MSN/DNP - Nursing Leadership FAQ

The Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Improvement area of focus prepares nurses to gain advanced knowledge in quality and safety, organizational behavior, and strategic decision-making. Graduates are equipped with expertise and skills to effectively lead within a healthcare environment.

Cedarville University School of Nursing is uniquely positioned to provide a rigorous academic graduate program while maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio and affordable price. The faculty is dedicated to the integration of a biblical worldview into the MSN curriculum, which prepares graduates to use nursing as a ministry for Jesus Christ.

The majority of MSN students maintain full-time employment. However, once you begin the practicum courses, anticipate one to two days a week to meet the 100- and 200-hour practicum requirements. If you have flexibility with self-scheduling, 12-hour shifts, or working weekends, this will be more conducive to maintaining full-time employment. We recognize that you are balancing many life demands, and your decision to apply to graduate school implies you have determined that you will be able to balance work, school, and life demands.

There are 300 practicum hours required for the NLHI area of focus. The practicum hours will be spread over two semesters. Nursing Leadership Practicum I (200 hours) and Nursing Leadership Practicum II (100 hours). The practicum hours include precepted experiences in which students apply entry level competencies in nursing leadership.

The NLHI area of focus coordinator and the MSN Clinical Placement Coordinator (CPC) will partner with you to secure practicum site placement. The CPC will initiate contact with you early in your program to establish goals and map out a tentative clinical plan. There are many variables that impact practicum placement choice including desired hours, geographic location, career goals, previous background, and preceptor/clinical site availability. An approved site has an educational affiliation agreement in place, has been evaluated by the NLHI area of focus coordinator, and has a verbal commitment by the preceptor. Preceptors must be qualified to provide practicum supervision.

Travel is often necessary during the practicum courses. While the CPC will work with you to secure practicum site placement as close to your geographical location it may be necessary to travel to obtain required practicum hours.

There are no required on-campus experiences for NLHI students.