Your Guide to Graduate Nursing Programs - American Association ...

Your Guide toGraduateNursing Programs

Your Guide toGraduateNursing ProgramsTable of ContentsYour Graduate Nursing Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Know Your Nursing Education Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Master’s Nursing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Nursing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Preparation for Specific Nursing Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Nurse Researchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Nurse Educators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Clinical Nurse Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Nurse Administrators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Public Health Nurses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Nurse Informaticists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Public Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Other Nursing Roles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Insider Tips for Choosing the Right Graduate Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Financing Your Graduate Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Supporting Your Entry into Graduate Nursing Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Web Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Your Graduate Nursing EducationNursing is a dynamic profession that brings manyrewards and career advancement opportunitiesto those committed to lifelong learning. Today’snurses are expected to master an increasingly complexbody of knowledge and attain clinical skills to effectivelyprovide lifesaving and life-sustaining services. Thoughcompleting an entry-level registered nursing (RN)program and passing the NCLEX are importantmilestones in anyone’s career, these are only the firststeps in your preparation as a nursing professional.Throughout your career you will continue to expandyour knowledge base due to advances in technologyand cutting edge nursing research. For those wishingto play a part in developing new skills, research, andpractice innovations, now is the time for you to considergraduate-level nursing education.More educationbrings moreopportunity, andmany doors areopen to nurseswith master’s anddoctoral degrees.More education brings more opportunity, andmany doors are open to nurses with master’sand doctoral degrees. Nurses with graduatepreparation provide direct patient care at anadvanced level, conduct research, teach onlineand in the classroom, impact public policy,lead health systems, consult with corporations,and implement evidence-based solutions thatrevolutionize health care. These highly skilledproviders are in great demand to fill establishedand emerging roles that allow nurses tofocus on a variety of practice areas,such as adult and family health,geriatrics, pediatrics, public health,administration, informatics,forensics, systems improvement,and genetics/genomics.The national movementtoward healthcare reformis ushering in new modelsof care delivery that willplace nurses in the driver’sseat. As leaders of health/Your Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 1

The AmericanAssociation ofColleges of Nursing(AACN)encourages all nursesto strive for higherlevels of educationto advance theircapacity to enhancethe qualityof care available toour nation’s variedpatient populations.medical homes, nurse-managed health clinics, communityhealth centers, and other settings, nurses are moving tobecome full partners in driving change in the healthcarearena. As more patients enter the system and an agingpopulation creates the demand for transformation inhealthcare, many more nurses will be needed to servein primary care and specialty roles, as well as to leadindependent practices.Beyond the professional opportunities nurses gain throughgraduate education, there are some very tangible benefitsto one’s quality of life. Nurses with advanced preparationtypically enjoy more opportunities to impact the overalldesign and implementation of care. As education increases,salaries follow suit. Nurses with doctoral preparationtypically earn six-figure salaries and often rise to the topof healthcare’s leadership ranks. With new practiceopportunities emerging, and the demand for highlyspecialized nursing skills rising, the time is right for youto begin your graduate-level nursing education. Theearlier in your career you complete your formal education,the longer your professional life and the higher yourlifetime earnings will be.The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)encourages all nurses to strive for higher levels of educationto advance their capacity to enhance the quality of careavailable to our nation’s varied patient populations. Callsfor more nurses with graduate level preparation are comingfrom both inside and outside of the profession fromauthorities as diverse as the Institute of Medicine, the RobertWood Johnson Foundation, Tri-Council for Nursing, andthe Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.Now is the time for you to invest in your future and beginyour journey into graduate nursing education.2 American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Know Your NursingEducation OptionsAs you consider how best to continue your education,it’s important to keep your career trajectory inmind and know your options. Today’s health systemneeds nurses prepared at both the master’s and doctorallevels, yet you do not need to take a “stepped” approachto your education if your ultimate goal is the doctorate.Progressing seamlessly from baccalaureate to doctoralpreparation is often more efficient, requiring less time inclass and lower educational expenses. Of course, manystudents do choose to complete a master’s degree followedby a doctorate later in their career. This well-establishededucational pathway provides additional career options andmay be necessary when family, work demands, and financesare considered.Master’s nursingprograms prepareindividuals fora variety ofadvanced roles inadministration,teaching, research,informatics, anddirect patient care.Once you determine your degree of choice, you must selectthe program type that is right for you. More than 500nursing schools nationwide offer a menu of more than 2,000graduate programs tailored to the needs of nurses withvarying levels of education as well as non-nurses looking toenter the profession at an advanced level. Below is a snap -shot of commonly available graduate nursing programs.Master’s Nursing ProgramsMaster’s nursing programs prepare individuals for a varietyof advanced roles in administration, teaching, research,informatics, and direct patient care. Nurses at this levelare in high demand as Clinical Nurse Leaders, nursemanagers, clinical educators, health policy consultants,research assistants, public health nurses, and in many othercapacities. Individuals looking to earn a master’s degree maychoose from these options:❚❚Entry-Level Master’s Degree: Developed for thosewith a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a disciplineother than nursing, entry-level master’s degrees are alsoreferred to as generic or accelerated programs. Theseofferings generally take about 2 to 3 years to finish withbaccalaureate-level content and initial RN licensureYour Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 3

completed during the first year. These programs, manyof which prepare Clinical Nurse Leaders, are paced forstudents who have proven their ability to succeed at afour-year college or university. More than 60 entry-levelmaster’s programs are available at schools nationwide.❚❚RN to Master’s Degree:Designed for nurses withassociate degrees, RN tomaster’s programs takeabout 2 to 3 years tocomplete with specificrequirements varying byinstitution and based onthe student’s previouscourse work. Though mostprograms are offered inclassroom settings, manyare delivered largelyonline or in a blendedclassroom/onlineformat. The baccalaureate-level content missing fromassociate degree curricula is built into the front-end ofthese degree completion programs. The number of RN tomaster’s programs has more than doubled in the past 20years with more than 170 programs available today.❚❚❚❚Baccalaureate to Master’s Degree: The traditionalpost-baccalaureate master’s is the most prevalentoption offered to those seeking graduate preparation.Course work builds on undergraduate competenciesand allows students to concentrate their learning on afocus area. Program requirements and credit load varyby institution, though most programs may be completedin 18-24 months of full-time study. Though the majorityof schools grant the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)degree, some offer the Master of Nursing (MN) or MS innursing in keeping with university policy. The MSN, MN,and MS in nursing are comparable degrees and preparestudents at the same level of competency.Dual Master’s Degree Programs: Nurses seeking agraduate degree with an in-depth concentration in a4 American Association of Colleges of Nursing

❚❚related field of study often choose a dual MSN program.Nationwide, more than 120 dual master’s degreesare available that combine nursing course work withbusiness (MSN/MBA), public health (MSN/MPH), healthadministration (MSN/MHA), public administration (MSN/MPA), and other content areas.Post Master’s Certificate Programs: Certificateprograms also are available to master’s programgraduates looking to sharpen their clinical skills andnursing knowledge in a number of focus areas, includingnursing education, leadership, informatics, and specialtypractice among many others.Today’s nursingstudent can choosefrom doctoralprograms focusedon either research(PhD, DNS) orpractice (DNP).Doctoral and Post-DoctoralNursing ProgramsFor nurses looking to assume leadership positions, advancedfaculty appointments, and specialist roles, a doctorate is theappropriate credential. Today’s nursing student can choosefrom doctoral programs focused on either research (PhD,DNS) or practice (Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP). Giventhe need for more nurses to serve as Advanced PracticeRegistered Nurses (APRN), assume faculty positions, embarkon careers as research scientists, and pursue leadership roles,nursing schools are moving quickly to increase the numberof students entering both practice-focused and researchfocuseddoctoral programs. Those seeking a terminal nursingdegree should consider these offerings:❚❚❚❚Fast-Track Baccalaureate to Doctoral Programs:This accelerated option provides an efficient educationalpathway for motivated baccalaureate program graduatesseeking an early-career doctorate. Strong clinicalexperiences are embedded throughout the entire 3-4year program of study. These programs are available toboth nurses in practice and new graduates, with theoption to focus on either research or practice. Given therigorous nature of these programs, full-time study isstrongly recommended.Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The DNP isdesigned for nurses seeking the highest level ofpreparation in nursing practice. In 2004, nursingYour Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 5

Post-doctoralprograms providea bridge for newscientists tobecome independent,productive researcherswho will generateand communicateknowledgefundamental toclinical nursingpractice.❚❚❚❚schools affiliated with AACN voted to move the level ofeducation necessary for advanced nursing practice fromthe master’s degree to the doctorate by the target yearof 2015. This move calls for doctoral preparation for thefour APRN roles — Nurse Practitioners, Clinical NurseSpecialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse-Midwives —as well as other nurses engaged in advanced specialtypractice. Both post-baccalaureate and post-master’sDNP programs are available with more than 150 nursingschools currently offering this degree and more than 100new programs under development. DNP graduates areleaders in the health system and work collaborativelywith nurse researchers to implement new nursingscience and practice innovations.Research-Focused Doctorate: The Doctor ofPhilosophy (PhD) represents the highest level of formaleducation for a career in research and the scholarshipof discovery. Program graduates develop new nursingscience, serve as leaders of the profession, and educatethe next generation of nurses. In the academic setting,the PhD is required for success as a researcher in anydiscipline, not just nursing. In the scientific arena, thePhD is the beginning preparation for the developmentof independence in scientific pursuit. Attainment of thePhD (or the DNS degree at some institutions) requiresa strong scientific emphasis within the discipline; anunderstanding of the science of related disciplines andtranslational science; dissemination of innovations; andinterprofessional collaboration. Currently more than 120nursing schools offer a research-focused doctorate.Post-Doctoral Programs: Post-doctoral programsprovide a bridge for new scientists to becomeindependent, productive researchers who will generateand communicate knowledge fundamental to clinicalnursing practice. New scientists embarking on postdoctoralstudy are expected to develop more depthin an area of science and enhance their expertise andskills for communicating within the scientific communityand for securing funding for future research. Theseprograms are available at almost 40 research-intensiveschools nationwide.6 American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Preparation for SpecificNursing RolesNurses with graduate degrees serve in a varietyof direct and indirect care roles in a wide rangeof practice arenas. Below is a sampling of careeroptions for master’s and doctoral program graduatesbased on data collected by AACN on the most commonmajors available at U.S. nursing schools. This is by no meansan exhaustive list, and there on no limits on where yourgraduate nursing education can take you.Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)APRNs provide primary, preventive, and specialtycare in a variety of roles in acute and ambulatory caresettings. According to the Health Resources and ServicesAdministration (HRSA), “APRNs are RNs who have receivedadvanced education to develop knowledge and skills inareas not usual for RNs, such as diagnosing and managingcommon acute and chronic diseases, ordering diagnostictests, prescribing medications, and performing minorprocedures.” Those considering a career as an APRN maychoose from one of four recognized roles:❚❚Nurse Practitioners (NP), thelargest segment of the APRNworkforce, are essential providersof primary and acute care, andare particularly important toproviding access to quality healthcare in underserved areas. NPsprovide initial, ongoing, andcomprehensive care, whichincludes taking health histories;providing physical examinationsand other health assessment; anddiagnosing, treating, and managing patients with acuteand chronic conditions. This care encompasses healthpromotion, disease prevention, health education, andcounseling as well as disease management. NPs practiceautonomously in areas as diverse as family practice,Your Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 7

pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric/mental health, andwomen’s health care.❚❚❚❚Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) focus their nursingpractice on areas that are often defined by a population,setting, or disease type. The CNS is responsible andaccountable for diagnosis and treatment of health/illness states, disease management, health promotion,and prevention of illness and risk behaviors amongindividuals, families, groups, and communities. With anemphasis on continuous, evidence-based improvementof patient outcomes and nursing care, CNSs clearlydemonstrate that their practice reduces healthcare costsamong other quality factors. These providers specializein a number of areas, such as adult health, acute andcritical care, and community health among others.Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)provide the full spectrum of anesthesia care forindividuals across the lifespan. CRNAs provide morethan 30 million anesthetics in the U.S. annually and arethe sole anesthesia providers in nearly all rural hospitals,affording patients access to trauma stabilization, paincare, and surgical services.❚❚Certified Nurse-Midwives(CNMs) provide a full rangeof primary healthcareservices, includinggynecologic and obstetriccare, childbirth, and careof the newborn. Ninetypercent of visits to CNMs arefor primary and preventivecare, which may includeaddressing reproductivehealth issues and treatingsexually transmitted diseases.This care is provided indiverse settings, includingprivate homes, hospitals,birthing centers, and ambulatory care settings (e.g.,private offices, community and public health clinics).8 American Association of Colleges of Nursing

APRN PreparationTo become an APRN, students must complete an accreditedgraduate program, pass a national certification examination,and obtain a license to practice in one of the four APRNroles. Programs focus heavily on advanced clinicalknowledge and skills that prepare nurses to provide expertpatient care in a number of specialty areas. While master’slevel programs are still available, the doctoral degree (DNP)is quickly becoming the standard for preparing APRNs forcontemporary nursing practice. To date, more than twothirdsof nursing schools offering APRN programs eitheroffer or are planning to offer the post-baccalaureate DNPprogram, while most currently have a post-master’s degreeDNP option.Nurse Researchers are scientists who investigate waysto improve healthcare services and patient outcomes.Nurses in this field enhance patient care by translatingresearch findings into practice innovations at the bedside.These specialists are responsible for identifying researchquestions, conducting studies, analyzing data, solvingclinical problems, writing grants, and sharing their findingswith the larger healthcare community. According to theNational Institute of Nursing Research, a branch of theNational Institutes of Health, the work conducted by nurseresearchers is essential to building the scientific foundationfor clinical nursing practice; preventing disease anddisability; managing and eliminating symptoms caused byillness; and enhancing end-of-life and palliative care. Nurseresearchers often begin their careers as research assistants,clinical data coordinators, and in other assistive capacitiesthat usually require a master’s degree. Doctoral preparationis expected for principal investigators and other seniorresearch roles.To date, more thantwo-thirds of nursingschools offeringAPRN programseither offer or areplanning to offer thepost-baccalaureateDNP program,while most currentlyhave a post-master’sdegree DNP option.Nurse Educators combine clinical expertise with apassion for teaching. Responsible for preparing new nursesand advancing the development of practicing clinicians,nurse educators possess a solid clinical background,strong communication skills, and a high level of culturalcompetence. Educators must be flexible enough toadapt curriculum and teaching methods in response toYour Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 9

innovations in nursing science and ongoing changes in thepractice environment. Within this role, nursing professionalsenjoy opportunities to conduct research, publish articlesin scholarly journals, speak at nursing conferences, serveas consultants to education and healthcare institutions,write grant proposals, shape public policy, and engage incommunity service. Given the ongoing shortage of nursefaculty, the job outlook for those seeking careers in nursingeducation is bright with a growing demand for individualsneeded to teach in schools of nursing, hospitals, publichealth agencies, and other settings.Preparation for the nurse educator role varies by role andteaching site. Nurses with master’s preparation are neededto serve as instructors in the practice setting, clinicalpreceptors, staff development educators, and faculty inassociate degree and allied nursing programs. Nursesseeking full-time faculty positions in four-year collegesand universities should pursue doctoral preparation.Future faculty pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree areadvised to specialize in a clinical area or research within thediscipline, not the process of teaching. Individuals pursuingfull-time faculty roles should have additional preparation inthe art and science of teaching (i.e., pedagogy, curriculumdevelopment, student assessment) to better convey10American Association of Colleges of Nursing

their clinical mastery to nursing students. This additionalpreparation may occur in formal course work as part ofa clinically focused doctoral or master’s program, or becompleted separately from the graduate degree.Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) are prepared inmaster’s degree programs to oversee the care coordinationfor patients, assess risks, develop quality improvementstrategies, facilitate team communication, and implementevidence-based solutions at the unit level. Nurses lookingto provide direct care services while exercising clinicaljudgment, systems improvement, patient advocacy, andcommunication skills often flourish in this role. CNLs bydefinition are leaders, but this leadership occurs at the pointof care. This role is not focused on nursing administrationor management. CNLs are typically found at the bedsideor providing direct patient care in other settings wherethey collaborate with all members of the healthcare teamto provide a safe environment for patients where needsare prioritized and individualized. Students graduatingfrom CNL programs are encouraged to complete theirrole preparation by pursuing certification through theCommission on Nurse Certification. CNL® certification isa mark of excellence that lets employers, patients, andcolleagues know that the CNL possesses the requisiteknowledge and skills to practice in this unique capacity.Given the ongoingshortage of nursefaculty, the joboutlook for thoseseeking careers innursing education isbright with a growingdemand forindividuals needed toteach in schools ofnursing, hospitals,public healthagencies, and othersettings.Nurse Administrators serve in a variety of managerialand leadership capacities in all practice environments.These nursing professionals facilitate and deliver qualitypatient care while coordinating workflow and managingnursing care. A nurse administrator may run a small teamof nurses, several nursing units, an entire department, oran entire health system. These nurses are well-versed innursing practice as well as in administrative procedures.Nurses drawn to this specialty typically aspire to be leadersin health care and often seek executive and policy-makingroles. Certification programs are available for graduates ofnursing administration programs from the American NursesCredentialing Center and the American Organization ofNurse Executives.Your Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 11

Public Health Nurses focus on preserving the healthand well-being of the public. These specialists are licensedprofessional nurses who participate in activities related topopulation health, health promotion, disease preventionand control, and community education. Though theirresponsibilities vary by role and location, master’s- anddoctorally-prepared public health nurses often manageclinics in various state and community settings (e.g.,immunizations, well-child, health screenings), investigatecommunicable disease cases to determine sources andimplement action necessary to curtail the spread ofdisease; analyze data to identify needs and service gaps forindividuals, families, and communities; provide educationregarding disease control and prevention as well as generalpreventive health care to individuals and groups; andimplement programs that address environmental andpopulation health risks. These nurses work collaborativelywith community leaders, government officials, teachers,parents, and other providers in areas related to communityand population health.Nurse Informaticists seek to improve informationmanagement and communications in nursing to maximizeefficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of patientcare. The American Nurses Association defines nursing12American Association of Colleges of Nursing

informatics as “a specialty that integrates nursing science,computer science, and information science to manage andcommunicate data, information, and knowledge in nursingpractice. Nursing informatics facilitates the integrationof data, information and knowledge to support patients,nurses, and other providers in their decision-making in allroles and settings.” Informatics specialists must understandthe nursing process, so they can design systems that willsolve problems facing patient care. After completing abachelor’s degree in nursing, many nurse informaticistsobtain a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing dependingon their career aspirations.Nursing is adynamic, evolvingprofession thatpresents limitlesscareer opportunitiesfor nurses withgraduate degrees.Public Policy: Nurses in this arena work to shapepublic policy at the federal, state, and local levels. Theseprofessionals use their nursing knowledge to adviselegislators on healthcare policy, develop legislation, andconsult on nursing-related issues. Policy nurses provideexpert analysis of the potential and current impact ofgovernment policies on healthcare concerns. Thesespecialists work with government policy-making bodies,think tanks, nursing schools, national associations, specialinterest groups, and with other stakeholder organizations.Other Roles: Nursing is a dynamic, evolving professionthat presents limitless career opportunities for nurses withgraduate degrees. Beyond the roles mentioned above,nurses are breaking fresh ground as specialists in forensics,case management, school nursing, genetics/genomics,and others emerging practice areas. Today’s nurse expertsare working as entrepreneurs, authors, consultants,attorneys, legislators, communicators, military officers,and in numerous other capacities. For an extensive list ofnursing specialties, including an overview of academicrequirements, see the Web site ExploreHealthCareers.org.Your Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 13

The strong majorityof graduate nursingprograms areCCNE-accredited.PhD programs innursing, as inother fields, arenot accredited.Insider Tips for Choosingthe Right Graduate ProgramNow that you’ve decided to advance your nursingeducation, it’s important for you to do yourresearch to make sure you choose the rightprogram that fits your individual needs. Here are someimportant questions to ask and have answered beforemaking your final decision:QWhat is required in terms of undergraduategrade point average, entrance testing (e.g., GRE),and prerequisites?These basic questions will help you determine if youracademic background is a good match with the institutionsyou are considering.QHow long is the program, what is the credit load, andare full- and part-time study options available?Understanding the program structure and completiontimerequirements up front is important to setting yourexpectations. Keep in mind that shorter programs are oftenmore rigorous and may not always fit your needs.QAre education programs offered online, face-to-face,and/or in a hybrid format?Be sure to assess your own learning style preferences whenselecting a course delivery option.QIs financial aid available for graduate students and inwhat form (e.g., loans, scholarships, traineeships)?Do not assume that a graduate nursing degree is beyondyour means. Hundreds of scholarships, grants, and loanprograms are available to nursing students pursuingadvanced education. See pages 16-18.14American Association of Colleges of Nursing

QAre master’s andDNP programsaccredited by oneof the two nationallyrecognized accreditingbodies for nursingeducation — theCommission onCollegiate NursingEducation (CCNE) orNational League for NursingAccrediting Commission?The strong majority of graduate nursing programs areCCNE-accredited. PhD programs in nursing, as in otherfields, are not accredited.QDoes the faculty possess expertise that matches youracademic, practice, and research interests?A good match will help to guarantee strong clinical and/orresearch experiences in your primary interest areas.QAre clinical and/or research learning opportunitiesor preceptorships available in your chosenspecialty area?Having relevant clinical experiences is critical to youreducational development.QIf you are considering a master’s degree, is theprogram structured to transition students seamlesslyinto a doctoral nursing program?Though maybe not a current goal, ensuring easyarticulation may facilitate and inspire future doctoral levelstudy.QIf you are considering an APRN program, are facultyactively practicing?Faculty with one foot in the practice environment maybe better equipped to understand the expectations ofcontemporary nursing practice.Your Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 15

Most grant andloan programsadministered by theU.S. Department ofEducation, such asPerkins Loans,PLUS Loans, andStafford Loans, aremanaged throughthe nursing school’sfinancial aid office.QAre APRN program graduates eligible for certificationfrom one of the national certifying bodies for APRNs?This is a fundamentally important requirement for licensureto practice as an APRN.QWhere are graduates finding jobs and what percentagehave job offers at the completion of their studies?Knowing these answers will help to determine employersatisfaction with program graduates as well as futurejob prospects.QDoes the institution offer support in finding positionsafter completing your program of study?Many schools have career centers that assist students withresume writing, practice interviews, job fairs, and alumninetworking to help them secure new jobs after graduation.Prospective graduate students are strongly encouragedto contact nursing schools early in their decision-makingprocess to determine specific program entry requirements,as they vary from school to school. Feel free to visit, call, oremail faculty and admissions staff to discover more aboutparticular specialties as well as career horizons in nursing.Financing Your Graduate EducationNow that you have selected the right program,how are you going to pay for nursing school?Fortunately, a variety of financial aid options areavailable to those new to nursing as well as RNs looking toadvance their education to the master’s or doctoral level.The first place to go when seeking funding is the financialaid office at your chosen school of nursing. Most grant andloan programs administered by the U.S. Department ofEducation, such as Perkins Loans, PLUS Loans, and StaffordLoans, are managed through the nursing school’s financialaid office. Eligibility for some programs, including PerkinsLoans, is based on financial need. In order to receive anyassistance through these programs, you must complete aFree Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA onlineat http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.16American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Schools of nursing manage a variety of scholarship andloan programs for students pursuing graduate nursingdegrees. Some programs do not involve repayment, whiletraditional loan programs have a payback requirement.Other programs also may require a post-graduation servicecommitment. Funded by the federal Division of Nursing,these programs include the Nurse Faculty Loan Program,Advanced Education Nursing Traineeships, NurseAnesthetist Traineeships, and Nursing Student LoanProgram. Because not all schools of nursing offer thesespecific funding opportunities, you should check first withthe financial aid departments at the institutions you areconsidering attending.In addition to school-managed options, graduate studentsmay apply directly for funding through a variety of federalprograms. Here is a sampling of opportunities availablethrough the Bureau of Health Professions:❚❚Nurse Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programssupport current students and new graduates. Theseprograms include:●●●●Loan Repayment: Repays up to 85% of nursing studentloans in return for at least 3 years of practice in a designatedhealthcare facility with a critical shortage of nurses orservice as a faculty member at a school of nursing.Scholarship: Offers individuals who are enrolled oraccepted for enrollment as full-time nursing studentsthe opportunity to apply for scholarship funds. Upongraduation, scholarship recipients are required towork in a healthcare facility with a critical shortageof nurses for at least 2 years.❚❚❚❚The Faculty Loan Repayment Program providesloan forgiveness for individuals from disadvantagedbackgrounds who serve as faculty at eligible healthprofessions schools for a minimum of 2 years.The Scholarships for Disadvantaged StudentsProgram provides scholarships to full-time studentsfrom disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstratefinancial need.Your Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 17

Some states have developed programs that offer loanforgiveness for nursing faculty or have proposed legislationto provide funding assistance to nurses pursuing advancedroles. To find out if a program is available in your state orif one is being considered, see the Health WorkforceInformation Center online at www.hwic.org/states.In addition to government-sponsored financial aidprograms, RNs are encouraged to take advantage ofemployer-sponsored programs that enable nursingpersonnel to continue their education and completegraduate degrees. Be sure to check with your humanresources department to see what programs are availableat your practice site. Finally, many private foundations andcorporate sponsors offer funding opportunities specificallyfor nurses seeking graduate degrees. AACN has compileda directory of some of these opportunities online atwww.aacn.nche.edu/Education/financialaid.htm.Supporting Your Entry into GraduateNursing EducationAACNisto nursing studentscommitted to providingresources and guidanceconsidering graduate study. The association’s Web site —www.aacn.nche.edu — contains a wealth of usefulinformation that will help you assess your nursingeducation options:❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚Updated listings of nursing schools offering specific typesof graduate programs, including PhD, DNP, Baccalaureateto Doctorate, and Clinical Nurse Leader programs.A comprehensive directory of Web links to affiliatedschools of nursing.An extensive financial aid section, including specificprograms for graduate nursing students.A link to NursingCAS, nursing’s centralized application service,which facilitates applications to multiple schools of nursing.18American Association of Colleges of Nursing

❚❚Access to Education Scholar, an online facultydevelopment program, and other professionaldevelopment options for nursing faculty.In addition to AACN, the following resources are alsoavailable to you to help guide your career and nursingprogram search:❚❚Johnson & Johnson’s Discover Nursingwww.discovernursing.comDeveloped to generate strong interest in nursing careers,this information-rich site provides clear advice on gettinginto nursing school, paying for your education, andselecting the nursing specialty that fits your interests.❚❚ExploreHealthCareers.orgwww.explorehealthcareers.orgThis online clearinghouse gives students reliableinformation about nursing and the health professions,including links to career profiles, enrichment programs,financial aid resources, and current issues in health care.BibliographyAACN Position Statements, White Papers,and Endorsed ModelsAACN Position Statement on the Practice Doctoratein Nursingwww.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/DNPPositionStatement.htmConsensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure,Accreditation, Certification & Educationwww.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APRNReport.pdfThe Essentials of Doctoral Education for AdvancedNursing Practicewww.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/pdf/Essentials.pdfThe Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursingwww.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/Master’sEssentials11.pdfYour Guide to GR ADUATE Nursing Programs 19

Preferred Vision of the Professoriate in Baccalaureate andGraduate Nursing Programswww.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/positions/preferredvision.htmThe Research-Focused Doctoral Program in Nursing:Pathways to Excellencewww.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/PhDPosition.pdfWhite Paper on the Education and Role of the ClinicalNurse Leader www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/WhitePapers/ClinicalNurseLeader.htmReferences and Related ArticlesAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011).2010-2011 Enrollment and graduations in baccalaureate andgraduate programs in nursing. Washington, DC: AACN.Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V. & Day, L. (2009).Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation. CarnegieFoundation for the Advancement of Teaching. San Francisco:Jossey-Bass.Health Resources and Services Administration. (2010,March). 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices.Institute of Medicine. (2010). The Future of Nursing: LeadingChange, Advancing Health. Washington, DC: NationalAcademies Press.Penn, B.K. (2008). Mastering the Teaching Role: A Guide forNurse Educators. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.Penn, B.K., Wilson, L., & Rosseter, R. (2008, September 30).Transitioning from nursing practice to a teaching role. OJIN:The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 13(3). Available athttp://tinyurl.com/37vmesoTri-Council for Nursing. (2010, May). The educationaladvancement of registered nurses: A consensus policystatement. Available online at www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/TricouncilEdStatement.pdf20American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Web Resources Referenced in this GuideNursing Program Accrediting BodiesAccreditation Commission for Midwifery Education: www.midwife.org/acmeCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education: www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditationCouncil on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs:www.aana.com/councilaccreditation.aspxNational League for Nursing Accrediting Commission: www.nlnac.orgNursing’s Centralized Application ServiceNursingCAS: www.nursingcas.orgResources for Specific Nursing RolesCertified Nurse Midwives: www.midwife.orgCertified Registered Nurse Anesthetists: www.nursesource.org/anesthetist.htmlClinical Nurse Leaders: www.aacn.nche.edu/cnlClinical Nurse Specialists: www.nacns.orgNurse Administrators: www.aone.orgNurse Educators: www.nursesource.org/nurse_educator.htmlNurse Informaticists: www.allianceni.orgNurse Practitioners: www.nursesource.org/practioner.htmlNurse Researchers: www.ninr.nih.govPublic Health Nurses: www.apha.org/membergroups/sections/aphasections/phnCertification and RegulationAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center: www.nursecredentialing.orgCertification Examinations for Nurse Administrators: www.cgean.org/cert.phpCertification Organizations for the APRN Roles: www.aprnlace.orgCommission on Nurse Certification (CNL Certification): www.aacn.nche.edu/CNCNational Council of State Boards of Nursing: www.ncsbn.orgGeneral Information about Nursing CareersAmerican Nurses Association: www.nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses.aspxOccupational Outlook for Nurses: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htmNational Sample Survey of Registered Nurses: http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/nursingsurvey.aspxNurse Salary SurveysRegistered Nurses: http://nursing.advanceweb.com (See Jobs)Nurse Practitioners: http://nurse-practitioners.advanceweb.com/main.aspx

One Dupont Circle, Suite 530Washington, DC 20036202-463-6930www.aacn.nche.edu