Graduate Program

Mission of the Nursing Program at the Graduate Level

The Master of Science nursing program is designed for professional nurses to prepare them to advance their nursing knowledge and abilities in the role of nurse educator and/or family nurse practitioner. The program is organized around key concepts of nursing, the individual, the environment, and health. The graduate student in the program will expand their knowledge base, synthesize knowledge into new concepts and apply theories, as they create new ideas and processes in nursing practice. The graduate student will learn strategies of leadership and change, to improve nursing practice and the health status of diverse populations. The program prepares its graduates to actively participate in improving the delivery of safe, patient-centered healthcare across the life span. The graduate student will be prepared to evaluate and conduct research for evidence-based practice and develop a foundation for doctoral studies.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Master of Science Degree, students will meet the following nursing program outcomes, as well as perform role competencies as established by national organizations for nurse practitioners and /or nurse educators:

  1. Apply knowledge of nursing science, theory and interprofessional knowledge from related disciplines as a foundation for advanced practice, research, education, and policy.
  1. Collaborate with the interprofessional team to develop a person-centered plan of care which is built on a scientific body of knowledge and compassion with respect for diversity, values, needs, resources, and the determinants of health unique to the individual and family.
  1. Engage in strategies which address health care disparities and address population focused priorities of care which contribute to advocacy approaches and global policy development to improve population health.
  1. Analyze advanced research which contributes to Nursing knowledge and evidenced based practice.
  1. Collaborate in evidenced based quality improvement initiatives which enhance and promote a culture of safety and delivery of quality health care.
  1. Participate with other members of the health care team to enhance interprofessional learning and desired outcomes.
  1. Evaluate innovative solutions based on continually evolving health care systems to optimize organizational strategic planning and health care delivery.
  1. Appraise the use of informatics and health care technology which is in accordance with the ethical, legal, professional, and regulatory standards for managing and improving the delivery of safe, high quality and efficient healthcare services.
  1. Advocate responsibility for the professional identity of nursing in practice and leadership roles to ensure optimal healthcare outcomes.
  1. Promote personal and professional development, reflection, life-long learning, and leadership in a variety of contexts.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the college requirements for a Master’s degree, nursing applicants must have the following:

  1. Completion of an accredited baccalaureate program with a major in nursing including a course in nursing research.
  2. A minimum overall undergraduate P.A. of 3.2.
  3. Current unencumbered Registered Professional Nurse License in New York State
  4. Annual physical examination with current immunizations prior to registration for clinical courses as per the School of Nursing Policy.
  5. Current malpractice insurance
  6. Two letters of recommendation from individuals able to comment on the academic ability, clinical expertise and professionalism of the applicant
  7. Current Curriculum Vitae/Resume

For the Family Nurse Practitioner track, the applicant must submit documentation demonstrating current clinical practice.

Degree Requirements: Successful completion of 44/45 credits for the master’s degree.

Wagner College Office of Admissions page

For more information download the Graduate Handbook 2023-2024 Edition