Master of Science in Nursing, MSN-MHA

Program Description

The AdventHealth University Department of Nursing offers an online MSN degree program designed to prepare RNs to assume leadership roles to meet the growing needs of the industry on local, national, and international levels. Obtaining an MSN opens the door for career advancement and enables RNs to become specialized experts in their fields. The MSN-MHA Dual Degree program emphasis provides RNs with education on public and private sectors of the U.S. Healthcare system, strategic quality management, healthcare finance, and healthcare informatics, tracking RNs for leadership and managerial roles.

Admission

Requirements for admission to the MSN-MHA Dual Degree Program:

MSN-MHA Dual Degree Program Admission, Progression, and Completion Policies

Admission as a graduate student requires the applicant:

1. Apply online and a non-refundable $50 dollar application fee. Admission files are not considered complete until the application fee is paid. Any documents received without an application on file will not be processed.
2. Submit a non-refundable $500 dollar deposit upon acceptance to the MSN-MHA Dual Degree program. The fee applies toward tuition and holds a place in the current cohort.
3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. Admission GPAs will be calculated based on credits from regionally accredited institutions only. Failure to disclose all colleges previously attended could result in denial or dismissal.
4. Hold a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing with an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a nursing GPA of 3.0.
5. Submit a copy of an active unencumbered RN license for the state of residence.
6. Provide an essay or goal statement outlining career goals, reasons for choosing to attend a faith-based institution, and reasons for specifically choosing AdventHealth University.
7. Provide two recommendations using AHU Recommendation Forms. It is preferred to have one academic reference and one supervisor reference.
8. Must pass the drug screen and the FDLE background check as stipulated by AHU. Students with criminal backgrounds are not eligible to sit for the national certification boards and will not meet the requirements for acceptance into the program.
9. Visit their state board’s website for the most updated and accurate information. Note that licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for the Graduate Nursing programs based on your state of residence, please contact our Admissions Coordinator.

Progression

Progression through the program anticipates that the student will:

1. Repeat only one Graduate course (including core courses) for any reason (including withdrawals).
2. A second course failure (Including core courses) will result in dismissal from the program.
3. Earn a grade of B or higher in each course.

Students are permitted to take one Leave of Absence (LOA) during the program. In case the student takes a LOA from the program for any reason, the following is required:

1. The student must submit a request for a LOA to the Graduate Admission Committee. The LOA request form must be completed. A second LOA will not be granted for any reason.
2. Students must indicate in the LOA the intended date of return to the program of study.
3. Once the LOA has been granted to the student, program sequencing will not be guaranteed upon return. Students will resume studies according to when courses are offered.
4. Students who have been granted the LOA must return to their studies according to the AHU policy or sooner.
5. Upon return from the LOA, students will have fallen out of their cohort. Immediate local clinical placement may not be guaranteed. However, clinical faculty will assist students in securing clinical placement.
6. Following the LOA, the graduation date will be delayed.
7. Students in the clinical track and course will have additional assignments to keep clinical skills up to date.

Completion

AdventHealth University will consider students for graduation and conferral of a MSN-MHA Dual Degree when they have met the general requirements for graduation (see Graduation in the “Academic Information” section in the Catalog Home) and when they:

1. Complete a minimum of 59 trimester hours of applicable credits.
2. Complete the prescribed course of study for the certificate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
3. Achieve a minimum grade of “B” (3.0) in each nursing, cognate, and general education course.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be awarded two separate degrees. The requirements for both must be completed before either degree can be awarded.

Students within the dual degree program will complete requirements for both programs, often with articulated requirements shared between the two, and receive two credentials upon completion of the program. Requirements for both programs must be completed to be awarded the dual degree.

Note: AdventHealth University does not accept transfer of graduate course credits to meet requirements for its professional clinical graduate programs.

Readmission after a Break in the Program

Students who have not matriculated for one-two trimesters may resume their studies after consulting with an advisor first, with proof of current licensure. Students who were not enrolled in course work for three or more trimesters must apply for readmission by completing a new application process. The program guidelines for the current Academic Catalog will apply. Students are not normally readmitted after dismissal.

Curriculum

All students must participate in a series of core classes, which contain material expected of all MSN-MHA Dual Degree graduates. Courses are offered as 7-week or 14-week courses during each trimester.

Clinical Experiences

Clinical experiences include a variety of activities in collaboration with the advisor’s recommendation, divided between four terms.

Suggested Course Study