an intellec- www.excelsior.edu/apply 61 credits tual approach to problem toll free: 888-647-2388, ext. 27 solving, the general educa- International Applicant Questions: tion component is an essential part of preparation [email protected] for professional nursing practice. The general education requirements ensure that the student will Student Policy Handbook: develop college-level competence in the arts and www.excelsior.edu/StudentPolicyHandbook sciences areas of the humanities, social sciences/ College Publications, Applications, and Forms: history, and natural sciences/math. www.excelsior.edu/publications General education credits may be earned through Excelsior College Community Resources: Excelsior College courses and examinations, or www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsiorCommunity transferred from accredited, degree-granting institutions or approved examination programs Excelsior College Course and Exams for which official transcripts are provided. Refer Information and Registration: to the Academic Options section of the general www.excelsior.edu/courses information booklet, Start to Finish, for additional www.excelsior.edu/exams information. www.excelsior.edu/CourseSearch It is recommended that enrolled students seek Course/Exam Approval: formal course approval from their advisor prior to www.excelsior.edu/MessageCenter registering for courses or examinations. Enrolled students can log on to their customized MyExcelsior Excelsior College Learning Resources: page which provides options for meeting remaining www.excelsior.edu/library requirements. Excelsior College academic advisors www.excelsior.edu/bookstore www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab

32 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 33 work with enrolled students to create study plans 2. Written English Requirement: Six credits are that best suit their learning styles, time frames, and required in expository writing, of which three budgets. credits are required at the intermediate or If you plan to enter a master’s degree program, upper level. consider taking courses that support your area of See page 5 for details about the written interest. Also, take one or two general education English requirement for students enrolled in courses at the upper-division level. You should con- Excelsior College bachelor’s degree programs. tact the graduate school that you wish to attend to request information about policies and require- How to satisfy expository writing at ments. the intermediate or advanced level: Please request course approvals well in advance Course suggestion: BS BS of registration deadlines to avoid delays. To obtain ENG 201 Writing for the Professions course approval, contact an academic advisor via 3. Humanities Requirements: The humanities the Message Center or by phone and provide the requirements are designed to help you learn to name of the institution, the course title and catalog read critically, reason well, think logically and number, the academic department under which the critically, and express aesthetic appreciation.

course is offered, and the catalog content descrip- You are encouraged to study at least two disci- Degree Program tion. In some circumstances a course syllabus/ plines in this area. Bachelor’s outline may be requested. When requesting course approval include your full name and student identi- A minimum of 9 credits must be earned in

fication number. subjects such as art (appreciation, history, or studio), literature, music, philosophy, religion, General education courses taken within a theater, speech, and foreign languages. nursing department or listed as “for nurses” are subject to classification review. Such courses often A minimum of 3 credits must be earned in appear on transcripts as “Anatomy and Physiology a course in ethics at the upper level. The ethics for Nurses,” “Nursing Chemistry,” or “NURS: requirement must be a general course in ethics Pathophysiology.” that covers foundational theories, concepts, and selected issues related to ethical choices. Courses in business, management, or religious studies cannot be applied to this requirement. Requirements listed with an “x” in How to satisfy the upper-level the prefix indicate examinations; ethics requirements: requirements listed without an “x” in Course and examination suggestions: the prefix indicate courses. PHL 312 Ethics in Health Care OR PHLx310 Ethics: Theory & Practice OR HUMx310 Philosophical Issues in Bioethics

The Requirements 4. Social Sciences/History Requirements: The social sciences/history distribution is designed 1. Information Literacy: Students are expected to provide you with a better understanding to demonstrate competency in information of people and society and the processes that literacy. Please see Information Literacy on individuals use to order their world. You are page 6 for more information. encouraged to consider a course on the family or family dynamics to meet this requirement. The Excelsior College INL 102: Information An understanding of economics and violence is Literacy online course meets this requirement. extremely useful in current health care environments. Studies in Western and other cultures Register at www.excelsior.edu/courses. are encouraged.

32 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 33 At least 15 credits must be earned in sub- supportive of nursing that may be either in jects such as history, geography, gerontology, biology, chemistry, genetics, pathophysiology, economics, anthropology, political science, orga- or physics. Survey courses are not acceptable. nizational behavior, sociology, and psychology. Students are also required to complete Within the social sciences/history distribu- a course in statistics. The statistics course tion students are required to complete one must include both descriptive and inferential course/exam in psychology and one course/ statistical measures. The statistics requirement exam in sociology. The following Excelsior is a prerequisite for the Research in Nursing College® Examinations meet the psychology course and examination. and sociology requirements: How to satisfy the statistics requirement: PSYx210 Life Span Developmental Psychology Descriptive and Inferential SOCx310 Foundations of Gerontology Course and examination suggestions: 5. Natural Science/Mathematics Requirements: MAT 215 Statistics for Health Care The natural sciences/mathematics distribu- Professionals OR MAT 201 Statistics tion is designed to help you develop a scientific mode of reasoning and an understanding of theory development and evaluation. Note: Throughout this catalog the term At least 15 credits must be earned in such “credits” is used to indicate semester subjects as biology, mathematics, statistics, hours. Quarter hours are converted to Bachelor’s Bachelor’s chemistry, genetics, pathophysiology, and semester hours by multiplying quarter- Degree Program physics. hour values by two-thirds. Within the natural sciences/mathematics distribution, students are required to complete 8 credits of natural sciences supportive of 6. Arts and Sciences Electives: The remaining nursing that will include human anatomy and 12 arts and sciences credits may be distributed physiology and microbiology. Students who among the humanities, social sciences/history, do not have a total of 8 credits in anatomy and natural sciences/mathematics. Students are and physiology and/or microbiology will need encouraged to study in a specific area or dis- an additional 2 credits of natural sciences cipline that may be a personal or professional interest.

Meeting Specific Requirements

The following requirements must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Courses less than 2 semester credits will not apply to meet these specific requirements.

College-level Microbiology Mathematics Psychology Ethics Sociology Expository Writing Statistics Human Anatomy Written English Human Physiology

A combined human anatomy and physiology course must be at least 4 semester credits.

34 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 35 Nursing Component NUR 422 Nursing Leadership and Management 4 credits

The nursing component Prerequisites: Writing requirements, information focuses on knowledge and literacy, and ethics 60 credits professional competencies expected of graduates of The course measures the ability to apply specific bachelor’s programs. Em- leadership and management concepts and com- phasis is placed on integration of nursing and related munication and evidence-based strategies within arts and sciences knowledge in a variety of complex health care organizations. Concepts covered include situations related to nursing care of individuals, fami- organizational and systems leadership, team col- lies, aggregates, and communities. All written English, laboration, quality improvement, and safety and information literacy, and ethics requirements must be

fiscal management. Emphasis is on the role of the BS completed prior to beginning the nursing component. registered nurse as a leader and manager in health care settings. NURx448 Delivery: Online course delivered over 15 weeks Community-Focused Nursing 4 credits Prerequisites: Written English, information literacy,

NURx430 Research in Nursing Degree Program

and ethics requirements examination 3 credits Bachelor’s

The Community-Focused Nursing examination Prerequisites: Statistics, written English,

prepares the registered nurse for transition to bache- information literacy, and ethics requirements lor’s-level practice. The concept of client is expanded to include families, aggregates, and communities The examination measures knowledge and skill within the context of a complex and dynamic envi- acquisition related to the research process. Evi- ronment. Principles of epidemiology, demography, dence-based practice, critical thinking, critical environmental sciences, and political organizations reading, and the nurse’s role in the application are integrated with nursing concepts and principles of research to practice are emphasized. The to provide a basis for community nursing practice. or content covered in the examination consists of Analysis and application of selected theories and the foundations of research, the research pro- health promotion/protection and disease prevention cess, quantitative and qualitative research, and strategies are explored. The examination focuses on evaluation of a research study. Knowledge and the synthesis of population-based health and public understanding of statistics is required. health concepts to promote, maintain, and restore Delivery: Computer-based multiple-choice and health of families, aggregates, and communities. extended response theory examination Knowledge from practice and readings is used to operationalize the core concepts of critical thinking, NUR 430: Research in Nursing communication, research, role development, caring, course 3 credits and cultural competency. Delivery: Computer-based, multiple-choice theory Prerequisites: Statistics, written English, examination information literacy, and ethics requirements This course focuses on knowledge and skill acquisition related to research process. Evi- dence-based practice, critical thinking, critical reading, and the baccalaureate nurse’s role in the Requirements listed with an “x” in application of research to practice are empha- the prefix indicate examinations; sized. Course content examines the foundations requirements listed without an “x” in of research, the research process, quantitative the prefix indicate courses. and qualitative research designs, as well as evaluation of a quantitative research study Delivery: Online course delivered over 15 weeks

34 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 35 NUR 436: Professional Transitions 3 credits NUR 438: Nursing Informatics 2 credits

Prerequisites: Written English, information literacy, Prerequisites: Written English, information literacy, and ethics requirements and ethics requirements This course explores the evolution of contemporary This course provides knowledge about the roles and nursing in the context of history, theory, knowl- skills in information management and the appli- edge, and reasoning while enhancing one’s role as cation of technology to inform nursing practice. a member of the profession. Emphasis is placed on Emphasis is placed on technological supports for the roles of the bachelor’s prepared professional patient care interventions and the use of decision- nurse, the processes guiding nursing practice, life- support systems to gather evidence to guide practice. long learning, and nursing in the changing health The use and understanding of standardized ter- care environment and world. minologies and the role of information technology in improving patient outcomes and creating a safe Delivery: Online course delivered over 8 weeks environment will be included.

NUR 442: Health Assessment and Delivery: Online course delivered over 8 weeks Promotion in Nursing Practice 4 credits Nursing Electives 3 credits Prerequisites: Written English, information literacy, and ethics requirements Prerequisites: Written English, information literacy, and ethics requirements Bachelor’s Bachelor’s This course focuses on a holistic approach to health Degree Program assessment and health promotion across the life In addition to the nursing requirements, 3 credits span. The development of clinical judgment and the of nursing elective credit at the bachelor’s level are application of communication and assessment skills necessary to meet the 60 credits of the nursing com- in the professional nursing role are achieved through ponent. Consultation with your academic advisor is the integration of advanced knowledge, concepts, required before taking a course or examination for theories, and practice. nursing elective credit in order to be sure that you are choosing an option that is applicable toward Delivery: Online course delivered over 15 weeks your degree. A list of professional nursing certifications that may be used to fulfill the nursing elective NUR 446: Teaching and Learning requirement is on page 37. in a Diverse Society 3 credits

Prerequisites: Written English, information literacy, NUR 462: Nursing Capstone 4 credits and ethics requirements Prerequisites: All other nursing component require- This course focuses on the role of the nurse as educa- ments must be completed prior to the capstone; tor and the ability to teach a group of adult clients must be within 6 credits of completing the general with a shared learning need. Theory and research- education component. Current RN licensure will be based evidence from nursing and other disciplines validated prior to enrollment in this course. are integrated with concepts of caring and cultural This capstone course focuses on integration and competence, health promotion, behavioral change, synthesis of knowledge, skills, and competencies and principles of teaching and learning. Application from nursing, other disciplines, and the arts and of the education process is emphasized. In partner- sciences. Application of specific concepts and theo- ship with clients, the student develops, implements, ries, such as communication, critical thinking and and evaluates a teaching plan designed to produce a leadership, enables students to transform theory to desired change in behavior practice within health care systems. Delivery: Online course delivered over 8 weeks Delivery: Online course delivered over 15 weeks

36 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 37 Certifications Approved for Elective Credit National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses Nursing elective credits can be granted to students Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) who hold the following professional nursing certi- 3 credits fications (check our website for current listing of Pediatric Nursing Certification Board certifications approved for elective credit): Certification in Pediatric Nursing (CPN) AACN Certification Corporation (CCRN) 3 credits Certification for Adult Critical Care Nurses Wound, Ostomy, and Continence 4 credits Nurse Certification Board Certification for Neonatal Critical Care Nurse Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)

4 credits 3 credits BS Certification for Pediatric Critical Care Nurses Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) 4 credits 3 credits Two additional nursing elective credits will be Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN)

awarded to students for each additional CCRN 3 credits

certification (adult, pediatric, neonatal). That Degree Program is, the student will be awarded four credits for Bachelor’s the first certification and two credits for each Policies Specific to the

subsequent certification. Certification for Progressive Care Nurses Bachelor of Science (PCCN) 3 credits Degree in Nursing American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing The Excelsior College Student Policy Handbook is Certification Inc. (ABPANC) your resource for understanding the academic and Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) administrative policies that are important to your 4 credits academic success. It includes a wide range of infor- Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse mation from important federal policies, including (CAPA) 4 credits your right to privacy, to grading policies and policies and procedures concerning refunds, withdrawals, nursing elective credits will be awarded to Five and other administrative issues. It is your responsi- students holding both CPAN and CAPA. bility to be familiar with these policies. American Nurses Credentialing Center Policies and procedures that apply specifically to Certified Gerontological (ADN) Nurse the bachelor’s degree in nursing are listed on the fol- 3 credits lowing pages. File your Handbook with your other Psychiatric and Mental Health Generalist important academic papers and this program cata- 3 credits log for easy reference. Board of Certification for Emergency Nurses Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) 3 credits Competency and Credentialing Institute Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) Program Planning with Academic Advisors: 3 credits enrolled students–www.excelsior.edu/MessageCenter

Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board Excelsior Online Course Questions: Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse enrolled students–email: nursing [email protected] (CMSN) 4 credits About Test Preparation and Tutorial Services: see page 8 or visit www.excelsior.edu/testprep

36 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 37 Admission 2. Successful completion of Excelsior College’s ENGx111: English Composition examination or UExcel’s ENGx110: College Writing examination. Registered Nurses 3. Submission of evidence of the successful com- Excelsior College offers a bachelor’s in nursing pletion of at least nine credit hours of academic degree program for registered nurses. The program work in courses delivered in English at an insti- is designed for registered nurses who have success- tution of higher education in the United States. fully completed the NCLEX-RN®, have had their learning validated by prior education, and have a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. Requirements listed with an “x” in the prefix indicate examinations; International Student Admission Requirements requirements listed without an “x” in For the bachelor’s program, in addition to official the prefix indicate courses. transcripts, nursing candidates must demonstrate that they have an equivalent U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. To be eligible for admission, the applicant must be a graduate from an approved school of nursing in their country of education and Time Limit hold a current, unencumbered nursing license (if Bachelor’s Bachelor’s licensed in multiple jurisdictions and/or countries, The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program Degree Program all licenses must be unencumbered). All nursing is designed to be completed at your own pace, but school transcripts and all licenses will be validated must be completed within a seven-year period of by primary source verification. International candi- enrollment. This time limit on enrollment is cumu- dates must apply to the Commission on Graduate lative if enrollment is not continuous. Those who of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) New York do not complete the program within this time frame Credential Verification Service (NYCVS) and the may be subject to dismissal. New York State Education Department (NYSED) to have their foreign nursing education evaluated and approved by the aforementioned organizations. General Education Component

Detailed application information and instruc- Except for the information literacy requirement, tions can be found in the application for admission. there is no time limit on general education exami- Submit email questions concerning international nations or courses submitted for transfer credit. student admission requirements to international@ Credits earned at accredited degree-granting institu- excelsior.edu. tions or through approved examination programs, and for which official transcripts are available, will English Language Proficiency Requirement be considered for transfer regardless of when they International candidates from non-English speak- were completed. ing countries must show evidence of sufficient English language proficiency through one of the following options: Nursing Component 1. Submission of TOEFL (Test of English as a Credit being submitted from bachelor’s-level nurs- Foreign Language) or IELTS (International ing examinations and courses, for the purpose of English Language Testing System) taken within meeting the requirements of the nursing degree, the last two years. must have been earned within five (5) years from the date of enrollment in the program. Should your enrollment lapse and you need to reenroll, you will lose any nursing credits earned more than five

38 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 39 years prior to enrollment. If you have waived any Students may take each nursing course a maxi- of the nursing theory examinations or requirements mum of three times. Failure on the third attempt during a previous enrollment, you will not automat- will lead to dismissal from the nursing program. ically receive waiver of those same examinations/ requirements when reenrolling. Upon re-enrollment, Excelsior College nursing faculty will review Waiver of Excelsior College® Nursing the courses again to determine applicability toward Bachelor’s Theory Examinations current degree requirements. Any requirement approved for waiver will be designated as a “pass” Under certain conditions, credits from previously or “P” grade. completed bachelor’s-level nursing courses may be submitted for the purpose of transfer or to request

a waiver of an Excelsior College nursing theory BS Mathematics Policy examination or course. Any requirement approved for waiver will be designated as a “pass” or “P” No more than three courses in the semester-hour grade. Nursing courses from hospital diploma pro- system (four courses in the quarter-hour system) of grams both in the United States and abroad are not college-level mathematics below the level of calculus eligible for transfer credit. Bachelor’s course work can be applied toward degree requirements. Credit credit submitted for faculty review as a request for Degree Program Bachelor’s from courses listed as developmental or remedial waiver must: cannot be applied toward degree requirements.

be from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education. Minimum Academic Average have been completed no more than five years Grades of D are not acceptable in transfer. Grades from the date of enrollment in the Excelsior of D and F awarded in any Excelsior College course College bachelor’s nursing program. or examination are included on the official tran- cover content equivalent to that of the examina- script and the My Academic Plan. These grades will tion/course for which the waiver is sought. be calculated in the GPA. A cumulative average of C (2.0) or better is required to graduate. Although carry a grade of C or better. grades of D are acceptable in the general education be submitted for faculty review before the component (except where otherwise specified), stu- theory examination/course in that content dents must have the necessary grades to achieve a area is taken. C average. Should your enrollment lapse and you need to reenroll, you will lose any nursing credits earned Policy on Repeating Nursing Computer- more than five years prior to enrollment. If you Delivered Examinations and Nursing Courses have waived any of the nursing theory examinations or requirements during a previous enrollment, Students may take each nursing theory examination you will not automatically receive waiver of those a maximum of four times and no more than three same examinations/requirements when reenroll- times in one year. Failure on the examination at the ing. Upon re-enrollment, Excelsior College nursing fourth administration will lead to academic dismissal faculty will review the courses again to determine from the nursing program. Prospective students who applicability toward current degree requirements. fail an examination at the fourth administration will Any requirement approved for waiver will be desig- be denied admission to Excelsior College nursing nated as a “pass” or “P” grade. programs. Students may repeat an examination 60 days after the first failure and 120 days after the second and subsequent failures.

38 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing 39 Note: You may not request a waiver of a specific These examinations are available on an appoint- examination if you have failed the Excelsior College ment basis at Pearson VUE Testing Centers examination in that content area after completing throughout the United States and Canada as well the course. The FCCA® and CPNE® may not be as in other selected locations. Examination con- waived under any circumstances. tent guides, applications and information about Pearson Testing Center locations and examination fees are available on our website. ® Excelsior College You may also contact our Test Administration Examinations Office with questions at: Test Administration Office Two examinations in the bachelor’s program are 7 Columbia Circle administered via computer. Albany, NY 12203-5159 518-464-8500 or call toll free: Community-Focused Nursing 888-72EXAMS (888-723-9267) Research in Nursing Learning Resources for

Your Personalized MyExcelsior Account: Bachelor’s Degree in www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior Nursing Students Admissions: toll free 888-647-2388, ext. 27 The primary resource for each bachelor’s examina- College Publications, Applications, and Forms: tion requirement is the content guide and required www.excelsior.edu/publications resources, including textbooks and journal articles. Each content guide identifies required textbooks Student Policy Handbook: to be used for learning the content of the particu- www.excelsior.edu/StudentPolicyHandbook lar requirement as well as supplemental resources. Fee Schedules, Financial Aid, and Scholarships: Other learning and examination resources can be www.excelsior.edu/fees found in the Excelsior College Library and in FAQs www.excelsior.edu/FinancialAid on our website. www.excelsior.edu/scholarships To help you achieve your educational goals, the Excelsior College Learning Resources: School of Nursing offers a variety of guided learn- www.excelsior.edu/library ing opportunities to you as an enrolled student. www.excelsior.edu/bookstore As an enrolled student, you will have access to: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab academic advisors to assist you with program Student Online Success Guide: planning, www.excelsior.edu/SuccessGuide administrative staff for questions related to Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL): online courses, and www.excelsior.edu/OWL

Free Writing Resources: members of the nursing faculty to answer Online Software Skills Training through Atomic Learning questions about courses and examinations. (EC course and exam registrants only), Online Tutoring Services through SMARTHINKINGtm (EC course and exam registrants only) www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab

Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab

40 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Graduate Programs in Nursing

Beliefs About Master’s Degree Nursing Practice

The faculty believes that master’s-prepared nurses in the specialties of clinical systems management, nursing education, and nursing informatics use knowledge from nursing and other professions to influence health policy, research, and professional practice in a variety of academic and service settings. They become leaders in creating collaborative environments that advance and promote professional practice and in implementing safe, quality care in a variety of settings and roles that influences health care outcomes for individuals, populations, or systems. MS

The program framework is based on the curricular elements and expected outcomes identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing

in its Essentials of Masters Education in Nursing document (AACN, 2011).

The program builds upon and extends students’ existing knowledge and Graduate Programs Certificates Certificates in Nursing competencies gained from professional experiences and prior course in Nursing work. It emphasizes, as stated in the AACN Essentials document, that the master’s-prepared nurse will “lead change for quality care outcomes; advance a culture of excellence through lifelong learning; build and lead interprofessional care teams; navigate and integrate care services across the health care system; design innovative nursing practices; and translate evidence into practice” (p. 31). A foundation of core courses prepares students with a theoretical base and process prior to study in their selected specialty area. Content and concepts such as leadership and organizational skills, quality improvement, patient safety, health policy, global perspectives, communication, advocacy, interprofessional practice, and innovative technologies expand students’ knowledge base and enrich their skills.

Graduate Programs in Nursing 41 7. Uses effective communication strategies Purpose of the Graduate with multiple stakeholders to achieve desired Program in Nursing outcomes. 8. Integrates principles and concepts of leadership The purpose of the master’s in nursing program is in professional practice environments. to prepare registered nurses for successful careers in a variety of academic and service settings as clinical systems managers, nurse educators, and nurse informaticists. The program educates students for Master of Science advanced practice roles by creating an academic environment that fosters scholarship, critical think- in Nursing ing, and creativity. Using an instructional model through online courses and assessments and a rigor- with a Specialization in ous, challenging curriculum, the program provides a flexible means for registered nurses, including Clinical Systems Management those from diverse and underserved populations, The Master of Science in nursing with a special- to obtain a master’s degree. The program empha- ization in Clinical Systems Management consists sizes pursuit of lifelong learning and professional of 37 required credits. The curriculum is orga- development and serves as a strong foundation for nized into three components: the graduate nursing doctoral study. core courses, the health care informatics courses, the clinical systems management courses, and the Educational Outcomes Capstone Experience. Students are introduced to the master’s curriculum by taking courses within 1. Integrates nursings’ scope of practice, profes- the nursing core and/or informatics component. sional standards, and specialty knowledge to The nursing core and informatics courses can be implement the role of the master’s-prepared taken concurrently or interchangeably. nurse across healthcare settings. The graduate nursing core contains content that 2. Applies concepts and theoretical frameworks to is foundational to the development of specialty guide thinking, improve performance, analyze knowledge. Courses within the core cover content in Nursing policy, and allocate resources. areas such as health care economics, role of theory in Graduate Programs practice, policy development and implementation, 3. Establishes collaborative partnerships with research process, and human diversity. The gradu- diverse constituencies and interprofessional ate nursing core consists of five courses: Theoretical teams to address needs and influence change. Foundations of Nursing Practice; Professional Role Development; Research and Evidence-Based 4. Translates research evidence to promote safe, Practice; Health Care Delivery Systems: Political, cost-effective, quality practice. Social, and Economic Influences; and Community 5. Develops approaches to the delivery of health- Nursing: Human Diversity and Public Health. The care that address the ethical, legal, cultural, health care informatics component focuses on con- social and policy needs of diverse stakeholders tent that is supportive of the role of the clinical and populations. systems manager, such as information management systems for health care and the ethical, political, 6. Designs strategies using information technol- social, and legal implications of information sys- ogy to inform decisions and improve outcomes. tems management in the health care arena. The informatics component consists of two courses: Management Information for Decision Support and Issues in Health Care Informatics. Students

42 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 43 successfully complete all the nursing core and Nursing Practice; Professional Role Development; informatics courses prior to beginning the clinical Research and Evidence-Based Practice; Health systems management courses. Care Delivery Systems: Political, Social, and The clinical systems management component of Economic Influences; and Community Nursing: the curriculum focuses specifically on the knowl- Human Diversity and Public Health. edge and skills required to implement a leadership The nursing education specialty component of role in clinical systems. Content covering areas such the curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills as finance, workforce management, leadership role, required to implement the role of nurse educator in organizational culture and change, and strategic ini- an academic or service setting. Content covering tiatives are included in the three courses that make learning theories, teaching strategies, curriculum up the clinical systems management component. development, evaluation of learning outcomes, This component consists of the following courses: and utilization of technologies to support teaching Management of Clinical Systems, Management of are included in the four courses that make up the Fiscal and Operational Systems, and Leadership of nursing education specialty component. This com- the Organizational System. ponent consists of the following courses: Designing The 5-credit Capstone Experience begins after the a Student Learning Environment; Curriculum and successful completion of 32 credits. The Capstone Program Planning; Evaluation and Assessment in Experience has three components: an administra- Nursing Education; and Theories and Methods of tive project, an online seminar, and a leadership Teaching with Technologies.

retreat. This experience focuses on knowledge syn- The 5-credit Nursing Education Capstone begins MS thesis and role development. At the completion of after the successful completion of 33 credits. The this curriculum, students are prepared to function Nursing Education Capstone has three compo- in the role of leader or manager across organiza- nents: an educational project, an online seminar, tional systems. and an educational leadership retreat. This expe-

rience focuses on knowledge synthesis and role development. At the completion of this curriculum, Graduate Programs students are prepared to function in the role of Certificates Certificates in Nursing Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing nurse educator in a variety of educational settings. with a Specialization in Master of Science Nursing Education in Nursing The Master of Science in nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education consists of 38 required with a Specialization in credits. The curriculum is organized into three components: the graduate nursing core courses, Nursing Informatics the specialty courses, and the Nursing Education The Master in Science in nursing with a specializa- Capstone. Students also must complete one 3-credit tion in Nursing Informatics consists of 36 required graduate elective in an area of interest that comple- credits. The curriculum is organized into three ments their area of specialization and is pre-approved components: the graduate nursing core courses, by the faculty. the specialty courses, and the Nursing Informatics The nursing core contains content that is founda- Capstone. Students must also complete one 3-credit tional to the development of specialty knowledge. graduate elective related to the area of special- Courses within the core cover content areas such ization. The nursing core contains content that as health care economics, role of theory in practice, is foundational to the development of specialty policy development and implementation, research knowledge. Courses within the core cover content process, and human diversity. The nursing core areas such as health care economics, role of theory consists of five courses: Theoretical Foundations of in practice, policy development and implementa-

42 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 43 tion, research process, and human diversity. The course has three components: an informatics proj- nursing core consists of five courses: Theoretical ect management experience, an online seminar, and Foundations of Nursing Practice; Professional a leadership retreat. It is designed to provide stu- Role Development; Research and Evidence-Based dents with the opportunity to apply knowledge and Practice; Health Care Delivery Systems: Political, competencies required throughout the program of Social, and Economic Influences; and Community study to actual and simulated information technol- Nursing: Human Diversity and Public Health. ogy situations in health care. At the completion of The nursing informatics specialty component of the curriculum students are prepared to function in the curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills the role of nurse informaticist in a variety of health required to implement the role of nurse informaticist care settings. in a variety of health care settings. Content covering how data and information can be used to create knowledge, concepts of database management in Policies Specific to the responding to a health care problem, assessment of information requirements of a system as it relates to Master of Science Degree client care and organizational operations, and selec- in Nursing tion and application of a decision-making model are included in the three courses that make up the The Excelsior College Student Policy Handbook is nursing informatics specialty component. This com- your resource for understanding the academic and ponent consists of the following courses: Data, administrative policies that are important to your Information, and Knowledge; System Life Cycle; academic success. It includes a wide range of infor- and Management Information for Decision Support. mation from important federal policies, including The 5-credit Nursing Informatics Capstone begins your right to privacy, to grading policies and after the successful completion of 32 credits. This policies and procedures concerning refunds, withdrawals, and other administrative issues. It is your responsibility to be familiar with these policies. Policies and procedures that apply specifically to the master’s programs in nursing are listed on the following pages. File your Handbook with your in Nursing other important academic papers and this program

Graduate Programs catalog for easy reference.

Admission

Admission to the Master of Science in nursing program is open to anyone who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who is licensed to practice as a registered nurse.

International Student Admission Requirements For the master’s programs, in addition to official transcripts, nursing candidates must demonstrate that they have an equivalent U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. To be eligible for admission, the applicant must be a graduate from an approved school of nursing in their country of education and hold a current, unencumbered nursing license (if licensed in multiple jurisdictions and/or countries,

44 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 45 all licenses must be unencumbered). All nursing from the course the student has taken at another school transcripts and all licenses will be validated college to the Excelsior College course. There must by primary source verification. be agreement with all major content areas for a Detailed application information and instruc- waiver to be granted. In some cases, more than tions can be found in our application for admission. one prior course will be used to waive one of the MS courses. Official transcripts from the gradu- English Language Proficiency Requirement ate school the student attended should be sent to the Excelsior College Office of Registration and International candidates from non-English speak- Records. Students should send additional supporting countries must show evidence of sufficient ive descriptive materials such as syllabi or course English language proficiency through one of the outlines that address the content of the course the following options: student completed. 1. Submission of TOEFL (Test of English as a Credit granted by an institution with candidacy Foreign Language) or IELTS (International status from one of the regional accrediting agen- English Language Testing System) taken within cies is also applicable. Excelsior College refers to the last two years. the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Educa- tion manual published for the Council for Higher 2. Successful completion of Excelsior College’s Education Accreditation (CHEA) to verify the ENGx111: English Composition examination or accreditation status of all postsecondary institu- UExcel’s ENGx110: College Writing examination. tions. MS 3. Submission of evidence of the successful com- Credit reported on a pass/fail or standard score pletion of at least 9 credit hours of academic system will not be accepted into the graduate pro- work in courses delivered in English at an insti- gram without written verification from the issuing tution of higher education in the United States. institution that the course was passed with the equiv-

alent of a B grade or better. Any course accepted for waiver will not be calculated into the GPA. Time Limit Graduate Programs Certificates Certificates in Nursing in Nursing The Master of Science in nursing program is designed to be completed at your own pace, however a minimum of two courses or 6 credits per enrollment year is required. Students enrolled in the MS in nursing program are required to complete all degree requirements within a seven-year Master of Science in Nursing Advising Team: period of enrollment. This time limit on enrollment Toll free at 888-647-2388 (ext. 1317) is cumulative if enrollment is not continuous. Those who do not complete the program within this time Student Policy Handbook: may be subject to dismissal. www.excelsior.edu/StudentPolicyHandbook Excelsior College Learning Resources: www.excelsior.edu/library Course Waiver www.excelsior.edu/bookstore www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab Up to 16 graduate-level credits from an accredited college or university may be applied toward course Student Online Success Guide: waiver in the MS in nursing program. Grades www.excelsior.edu/SuccessGuide received must be B or better, and course work must Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL): not be more than five years old at the time of the www.excelsior.edu/OWL student’s application to the program. The Nursing Informatics Capstone may not be waived. The Excelsior College Community Resources: Graduate Waiver Committee will compare content www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab

44 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 45 NUR 513: Research and Master of Science Evidence-Based Practice 4 credits in Nursing Prerequisites: Undergraduate research and statistics are highly recommended. Requirements for Statistics is a prerequisite for students enrolled in the Clinical Systems the RN to MS program. Research and Evidenced-Based Practice focuses on Management Specialization the research process and the analysis and evaluation of research to integrate the best evidence into practice. Emphasis is on the identification of generic PHASE I and discipline-specific health care issues, synthesis of evidence, and translation of research to support and inform practice innovations. Graduate Nursing Core 19 credits NUR 514: Professional Role Development * 3 credits NUR 502: Theoretical Prerequisites: None Foundations of Nursing Practice 3 credits Professional Role Development examines the theo- Prerequisites: None retical foundations of professional role development Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice for the master’s-prepared nurse. The course explores focuses on the exploration of nursing knowledge current factors, strategies, and inter-professional development to include philosophy, theories, mod- trends to analyze selected nursing roles and develop els, and concepts that have been designed to guide strategies for implementation. It highlights compe- client care and research initiatives and to inform tencies and skills of the master’s-prepared nurse in nursing practice. It provides approaches to analyze an environmental context through development of and critique a variety of theories in nursing and a professional portfolio.

in Nursing related fields.

Graduate Programs NUR 531: Health Care Delivery NUR 512: Professional Systems: Political, Social, and Role Development and Ethics * 4 credits Economic Influences 4 credits Prerequisites: None Prerequisites: None Professional Role Development and Ethics exam- Health Care Delivery Systems: Political, Social, and ines the theoretical foundations of role and ethics Economic Influences fosters understanding of the and focuses on the development of the role and eth- impact of health care policy, organizational design, ics competencies of the master’s-prepared nurse. It and health care finance on the delivery of health uses current health care issues and trends to ana- care services. It reviews basic economic theory, his- lyze role characteristics and strategies specific to torical and social trends, and events pivotal in the role implementation. The course fosters ethical sen- development of health care delivery as it relates to sitivity and skills in the prevention and resolution of the master’s-prepared nurse. ethical problems in health care.

* Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace NUR 512.

46 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 47 CHART 3

Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Clinical Systems Management See pages 46–49 for detailed explanation of degree requirements. Total Degree Credits Required: 37 MS Credit Credit Phase I Hours Phase II Hours

Graduate Nursing Core Clinical Systems Management Component

NUR 502: Theoretical Foundations NUR 615: Management of Clinical Systems 3 of Nursing Practice 3 NUR 625: Management of Fiscal and NUR 512: Professional Role Development 4 Operational Systems 3 and Ethics * OR NUR 635: Leadership in Organizational NUR 514: Professional Role Development 3 Systems 3

NUR 513: Research and Evidence-Based 4 Practice Total Clinical Systems 9 Management Component

NUR 531: Health Care Delivery Systems: Graduate Programs 4

Political, Social, and Economic Influences Certificates in Nursing in Nursing

NUR 541: Community Nursing: Credit Human Diversity and Public Health 4 Phase III Hours

NUR 644: Capstone Experience 5 Total Graduate Nursing Core 18

Total Phase II and III Health Care Informatics Component 14

NUR 553: Issues in Health Care Informatics 2

NUR 680: Management Information 3 for Decision Support

* Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace NUR 512. Total Health Care Informatics Component 5

Total Phase I 23

46 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 47 NUR 541: Community Nursing: Human Diversity and Public Health 4 credits PHASE II Prerequisites: None Clinical Systems Man- Community Nursing: Human Diversity and Public 9 credits Health focuses on identifying and responding to agement Component health-related concerns of diverse populations. The clinical systems management component The course explores the social, epidemiological, consists of three online courses totaling 9 credits. environmental, economic, cultural, and politi- The courses that make up this component require cal influences on various communities’ and synthesis of knowledge and application from the populations’ responses to health care and related nursing core courses and the informatics courses. challenges. It emphasizes building awareness and Therefore students should complete all of the understanding of nursing’s involvement in the ecol- Phase I courses before beginning the clinical sys- ogy of health and designs strategies to promote tems management courses. health within the community, reduce health dis- parities, and prevent illness, disease, and injuries. NUR 615: Management of Clinical Systems 3 Credits Health Care Infor Prerequisites: All nursing core and informatics 5 credits courses matics Component Management of Clinical Systems focuses on the application of management principles, processes, NUR 553: Issues in techniques, and tools to shape a supportive environ- Health Care Informatics 2 Credits ment of care and promote continuous improvement Prerequisites: None in clinical care systems. Issues in Health Care Informatics encourages stu- NUR 625: Management of dents to engage in a dialogue among themselves Fiscal and Operational Systems 3 Credits and with experts in the field of health care and in Nursing health care informatics in order to understand cur- Prerequisites: All nursing core and informatics

Graduate Programs rent issues. Using a single broad case study, students courses view the issues engendered by the case through the different lenses of ethics, politics, society, and Management of Fiscal and Operational Systems the law. focuses on the application of management principles to design cost-effective clinical systems and achieve optimal resource use across the health care NUR 680: Management Information enterprise. for Decision Support 3 credits

Prerequisites: All nursing core courses NUR 635: Leadership in Organizational Systems 3 Credits This course focuses on the identification, acquisition, analysis, interpretation and application of Prerequisites: All nursing core and informatics data, databases and decision-making strategies for courses health care. It emphasizes decision support systems concepts; methodologies and technologies; and Leadership in Organizational Systems focuses on includes content on model management, knowl- critical examination of leadership styles, strate- edge management, and strategies to consider when gies, and competencies of the nurse executive in selecting decision support systems. order to successfully manage the health care enterprise. It emphasizes leadership skills for strategic

48 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 49 planning, enhancing team performance and inter- nursing practice. It provides approaches to analyze disciplinary collaboration, and creating a culture of and critique a variety of theories in nursing and quality performance. related fields.

NUR 512: Professional PHASE III Role Development and Ethics * 4 credits Prerequisites: None Capstone Experience 5 credits Professional Role Development and Ethics examines the theoretical foundations of role and ethics and focuses on the development of the role and eth- NUR 644: Capstone Experience 5 credits ics competencies of the master’s-prepared nurse. It The Capstone Experience is a five-credit course uses current health care issues and trends to ana- consisting of three integrated components: admin- lyze role characteristics and strategies specific to istrative project, online discussion, and leadership role implementation. The course fosters ethical sen- retreat. This culminating experience of the gradu- sitivity and skills in the prevention and resolution of ate nursing program is designed to provide students ethical problems in health care. with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program of study to actual NUR 513: Research and and simulated leadership situations. Performance Evidence-Based Practice 4 credits MS assessment of the students’ attainment of program competencies is built into the three components. Prerequisites: Undergraduate research and statistics are highly recommended. Statistics is a prerequisite for students enrolled in Master of Science the RN to MS program. Research and Evidenced-Based Practice focuses on Graduate Programs Certificates Certificates in Nursing in Nursing the research process and the analysis and evalua- in Nursing tion of research to integrate the best evidence into Requirements for the Nursing practice. Emphasis is on the identification of generic and discipline-specific health care issues, synthesis Education Specialization of evidence, and translation of research to support and inform practice innovations.

PHASE I NUR 514: Professional Role Development * 3 credits Graduate Nursing Core 19 credits Prerequisites: None Professional Role Development examines the theoretical foundations of professional role development NUR 502: Theoretical for the master’s-prepared nurse. The course explores Foundations of Nursing Practice 3 credits current factors, strategies, and inter-professional trends to analyze selected nursing roles and develop Prerequisites: None strategies for implementation. It highlights compe- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice tencies and skills of the master’s-prepared nurse in focuses on the exploration of nursing knowledge an environmental context through development of development to include philosophy, theories, mod- a professional portfolio. els, and concepts that have been designed to guide client care and research initiatives and to inform * Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace NUR 512.

48 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 49 NUR 531: Health Care Delivery ogy of health and designs strategies to promote Systems: Political, Social, and health within the community, reduce health dis- Economic Influences 4 credits parities, and prevent illness, disease, and injuries.

Prerequisites: None Health Care Delivery Systems: Political, Social, and Economic Influences fosters understanding of the Graduate Elective 3 credits impact of health care policy, organizational design, and health care finance on the delivery of health care services. It reviews basic economic theory, his- Graduate Elective 3 credits torical and social trends, and events pivotal in the Prerequisites: None development of health care delivery as it relates to the master’s-prepared nurse. In order to meet the required number of program credits, 3 graduate-level elective credits must be NUR 541: Community Nursing: taken. These may be completed within the gradu- Human Diversity and Public Health 4 credits ate program or transferred from other graduate programs if they are deemed eligible for credit in Prerequisites: None the Master of Science in nursing program. Advi- sor approval is required when choosing an elective Community Nursing: Human Diversity and Pub- course. lic Health focuses on identifying and responding to health-related concerns of diverse populations. The course explores the social, epidemiological, PHASE II environmental, economic, cultural, and political influences on various communities’ and populations’ responses to health care and related Nursing Education challenges. It emphasizes building awareness and 12 credits understanding of nursing’s involvement in the ecol- Component

The nursing education component consists of four

in Nursing online courses totaling 12 credits. The courses

Graduate Programs that make up this component require synthesis of knowledge and application from the nursing core courses. Therefore, students should complete all of those courses before beginning the nursing education courses.

NUR 650: Designing a Student Learning Environment 3 Credits

Prerequisites: All nursing core courses Designing a Student Learning Environment focuses on the creation of teaching-learning environments and the integration of the role of faculty/educator, uniqueness of the student learner, the setting and context within which the learning occurs, the teaching-learning strategies used to promote nursing education, and evaluation of the effectiveness of this process.

50 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 51 CHART 4

Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Nursing Education See pages 49–52 for detailed explanation of degree requirements. Total Degree Credits Required: 38 MS

Credit Credit Phase I Hours Phase II Hours

Graduate Nursing Core Nursing Education Component NUR 502: Theoretical Foundations NUR 650: Designing a of Nursing Practice 3 Student Learning Environment 3 NUR 512: Professional Role Development 4 NUR 655: Curriculum and Program Planning and Ethics * 3 OR NUR 660: Evaluation and Assessment NUR 514: Professional Role Development 3 in Nursing Education 3

NUR 513: Research and Evidence- Graduate Programs 4 NUR 665: Theories and Methods of 3

Based Practice Certificates in Nursing Teaching with Technologies in Nursing NUR 531: Health Care Delivery Systems: 4 Political, Social, and Economic Influences Total Nursing Education Component 12 NUR 541: Community Nursing: 4 Human Diversity and Public Health

Credit Total Graduate Nursing Core 18 Phase III Hours

NUR 670: Nursing Education Capstone 5 Graduate Elective 3 (related to the specialization)

Total Phase II and III 17 Total Phase I 21

* Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace NUR 512.

50 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 51 NUR 655: Curriculum situations. Performance assessment of the students’ and Program Planning 3 Credits attainment of program competencies is built into the three components. Prerequisites: All nursing core courses Curriculum and Program Planning focuses on curriculum and syllabus/program development Master of Science including theoretical frameworks and design, philosophical foundations, and selection of learning in Nursing experiences to achieve outcomes. Requirements for the Nursing NUR 660: Evaluation and Informatics Specialization Assessment in Nursing Education 3 Credits

Prerequisites: All nursing core courses Evaluation and Assessment in Nursing Education PHASE I is designed to introduce the student to the evaluation process including test construction, clinical performance assessment, program evaluation, and Graduate Nursing Core 19 credits strategies for evaluating learning outcomes.

NUR 502: Theoretical NUR 665: Theories and Methods Foundations of Nursing Practice 3 credits of Teaching with Technologies 3 Credits Prerequisites: None Prerequisites: All nursing core courses Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice Theories and Methods of Teaching with Technolo- focuses on the exploration of nursing knowledge gies provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge development to include philosophy, theories, mod- and develop skills for using technologies to sup- els, and concepts that have been designed to guide port the teaching–learning process, including using client care and research initiatives and to inform media, multimedia, and technology-rich and online in Nursing nursing practice. It provides approaches to analyze learning environments. Graduate Programs and critique a variety of theories in nursing and related fields. PHASE III NUR 512: Professional Nursing Education Role Development and Ethics * 4 credits 5 credits Prerequisites: None Capstone Professional Role Development and Ethics examines the theoretical foundations of role and ethics NUR 670: and focuses on the development of the role and eth- Nursing Education Capstone 5 credits ics competencies of the master’s-prepared nurse. It The Nursing Education Capstone is a 5-credit course uses current health care issues and trends to ana- consisting of three integrated components: edu- lyze role characteristics and strategies specific to cational/teaching experience, online seminar, and role implementation. The course fosters ethical sen- leadership retreat. This culminating experience of sitivity and skills in the prevention and resolution of the graduate nursing program is designed to provide ethical problems in health care. students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and competencies acquired throughout the program of study to actual and simulated educational * Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace NUR 512.

52 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 53 CHART 5

Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Nursing Informatics See pages 52–55 for detailed explanation of degree requirements. Total Degree Credits Required: 36 MS

Credit Credit Phase I Hours Phase II Hours

Graduate Nursing Core Nursing Informatics Component NUR 502: Theoretical Foundations NUR 521: Data, Information, and Knowledge 3 of Nursing Practice 3

NUR 551: System Life Cycle 4 NUR 512: Professional Role Development 4 and Ethics * NUR 680: Management Information OR 3 for Decision Support NUR 514: Professional Role Development 3

NUR 513: Research and Evidence- 4 Based Practice Total Nursing Informatics Component 10 NUR 531: Health Care Delivery Systems: 4 Political, Social, and Economic Influences

NUR 541: Community Nursing: 4 Human Diversity and Public Health Credit Phase III Hours

Total Graduate Nursing Core 18 NUR 685: Nursing Informatics Capstone 5

Graduate Elective 3 Total Phase II and III 15

Total Phase I 21 * Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace NUR 512.

52 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 53 NUR 513: Research and NUR 531: Health Care Delivery Evidence-Based Practice 4 credits Systems: Political, Social, and Economic Influences 4 credits Prerequisites: Undergraduate research and statistics are highly recommended. Prerequisites: None Statistics is a prerequisite for students enrolled in Health Care Delivery Systems: Political, Social, and the RN to MS program. Economic Influences fosters understanding of the impact of health care policy, organizational design, Research and Evidenced-Based Practice focuses on and health care finance on the delivery of health the research process and the analysis and evalua- care services. It reviews basic economic theory, his- tion of research to integrate the best evidence into torical and social trends, and events pivotal in the practice. Emphasis is on the identification of generic development of health care delivery as it relates to and discipline-specific health care issues, synthesis the master’s-prepared nurse. of evidence, and translation of research to support and inform practice innovations. NUR 541: Community Nursing: NUR 514: Professional Human Diversity and Public Health 4 credits Role Development * 3 credits Prerequisites: None Prerequisites: None Community Nursing: Human Diversity and Public Professional Role Development examines the theo- Health focuses on identifying and responding to retical foundations of professional role development health-related concerns of diverse populations. for the master’s-prepared nurse. The course explores The course explores the social, epidemiological, current factors, strategies, and inter-professional environmental, economic, cultural, and politi- trends to analyze selected nursing roles and develop cal influences on various communities’ and strategies for implementation. It highlights compe- populations’ responses to health care and related tencies and skills of the master’s-prepared nurse in challenges. It emphasizes building awareness and an environmental context through development of understanding of nursing’s involvement in the ecol- a professional portfolio. ogy of health and designs strategies to promote health within the community, reduce health dis- in Nursing parities, and prevent illness, disease, and injuries. Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Nursing Advising Team: Graduate Elective 3 credits Toll free at 888-647-2388 (ext. 1317)

Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab Graduate Elective 3 credits

Course/Exam Approval: Prerequisites: None www.excelsior.edu/MessageCenter In order to meet the required number of program Course Registration: credits, 3 graduate-level elective credits must be www.excelsior.edu/courses taken. These may be completed within the graduate program or transferred from other graduate Excelsior College Learning Resources: programs if they are deemed eligible for credit in www.excelsior.edu/library the Master of Science in nursing program. Advisor www.excelsior.edu/bookstore approval is required when choosing an elective www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab course. Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab

54 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 55 course incorporates the five phases of the life cycle: PHASE II planning, analysis, design, implementation and evaluation. Nursing Informatics 10 credits NUR 680: Management Information Component for Decision Support 3 credits

The nursing informatics component consists of Prerequisites: All nursing core courses three online courses totaling 10 credits. The courses that make up this component require synthesis of This course focuses on the identification, acquisi- knowledge and application from the nursing core tion, analysis, interpretation, and application of courses. Therefore, students must complete all of data, databases, and decision-making strategies for those courses before beginning the nursing infor- health care. It emphasizes decision support systems matics courses. concepts, methodologies, and technologies, and includes content on model management, knowledge management, and strategies to consider when NUR 521: Data, Information, selecting decision support systems. and Knowledge 3 credits

Prerequisites: All nursing core courses The course focuses on the nature of data, the PHASE III con cepts of information and knowledge, and the MS principles of relational databases, systems opera- Nursing Informatics tions and information systems. 5 credits Capstone

NUR 551: System Life Cycle 4 credits NUR 685: Prerequisites: All nursing core courses Nursing Informatics Capstone 5 credits Graduate Programs Certificates Certificates in Nursing in Nursing This course focuses on a structured approach to Prerequisites: Completion of the nursing core the selection and implementation of an informa- courses and nursing informatics specialty tion system. This structured approach is called the component. information system development life cycle and the The Nursing Informatics Capstone is a 5-credit course consisting of three integrated components: informatics project management experience, online seminar, and leadership retreat. This culminating experience of the graduate nursing program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program of study to actual and simulated technology situations in health care. Performance assessment of the students’ attainment of program competencies is built into the three components.

54 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 55 Graduate Programs in Nursing

RN to Master of Science in Nursing Program

The RN to Master of Science (RN to MS) in nursing program is designed to allow registered nurses to work toward a Master of Science in nursing degree, with a specialization in Clinical Systems Management, Nursing Education, or Nursing Informatics while completing requirements for the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. With this option, students take graduate-level courses that replace some of the undergraduate requirements. Charts 6, 7, and 8 (pages 59, 60, and 61) offer a visual representation of the requirements for the three specializations of the RN to MS in nursing program. in Nursing Graduate Programs

56 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 57 Detailed application information and instruc- Policies Specific to tions can be found in our application for admission.

the RN to MS in English Language Proficiency Requirement Nursing Program International candidates from non-English speaking countries must show evidence of sufficient The Excelsior College Student Policy Handbook is English language proficiency through one of the fol- your resource for understanding the academic and lowing options: administrative policies that are important to your academic success. It includes a wide range of infor- 1. Submission of TOEFL (Test of English as a mation from important federal policies, including Foreign Language) or IELTS (International your right to privacy, to grading policies and poli- English Language Testing System) taken within cies and procedures concerning refunds, withdrawals, the last two years. and other administrative issues. It is your responsibil- 2. Successful completion of Excelsior College’s ity to be familiar with these policies. ENGx111: English Composition examination or Additional policies and procedures that apply spe- UExcel’s ENGx110: College Writing examination. cifically to the RN to MS in nursing program are listed on the following pages. File your Student Policy 3. Submission of evidence of the successful com- Handbook with your other important academic pletion of at least 9 credit hours of academic papers and this program catalog for easy reference. work in courses delivered in English at an institution of higher education in the United States. MS Admission Time Limit The RN to MS in nursing program is designed for The RN to MS in nursing program is designed to be registered nurses who have learning validated by prior education, have successfully completed the completed at your own pace. Students enrolled in NCLEX-RN®, have a current license to practice as the RN to MS in nursing program on or after Sep- Graduate Programs Certificates Certificates in Nursing a registered nurse in the United States, and have not tember 1, 2001, are required to complete all degree in Nursing earned a bachelor’s degree in any field. requirements within a twelve-year period of enrollment. This time limit on enrollment is cumulative International Student Admission Requirements if enrollment is not continuous. Those who do not For the RN to MS in nursing program, in addi- complete the program within this time may be sub- tion to official transcripts, nursing candidates must ject to dismissal. demonstrate that they have an equivalent U.S. Reg- Time Limit—General Education Component istered Nurse (RN) licensure. To be eligible for admission, the applicant must be a graduate from With the exception of anatomy and physiology and an approved school of nursing in their country of microbiology, there is no time limit on general educa- education and hold a current, unencumbered nurs- tion courses or examinations submitted for transfer ing license (if licensed in multiple jurisdictions and/ credit. Credits earned at regionally accredited insti- or countries, all licenses must be unencumbered). tutions or through approved examination programs All nursing school transcripts and all licenses will and for which official transcripts are available will be validated by primary source verification. be evaluated regardless of when they were earned.

International candidates must apply to the Com- Time Limit—Undergraduate Nursing Component mission on Graduate of Foreign Nursing Schools Credit submitted from nursing examinations and (CGFNS) New York Credential Verification Ser- nursing courses for purposes of meeting require- vice (NYCVS) and the New York State Education ments for the nursing component of the degree Department (NYSED) to have their foreign nursing must have been earned within five years prior to the education evaluated and approved by the aforemen- date of enrollment in an Excelsior College nursing tioned organizations.

56 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 57 program. There is no time limit on the nursing com- Course Load Requirement ponent credits as long as students remain actively enrolled in an Excelsior College nursing program. The undergraduate portion of the RN to MS degree Should enrollment lapse and you need to reenroll, is self-paced. Once students reach graduate status, you will lose credit for any nursing examinations they must complete a minimum of two courses, or taken more than five years prior to reenrollment. 6 credits per enrollment year, to remain enrolled If you have waived any of the nursing requirements in the program, unless a leave of absence has been during a previous enrollment, you will not automat- requested in writing. ically receive waiver of those requirements when reenrolling. The Excelsior College nursing faculty will review the courses again and you may lose the Minimum Academic Average— waiver, depending on the age of the course and cur- Graduate Courses rent content requirements. Graduate students are required to have a 3.0 grade point average to graduate from the program. The graduate grade point average is calculated sepa- rately from the undergraduate grade point average.

Your Personalized MyExcelsior Account: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior

RN-MS in Nursing Program Advising Team: Toll free 888-647-2388 (ext. 1314)

College Publications, Applications, and Forms: www.excelsior.edu/publications

Student Policy Handbook: www.excelsior.edu/StudentPolicyHandbook

Fee Schedules, Financial Aid, and Scholarships: www.excelsior.edu/fees www.excelsior.edu/FinancialAid www.excelsior.edu/scholarships

Excelsior College Learning Resources: www.excelsior.edu/library www.excelsior.edu/bookstore www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab

Student Online Success Guide: www.excelsior.edu/SuccessGuide

Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL): www.excelsior.edu/OWL

Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on Communities tab

58 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing CHART 6 RN to MS in Nursing with a Specialization in Clinical Systems Management Total RN to MS Credits Required: 142 RN to MS Bachelor’s Component

➀ ➁ English Composition 3 Natural Sciences/Mathematics 3 ➀ ➁ General Expository Writing 3 Human Anatomy and Physiology ➂ 4 Education Microbiology 3 Component Total Written English Requirement 6 Sciences Supportive of Nursing 2 Statistics ➃ 3 Total General Humanities 9 Ethics ➁ 3 Education Total Natural Sciences 15 Component Total Humanities 12

Arts & Sciences Electives 12 61 Social Sciences/History 9 credit hours Psychology Requirement 3 Sociology Requirement 3 Information Literacy ➁ 1

Total Social Sciences 15

Nursing 30 semester hours of nursing credit granted for Component prior learning validated by nursing education 30 GRADUATE NURSING CORE and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN®. NUR 513: Research and Evidence- ➃ Based Practice 4 Total Nursing NUR 436: Professional Transitions 3 NUR 531: Health Care Delivery Component NUR 442: Health Assessment and 4 Systems: Political, Social, 4 Promotion in Nursing Practice and Economic Influences NUR 446: Teaching and Learning in a 3 NUR 541: Community Nursing: Diverse Society 56 Human Diversity and 4 NUR 422: Nursing Leadership and Public Health 4 credit hours Management

Master’s Component

Once students complete the bachelor’s component of the RN to MS in nursing program, they become master’s degree students and are eligible Phase II to complete the remaining graduate-level courses. CLINICAL SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT COMPONENT Master’s Phase I NUR 615: Management of Component GRADUATE NURSING CORE Clinical Systems 3 NUR 502: Theoretical Foundations NUR 625: Management of Fiscal and 3 Total of Nursing Practice 3 Operational Systems Master’s NUR 514: Professional Role Development ➄ 3 NUR 635: Leadership in 3 Component Organizational Systems HEALTH CARE INFORMATICS COMPONENT 25 NUR 553: Issues in Health Care Informatics 2 Phase III NUR 680: Management Information for 3 NUR 644: Capstone Experience 5 credit hours Decision Support

➀ Three credits must be at the intermediate or ➂ The Human Anatomy and Physiology requirement ⑤ Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace advanced level. can also be met by: Anatomy (2 credits) and NUR 512. Physiology (2 credits) ➁ Written English requirement, information literacy, and ethics (upper level) must be completed prior ➃ Statistics is a prerequisite for the Research in 59 to beginning the nursing component. Nursing course and examination requirements. CHART 7 RN to MS in Nursing with a Specialization in Nursing Education Total RN to MS Credits Required: 143 RN to MS Bachelor’s Component

Arts & Sciences Electives 12 61 Social Sciences/History 9 credit hours Psychology Requirement 3 Sociology Requirement 3 Information Literacy ➁ 1

Total Social Sciences 15

Master’s Component

Once students complete the bachelor’s component of the RN to MS in nursing program, they become master’s degree students and are eligible Phase II to complete the remaining graduate-level courses. NURSING EDUCATION COMPONENT Master’s NUR 650: Designing a Student-Learning Environment 3 Component Phase I NUR 655: Curriculum and Program Planning 3 GRADUATE NURSING CORE NUR 660: Evaluation and Assessment in Total NUR 502: Theoretical Foundations 3 Nursing Education Master’s of Nursing Practice 3 NUR 665: Theories and Methods of Component NUR 514: Professional 3 3 Teaching with Technologies Role Development ⑤ Phase III 26 Graduate Elective credit hours (related to the specialization) 3 NUR 644: Capstone Experience 5

➀ Three credits must be at the intermediate or ➂ The Human Anatomy and Physiology requirement ⑤ Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace advanced level. can also be met by: Anatomy (2 credits) and NUR 512. Physiology (2 credits) ➁ Written English requirement, information literacy, 60 and ethics (upper level) must be completed prior ➃ Statistics is a prerequisite for the Research in to beginning the nursing component. Nursing course and examination requirements. CHART 8 RN to MS in Nursing with a Specialization in Nursing Informatics Total RN to MS Credits Required: 141 RN to MS Bachelor’s Component

Arts & Sciences Electives 12 61 Social Sciences/History 9 credit hours Psychology Requirement 3 Sociology Requirement 3 Information Literacy ➁ 1

Total Social Sciences 15

Master’s Component Once students complete the bachelor’s component of the RN to MS in Phase II nursing program, they become master’s degree students and are eligible to complete the remaining graduate-level courses. NURSING INFORMATICS COMPONENT Master’s Phase I NUR 521: Data, Information, Component and Knowledge 3 GRADUATE NURSING CORE NUR 551: System Life Cycle 4 Total NUR 502: Theoretical Foundations NUR 680: Management Information of Nursing Practice 3 3 Master’s for Decision Support Component NUR 514: Professional 3 Role Development ⑤ Phase III

24 Graduate Elective NUR 685: Nursing Informatics 5 3 Capstone credit hours (related to the specialization)

➀ Three credits must be at the intermediate or ➂ The Human Anatomy and Physiology requirement ⑤ Effective November 2012, NUR 514 will replace advanced level. can also be met by: Anatomy (2 credits) and NUR 512. Physiology (2 credits) ➁ Written English requirement, information literacy, and ethics (upper level) must be completed prior ➃ Statistics is a prerequisite for the Research in 61 to beginning the nursing component. Nursing course and examination requirements. RN to MS in Nursing Requirements The RN to MS in nursing program requires completion of 141—143 credits — 61 general education credits and 81—83 nursing credits (depending on specialization).

General Education Component Bachelor’s Phase See pages 32–34 in the The bachelor’s component tests knowledge and undergraduate section of professional competencies equivalent to those 61 credits this catalog for detailed expected of graduates of campus-based BS in nurs- information about under- ing programs. Emphasis is placed on integration of graduate general education requirements. The nursing knowledge and related sciences in a variety bachelor’s degree-level requirements must be com- of complex situations related to the nursing care of in Nursing pleted before registering for any graduate-level individuals, families, and communities with major Graduate Programs courses. In addition, the ethics requirement must be health problems. at the upper level. Students eligible for the RN to MS program will be granted a minimum of 30 semester hours of cred- Nursing Component its for prior learning that is validated by successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) 81, 82, or 83 credits and learning validated by prior education. The requirements in the bachelor’s component (depending on MS specialization) of the RN to MS program that are common to the The nursing component of the RN to MS degree Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program are includes bachelor’s requirements and graduate- NUR 422: Nursing Leadership and Management, level requirements. Prerequisites for all of the NUR 442: Health Assessment and Promotion nursing courses include the written English, upper in Nursing Practice, NUR 446: Teaching and level ethics, and information literacy requirements. Learning in a Diverse Society , and NUR 436: Policies on repeating exams and criteria for waiver Professional Transitions. of bachelor’s requirements are listed on page 39 of this catalog.

62 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 63 RN to MS students complete three graduate- (See the graduate degree program section, page 46, level online courses as part of their undergraduate for descriptions of the following courses.) requirements: NUR 513: Research and Evidence- Based Practice; NUR 531: Health Care Delivery NUR 513: Research and Systems: Political, Social, and Economic Influences; Evidence-Based Practice 4 credits and NUR 541: Community Nursing: Human Diversity and Public Health. NUR 531: Health Care RN to MS students do not complete the under- Delivery Systems: Political, Social, graduate Community-Focused Nursing and Research and Economic Influences 4 credits in Nursing, or the Nursing Capstone requirement. Their study of community health nursing, research, NUR 541: Community Nursing: and capstone content are at the graduate level. Human Diversity and Public Health 4 credits

Nursing courses from hospital diploma programs both in the United States and abroad are not eligible for transfer credit. Graduate-Level Phases

Contact your academic advisor for program Students who complete the bachelor’s component planning assistance. are granted graduate status. Having completed 12 of the 37–39 master’s-level credits as undergrad- uates, they then complete the remaining credits of MS Bachelor’s Phase Requirements the master’s degree program in the Clinical Systems Management, Nursing Education, or Nursing (See the bachelor’s degree program section, Informatics specialization. See pages 46–55 for descriptions of required courses. pages 35–36, for descriptions of the following requirements.) Graduate Programs Certificates Certificates in Nursing NUR 422: Nursing Leadership in Nursing and Management 4 credits

NUR 442: Health Assessment and RN-MS in Nursing Program Advising Team: Promotion in Nursing Practice 4 credits Toll free 888-647-2388 (ext. 1314)

NUR 446: Teaching and Learning Course/Exam Approval: www.excelsior.edu/MessageCenter in a Diverse Society 3 credits Course Registration: NUR 436: Professional Transitions 3 credits www.excelsior.edu/courses Excelsior College Learning Resources: www.excelsior.edu/library www.excelsior.edu/bookstore www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Resources tab

Student Online Success Guide: www.excelsior.edu/SuccessGuide

Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL): www.excelsior.edu/OWL

Excelsior College Community Resources: www.excelsior.edu/MyExcelsior, click on the Communities tab

62 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing GraduateCertificates Programs inin NursingNursing 63 Certificates in Nursing

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Management

This program is designed to meet the needs of nursing professionals seeking leadership, administration, and executive positions in a variety of health care settings. The certificate program also meets the needs of registered nurses currently in management who wish to pursue further learning and career advancement. The 12-credit graduate-level certificate program consists of four required courses. The courses are delivered entirely online for maximum flexibility. in Nursing Certificates

64 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Certificates in Nursing 65 NUR 625: Management of Program Outcomes Fiscal and Operational Systems 3 credits By completion of the program, the student will be Management of Fiscal and Operational Systems able to focuses on the application of management princi- establish collaborative partnerships with ples to design cost-effective clinical systems and to interdisciplinary teams to pursue health-related achieve optimal resource use across the health care certificate goals and influence change. enterprise. It emphasizes the integration of care, quality, and finance to design cost-effective clinical apply principles and theories of performance systems. improvement, systems thinking, health policy, and resource allocation to manage the health- NUR 635: Leadership of the care enterprise or outcomes. Organizational System 3 credits use knowledge and analytical skills to appraise Leadership of the Organizational System focuses the contextual environment of health care in on critical examination of leadership styles, strat- order to inform and influence decision making egies, and competencies of the nurse executive in across the health care system. order to successfully manage the health care enterprise. It emphasizes leadership skills for strategic apply knowledge and skills from multiple planning, enhancing team performance and inter- disciplines in the use of clinical management disciplinary collaboration, and creating a culture of information systems to improve client (defined quality performance and quality initiatives. as individuals, families, aggregates, communities, and systems) care. NUR 680: Management Information for Decision Support 3 credits Admission Management Information for Decision Support focuses on the identification, acquisition, analysis, Certificates Certificates Prospective students must have an RN license and interpretation and application of data, databases, in Nursing a bachelor’s degree in nursing with at least one and decision-making strategies for healthcare. It emphasizes decision support systems concepts,

year of leadership experience methodologies, and technologies, and includes or content on model management, knowledge man- a bachelor’s degree with a non-nursing major agement, and strategies to consider when selecting with at least one year of leadership experience decision support systems.

Required Courses

NUR 615: Management of Clinical Systems 3 credits Management of Clinical Systems focuses on the application of management principles, processes, techniques, and tools to shape a supportive environment of care and promote continuous improvement in clinical care systems. It emphasizes environments of care, political, economic, technological, and social influences on care, workforce management, improvement initiatives, managing information, systems thinking, change theory, and health policy.

64 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Certificates in Nursing 65 Certificates in Nursing

Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education

This program is designed to meet the needs of nursing professionals in academic or clinical teaching roles who wish to pursue further learning in nursing education and to address the critical shortage of nurses in teaching roles. The certificate program consists of 12 graduate-level credits with three required courses and the choice of one elective from two other specific courses. The courses are delivered entirely online for maximum student flexibility. in Nursing Certificates

66 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Certificates in Nursing 67 NUR 655 Curriculum and Program Outcomes Program Planning 3 credits By completion of the program, the student will be Curriculum and Program Planning focuses on able to curriculum and syllabus/program development, apply knowledge and skills from multiple dis- including theoretical frameworks and design, phil- ciplines in designing curricula and formatting osophical foundations, and selection of learning certificate program outcomes. experiences to achieve outcomes.

create an educational environment that facili- NUR 660 Evaluation and tates student learning and achieves desired Assessment in Nursing Education 3 credits outcomes. Evaluation and Assessment in Nursing Education develop approaches to the educational environ- is designed to introduce the student to the evalu- ment that address the cultural, ethical, legal, ation process including test construction, clinical social, economic, and political requirements performance assessment, program evaluation, and of diverse populations and stakeholders and strategies for evaluating learning outcomes. impact the educator role. use multiple strategies to assess and evaluate Elective Courses learning in various settings. (choose one) develop knowledge and skills to prepare for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse NUR 665 Theories and Methods Educator (CNE) examination. of Teaching with Technologies 3 credits Theories and Methods of Teaching with Technolo- Admission gies provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge

and develop skills for using technologies to sup- Certificates in Nursing Prospective students must have an RN license and port the teaching-learning process, including using media, multimedia, and technology-rich and online a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a learning environments. master’s degree in nursing or a related field

or NUR 690 Leadership in a bachelor’s degree with a non-nursing major Nursing Education 3 credits and a master’s degree in nursing Leadership in Nursing Education is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply Required Courses knowledge and competencies acquired during the program of study to actual educational situations NUR 650 Designing a Student and to incorporate formal leadership roles into their Learning Environment 3 credits academic career trajectory. Designing a Student Learning Environment focuses on the creation of teaching–learning environments and the integration of the role of faculty/educator, the uniqueness of the student learner, the setting and context within which the learning occurs, the teaching–learning strategies used to promote nursing education, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of this process.

66 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing Certificates in Nursing 67 Excelsior College Chair Richard Yep, CAE Executive Director and CEO Board of Trustees American Counseling Association Alexandria, VA

Polly Baca, BA Mary O’Connor, PhD, RN, FACHE John F. Ebersole, LPD President & CEO Associate Professor President Baca Barragan & Perez Associates Notre Dame of Maryland University Excelsior College Denver, CO Baltimore, MD Albany, NY Helen Benjamin, PhD David Oliker, MA Joseph B. Porter, Esq., Secretary Chancellor President & CEO Vice President for Legal and Governmental Contra Costa Community College District MVP Health Care Affairs and General Counsel Martinez, CA Schenectady, NY Excelsior College Linda Davila, BS, CFM, CIMA, Vice Chair Sharon Richie-Melvan, PhD Albany, NY First Vice President—Merrill Lynch Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army Sara J. Waldorf, BA Wealth Management Advisor President and CEO President New York, NY Crossroads Testing & Coaching, a Division Excelsior College Alumni Association Don Dea, MBA of SIR Consulting Services Warren, MN Cofounder Inverness, FL Fusion Productions Alvin Schexnider, PhD Emeriti Webster, NY President William E. Cox, EdD Schexnider & Associates LLC Gloria R. Gelmann, PhD, EdD, RN President Chesapeake, VA Associate Professor Cox, Matthews and Associates Inc. Seton Hall University Harry L. Staley, MA, CIO, Treasurer Fairfax, VA South Orange, NJ Owner Operator—McDonald’s Arthur J. Gregg, BS Anna’D. Foods Inc. The Honorable Bryanne Hamill Lt. General (Ret.), U.S. Army Annandale, NJ Family Court Judge (Ret.) Dumfries, VA Kings County, State of New York Pamela J. Tate, MA, MS Robert E. Kinsinger, EdD New York, NY President Consultant The Council for Adult and Experiential William G. Harris, PhD National Service Corps of Retired Learning (CAEL) CEO Executives (SCORE) Chicago, IL Association of Test Publishers Vice President (Ret.) Washington, DC André Vacroux, PhD W.K. Kellogg Foundation Harold (Bud) L. Hodgkinson, EdD Former President Twain Harte, CA National Technological University President Jean M. Smith, BA Dean Emeritus, Engineering at Hodgkinson Associates LTD Vice President (Ret.) Southern Methodist University Demographic Studies and Presentations J.P. Morgan Chase Dallas, TX Alexandria, VA Chase Community Development Garry W. Jaunal, Esq. John R. Wetsch, PhD, PMP Corporation Partner IT Director, Application Service Delivery New York, NY North Carolina Department of Revenue Baker & McKenzie Joshua L. Smith, EdD Raleigh, NC Chicago, IL Professor and Director (Ret.) Michael J. Loughran, BA Program in Higher Education President Ex Officio and Center for Urban Aon Affinity Health Care Business Unit, Marck L. Beggs, PhD Community College Leadership Aon Risk Solutions Professor of English New York University, School of Education Hatboro, PA Graduate School New York, NY Jerry L. Neff, BS Henderson State University Lawrence E. Vertucci, BA Brig. General (Ret.), ARNGUS Arkadelphia, AR Executive Vice President and Regional Regional President (Ret.), M&I Bank Chair President (Ret.) Bradenton, FL President’s Faculty Advisory Council HSBC Bank, USA Albany, NY

68 > www.excelsior.edu John F. Ebersole, LPD, President Mary Beth Hanner, PhD, RN Provost and Chief Academic Officer Excelsior College Executive and Academic J. Patrick Jones, PhD, Vice Provost Murray H. Block, EdD, Chief of Staff Leadership Staff

Wayne Brown, PhD Donna L. Cooper, MS Ed Deborah Rastinehad, PhD, RN Vice President, Extended Education Director of Financial Aid and Program Director Veterans Services Certifying Official Graduate Programs in Nursing Cathy S. Kushner, MA Ed Vice President for Institutional Betsy DePersis, MA Vacant Advancement Director of Advising Services Director, Baccalaureate/RN to Office of the Provost MS Program in Nursing Craig Maslowsky, MBA Vice President for Enrollment Susan A. Dewan, MBA Management and Marketing Executive Director Christine Early-Nadler, MS Ed Center for Military Education Disability Services Coordinator Edmund J. McTernan Jr., MBA Vice President, Human Resources Christina Yang, MBA Kathy Moran, BS and Administrative Services Coordinator of Ombudsperson Academic Partnerships Susan O’Hern, BA Vice President of Information Lori Morano, MS Ed Technology Registrar

John M. Pontius, Jr., CPA, MBA Ruth Olmsted, PhD Vice President for Finance Assistant Dean, Center for and Administration Educational Measurement

Joseph B. Porter, Esq. Vice President for Legal and School of Nursing Governmental Affairs and Academic Leadership Staff General Counsel Sandra A. DerGurahian, MS Ed Director of Advisement and Evaluation Scott Dalrymple, PhD School of Nursing Dean, School of Liberal Arts Vacant Jane LeClair, EdD Associate Dean for Nursing Research Dean, School of School of Nursing Business and Technology Karen Fagan, MS Ed Mary Lee Pollard, PhD, RN Director of Nursing Admissions and Dean, School of Nursing Evaluation, School of Nursing

Deborah Sopczyk, PhD, RN Kim Hedley, MS, RN, CPHQ Dean, School of Health Sciences Assistant Dean George Timmons, PhD Associate Degree Nursing Programs Associate Provost, Center for School of Nursing Online Education, Learning, and Laurie Nagelsmith, PhD, RN Academic Services Associate Dean School of Nursing

69 Excelsior College School of Nursing Faculty and Consulting Faculty

Susan E. Abbe, PhD, RN William K. Cody, PhD, RN, FAAN Susan Irvine, MS, RN, CNE (Higher Education Administration, (Nursing Science, (Nursing, Excelsior College) University of Connecticut) University of South Carolina) Faculty Program Director Nursing Curriculum Specialist Connecticut Director of the School of Nursing Nursing Faculty Member Community College System Hartford, CT DePaul University, Chicago, IL Excelsior College, Albany, NY

Civita Allard, MS, RN Ivory C. Coleman, EdD, RN Beverly K. Johnson, PhD, RN (Nursing SUNYIT) (Transcultural Health Nursing, (Nursing, University of Texas at Austin) Faculty Program Director The Pennsylvania State University) Associate Professor, College of Nursing Excelsior College Albany, NY Professor, Nursing Department Community Seattle University, Seattle, WA College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Ida Mary Androwich, PhD, RN, FAAN Kathleen Kennedy, MS, RN (Health Resource Management, Robin Dewald, PhD, RN (Medical-Surgical/Administration, Russell University of Illinois at Chicago) (Nursing Education, Capella University) Sage College) Professor, Community Health and Nursing Faculty Member, Assistant Professor, Nursing Department Administrative Nursing Excelsior College, Albany, NY The Sage Colleges, Troy, NY Niehoff School of Nursing Loyola University, Chicago, IL Kathie Doyle, MS, RN Ellen LaDieu, MS, RN (Clinical Nurse Specialist, (Community Health Administration, Sharon A. Aronovitch, PhD, RN Medical Surgical Nursing, Russell Sage College) (Nursing, Adelphi University) The Sage Colleges) Nursing Faculty Member Faculty Program Director Nursing Faculty Member Excelsior College, Albany, NY Excelsior College, Albany, NY Excelsior College, Albany, NY Mary Jo LaPosta, PhD, RN Elizabeth A. Ayello, Patricia Edwards, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF (Parent-Child Nursing, Adelphi University) PhD, RN, APRN, BC, FAAN (Rehabilitative Administration, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, (Nursing, New York University) Northeastern University, Boston, MA) Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga, NY Executive Editor, WCET Journal Associate Dean for Nursing Research Excelsior College, Albany, NY Claire Ligeikis-Clayton, RN, MS, EdD Susan B. Bastable, EdD, RN (Binghamton University) (Curriculum and Instruction, Teachers Amy Elinskas, MS, RN Faculty Program Director College, Columbia University) (Nursing, SUNY at Utica/Rome) Excelsior College, Albany, NY Professor and Chair, Faculty Program Director Department of Nursing Excelsior College, Albany, NY Fran Ludwig, MSN, RN Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Kim Hedley, MS, RN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Joanne Bonesteel, MS, RN (Nursing Administration, Arizona State University) (Cardiovascular Clinical Specialization, The Sage Colleges, Troy, NY) Faculty Program Director Boston College, Boston, MA) Assistant Dean, School of Nursing Excelsior College, Albany, NY Faculty Program Director Excelsior College, Albany, NY Excelsior College, Albany, NY Jacqueline A. Michaels, RN, MS, CCRN Pat Irons, MA, RN (Medical-Surgical/Teaching, Sage M. Sharon Boni, PhD, RN (Teaching and Administration in Associate Graduate School) (Cardiovascular, The Catholic Degree Nursing, Teachers College, Nursing Faculty Member University of America, Washington, DC) Columbia University) Excelsior College, Albany, NY Dean, School of Nursing & Allied Health Professor Emerita Queensborough Administration Community College Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV

continued

70 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing 71 School of Nursing Faculty and Consulting Faculty, continued

Frances Donovan Monahan, PhD, RN Mary Lee Pollard, PhD, RN Maureen Straight, MS, RN (Research/Theory in Nursing, (Educational Theory and Practice, (Nursing, Excelsior College, Albany, NY) New York University) State University of New York at Albany) Faculty Program Director Professor, Department of Nursing Dean, School of Nursing Excelsior College, Albany, NY Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY Excelsior College, Albany, NY Rosemarie Van Patten MS, RN Kathleen Morgan, MS, RN Demetrius J. Porche, (SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, NY) (Nursing Education, State University of DNS, PhD, APRN, FNP, CS Faculty Program Director New York Institute of Technology) (Public/Community Health Nursing, Excelsior College, Albany, NY Faculty Program Director Louisiana State University Medical Center) Excelsior College, Albany NY Dean and Professor Mark F. Wahl, MS, RN Louisiana State University (Nursing, Excelsior College) Laurie Nagelsmith, PhD, RN Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing Faculty Program Director (Educational Psychology, New Orleans, LA Excelsior College, Albany, NY State University of New York at Albany) Associate Dean, School of Nursing Jayne Prendergast, MS, RN Helene Wallingford, MS, RN Excelsior College, Albany, NY (Nursing, SUNY at Binghamton) (Parent & Child Nursing/Education, Faculty Program Director The Sage Colleges, Troy NY) Barbara Nichols, MS, RN, FAAN Excelsior College, Albany, NY Faculty Program Director (Behavior Disabilities and Counseling, Excelsior College, Albany, NY University of Wisconsin) Larry D. Purnell, PhD, RN, FAAN President and CEO (Health Services Administration, Nona Wilson, MS, RN Barbara Nichols Consulting Nursing, Columbia Pacific University) (SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, NY) Philadelphia, PA Professor, School of Nursing Faculty Program Director University of Delaware Excelsior College, Albany, NY Dicey A. O’Malley, PhD, RN (Program Development and Evaluation, Deborah Rastinehad, State University of New York at Albany) PhD, RN, CoCN, CWCN Professor, Nursing Department (Nursing, University of Massachusetts) Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY Assistant Dean, School of Nursing Excelsior College, Albany, NY Bonnie Page, MS, RN (MS Health Education SUNY Cortland; Lisa Robert, MS, RN MS Nursing Family Nurse Clinical (Nursing, Russell Sage College) Specialist with Nurse Practitioner Skills, Faculty Program Director Binghamton University) Excelsior College, Albany, NY Faculty Program Director Excelsior College, Albany, NY Nancy Smulsky, MS, RN, CPHQ (Nursing, Excelsior College, Albany, NY) Faculty Program Director Excelsior College, Albany, NY

70 > www.excelsior.edu/nursing 71 New York State Education Department Inventory of Registered Programs

Higher Education General Information Survey Code for Classifying Academic Subject Areas.

Program Title HEGIS Award Program Title HEGIS Award

School of Business and Technology, Business Programs School of Nursing Programs

Administrative/Management Studies 5004 AAS Nursing 5208 AAS, AS BS, RN-MS, Business 0501 AS Nursing 1203.10 MS Business and Management 0599 BPS School of Business and Technology, Technology Programs Business 0506 MBA Cybersecurity 5199 Certificate School of Health Sciences Programs Cybersecurity Management 0799 Certificate End of Life Care 1299 Certificate Technical Studies 5315 AAS Health Care Informatics 1203.12 Certificate Nuclear Technology 5316 AS Health Care Management 1203.12 Certificate Technology 5315 AS Health Sciences 1201 BS Technology Management 0599 BPS School of Liberal Arts Programs Electrical Engineering Technology 0925 BS Homeland Security 5505 Certificate Information Technology 0702 BS Liberal Arts 5649 AA, AS Nuclear Engineering Technology 0925 BS Liberal Studies 4901 BA, BS, MA Technology 0925 BS Area Studies 0399 BA, BS Cybersecurity 0702 MS Biology 0401 BA, BS Communication 0601 BA, BS Criminal Justice 2105 BS, MS Economics 2204 BA, BS History 2205 BA, BS Literature in English 1502 BA, BS Mathematics 1701 BA, BS Music 1005 BA, BS Political Science 2207 BA, BS Psychology 2001 BA, BS Sociology 2208 BA, BS

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