School of Nursing - Northeastern University - Overview
Graduate Programs in Nursing at Northeastern University
The School of Nursing at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, has a long tradition of preparing nurses and nursing students for exciting careers in healthcare.
The school offers several first-rate graduate programs that lead to MS, PhD, and DNP degrees in nursing as well as to certificates of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in nursing. Its graduate programs provide students with extensive theoretical knowledge, individualized attention from faculty members, and practical experience from first-rate clinical rotations.
The "U.S. News and World Report" gives top marks to the graduate program in nursing at Northeastern. The nursing program is ranked within the top 100 programs of its kind, and the nursing-anesthesia program is ranked 26 out of 100 programs.
Master of Science in Direct Nursing Program
The MS in Direct Nursing is a 4-year program that is designed for individuals who have bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing. During this program, students complete 16 months of classes and clinicals; then they sit for the National Council Licensure Examination.
After they pass the exam, students become registered nurses (RN) and take full-time, paid nursing positions (nursing co-op) that lasts for 6 to 9 months. Finally, they complete their coursework, which includes classes in their specialties.
Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study
Individuals who have master's degrees in nursing and 2 years of professional nursing practice may earn certificates of advanced graduate study (CAGS). The certificate programs provide education in specialty areas and qualify nurses for national certification programs. CAGS curricula are offered in the following master's level programs: nursing anesthesia, nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and psychiatric mental health nursing.
Graduate Programs in Nurse Anesthesia at Northeastern University
The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program at Northeastern University includes 4 core nursing courses, 3 core clinical courses, 7 nurse anesthesia didactic courses, 6 nurse anesthesia clinical courses, and 1 elective course.
Additional graduate programs in nurse anesthesia include the MS for the certified registered nurse anesthetist, CAGS, and the U.S. Army Graduate program.
Graduate Programs in Nurse Practitioner Specialties
Northeastern has several MS in Nurse Practitioner specialty programs including acute care (adult and pediatric); primary care (adult, family, and pediatric); and neonatal care. These programs as well as CAGS prepare students for careers in advanced practice nursing, nursing management, and nursing education.
Master of Science in Nursing Administration
The Master of Science (MS) in Nursing Administration program has several options: nurse manager specialty, nurse clinician/manager specialty, CAGS, and the MS/MBA degree.
The MS curriculum consists of 43 hours of courses and practicums and may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The MS/MBA program includes 70 hours of courses in nursing and business theory, and CAGS includes 30 hours of coursework.
BSN/MS Nursing Program
Registered nurses who have diplomas or associate degrees can earn joint BSN and MSN degrees in 2 years of full-time study and up to 5 years of part-time study.
Program specialties include nursing administration, nurse practitioner, primary and acute care, psychiatric/mental health, and primary care. The curriculum includes clinical practice, core courses, and specialty courses as well as courses that address critical topics in the field including pathophysiology, cultural diversity, nursing informatics, and public health nursing.
Joint MS/MBA Program
Northeastern University offers a graduate program that leads to the Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration degrees. Students acquire advanced education in business management that emphasizes clinical and organizational issues that are relevant to nursing management.
The program's curriculum has 70 hours of coursework that includes nursing theory, research, and professional core courses; business administration courses; and practicum courses.
Master of Science Program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
The MS in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing prepares students for the delivery of psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic treatment to adults, children, adolescents, and families in community mental health, residential program, and private practice settings.
The curriculum emphasizes diagnostic decision-making, psychotherapeutic interventions and strategies, and program planning and development. It also includes "intensive" practicum experiences.
Master's level nurses may also pursue CAGS that prepare them for certification examinations in the areas of psychiatric/mental health (for adults, children, or adolescents) or psychiatric nurse practitioner (adult or family focus).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Northeastern University
Northeastern's Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares RNs who have earned MSN degrees for clinical positions, leadership roles, faculty positions, and advanced practice nursing positions.
The DNP curriculum involves advance coursework in leadership, research translation, population health, and informatics and health policy. It builds upon students' previous coursework and clinical foundations and culminates with completing a capstone course.
The capstone project is a significant piece of evidenced-based work that contributes to nursing knowledge and is appropriate for publication.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program
Students in the PhD in Nursing program acquire the expertise needed to address issues that affect urban and underserved populations. Upon graduation they become researchers, educators, and scholars in nursing schools, clinical agencies, research centers, and other settings.
The curriculum includes 49 hours of coursework for post-master's students and 69 hours for post-baccalaureate students. Coursework emphasizes research, urban health, and statistics. Students also complete dissertations that report on their examinations of noteworthy research questions.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University is located in Boston, Massachusetts in the northeastern region of the United States. It is a private research university that was established in 1898.
It offers nearly 20,000 students over 90 undergraduate programs and more than 160 graduate programs. Comprehensive coursework, cutting edge research opportunities, and opportunities for experiential learning ensure that students acquire in-depth theoretical and practical education.
In fact, Northeastern's "signature" co-op program provides students with as many as 18 months of professional experience that aligns with their majors or career interests.