Explore the College of Health and Human Services

If you are a prospective GSU undergraduate or graduate student seeking more information about the College of Health and Human Services degree and certificate programs, check out our website for details or take advantage of our online request form.  Along with providing lots of information about our programs, we also offer several Summer and Fall Term introductory courses from a number of our departments.  This provides a great way to explore new pathways and career options, even if you are not ready to commit to a new major or program. 

Our selection of introductory Summer classes includes courses from our Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health degree programs.  Students will have the opportunity to take the Substance Abuse Current Concepts course online or several other courses from the department offered in a traditional classroom setting.  We are also offering several courses from the Community Health/Health Science program and the Communication Disorders Department. 

From our Health Administration Department, we are offering the course, An Introduction to Health Disparities.  In Occupational Therapy, students have the choice of two online courses, Intro to Occupational Therapy and Medical Terminology.  For anyone interested in exploring the Physical Therapy profession, the department is offering an online Orientation to Physical Therapy course in both Summer and Fall.   Please see our website for details regarding all of the CHHS’ Summer/Fall programs.  

 

If you plan to take a summer course at GSU, you will need to get registered.  Registration ends May 26^th.  As a student, you will not find a better group of individuals who are more dedicated to your future success than the Faculty and Staff of CHHS.   With seven academic departments, we are certain to have a program that meets your needs. 

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University, you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best universities in Illinois.

Learn More about CHHS’ Programs

Making the decision about something as important as your college major, or considering whether the time is right to move your career forward by pursuing your master’s or doctoral degree is difficult.  This is why GSU’s College of Health and Human Services regularly holds information sessions and open houses. 

Our information sessions present a perfect opportunity for prospective students or someone just starting the process of exploring their options, to learn more about our many degree and certificate programs.  During these sessions, you will get the chance to meet the faculty who are teaching the courses and find out more information about the prerequisites, degree requirements and the profession. 

In response to new research on evidence-based practices, the Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health has added a new 60-hour Addictions Counseling Concentration to its Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies degree program.   To properly introduce the program to our students, we are offering two informational sessions on the following dates:  Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at 11 a.m. and on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 3 p.m.  For additional information, contact the Program Coordinator, Serena Wadhwa at swadhwa@govst.edu.

Another information session and open house taking place this summer is for our Bachelor and Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders degree programs.  We invite all interested students who wish to learn more about these programs to schedule an Informational Meeting with the Chair of the Department of Communication Disorders.  For Summer Term, 2015, meeting times for prospective undergraduate students are: GSU Open House, Saturday, July 11, 10-11 a.m.  For prospective graduate students, dates are: GSU Open House, Saturday, July 11, 11 a.m. -12 p.m.  See our website to schedule an appointment and to see additional dates for the Fall Term. 

With seven departments that include Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health, Communication Disorders, Health Administration, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Social Work, we are sure to have a program that meets your needs.   Please visit our website to learn more. 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors, all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Health and Human Services Professionals

While health and human services professions include a broad range of careers in a variety of work environments, they all provide a valuable public service.  The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) defines the field of human services as “uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.” 

Services are designed to meet the most basic needs of a community and provide care for individuals and families, assistance for social services when required, and work to prevent and solve problems.  As a professional, you will work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, government agencies, halfway houses and group homes and private practices.  Jobs include rewarding careers in nursing, health administration, social work, occupational or physical therapy and drug counseling, among others.  

As it is a service oriented profession, it is important that anyone considering a career in the field have a real desire to help others. You need to be a patient, understanding person who has good communication skills and a strong sense of responsibility.  The area you work in will depend on the educational path you chose.   

For those interested in a career in the field, the employment outlook is continuing to grow.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that jobs such as social workers, rehabilitation counselors, marriage and family therapists and health educators are among the health and human services careers that are expected to see better than average employment growth in 2012 through 2022.  

At GSU, our College of Health and Human Services includes the following seven departments:  Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health; Communication Disorders; Health Administration; Nursing; Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Social Work.  Please see our website for information on all of our programs.   

Sources:

nationalhumanservices.org/what-is-human-services

publichealthonline.org/human-services/

 

If your passion is to make someone’s life better, the degrees and certificates we offer in the College of Health and Human Services are your perfect fit.   Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top universities in Illinois.

GSU’s College of Health and Human Services

If your passion is to help make someone’s life better, the degree and certificate programs offered by GSU’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) should be a perfect fit.  Our mission is to: provide accessible and quality health and human services professions education; foster a commitment to lifelong learning, scholarship, professional ethics, diversity, and social justice; and infuse its programs into community partnerships for the health, well-being and economic development of the region. 

At the CHHS, we have earned a national reputation for our occupational and physical therapy programs, based in part on the excellent reputation of our professors, many of whom serve as national chairpersons of their professional organizations.  Also, our Department of Nursing was one of the first colleges in the country to offer a clinical doctorate degree program.   This excellent DNP program has been offered by GSU since 2008.

Another proud accomplishment at CHHS is the recent honor from the website, topmastersinhealthcare.com, which named our Department of Health Administration as one of the “Top 50 Most Innovative University Healthcare Administration Departments.”  In addition, they named our Master of Health Administration degree program among the “Top 20 Affordable Master's Degrees in Healthcare Administration for 2015.” 

We recognize that many of our students are working professionals, and to accommodate that, you will find flexible scheduling with full-and part-time programs, online and hybrid courses, as well as evening classes.  Moreover, you can rest assured that every program in the college that requires accreditation for licensure or certification is properly accredited. For information regarding each department’s accreditation, please refer to our website.  Also check out our website for all of the information and requirements regarding our large selection of degree and certification programs at CHHS. 

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University, you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best universities in Illinois.

CHHS Offers a Selection of Master’s and Certificate Programs

GSU’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is made up of seven academic departments that include: Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health, Communication Disorders, Health Administration, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Social Work.  Among those departments, we offer a large selection of masters and doctoral programs. 

In our Nursing Department alone, the array of graduate programs include: a Master of Science in Nursing — Nursing Administration Concentration; Master of Science in Nursing — Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Healthcare; Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Concentration; and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).  Not to mention for those who still need to earn their BSN, we offer our fully online RN to BSN Completion Program.  In addition to all that, the Nursing Department has two certificate programs, the Family Nursing Practitioner Certificate and the Substance Abuse Intervention in Healthcare.

For those more interested in the managerial aspects of healthcare, our Master of Health Administration Degree program has been named among the Top 20 Affordable Master's Degrees in Healthcare Administration for 2015, according to TopMastersInHealthcare.com.  Taught by an award-winning faculty, the comprehensive curriculum is based on cutting-edge research to ensure you are ready for future challenges.  In addition, the department has an undergraduate degree in Health Administration, as well as three certificate programs. 

The department’s Certificate in Health Care Informatics is a part-time, graduate-level certificate. The course work has been selected by the faculty to prepare health care professionals to work with information management systems within health care settings.  The Health Services Research Certificate teaches students how to conduct research effectively, as well as how to use the research to impact real healthcare issues.  Finally, our Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration is a six-course sequence that provides a theoretical and practical foundation in long-term care administration.

These are just a few of the offerings from GSU’s College of Health and Human Services.  Please see our website to learn about all of our programs and their requirements.

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors, all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Opportunities to Serve as Addiction Professionals

Substance abuse and addiction are serious problems; research indicates that one in four Americans will have an alcohol or drug problem at some point in their lives. Furthermore, almost a quarter of a trillion dollars of the nation's yearly healthcare costs are attributable to the problem.  Through GSU’s College of Health and Human Services, we offer several exceptional programs that will prepare you to become a leader in the field of addictions treatment. 

The Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health has a Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies degree program that provides an excellent foundation to serve as a treatment professional.  Also, for students interested in the counseling aspect, we now offer a Master of Science in Addiction Studies - Addictions Counseling Concentration degree.   Graduates are provided with a challenging curriculum that emphasizes state-of-the-art, evidence-based approaches to addictions.

Along with our master programs, we have two certificate programs that are designed to give you the skills to recognize individuals with addictions and how to get them the necessary interventions.  Conveniently offered online, the Addictions Screening, Assessment and Referral Certificate will teach you about the technique known as "brief intervention," how it works and why it is so effective in helping people change their behavior.

The Certificate in Substance Abuse Intervention in Healthcare is our other certificate program and is open to licensed nurses.  Funded by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration, students can enter this online program at either the master's or undergraduate level.

GSU’s Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies program is accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA) and satisfies the academic requirements toward the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) professional credential.  Please see our website for all of the details and requirements regarding these programs. 

 

If your passion is to make someone’s life better, the degrees and certificates we offer in the College of Health and Human Services are your perfect fit.   Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top universities in Illinois.  

Careers Opportunities for Master of Health Administration Graduates

In a Forbes’ article from June 2012 regarding the best career opportunities for a master’s degree, a Master of Health Administration (MHA) was rated number 8^th with a projected employment growth of 22%.  They cite the mid-career median pay as $87,800.  In May 2013, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics listed the average yearly salary for medical and health services managers as $101,340.   

The MHA Degree.org website, an organization that advocates for healthcare administration worldwide, states that professionals with an MHA degree find careers in the following areas:  “Hospitals – state, local and private: 39%; Doctors’ offices: 9%; Nursing homes: 7%; Home health care organizations: 6%; and Outpatient care centers: 5%.”   They explain that the projected growth rate for jobs of 22% by the year 2020 is faster than average when compared with other occupations.  This is in part due to the aging population of baby boomers that are remaining active for a longer period of time than previous retirees and demanding more treatment and surgeries in order to do so.  

We understand that salary and job security are not the only reasons for pursuing a particular field.  Job satisfaction and meaningful work is also an important consideration and earning a MHA degree rated number 12 on a payscale.com survey of Majors That Change the World.  Working as a healthcare manager can be a fulfilling experience and offers the opportunity for management careers in a wide range of healthcare-related organizations and settings. 

The Master of Health Administration program at GSU prepares graduates with the confidence and skills they need to meet the challenges that organizations need and employers demand.  Please see the GSU College of Health and Human Services’ website for the requirements and details regarding our exceptional MHA program. 

Sources:

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45ifij/no-8-best-masters-degree-for-jobs-health-care-administration/

http://mhadegree.org/health-administration-salary/

http://education-portal.com/articles/Salary_and_Career_Outlook_for_a_Masters_in_Health_Administration.html

http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report-2014/majors-that-change-the-world

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of top colleges in Illinois.  

          

MSN Concentration in Nursing Administration

For nurses who want to assume key positions as nursing administrators and learn the many aspects of management, they will be interested in GSU’s Master of Science in Nursing Administration Concentration.  Since most of our students are working nurses and lead busy lives, the MSN programs are designed to be extremely flexible and offer full and part-time options as well as some coursework that is online.  We also have convenient scheduling for those courses taken in traditional classrooms.   

GSU’s MSN in Nursing Administration Concentration draws upon the expertise of our College of Nursing and Health Administration departments to provide our nursing students exceptional preparation to manage the best and most efficient care of patients.  The program also offers students excellent institutional resources.  The all-inclusive curriculum is comprised of the various aspects of management including marketing, negotiation strategies, and informatics and outcomes management. 

The program’s challenging classes include: Theoretical Perspectives for Advanced Practice Nursing, Healthcare Policy and Nursing, Introduction to Health Care Organization, and Research in Adult Health.  Students will also be presented with nursing administration courses such as Nursing Administration I, Nursing Financial Management and Nursing Administration II Seminar.  Please see the Department of Nursing’s website for the full course requirements and details.   

The Master of Science in Nursing Administration Concentration prepares nurse leaders who will address the challenges of local, regional, national and global healthcare reform; and demonstrate organizational, creative and solution-focused skills in actualizing the nurse administrator role.  In addition to our Nursing Administration concentration, we also offer degree programs in MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health and MSN Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate. 

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.

MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist

The organization for the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists is dedicated to enhancing and promoting the unique, high value contribution of the clinical nurse specialist to the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities, and to promote and advance the practice of nursing.  Based on national studies they state that, “Research about Clinical Nurse Specialist practice demonstrates outcomes such as: reduced hospital costs and length of stay; reduced frequency of emergency room visits; improved pain management practices; increased patient satisfaction with nursing care; reduced medical complications in hospitalized patients.*

At Governors State University, we could not agree more.  This is why we offer an exceptional MSN with a specialty concentration in Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Healthcare. This track allows you to apply for certification and is designed to give you a thorough understanding of evidence-based practice and to learn how to integrate research into real-world, real-time applications to improve the level of care your patients receive.

The rigorous program provides our MSN Clinical Nurses the preparation to face the full range of patient care they will encounter upon graduation.  All of our MSN students are empowered with the knowledge, experience and education in readiness for the future challenges of nursing.   The coursework prepares you to teach the next generation of nurses in a community college setting or to become a leader in the world of healthcare. 

All applications for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Certificate programs are now done through the automated admissions system called NursingCAS.  NursingCAS is a national centralized application service for students applying to registered nursing programs across the U.S.  Application deadline for the Fall term is May 1 and deadline for the Spring term is Oct 1.  Please see the Department of Nursing website for all of the program’s requirements and details. 

Source: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists http://www.nacns.org/

 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors, all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Online Application Systems for CHHS Master Programs

Students intending to enroll in GSU College of Health and Human Services’ master programs need to be aware that some of our applications are now submitted through third-party web-based systems.  Such is the case with the Department of Nursing that receives all applications for our MSN, DNP and Certificate programs through the automated admissions system called NursingCAS.  

NursingCAS is a national centralized application service used by students applying to registered nursing programs across the U.S. and streamlines the process by allowing students to apply to a number of participating programs with a single application.  Keep in mind that once you are accepted into a GSU Nursing program, (MSN, DNP, or Certificate) you will be asked to submit additional forms to the Nursing Department.  Our website provides detailed instructions on using the application system, as well as information on program requirements. 

For those students interested in applying to GSU’s Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, it is now done through the Healthcare Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application System (HAMPCAS).  You will find contact information for the HAMPCAS Customer Support Line on our website along with a detailed HAMPCAS Applicant User Guide.

A complete Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders application process requires a supplemental application postmarked or received by the Department of Communication Disorders and an official CSDCAS application e-submitted.  In addition all transcripts and payments must be received by CSDCAS.  For the GSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program, applications are now submitted through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service.

To apply to our MHS in Addictions Studies, Master of Social Work, or Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree programs, students will go through the Governors State University Application system.   Application deadlines vary for each program, so be sure to check our website for the most current up-to-date information. 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors, all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Taking Your Career to the Next Level with a DNP

If you want to advance to a leadership position in nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can help you do so.  In fact in October, 2004, the AACN member institutions voted “to move the current level of preparation necessary for advanced nursing practice from the master's degree to the doctorate level by the year 2015.”  They state that the DNP will focus on providing leadership for evidence-based practice and require: competence in translating research in practice; evaluating evidence; applying research in decision-making; and implementing viable clinical innovations to change practice.

By earning a doctorate degree, nurses have the opportunity to positively impact their local community and to address the challenges of local, regional, national and global healthcare reform.  Governors State University’s DNP is a professional practice doctorate in nursing that allows applicants to matriculate at two entry points: post baccalaureate or post master’s degree with a major in nursing.  

Our program prepares graduates for a career in one of the following concentrations:  Direct practice, Community behavior, Leadership/administration and Practitioner/educator. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings and the program emphasizes the care of vulnerable populations. 

The DNP degree program has been offered at GSU since 2008.  Our nursing faculty is comprised of Advanced Practice Nurses, seasoned educators and doctoral-prepared researchers and is committed to providing students with an exceptional educational experience.  Generally our DNP students take two classes per semester and courses are offered in a manner that meets the needs of working nurses.   Please visit the Department of Nursing at GSU to learn about the details and requirements of this exceptional program.  If you have further questions, please contact a department advisor. 

Source:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/dnp/about/frequently-asked-questions

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors, all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.  

The Need for Leaders in Addictions Prevention and Treatment

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University released a study in 2011 that states, “Almost a quarter of a trillion dollars of the nation's yearly healthcare costs are attributable to substance abuse and addiction.”   Also of significance is the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ projection of a 31 percent growth rate for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors by 2022.  They estimate that in order to fill the demand, we will need more than 28,000 new counselors over the coming decade. 

One of the primary reasons for the rapid growth is the Affordable Care Act that mandates insurance providers to cover treatment for mental health issues.  In addition, the U.S. News and World Report explains that since Americans are now “required to have insurance that will cover these services, experts predict there will be an influx in the number of people seeking mental health counseling.”  Another cause is a changing approach in the way the justice system is handling drug offenders, ordering treatment services rather than jail time.   

Given this, programs that prepare qualified leaders in addictions prevention and treatment are more important than ever.  At Governors State University, we offer an excellent Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies degree program that emphasizes state-of-the-art, evidence-based approaches to addictions.  The curriculum gives students the skills and background they need to meet the changing needs of clients and their communities.  In addition, we now offer a 60-hour Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies - Addictions Counseling Concentration.

Our program recognizes that we cannot afford to view counseling strictly from a substance abuse perspective.  As a GSU graduate student, you will be exposed to a wide range of well-established clinical therapies, like Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, among others.  Please see our website for the program’s full requirements and details. 

Source:

http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/substance-abuse-counselor

 

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.

Getting Your DNP is Easier than Ever

In today’s challenging healthcare environment, highly educated nurses are in demand, and it is easier than ever to pursue advanced graduate studies.  There are a multitude of different resources to help you finance your education, as well as programs designed with working nurses in mind. 

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is a good resource for finding financial aid and scholarship opportunities for graduate and post-graduate nursing students.  One example is from DiversityNursing.com that is now offering their 7th Annual 2015 $5,000 Education Award. Another example is the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program (NCSP), formerly known as the Nursing Scholarship Program.  This program helps students complete their nursing education by paying tuition, fees and other education costs along with providing a monthly living stipend. 

In an  article from NursingLink by Jennifer L.W. Fink, RN, BSN, she states that, “The Affordable Care Act includes loan repayment options for nurses who choose to work in underserved areas as primary healthcare providers; some states have their own loan forgiveness programs.  Various healthcare organizations (such as the American Cancer Society) offer scholarships and grants for doctoral nursing students as well.”   Furthermore, you may want to check with your current employer as there are often opportunities from hospitals and healthcare organizations to help with at least some of the cost of tuition. 

Governors State’s DNP program prepares you for a career with a focus on one of the following advanced professional practice specialties: Community Behavior, Direct Practice, Leadership/Administration and Practitioner/Educator.  While DNP graduates are provided with the tools to assume leadership positions that meet the healthcare needs of clients in a variety of settings, our program has an emphasis on the care of vulnerable populations.  Furthermore, GSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program is offered in a manner that considers the needs of working nurses.  Students typically enroll in two courses each term.

   

Sources:

http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/2491-5-reasons-to-get-a-phddnp?page=3&skip_page=3

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/students/financial-aid#graduate

We invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  You will find we have a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds; our courses are taught by gifted professors.  The Department of Nursing’s exceptional program provides students the required skills to assume leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings with a Doctorate in Nursing.

Why Should You Get Your MSN?

MSN nurses have more career options available, as well as the potential for higher incomes.  Additionally, a master’s in nursing provides the advanced education that puts nurses more on par with other healthcare providers.  Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing have the tools to assume positions of leadership and to address the challenges of local, regional, national and global healthcare reform.   

A master’s degree is required to be an advanced practice nurse and provides the opportunity to pursue a particular area of specialization.  MSN nurses assist in patient care decisions and lead other healthcare providers.  Additionally they often fill the gap between the looming shortage of physicians and the increasing demand for healthcare services.  With the recent healthcare reform, it is estimated that an additional 31 million people will seek access to primary care, and the U.S. Dept. of Labor projects there will be a need for an additional 34,837 nurse practitioners by the year 2018*.

If you have ever thought about teaching, a MSN degree will qualify you to teach and lead clinical classes at the undergraduate level.  Furthermore, a master’s degree can be a stepping stone to getting your doctoral degree. 

Governors State University’s Department of Nursing offers an outstanding post-baccalaureate program that will prepare you for your future as a highly educated, advanced practice nurse.  Our program keeps pace with your needs, as well as the rapidly changing healthcare system, by establishing new advanced practice nursing tracks, thereby opening doors and providing the flexibility you need to advance your career.  Additionally, we serve the needs of working nurses by offering a hybrid of classes on-campus and online.  

Source:

http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/22045-5-reasons-to-get-a-msn

*Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2011-2012 Edition, U.S. Department of Labor

We invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  You will find we have a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds;  our courses are taught by gifted professors.  To further your career opportunities in nursing, please see a complete list of the Department of Nursing’s MSN programs.

The Need for Doctoral Nurse Practitioners

In a report published in December, 2010 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), it states that 13 percent of nurses hold a graduate degree, but less than one percent has a doctoral degree.  They explain that, “Nurses with doctorates are needed to teach future generations of nurses and to conduct research that becomes the basis for improvements in nursing science and practice.” 

The IOM study is the Future of Nursing: Focus on Education and was a two-year initiative proposed and launched by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the IOM.  Further recommendations from the report, conducted by an IOM-appointed committee, says the number of nurses with their doctorate degrees needs to double by as early as 2020.  

While this may sound ambitious, they suggest a number of ways in which this can be done to prepare more students at the graduate level to assume positions in advanced practice, leadership, teaching, and research.  A few examples they cite to achieve this goal is through traditional RN-to-BSN programs, 4-year BSN programs at universities and community colleges, and improving the transition process from an ADN to a BSN.   In addition, IOM would like to see more providers of nursing education as well as simulation and distance learning with online courses and academic-service partnerships. 

Furthermore, the IOM committee recommends that the percentage of nurses who hold baccalaureate degrees be increased to 80 percent by the year 2020.  The push to increase the number of nurses with a BSN will in turn help to put more nurses in the position of pursuing advanced graduate studies at both a master’s and doctoral level.  

GSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is a professional practice doctorate in nursing designed for applicants to matriculate at two entry points: post baccalaureate or post master’s degree with a major in nursing.  Please see our website for the program’s full requirements and details. 

Source:

http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing-Leading-Change-Advancing-Health/Report-Brief-Education.aspx

 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors, all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.