We’ve got new answers to questions that came up in our latest healthcare webinar, “How to Navigate your Nursing Career.” Due to the overwhelming response to the webinar, our presenter was unable to address all of the incoming questions about online nursing degrees and nursing careers.
Here are the outstanding questions and answers, provided by American Sentinel University faculty Joy Green-Hadden, DNP, RN, FNP-BC.
1.) Does American Sentinel require any clinical-type hours for the MSN degree?
No, there are no clinicals in our MSN curriculum. In lieu of that, we have a Capstone project, which demonstrates mastery of the program objectives. The project is research-based, relevant to current practice, and focused on making a strategic change in the healthcare environment.
2.) How can ASU’s degree be credible with no hands-on course work?
All of American Sentinel University’s healthcare programs require a Capstone Project. This is a research-based project relevant to current practice and focused on making a strategic change in the healthcare environment. This project requires your personal involvement and occurs at a local healthcare agency selected by the student with assistance from ASU faculty. Plus, our coursework includes very interactive community involvement, including group discussions and postings, done weekly on your own schedule.
The extremely stringent accrediting agencies who monitor American Sentinel ensure the credibility of our programs.
All nurses entering our programs have active, unencumbered RN licensure. RNs who graduated within the last 3 years are eligible to enroll with no work experience or testing required, as their education and clinical experience is current. RNs enrolling after more than 3 years from graduation need to have 1,000 hours of nursing work experience or must complete an RN Refresher Course before enrolling. Our programs are designed for experienced nurses.
3.) What MSN tracks are offered? What fee would you anticipate per course or credit hour?
Our MSN program is designed for experienced nurses who want to expand their career options and concentrate on a specialty of choice. American Sentinel offers the following specializations:
- Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership
- Case Management
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
- Infection Prevention and Control
The tuition per credit hour for the MSN is $410.00, which is extremely competitive. Some schools charge $550.00 per credit hour or more. The tuition for the BSN is $340 per credit hour (some schools charge $450 per credit hour or more). Contact admissions@americansentinel.edu or 800-729-2427 with your tuition questions.
4.) How important is the specialization you choose for your MSN? For example, I’m in the case management track now, and I wonder if that would hinder my chances for securing a teaching job?
If you know that you want to become an educator, then I would pursue the education specialty. I think it would depend greatly on where you choose to teach as to whether your specialization in case management would be a hindrance.
5.) I want to specialize in pediatrics, but I’ve been told that it’s better to get your Master’s as a family nurse practitioner because it makes you more marketable?
I agree with the advice you received. The training you receive as a Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you to work with patients from birth to death. The broad-based education you receive as a Family Nurse Practitioner is an excellent foundation for working in all areas, ie., Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Emergency Medicine and more.
6.) I am an LPN. Do I need to get my RN before getting into nursing informatics?
I would strongly recommend that you obtain your RN licensure if you want to specialize. I firmly believe that this licensure would be a pre-requisite in most hospitals. Then, of course, you can enroll in our RN to MSN with a specialty in Nursing Informatics. This degree will provide you with a very strong education in your specialty and you will be in high demand!
7.) Is ASU’s program accepted in New York?
The healthcare programs at American Sentinel University are accredited by the DETC (Distance Education & Training Council) and by CCNE (Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education). Thus, our education is very highly respected and accepted worldwide.
- For more information on CCNE, contact them at One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036. 202-887-6791.
- For more information on DETC, contact them at 1601 18th Street, NW, Suite 2, Washington, DC 20009. 202-234-5100.
8.) In which MSN program should I engage if I want to become an instructor in the future?
If you are pursuing your advanced degree to become an educator, I would recommend you choose the nursing education specialization. It consists of 36 credit hours, 18 of which are core courses and 18 of which are in nursing education. I encourage you to look at this program online and contact me if you have any further questions: www.americansentinel.edu/healthcare
9.) For clinical professionals who have been in clinical roles with non-official management titles, how do you get the interview for and land the positions that require previous leadership experience?
Most management positions require an advanced education. So, I would definitely encourage you to pursue this. I also recommend that your Curriculum Vitae and your cover letter reflect your previous non-official management experience. This may help get you the interview.
Any more nursing career questions? Feel free to email them directly to joy.green-hadden@americansentinel.edu.
