The following are requirements for full admission to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program at Metropolitan State University.

• B.S.N. applicants: Official transcripts indicating B.S./B.A. degree in nursing completed at the time of application or a current, official transcript and documentation indicating that the student has no more than 10 outstanding semester credits at the time of the application. Such students must provide evidence of degree completion with a 3.0 GPA by June 15 of the application year. R.N.-M.S.N. applicants refer to the R.N.-M.S.N. Undergraduate Student Policies and Procedures. 
• Evidence of current unencumbered RN licensure in at least one state with eligibility for licensure in Minnesota.
• 3.00 GPA used for admission assessment is the cumulative GPA calculated from all course work and evaluation of all transcripts (undergraduate and graduate). Diploma RN applicants seeking admission to the R.N.-M.S.N. program will be evaluated on an individual basis.
• Submission of a completed Metropolitan State University Graduate Programs Application form, including goal essay.
• References from three people: specifically, one from a former faculty member, one from a supervisor/employer, and one from a professional peer or colleague of the applicant's choice.
• Upon admission, student signature acknowledges awareness of computer proficiency expectations established by the Department of Nursing.
• R.N.-M.S.N. applicants must have all requirements toward the B.S.N. successfully completed. Exception: Current enrollment in NURS 458 Leadership and Management in Nursing OR NURS 456/456P Community Health Nursing.
• Interview with member(s) of the Graduate M.S.N. Admissions Committee may be required for qualified applicants according to established admissions committee procedures.
• Women's Health Planned Parenthood Certificate and Wound, Ostomy and Continence-only students are governed by articulation agreements and policies/procedures in effect.

Pre-Practicum Requirements

Prior to beginning the practicum experience, the following information must be submitted to the Department of Nursing:

• Acceptance of Compliance with Agency Requirements
• Communicable Disease Immunity
• Verification of 1,000 hours of RN work experience
• Current CPR certification
• Minnesota Department of Human Services Background Study Form
• M.S.N. Authorization for Release of Student Background Study Information
• Nursing Student Release Form
• Evidence of an unencumbered license with current registration to practice in Minnesota and the state(s) in which practicum will be conducted
• Nurse Practitioner student liability coverage (NP tracks)
• RN liability coverage (LMN and PHNL track)
• Evidence of current health insurance
• HIPAA training information

All requirements must be valid for the duration of practicum experiences.

Denial of Admission

Applicants with poor academic records or limited probability of succeeding in graduate work may be denied both admission to the M.S.N. program and permission to take graduate courses. Applicants may also be denied if the Department of Nursing concludes that they do not meet the professional standards commonly required for students earning a graduate degree in nursing and/or have stated professional goals that are incompatible with program offerings.

Special Students

Registered nurses who are not admitted to the M.S.N. program may register for nursing courses with the consent of the Graduate Academic Advisor/Recruiter if there is space available in the class. Refer to the Department of Nursing procedure governing special students. Approval is based on the judgment that the student has the academic and/or experiential background to successfully complete the course.

Enrollment Status

Full-time versus part-time status varies by program and semester. At Metropolitan State University, full time is considered eight (8) or more graduate credits; part-time status is less than eight (8) graduate credits per semester.

Progression

All requirements for the M.S.N. degree must be completed within six years of the first semester of enrollment in the M.S.N. program. Student requests for a one-time extension of up to one year may be considered if, prior to expiration of the initial six years, the student makes a written request to the Department of Nursing Student/Faculty Affairs Committee. The request should include the rationale for the request, a detailed plan regarding completion of degree requirements, and a target completion date.

Credit Transfer

With the approval of the Department of Nursing, students may apply certain credits earned in other accredited graduate programs toward their Metropolitan State degree. Students may request that up to eight (8) graduate semester credits apply toward the M.S.N. degree completion. This total includes graduate credits taken at Metropolitan State University as a special student or R.N.-M.S.N. student prior to admission to the M.S.N. program. Cross-listed courses taken for graduate credit while enrolled in the Metropolitan State R.N.-B.S.N. program are not included in the eight (8) credit total.

Evaluation of Credentials of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools

In accordance with University Policy 2000, graduates of foreign nursing schools who apply to the nursing program are required to have transcripts evaluated by the Credentials Evaluation Service offered by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS.) The full Education Course by Course report will serve as the basis for the transcript evaluation needed for admission to the university and the nursing program.

Financial Aid

A limited number of scholarships for M.S.N. students are available through employers or organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the Veteran's Administration. For information and application forms, call the Financial Aid Office at 651-793-1414 or contact them via the university Web site.