MINNEAPOLIS, July 30, 2012 – Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high-quality online degree programs for working adults, has announced six new specializations in its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)**. They include RN-to-MSN specializations in Diabetes Nursing, Gerontology Nursing, Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership and Administration, and General Nursing, and an MSN specialization in General Nursing. Capella is also launching a post-bachelor's Diabetes Nursing certificate.
Answering the call for affordable, advanced nursing education "Because the role of nursing has become increasingly complex, there has been a growing call for nurses to advance their education beyond a registered nurse (RN) license," said Mary Bemker, DSN, director of Capella's Nursing Department. "Although some RNs returning to school will choose to earn a BSN, an MSN can be a real differentiator, and we've designed our program to make that a more affordable option. Capella's RN-to-MSN specializations allow RNs to earn an MSN with minimal difference in the time and cost it would take to earn a BSN."
RN-to-MSN specializations offer accelerated pathway to MSN In Capella's new RN-to-MSN specializations, students come into the specialization with an RN license and 135 quarter credits of undergraduate course work. The core curriculum incorporates both the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and the Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), providing an accelerated pathway toward an MSN.
These specializations also provide students with opportunities to translate courseroom learning into real-world action through five field experiences, each connected to a specific course.
The new RN-to-MSN specializations include Gerontology Nursing, Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership and Administration, General Nursing, and Diabetes Nursing, which is the only diabetes-focused RN-to-MSN nursing program available online.
General Nursing specializations offer flexibility to choose areas of emphasis The RN-to-MSN General Nursing specialization offers six emphases that allow students to tailor their degree program to meet their professional goals and interests. Each of the six emphases pair two disciplines: Nursing Leadership and Administration and Nurse Educator; Nurse Educator and Diabetes Nursing; Gerontology Nursing and Nurse Educator; Nursing Leadership and Administration and Diabetes Nursing; Gerontology Nursing and Nursing Leadership and Administration; and Gerontology Nursing and Diabetes Nursing.
Capella's new MSN General Nursing specialization offers the same emphasis choices as the RN-to-MSN General Nursing specialization. The General Nursing specialization also explores current theory, new research, and evidence-based nursing practices in a program that incorporates AACN's The Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing. It includes five field experiences tied to specific courses and is designed to advance students' knowledge of health care systems and policies, patient education, health promotion, and technology integration.
Diabetes Nursing certificate provides affordable way to advance diabetes knowledge Capella's new post-bachelor's certificate in Diabetes Nursing completes the university's new nursing education offerings. The five-course certificate is designed to provide an affordable way for nurses to deepen their knowledge of theories and evidence-based therapeutics in the care of individuals and vulnerable populations with diabetes and related conditions. For those wishing to eventually pursue an MSN, the certificate credits may be transferred into Capella's MSN Diabetes Nursing specialization.
Capella range of educational offerings in the nursing profession also includes a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focused on administrative, organizational, and systems leadership in the nursing field; CCNE-accredited MSN specializations in Nursing Leadership and Administration, Nurse Educator, Gerontology Nursing, and Diabetes Nursing; and a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
As of June 30, 2012, more than 36,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella. The learning and career outcomes of Capella's students and alumni can be found at www.capellaresults.org.
Enrollment now open Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for these educational offerings. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or email info@capella.edu.
Review of the new MSN specializations is pending in AL, KS, KY, LA, ND, and WA.
With the exception of the Nurse Educator specializations, North Carolina residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this program.
For the Diabetes Nursing certificate: In accordance with U.S. Department of Education (DOE) new advance notice requirements, a notification for this certificate will be submitted to the DOE. This certificate may be subject to additional review and approval by the DOE, which could result in a potential delay in learners being able to start the certificate. If this certificate is subject to additional review, the DOE will notify Capella University at least 30 days prior to the scheduled start date. Capella University proactively will keep applicants and learners enrolled in this certificate fully informed of any actions taken by the DOE that may affect their ability to successfully begin classes as originally scheduled.
For the Diabetes Nursing Certificate: Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. For more information on licensure, see: www.capella.edu/licensure.aspx. (Washington state learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information).
About Capella University Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Three-fourths of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 149 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 21 certificate programs. More than 36,000 learners were enrolled as of June 30, 2012, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis.For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), http://www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.