Nursing

WSU-Rochester, 129-136 East Hall
507.285.7473, Fax: 507.292.5127
Nursing website
Martha Scheckel, Chairperson
Sonja J. Meiers, Graduate Programs in Nursing Director (507.536.5671)

Graduate Nursing Faculty

S. Davies, J. Foote, D. Forsyth, R. Herman, T. Hemmingsen, C. Jenson, A. Johnson, S. Johnson, K. Langer, W. McBreen, S. Meiers, S. Paddock, J. Ponto, J. Prochnow, L. Schnepper, J. Starling, J. Stejskal, P. Thompson, M. Valen, M. Welhaven, M. Scheckel

Faculty

Susan Davies, Associate Professor; BSc, University of Southhampton (UK); MSc, University of Surrey (UK); PhD, University of Sheffield (UK); 2009 -
Jane Foote, Associate Professor; BS, St. Olaf College; MS, University of Cincinnati; EdD, University of St. Thomas; 2013 -
Diane M. Forsyth, Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 2004 -
Rachel Herman, Clinical Placement Coordinator; BS, University of Iowa; MS, Northern Illinois University; PM Certificate, University of Iowa; 2011 -
Terese Hemmingsen, Assistant Professor; BSN, MSN, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; DNP, Winona State University; 2013 -
Carole E. Jenson, Associate Professor; BS, MS, DNP, Winona State University; 2009 -
Andrea B. Johnson, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, Allen College; 2012 -
Shirley Johnson, Assistant Professor; BS, Mount Mercy College; MSN, PNP, University of Iowa; 2013 -
Kimberly Langer, Assistant Professor; BS, University of Wisconsin-River Falls; BSN, Drexel University; MS, University of Pennsylvania; 2013 -
William McBreen, Professor; BSN, Mount Marty College; MSN, University of Nebraska Medical Center; PhD, University of Texas-Austin; 2000 -
Sonja J. Meiers, Professor; BSN, College of St. Teresa; MS, Winona State University; PhD, University of Minnesota; 2009 -
Sandra Paddock, Associate Professor; AD, Inver Hills Community College; BSN, MSN, FNP (Post Graduate Certificate), Winona State University; DNP, St. Catherine University; 2015 -
Sandra Paddock, Associate Professor; BSN, MSN, Winona State University; DNP, St. Catherine University; 2015 -
Julie Ponto, Professor; BSN, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; MS-ONC, University California-San Francisco; PhD, University of Utah; 2005 -
Jenny Prochnow, Assistant Professor; ADN, Century Community & Technical College; BSN, MBA/MSN, University of Phoenix; 2014 -
Martha Scheckel, Professor; BS, Graceland University; MS, Clarke College; University of Wisconsin-Madison; 2005 -
Lisa L. Schnepper, Professor; BS, Winona State University; MSN, CNP, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 2000 -
Jami Starling, Assistant Professor; BSN, University of Virginia-Charlottesville; MS, Winona State University; 2014 -
Patricia Thompson, Professor; BS, Winona State University; MSPH, PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 1980 -
Mieca Valen, Professor; BA, Augustana College; MSN, South Dakota State University; DNP, Winona State University; 2005 -
Mary Welhaven, Professor; BS, Winona State University; MSN, PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 1981 -
Susan Zeller, Associate Professor; BA, Luther College; MSN, University of Kentucky; DNP, University of Minnesota; 2012 -

Graduate Degrees

Master of Science
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Programs

Graduate Certificate

Accreditation

The Graduate Programs in Nursing is accredited by: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; Phone: (202.887.6791); American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Location

Classes for the Graduate Programs in Nursing are offered primarily on the Rochester campus with selected courses offered utilizing a variety of synchronous and asynchronous distance education methods including internet, ITV, and internet-based conferencing. View a map of the University Center Rochester campus.

Description of Programs

Master’s and Graduate Certificate students select from the programs of:

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Educator
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Leadership: Nursing and Organizational Leadership

The master’s programs are designed so that each student will be able to*:

Employ evidence-based practice when planning, implementing, and evaluating health care for individuals, families, aggregates, systems, and organizations
Integrate nursing theory, research, ethics and related sciences into the delivery of culturally competent advanced nursing care for diverse populations and health care systems
Demonstrate professionalism within an advanced nursing role
Demonstrate leadership with inter-professional teams to analyze complex practice and organizational issues
Apply knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care in a variety of settings and for a variety of populations

* Approved March 2011 and implemented August 2011.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students select from the programs of:

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Leadership: Nursing and Organizational Leadership
Nursing Leadership: Practice and Leadership Innovations

The DNP programs are designed so that each student will be able to**:

Employ evidence-based practice when planning, implementing, and evaluating health care for individuals, families, aggregates, systems, and organizations
Integrate nursing theory, research, ethics and related sciences into the delivery of culturally competent advanced nursing care for diverse populations and health care systems
Demonstrate professionalism within an advanced nursing role
Demonstrate leadership with inter-professional teams to analyze complex practice and organizational issues
Apply knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care in a variety of settings and for a variety of populations
Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes

** Approved and implemented August 2013.

Clinical Experiences

Faculty and graduate students in collaboration with the clinical placement coordinator select preceptors in healthcare settings and areas of nursing to meet the students’ individual learning needs. Student experiences commonly occur in hospitals and clinics affiliated with the Mayo Medical Center/Mayo Clinic Health System, North Iowa Mercy Health Center/System in Mason City; Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse; several Minneapolis/St. Paul facilities such as Fairview Health Systems and Allina Health Systems; and other hospitals, clinics, county public health agencies, senior citizen centers, schools of nursing, community settings, and health care agencies from a three-state area.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for the Masters and BSN-DNP Programs in Nursing:

Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited graduate program in nursing
Undergraduate coursework in physical assessment
Undergraduate courses in nursing research and statistics required
Computer literacy with knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and data base programs
Transcripts of past education with GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale (1 official transcript from each institution attended)
Applicants with GPA less than 3.0, but are otherwise competitive in the applicant pool, will be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis*
Applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum of one year clinical nursing experience (recommended)
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) applicants need to meet additional requirements:
- One year critical care experience strongly preferred (e.g. ICU, ER, ICU/CUU, unit providing high acuity care with fast-paced decision making and complex procedures)
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
- ECG interpretation course required prior to beginning clinical courses
Evidence of current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse. Minnesota licensure typically required for all clinical courses. Other state license may also be required for clinical experiences in those states, according to state statute
Applicants submit three (3) references from persons who can comment competently on the applicant’s background and suitability for nursing masters/doctoral study. At least one professional reference from a professional who occupies the student’s chosen advanced practice nursing role (e.g. nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, nurse administrator/leader); one professional reference; and one academic or professional reference
Statement of professional goals
Clinical paperwork including a background check required after admission (clinical requirement, fees assessed)
Applicants seeking admission to the Graduate Programs in Nursing may be required to have a personal interview with program faculty
Graduate Programs in Nursing tuition rates apply
BSN-DNP applicants only:
- Professional resume
- Applicants are asked to provide a clinical practice question they are most interested in studying in their clinical scholarship courses. Applicants should provide background for why this clinical question is important for clinical nurse scholars to answer and be formatted in the PICO or PICOT style. In addition, the applicant may provide ideas for the most appropriate clinical setting within which this question can be answered.**

*Provisional Admittance - Provisional admittance may be granted to applicants who have an Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) below 3.0, but are otherwise competitive in the applicant pool. Students accepted provisionally must maintain a 3.0 graduate GPA for their first 12 semester credits, during which time they must take at least one of the following courses: NURS 600 - Scientific and Ethical Foundations , NURS 606 - Nursing Information Management & Decision Making , or STAT 601 - Statistical Methods for Health Care Research .

**A recommended resource book for those considering the DNP is: The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Guidebook for Role Development and Professional Issues by Lisa Astalos Chism (2015). It offers a background for why the DNP is important for practice; differences between the DNP and PhD; expectations for possible coursework in a DNP program; and hints for transitioning into one’s role with a DNP degree. It may answer questions for anyone pondering a DNP program. (Jones and Bartlett Publishers; ISBN# 978-1284066258).

Admission criteria for the Graduate Certificate Programs in Nursing:

Graduate degree from a nationally accredited graduate program in nursing
Computer literacy with knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and data base programs
Transcripts of past education with GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale (1 official transcript from each institution attended)
Applicants with GPA less than 3.0, but are otherwise competitive in the applicant pool, will be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis*
Applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum of one year clinical nursing experience (recommended)
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) applicants need to meet additional requirements:
- One year critical care experience strongly preferred (e.g. ICU, ER, ICU/CUU, unit providing high acuity care with fast-paced decision making and complex procedures)
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
- ECG interpretation course required prior to beginning clinical courses
Evidence of current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse. Minnesota licensure typically required for all clinical courses. Other state license also required for clinical experiences in those states according to state statute.
Applicants submit three (3) references from persons who can comment competently on the applicant’s background and suitability for nursing masters/doctoral study. At least one professional reference from a professional who occupies the student’s chosen advanced practice nursing role (e.g., nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, nurse administrator/leader); one professional reference; and one academic or professional reference
Statement of professional goals
Clinical paperwork including a background check required after admission (clinical requirement, fees assessed)
Applicants seeking admission to the Graduate Programs in Nursing may be required to have a personal interview with program faculty
Applicants for Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) and Nurse Educator (NE) programs must have evidence of completion of advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment (60 hours faculty supervised and includes diagnostic reasoning), advanced health promotion and advanced pharmacology (within last three years required in some states for credentialing)
Any applicant seeking to change or add a different population focus, who has graduated from an accredited MS-NP program and in active practice, will be presumed to have met all post MS certificate prerequisites (advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning, Advanced Health Promotion, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology)
Graduate Programs in Nursing tuition rates apply.

Admission Requirements for the Post-Master’s DNP Programs:

Master’s degree from a nationally accredited graduate program in nursing
Master’s coursework in organizational and systems leadership and nursing information management and decision-making
Master’s courses in nursing research and statistics required
Computer literacy with knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and data base programs
Transcripts of past education with GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale (1 official transcript from each institution attended)
Applicants with GPA less than 3.0, but are otherwise competitive in the applicant pool, will be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis*
Applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum one year clinical nursing experience in functional master’s level role (recommended)
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) applicants need to meet additional requirements:
- One year critical care experience strongly preferred (e.g., ICU, ER, ICU/CCU, unit providing high acuity care with fast-paced decision making and complex procedures)
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
- ECG interpretation course required prior to beginning clinical courses;
Evidence of current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse. Minnesota licensure typically required for all clinical courses. Other state license may also be required for clinical experiences in those states according to state statute.
Evidence of national certification as an APRN for NP and AGCNS applicants. Applicants for the NOL/PLI program must have completed a master’s in nursing with a focus in administration/ leadership.
Applicants submit three (3) references from persons who can comment competently on the applicant’s background and suitability for doctoral study. At least one professional reference from a professional who occupies the student’s chosen advanced practice nursing role (e.g. nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse administrator/leader); one professional reference; and one academic or professional reference.
Professional resume
Statement of professional goals
Clinical paperwork including a background check required after admission (clinical requirement, fees assessed)
Applicants seeking admission to the Graduate Programs in Nursing may be required to have a personal interview with Program faculty
Graduate Programs in Nursing tuition rates apply
Applicants are asked to provide clinical practice question that you are most interested in studying in your clinical scholarship courses. Applicants should provide background for why this clinical question is important for clinical nurse scholars to answer and be formatted in the PICO or PICOT style. In addition, the applicant may provide ideas for the most appropriate clinical setting within which this question can be answered.
An evaluation of newly admitted student clinical hours will be conducted to determine whether the student meets the credit/clinical hours requirements for the program and whether additional credit/clinical hours are necessary to meet graduation requirements.

Note: A recommended resource book for those considering the DNP is: The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Guidebook for Role Development and Professional Issues by Lisa Astalos Chism (2015). It offers a background for why the DNP is important for practice; differences between the DNP and Ph.D.; expectations for possible coursework in a DNP program; and hints for transitioning into one’s role with a DNP degree. It may answer questions for anyone pondering a DNP program. (Jones and Bartlett Publishers; ISBN# 978-1284066258).

Applications May Be Obtained From:

Graduate Programs in Nursing
Winona State University - Rochester
859 30th Avenue SE
Rochester, MN 55904
(507.285.7473) or (800.366.5418 x7473)

Office of Graduate Studies
Winona State University
PO Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987
(507.457.5038) or (800.342.5978 x5038)

or on the Nursing website

International students must also contact the International Student Office at 507.457.5303.

Progression

Academic Advising and Academic Policies

1. Advising

You will be assigned an academic advisor after admission into the program. It is your responsibility to contact your academic advisor during your first semester of coursework. The academic advisor is a member of the graduate nursing faculty. If you are a newly admitted student or a Graduate Special student, please contact the Graduate Programs of Nursing Office for Academic Advising (507.285.7473).

Functions of the Academic Advisor:

Long range planning for the program of studies
Short range planning, independent study, defining clinical and academic needs, transfer of credit
Support or referral for special services, including financial aid
Aware of honors, awards, or financial assistance
The academic advisor may be a member of the student’s thesis / scholarly inquiry/ clinical scholarship project committee and may serve as major thesis / scholarly inquiry/ clinical scholarship advisor

If you wish to change academic advisors, you may do so by obtaining the consent of the faculty member chosen and reporting the request to the Administrative Assistant of the Graduate Programs in Nursing. Access to advisors may be limited in the summer months. Please plan accordingly.

2. Admission to Graduate Candidacy

Before completing 16 graduate credits (with a grade point of at least 3.0) and in consultation with your advisor, MS and DNP students must submit a completed “Application for Admission to Candidacy for the Master Degree in Nursing” or the “Application for Admission to Candidacy for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program” form. Any courses taken beyond 16 credits may not count toward degree requirements if they are not part of the approved plan of study. Students are responsible for initiating this procedure.

Graduate Certificate Students must submit a “Certificate Program Plan” form with approval signatures.

The applicant must include:

All courses already completed (including transfer courses)
Those courses needed to complete requirements for the degree and the proposed semester they will be taken
Approval signatures from advisor and Program Director

Any drop/add changes in the Plan of Study must be endorsed by your Academic Advisor, the Director of the Program, and the Dean for Graduate Studies. If a course is dropped or added, students must file a “Supplement to Candidacy” form during the semester before graduation with the Office of Graduate Study. The Admission to Candidacy form must match your WSU graduate transcript.

Forms can be found on the nursing website.

3. Intent to Return

WSU students who have not attended the University for one semester or more (summer excluded) are classified as “returning” students. Returning student must complete an “Intent to Return” form with the Registrar’s Office the semester before planning to return.

The Intent to Return form is available on the Office of Graduate Studies website.

4. Admission Deferral Policy

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Graduate Programs in Nursing does not allow accepted applicants to defer admission. Applicants who have accepted admission (via letter of intent) but do not enroll in courses the subsequent semester as planned, will be removed from the admitted students list. Admittance to the upcoming academic year is not automatically granted. Applicants who have been removed from the admitted student list must reapply in order to be considered for admission in the future.

5. Change of Program/Degree Focus

Change of Program Focus: When admitted to the Graduate Programs in Nursing, students are admitted to a specific program. If the student wants to change programs, they must complete a new application and be reviewed for admission to the new program by graduate nursing faculty. Students submitting a new application will be considered along with the pool of all applicants to the new program
Change of Degree: Students currently admitted to one of the MS programs who would like to transition to the BSN-DNP program will need to use the following process:
- Applicant will submit the following materials to the Graduate Nursing Office by October 1.
  - Letter to Graduate Nursing Faculty requesting admission to DNP program
  - Professional resume
  - Revised goal statement including section H (clinical practice question)
  - Complete the WSU Graduate Studies Online Application.
- Applications will be reviewed by Graduate Nursing Faculty Admission Subcommittee.
  - An interview may be required.

Students should apply for transition to BSN-DNP program as early in their program as possible as early transition will facilitate the most efficient plan of study

Graduate Nursing Committee Approval: 09/23/13

6. Grades

Please view the “Grade Point Average (GPA)” and “In Progress (IP) Grades” section of the Graduate Catalog for the grading method at Winona State University.

Grading Scale: 92-100 = A; 83-91 = B; 74-82 = C; 65-73 = D; < = F

No course will be counted toward the degree if the grade is below C, the student will not be allowed to progress to subsequent courses for which that course is a prerequisite until the course is repeated and completed with a minimum grade of C. Students who receive a D or F in a course are allowed to repeat the course once. Only one course can be repeated in this manner, and students are allowed to repeat a course only once during the academic program. If a student is required to repeat a course for academic reasons, a formal request to repeat the course and to continue the program must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. A grade of C or better must be obtained to remain in the program. Failure to do so results in dismissal from the program.

Graduate Nursing Committee Approval: 2/11/13

In Progress Grades: An In Progress (IP) is permitted by the instructor for special cases when circumstances prevent the student from completing course requirements by the end of the semester, although the student is passing the course in all other respects.

A grade of in progress (IP) may be granted at the discretion of the course instructor and by request of the student consistent with the institutional grade policy. Students must submit a request for a grade of in progress prior to the end of the respective course. The student may not progress into a subsequent course for which the course in which the student receives an IP grade is prerequisite. The student may not progress into a subsequent course until the lead instructor has submitted a satisfactory grade. In rare situations, a student might receive an IP grade for a clinical course due to delays resulting from the clinical environment. These situations will be negotiated between the student and their advisor. The student may register for subsequent courses and must complete the requirements for all courses within the semester. All IP grades for course work must be removed before a graduate degree is granted.

Completion of IP Courses Policy: Students unable to complete course work in a given semester may request an IP grade from the course faculty. Students are expected to negotiate a contract with the course faculty that allows for the expeditious completion of the IP grade. All incomplete requirements for the course must be completed and submitted to the course faculty no later than the fifth week of the semester before the IP grade converts to a failing grade. If incomplete requirements for the course are not completed and submitted by this deadline, the course grade will be recorded as a F.

Graduate Nursing Committee Approval: 5/13/13

7. Registration

Students are expected to register each fall and spring semester unless a leave of absence has been approved by the advisor and the Director of the Graduate Programs in Nursing. Students who do not enroll in graduate nursing courses for one semester will be classified as “Inactive.”

Dropping Courses and Withdrawal: Dropping courses in the graduate programs is not encouraged since the progression will be delayed and the degree completion rate is affected. Degree completion rates are monitored and considered in degree progression rates and financial aid award calculations. If a student must drop a course, it is important that the student officially drops the course in the course registration system. Otherwise, the course will appear on the student transcript and students will be billed. Any course not officially dropped will be subject to institutional scholastic standards, and the student may receive an F for the course. Each class dropped after the fifth class day will result in a grade of withdrawal or W, which will appear on the student transcript. Please see WSU Academic Calendar for deadlines on dropping courses with refund.

8. Graduate Credit, Full-Time Status and Credit Overload

All degree requirements including credits to be earned or transferred, final examinations, thesis/scholarly inquiry or clinical scholarship project; and all other program requirements must be completed within seven years of initial graduate enrollment. Under exceptional extenuating circumstances, a student may submit a petition through their advisor and to the Office of Graduate Studies requesting an extension of the time limitation.

Six credits or more per semester is considered full-time for financial aid purposes. No graduate student is permitted to enroll for more than 12 credits per academic semester or during summer session unless permission is received from the Office of Graduate Studies.

To request permission to enroll in more than 12 credits, a Credit Overload Request form needs to be submitted. The request needs advisor and department approval before submitting to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

9. Independent Study

NURS 685 - Individual Study in Nursing provides an opportunity for students to work independently under the direction of an advisor. Often students will do a special project to enable them to register for a full load of credits. Students need to have permission from the faculty person who will be working with them before registration. The student also needs to develop a contract that includes learning objectives, plan for accomplishing learning objectives, and criteria for the project’s evaluation. Individual Study may be repeated for a total of nine (9) credit hours. See the Graduate Catalog for the policy on arranged classes.

10. Credit by Portfolio

Portfolio Review Process for Course Substitution

Portfolio Purpose: The portfolio review process is available to all MS, DNP and Graduate Certificate program students who believe that they can meet the learning objectives/competencies required of a specific nursing course within their program of study without taking and completing the course in the traditional manner. The portfolio is a mechanism used to validate the acquisition of knowledge and skills congruent with course expectations and student learning outcomes. The portfolio provides objective evidence that students have acquired the content and skills through prior learning and/or practice experiences. The decision to accept the documentation provided is based on determination of the equivalency of this prior knowledge and skills that the student would be expected to demonstrate at the completion of a specific course.

11. Double Counting Policy

Courses taken for previously earned graduate degrees at other institutions may be transferred and counted toward graduate degrees at Winona State University. The student must provide evidence (e.g. a syllabus or other documentation) that the previously taken course sufficiently replaces the required WSU course. The graduate faculty in the department from which the degree is to be awarded will decide the merit of the student’s petition. Up to ten graduate credit hours earned as part of a graduate degree completed outside the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system or up to sixteen graduate credit hours earned and applied to a graduate degree from a university within the MnSCU system may be transferred to Winona State University and used toward a graduate degree from Winona state University.

12. Graduation Requirements

A student is eligible for graduation upon:

Completion of required courses found on the officially approved Admission to Candidacy Form
Completion of the thesis, scholarly inquiry project (SIP), or DNP Scholarly Project a minimum of two weeks before intended date of graduation
Oral Presentation of the thesis, SIP or DNP Scholarly Project at least two weeks before intended date of graduation
Evidence that all college policies and general requirements of the University for graduation are met

Clinical Requirement and Academic/Clinical Progression Information may be found in the current Graduate Nursing Student Handbook.

The Application for Graduation form (MS or DNP degree) or Certificate Program Completion form (GC) must be submitted at least one semester prior to graduation. Students who graduate spring semester must participate in commencement exercises unless excused by the Dean of Nursing on presentation of proof that attendance at commencement will cause undue hardship.

Note: The Master of Science degree or DNP degree will not be posted on your WSU transcript until your Thesis/Scholarly Inquiry Paper Binding Certificate (master’s students) or evidence of successful completion of the Scholarly Project (DNP Students) has been received by the Graduate Studies Office. The DNP degree will not be posted on your WSU transcript until your oral defense form has been received by the Graduate Studies Office.

Graduate Programs in Nursing Program Requirements

General requirements of the University
Successful completion of all required coursework required within the program in which the student is enrolled
Completed Thesis or Scholarly Inquiry Project (SIP) for master’s programs students
Completed Clinical Scholarship Project for doctoral program students

Graduate Special Students

Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing and who wish to enroll in further undergraduate courses, graduate courses, or a combination of both but do not intend to pursue a Master’s or DNP degree may register as Graduate Special Students and take courses at the 600-level. Students who have completed a master’s degree in nursing and a graduate statistics course may register as Graduate Special Students and take courses at the 600 and 700-level.

Students may apply as a Graduate Special Student to the Graduate Programs in Nursing. Students may take up to 12 credits as a Graduate Special student before acceptance into the program. Credits earned as a Graduate Special student can be applied toward graduation requirements as outlined in the Graduate Catalog. Courses open to Graduate Special Students include:

Specialized Programs

RN to MS Professional Pathway

Winona State University is known for its high quality baccalaureate and graduate programs in nursing. The RN to MS Professional Pathway is designed for highly motivated nurses who: 1) graduated with an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing, 2) have nursing experience, and 3) whose goal is to earn a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

Selected courses meet requirements for the undergraduate and graduate programs. Students will substitute Master’s-level credits for Baccalaureate-level credits in the RN to BS Completion program that count toward the BS degree. Students must take ten (10) credits of specified 400/600 level double numbered courses thus reducing the remaining master’s level credits (reduction of MS credits are dependent upon the number of credits required in the program to which the student is admitted).

Students will substitute the following classes for NURS 465 - Population-Based Health Care II and NURS 491 - Professional Development in the RN to BS Completion program:

NURS 409/608 Organizational and Systems Leadership (3 S.H.)
NURS 419/612 Advanced Health Promotion for Families (3 S.H.),
NURS 499/613 Advanced Health Promotion for Families Clinical (1 S.H.)
NURS 414/604 Health Care Policy/Quality Health Care Delivery (3 S.H.)

Students plan their streamlined program with advisors from both the baccalaureate and master’s programs in anticipation of formal admission to the Graduate Programs in Nursing. A separate application is required for admission to the Graduate Programs in Nursing. Applicants must be currently admitted WSU Undergraduate RN to BS Completion students in order to qualify for the RN to MS Professional Pathway. Master of Science, Nursing Plans of Study and Application are available on the Graduate Nursing website.