School Nurse Specialty Program

Program

The MSN Program prepares the graduate to:

• Utilize research and evidence-based models that will enhance the practice of school nursing in the community and school health office.
• Develop their role as school nurses with a commitment to holistic evidence-based care that meets the needs of students, faculty, and the community, aligning with the RSNC’s core values of social justice, respect, rigor, and resilience.
• Evaluate the impact of the social determinants of health on students to enhance quality health outcomes and academic success.
• Integrate nursing knowledge, ethical principles and evidence-based practice in school nursing that reflects the pursuit of knowledge, cultural competence, and the holistic care of the student.
• Utilize population health theory to sustain a healthy school community.
• Participate in process of health policy development and build a culture of health for continued quality improvement of schools and communities.
• Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to enhance competencies in leadership school nursing practice.

School Nurse Tracks

School Nurse Certificate Program

Coursework:

• Improving Population Health
• Advanced Health Assessment
• School Nurses as Population Health Leaders
• Trends and Issues in Health Education
• Care Coordination in the School Health Office
• School Nurse and Health Education Practicum (135 clinical hours)
• 21st Century School Nursing Seminar

This track is an accelerated program designed for nurses to complete their School Nurse Certificate coursework in two semesters. Students who complete this program are eligible to apply for their New Jersey School Nurse Certificate with the option of completing their MSN at a later time.

Master of Science in Nursing, School Nurse Specialty (Two Tracks)

1. MSN School Nurse Certification Track
   Sample Coursework: Same coursework as the School Nurse Certificate Track, plus:
   • Evidence-Based Prevention, Promotion & Practice
   • Advanced Pathophysiology
   • Advanced Pharmacology 
   • Interprofessional Ethics for Advanced Practice
   • Leading Interprofessional Teams
2. ​​​MSN Post BSN - Certified School Nurse Track