M.S. in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed for the baccalaureate-prepared
registered nurse (RN) who wishes to pursue a graduate degree with eligibility for
specialty certification as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
or a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). A post-master’s certificate as an FNP or AGPCNP
is also available for master’s prepared nurses. The program may be completed in 24
months or 33 months.
About the Program
The program focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enable the nurse practitioner to assess, diagnose, and manage health problems of the client. Health promotion and disease prevention are emphasized as students assess and develop the wellness potential of individuals, families and communities.
This online blended (synchronous and asynchronous) program encourages self-directed learning and critical thinking. It ensures the graduate student will develop the expertise necessary to manage the professional role expectations of an advanced-practice nurse in complex health care systems.
Purposes of the Program
- Advance the educational level of nurses to affect improvement in the health care of clients.
- Encourage continued personal and professional growth.
- Prepare advanced-practice nurses who are eligible for national certification.
- Provide a foundation for continued graduate study.
Student Learning Outcomes
Stockton's learning outcomes are in accordance with those of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The graduate program is designed to produce an advanced nurse practitioner who is able to:
- Utilize the Roy Adaptation Model and additional theories from Nursing and other disciplines when making decisions regarding professional nursing practice.
- Assess and diagnose the health status and health potential of diverse clients within multiple complicated contexts to provide compassionate, coordinated, evidence-based care.
- Identify specific common deviations from wellness using evidence-based guidelines and clinical decision-making to provide culturally sensitive equitable care, across settings and populations.
- Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from the physical and behavioral sciences and humanities with advanced level nursing practice.
- Apply principles of quality, safety, and ethical decision-making to minimize risks and enhance health outcomes across diverse settings and populations.
- Work collaboratively with interprofessional teams, patients, families, and stakeholders to improve health outcomes at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
- Utilize leadership skills through interaction with consumers and providers to address quality, safety, racism, and advocate for coordinated fiscally responsible, equitable resources for diverse populations.
- Utilize information technologies to manage and enhance efficiency of health care decision making and services in accordance with current evidence, quality, safety, regulatory and professional standards.
- Practice and advocate for the profession's values in ethically, culturally, and linguistically appropriate manners, showing collaboration and professional accountability to address inequities, social injustice, and human rights issues.
- Promote and practice the values of the profession by participating in activities that foster accountability, self-care, resilience, lifelong learning, nursing expertise, advocacy, and leadership acumen.
Accreditation Statement
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Stockton University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Stockton's nursing programs are accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, a subsidiary of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, New Jersey Board of Nursing, 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, and P.O. Box 45010 Newark, New Jersey 07101, (973) 504-6430.
Complaint Process
Applicants for admission and current students can submit program complaints to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, a subsidiary of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Complaints may reach the Board of Nursing by writing to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Consumer Affairs New Jersey Board of Nursing 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, and P.O. Box 45010 Newark, New Jersey 07101.
Curriculum
The MSN curriculum builds on the undergraduate program and utilizes philosophy, purposes and learning outcomes to develop advanced level nurses. The Roy Adaptation Model serves as the conceptual framework of the program.
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) track consists of 46 credits, which may be completed in 24 months or 33 months. A minimum of 750 supervised clinical hours in primary care must be completed in addition to the didactic portion of the curriculum.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track consists of 50 credits, which may be completed in 24 or 33 months. A minimum of 770 supervised clinical hours in primary care and pediatrics must be completed in addition to the didactic portion of the curriculum.
Fall - Year 1
MHAL 5000 Management & Leadership Development in Healthcare - 3 credits
NURS 5326 Biostatistics & Epidemiology in Population Health - 3 credits
Spring - Year 1
MHAL 5035 Healthcare Informatics - 3 credits*
NURS 5327 Theory & Research for Evidence Based Practice - 3 credits
Summer - Year 1
NURS 5325 Health Care Systems & Policy - 3 credits
NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits*
Fall - Year 2
NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits
NURS 5332 Pharmacology - 3 credits
Spring - Year 2
NURS 5422 Adult Primary Care I - 3 credits
NURS 5922 Practicum I (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
Summer - Year 2
NURS 5423 Adult Primary Care II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Adult Practicum II (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
Fall - Year 3
NURS 5424 Adult Primary Care III - 3 credits
NURS 5924 Practicum III 190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
Spring - Year 3
NURS5932 - Immersion in AGNP Practice (180 clinical hours) - 3 credits
NURS 5590 Professional Role Development - 1 credit
Summer- Year 1
NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits
NURS 5325 Health Care Systems & Policy - 3 credits
Fall - Year 1
NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits
NURS 5326 Biostatistics & Epidemiology in Population Health - 3 credits
NURS 5332 Pharmacology - 3 credits
Spring - Year 1
NURS 5422 Adult Primary Care I - 3 credits
NURS 5922 Practicum I (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
NURS 5327 Theory & Research for Evidence Based Practice - 3 credits
Summer - Year 2
NURS 5423 Adult Primary Care II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Adult Practicum II (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
Fall - Year 2
NURS 5424 Adult Primary Care III - 3 credits
NURS 5924 Practicum III 190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
MHAL 5000 Management & Leadership Development in Healthcare - 3 credits
Spring - Year 2
NURS 5932 Immersion in AGNP Practice (180 clinical hours) - 3 credits
NURS 5590 Professional Role Development - 1 credit
MHAL 5035 Healthcare Informatics - 3 credits
Fall - Year 1
MHAL 5000 Management & Leadership Development in Healthcare - 3 credits
NURS 5326 Biostatistics & Epidemiology in Population Health - 3 credits
Spring - Year 1
MHAL 5035 Healthcare Informatics - 3 credits*
NURS 5327 Theory & Research for Evidence Based Practice - 3 credits
Summer - Year 1
NURS 5325 Health Care Systems & Policy - 3 credits
NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits*
Fall - Year 2
NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits
NURS 5332 Pharmacology - 3 credits
Spring - Year 2
NURS 5422 Adult Primary Care I - 3 credits
NURS 5922 Practicum I (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
Summer - Year 2
NURS 5423 Adult Primary Care II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Practicum II (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
Fall - Year 3
NURS 5424 Adult Primary Care III - 3 credits
NURS 5924 Practicum III (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
Spring - Year 3
NURS 5541 Assessment and Care of the Family with Young Children - 3 credits
NURS 5941 Pediatric Practicum (200 clinical hours) - 4 credits
NURS 5590 Professional Role Development - 1 credit
Summer - Year 1
NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits
NURS 5325 Healthcare Systems & Policy - 3 credits
Fall - Year 1
NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits
NURS 5326 Biostatistics & Epidemiology in Population Health - 3 credits
NURS 5332 Pharmacology - 3 credits
Spring - Year 1
NURS 5422 Adult Primary Care I - 3 Credits
NURS 5922 Practicum I (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
NURS 5327 Theory & Research for Evidence Based Practice - 3 credits
Summer - Year 2
NURS 5423 Adult Primary Care II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Practicum II (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
NURS 5325 Health Care Systems & Policy - 3 credits
Fall - Year 2
NURS 5424 Adult Primary Care III - 3 credits
NURS 5924 Practicum III (190 clinical hours) - 3 credits
MHAL 5000 Management & Leadership Development in Healthcare - 3 credits
Spring - Year 2
NURS 5541 Assessment and Care of the Family with Young Children - 3 credits
NURS 5941 Pediatric Practicum (200 clinical hours) - 4 credits
NURS 5590 Professional Role Development - 1 credit
MHAL 5035 Healthcare Informatics - 3 credits
Post-Master's Certificates
The curriculum builds on previous graduate nursing education and utilizes philosophy, purposes and student learning outcomes to develop advanced level nurses. The Roy Adaptation Model serves as the conceptual framework of the program.
Stockton offers two post-master's certification tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). Required courses in each track are dependent upon the post-master’s applicant's transcript. A gap analysis will be done to determine required courses.
Nurse Practitioners certified in other specialties will complete courses and clinical hours according to the gap analysis.
Post-master's applicants that are not certified Nurse Practitioners can expect to complete 750 to 770 clinical hours.Remaining required courses will depend upon the results of the gap analysis.
A preliminary gap analysis may be done for curriculum planning by contacting the Chair of the MSN program; however, an official gap analysis will be completed after the application and official transcripts are received. The official gap analysis will determine the individual applicant’s curriculum.
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate track consists of 25 credits for option 1 candidates. A minimum of 750 supervised hours must be completed in addition to the didactic portion of the curriculum.
The Family Nurse Practitioner certificate track consists of 28 credits for option 1 candidates or 7 credits for option 2 and option 3 candidates (see option descriptions below). A minimum of 770 supervised clinical hours in primary care and pediatric must be completed in addition to the didactic portion of the curriculum. A gap analysis of the course work completed in the student’s previous NP program is performed by the MSN Chair to determine the number of courses and clinical hours to be completed during Stockton’s program.
There are three pathways to enroll:
Option 1
Provides registered nurses with a master's degree the option to complete coursework for eligibility to take the AGPCNP or FNP national certification examination. This option is applicable to prospective students who are practicing as NPs in roles other than the AGPCNP or FNP such as the acute care NP, or pediatric NP. It also applies to prospective students that obtained a non-clinical MSN degree.
Option 2
Provides nationally certified and practicing Adult Nurse Practitioners (ANP) or AGPCNP an option to complete additional didactic and clinical coursework to become eligible to take the FNP national certification examination. Applicants must provide proof of valid New Jersey APN credentials, proof of current NP certification, past clinical hour documentation and course syllabi for review.
Option 3
Recent graduates of Stockton's MSN program may qualify for "Direct Entry" into the FNP program. This option is available to Stockton MSN graduates with graduation date 12 months prior to the first day of courses in the FNP track. If the graduation date is more than 12 months, please follow option 2. NURS5424/5924 must be completed as a prerequisite for direct entry into the FNP program.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post-master’s track consists of an additional 7 credits including a minimum of 200 clinical hours.
Summer Semester 1
NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits*
Fall Semester 1
NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits
NURS 5332 Pharmacology - 3 credits
Spring Semester 1
NURS 5422 Adult Primary Care I - 3 credits
NURS 5922 Practicum I (190 clinical hours) - 4 credits
Summer Semester 2 (Summer Session IV)
NURS 5423 Adult Primary Care II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Adult Practicum II (190 clinical hours) - 4 credits
Fall Semester 2
NURS 5424 Adult Primary Care III - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Practicum III 190 clinical hours) - 4 credits
Spring Semester 2
NURS5932 - Immersion in AGNP Practice (180 clinical hours) - 3 credits
NURS 5590 Professional Role Development - 1 credit
*Credits provided if completed in the past 5 years with a grade of B or better
Summer Semester 1
NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits*
Fall Semester 1
NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits
NURS 5332 Pharmacology - 3 credits
Spring Semester 1
NURS 5422 Adult Primary Care I - 3 credits
NURS 5922 Practicum I (190 clinical hours) - 4 credits
Summer Semester 2 (Summer Session IV)
NURS 5423 Adult Primary Care II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Adult Practicum II (190 clinical hours) - 4 credits
Fall Semester 2
NURS 5424 Adult Primary Care III - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Practicum III 190 clinical hours) - 4 credits
Spring Semester 2
NURS 5541 Assessment and Care of the Family with Young Children - 3 credits
NURS 5941 Pediatric Practicum (200 clinical hours) - 4 credits
NURS 5590 Professional Role Development - 1 credit
*Credits provided if completed in the past 5 years with a grade of B or better
Spring Semester
NURS 5541 Assessment and Care of the Family with Young Children - 3 credits
NURS 5941 Pediatric Practicum (200 clinical hours) - 4 credits
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Stockton University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Admissions Criteria
Application Deadline
While graduate admissions selection committees review applications until the start of the semester, by applying prior to the Priority Deadline, you can ensure that your transition to Stockton is as smooth as possible: you will be invited to the New Student Orientation Event, and have access to priority registration which means you may have more options for monthly installments of a payment plan, as well as greater options for class selection.
Priority Deadlines: MSN
For a Summer start in the 24-month option: April 1
For a Fall start in the 33-month option: July 1
Priority Deadlines: Post-MSN Certificate Programs
For a Summer start: April 1
For a Fall start: July 1
For a Spring start: October 1
Prerequisite Requirements
- Possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from either an NLN- or CCNE-accredited school.
- Meet one of the two requirements:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher (on a scale of 4.0) with a minimum grade of "B" in all nursing courses.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.3 in at least two graduate nursing courses if the BSN GPA is less than or equal to 3.19.
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Research (or in the health discipline)
- Statistics
- Proof of current RN license in the State of NJ, CPR certification.
- Students must meet the "Technical Standards and Essential Functions" requirements as specified by the Nursing Program
- Applicants to the Post-Master's program must have a master's degree in their specialty at the time of application and be certified by either ANCC or AANP
Admissions Requirements
- Click here to start your application.
- If you are a recent graduate of Stockton's MSN program, check to see if you qualify for the Direct Entry Option for the post-master's.
- Application fee: $50 (non-refundable), submitted with your online application
- Graduate application essay
- Proof of license to practice as a registered professional nurse in New Jersey
- Proof of current CPR certification
- Two letters of recommendation sent electronically via the online application
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton) should be mailed, emailed, or dropped off directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
By mail:
Office of Graduate Admissions, N-Wing 007a
101 Vera King Farris Drive
Galloway, NJ 08205-9441
Electronically:
gradschool@stockton.edu
Learn more about our Health Care Partner Discount Program.
The Nursing Program at Stockton University adheres to policies required by clinical affiliates where student clinical learning experiences occur. Since clinical affiliates require criminal background checks (CBC), urine drug screenings, and current vaccinations for all students coming to their facility, all nursing students will conform to the following policy mandates. Students are responsible for all costs related to the mandatory requirements. Students entering the Nursing Program must be able to pass a criminal background check and a 10-panel urine drug screen.
- Every nursing student is required to receive a Criminal Background Check upon program entry and then annually thereafter until graduation.
- For fall entry students the Criminal Background Check must be completed and submitted to the university approved software system by August 15th. Information about obtaining the background check will be given at orientation and via email.
- For spring-entry students the Criminal Background Check must be completed and submitted to the university approved software system by December 15th. Information about obtaining the background check will be given at orientation and via email.
All Criminal Background Check reports must be received by the Nursing Clinical Placement Specialist or Program Chair by the designated due dates or the student will be dropped from nursing classes and cannot be guaranteed a clinical placement.
*The Program Chair reserves the right to change or extend the deadline for completion for all applicants depending upon the date of acceptance.
- Results of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) will be valid for one year, unless there is reason to initiate another check or if the facility requires more frequent screening.
- If the nursing student leaves the Program for more than two semesters, a new Criminal Background Check and Urine Drug Screen is required prior to return.
- Students must use the university approved vendor for the CBC. No other results will be accepted. Information to access the screening will be provided by the Nursing Clinical Placement Specialist.
- History of the following infractions will disqualify an accepted student from enrollment
in the Nursing Program:
- Falsification of records or omission of pertinent information on either the certified background check or urine drug screen
- Felony convictions
- Misdemeanor convictions, probated sentences or felony deferred adjudications involving crimes against persons, including physical or sexual abuse
- Misdemeanor convictions related to moral turpitude, including prostitution, public lewdness/exposure, theft, etc.
- Felony probated sentences or deferred adjudication for the sale, possession, distribution, or transfer of narcotics or controlled substances
- Registered sex offenders
- A nursing student who is charged/convicted of a criminal offense must report the charge or conviction to the Program Chair within three days of the charge.
- A nursing student whose subsequent Criminal Background Checks reveals any of the infractions noted above, will be disqualified from participating in any clinical experience and will then be dismissed from the Nursing Program.
Students should also note that a successful criminal background check must be completed after graduation and before taking the licensure exam (NCLEX-RN).
- Every nursing student is required to receive a urine drug screen upon program entry and then annually thereafter until graduation.
- For fall entry students the urine drug screen must be completed and submitted to the university approved software system by August 15th. Information about obtaining the background check will be given at orientation and via email.
- For spring-entry students the urine drug screen must be completed and submitted to the university approved software system by December 15th. Information about obtaining the background check will be given at orientation and via email.
All urine drug screen reports must be received by the Nursing Clinical Placement Specialist or Program Chair by the designated due dates or the student will be dropped from nursing classes and cannot be guaranteed a clinical placement.
*The Program Chair reserves the right to change or extend the deadline for completion for all applicants depending upon the date of acceptance.
- Results of the urine drug screening will be valid for one year, unless there is reason to initiate a random urine drug screening or if the facility requires more frequent screening.
- Students must use the university approved vendor for the urine drug screen. No other results will be accepted. Information to access the screening will be provided by the Nursing Clinical Placement Specialist.
- The drug screening will consist of a 10-panel urine drug screening, see below under program requirements for the list of the substances.
- A positive drug screen on admission may result in dismissal from the Nursing Program.
- If a nursing student has a positive drug screening on the test done prior to clinical, the student will not be permitted to participate in the clinical component of a nursing course and is required to withdraw from all nursing courses. A student’s academic standing will be reviewed internally with an outcome of possible dismissal from the program.
- All students are subject to random drug screening at the discretion of a nursing faculty, Nursing Clinical Placement Specialist, Chief Nurse Administrator, and staff member with due cause.
Note: Individuals with a history of any disqualifying behavior on the Criminal Background Check or urine drug screen, will only be considered for readmission to the Program if the NJ Board of Nursing issues a statement that the student is eligible for initial licensure as a registered profession nurse following program completion.
The University and the School of Health Sciences clinical preparation programs (including the nursing program) strongly recommend but do not require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases. Our clinical partners regularly update their immunization and health requirements, which may include mandatory vaccination against COVID-19, influenza, and other immunizations.
The University is required to comply with the placement requirements implemented by the respective clinical partners, including health and immunization requirements. Please note the following important information:
- Attendance and participation in clinical-based learning is a requirement for nursing students. Failure to comply with health and immunization requirements from clinical partners may impact a student’s ability to complete the clinical component of the nursing program.
- The University nursing program may admit students without vaccination compliance; however, the nursing program cannot guarantee clinical placements, degree completion, or program progression in the case that the student does not meet the clinical, health, and immunization requirements of our clinical partners. Non-compliant students may be permanently excluded from clinical participation due to external clinical site requirements.
- Placements are made based on the availability of our clinical partners; therefore, if students are placed at a rotation site that requires them to be vaccinated and students do not have the required immunization(s), students may be excluded from clinical experiences.
- Please be aware that clinical partners can and do react to population health and public health developments as they occur, and students may be subject to immediate enforcement of clinical site health requirements which could lead to possible clinical course withdrawal.
Accommodations/Exemptions
Clinical partners may require students to request accommodations/exemptions (medical or religious) through the clinical partner’s exemption/accommodation process. Each clinical partner will determine its own process for accepting requests for accommodations and exemptions. The School of Health will facilitate exemptions at the respective clinical site.
- The length of time it takes to decide an exemption request may delay the start of your clinical rotation.
- A request for exemption is not a guarantee that it will be granted.
- If an unvaccinated student intends to seek an accommodation or exemption and is placed at a clinical partner that has its own accommodation/exemption process, the student should contact the SHS to facilitate the accommodation/exemption process.
- If a clinical partner does not provide for or allow accommodations or exemptions to its vaccination requirement, or, requires students to go through the clinical partner’s exemption/accommodation process and the student’s request is denied by the clinical partner, the student may request an alternate clinical site through the School of Health Sciences. However, the university cannot grant exemptions or accommodations to a clinical partner’s vaccination requirements.
- If placement at an alternative clinical site is not possible, the only available accommodation(s) may be deferral, or temporary or permanent withdrawal from the program.
Acknowledgement
Your continued participation in the School of Health Sciences clinical preparation programs is an acknowledgment that you have been informed and have reviewed the nursing program and clinical site requirements for health and immunizations. Your continued participation also acknowledges that you have been informed that an unvaccinated student may be permanently excluded from clinical participation due to external clinical site requirements and may be ineligible to continue or to complete the degree program, which may delay or halt graduation.
Requirements | Students |
Physical Examination A physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner must be completed and documented on the Health & Immunization Record Form (See Exxat or Student Handbook Appendix for Health & Immunization Form) |
Upon entry and annually thereafter |
Health Insurance Please provide annual documentation of your health insurance card. If the students name does not appear on the Card, documentation from the health insurance company must be provided stating that you are covered under the policy. |
Upon entry and annually thereafter |
Tuberculosis Please provide documentation of a negative QuantiFERON TB Gold bloodwork test or 2 step PPD test. QuantiFERON Gold is accepted and is preferred by the program (Lab report required). 2 step PPD skin test is accepted (interval between the 2 steps should be at least 1-3 weeks). 2 step PPD will require 4 visits to the doctor (First PPD= Place date + Read date) & Second PPD= (Place date + Read date). If 2-Step PPD or QuantiFERON Gold blood test is positive, provide a negative Chest X-Ray and documentation from a Health Care Provider regarding non-communicability of tuberculosis. |
Upon entry and annually thereafter |
TDAP Please provide documentation of a TDAP vaccine administered within the past 10 years. |
Upon entry. If the 10-year expiration occurs in during the program progression, revaccination is required |
Laboratory results indicating positive quantitative titers for the following are listed below. If the titers are negative, proof of immunization is required. (Quantitative vs. Qualitative titers – quantitative have a numerical value, qualitative simply indicates “immune vs. non-immune” (with no numerical value). Be sure to get quantitative titers. If you don’t get quantitative titers, we will ask you to get them redone.
|
Upon entry-proof required and then every 5 years |
Criminal Background Check Upon entry to the program, provide documentation of a 7-year background check through the university approved vendor. After initial check is complete, proof of a recheck is required annually. |
Upon entry (7 year)- annually thereafter (recheck) |
10-Panel Urine Drug Screen Upon entry to the program, provide documentation of your current 10-panel urine drug screen. Annual 10-panel urine drug screening is required. The following drugs are being screened for:
|
Upon entry- annual thereafter |
COVID-19 Vaccines You are up to date when you get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether you received any original COVID-19 vaccines. |
Upon-entry |
Influenza Vaccine Proof of a current flu vaccination. Vaccine should be ideally administered by the end of October but should continue to be offered if influenza viruses are circulating locally and unexpired vaccine is available. For non-pregnant adults, vaccination in July and August should be avoided (please wait until September), even if vaccine is available during these months, unless there is concern that later vaccination might not be possible. |
Annual |
Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers – Only the American Heart Association certification is accepted. Certification is good for two years. | Biennial for Junior, Senior, Accelerated Nursing Students and Graduate Students prior to clinical/practicum |
HIPAA Privacy & Security Training Please provide proof of completion of the online training module that can be accessed and completed through National Safety Compliance (Link in Exxat) |
One time prior to start of clinical placements (undergrad only) |
Fit Testing Please provide documentation of completed Fit Test |
Biennial for Junior, Senior, Accelerated Nursing Students and Graduate Students prior to clinical/practicum |
Effective: October 1, 2013
Reviewed: May 2015
Revised: August 2020
The Stockton University Nursing Program has a responsibility to educate competent nurses to care for their patients (persons, families and/or communities) with critical judgment, broadly based knowledge, and well-honed technical skills. The Nursing Program has academic as well as technical standards that must be met by students in order to successfully progress in and graduate from its programs.
Nursing is a discipline that requires a range of psychomotor and psychosocial skills. Stockton University’s Nursing Program ensures that access to its facilities, programs and services is available to all students, including students with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12212 (2013) (amended 2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq. (“Rehabilitation Act”). Stockton University’s Nursing Program provides reasonable accommodations to students on a nondiscriminatory basis consistent with legal requirements of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to an instructional activity, equipment, facility, program or service that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to fulfill the requirements necessary for graduation from the nursing program. To be eligible for an accommodation(s), a student must have a documented disability of (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such impairment; or, (c) be regarded as having such a condition (Marks & Ailey, 2014). Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with disabilities, provided the accommodation does not fundamentally alter essential academic requirements pursued by the student or any directly related licensing requirement. Student requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case by case basis in consultation with the Learning Access Program (LAP), Stockton University's disability support services office.
Nursing majors at Stockton University should be able to perform the following skills and behaviors:
General Abilities: The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell so that data received by the senses may be integrated, analyzed, and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. A student must also possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement that are important to the student's ability to gather significant information needed to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, comprehend, analyze, integrate and synthesize materials in the context of nursing education and practice. A student must be able to quickly read and comprehend sensitive written material, engage in critical thinking, clinical reasoning and evaluate and apply information in both the classroom and clinical settings. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations that may occur during clinical training activities and must not hinder the ability of other members of the health care team to provide prompt treatment and care to patients.
Technical Standards:
Thefollowing description/examples of technical standards are intended to inform prospective and enrolled students of the standards required to complete the nursing science curriculum.
- These technical standards illustrate the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of Stockton University’s Nursing Program. The standards are not requirements of admission into the programs and the examples are not all-inclusive.
- Individuals interested in applying for admission to the programs should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics required to successfully complete the programs. Key areas for technical standards in nursing include having abilities and skills in the areas of: (1) acquiring fundamental knowledge; (2) developing communication skills; (3) interpreting data; (4) integrating knowledge to establish clinical judgment; and (5) incorporating appropriate professional attitudes and behaviors into nursing practice capabilities.
- Examples of the key areas for technical standards in nursing (acquiring fundamental knowledge, developing communication skills, interpreting data, integrating knowledge to establish clinical judgment, and incorporating appropriate professional attitudes and behaviors into nursing practice capabilities) include the following (adapted from Marks & Bailey, 2014):
To acquire fundamental knowledge, students have the ability to:
- Learn in classroom and other educational settings
- Find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge
- Be a life-long learner
- Use and apply novel and adaptive thinking
To develop communication skills, students have the ability to:
- Communicate sensitive and effective interactions with patients (persons, families and/or communities)
- Communicate for effective interaction with the health care team (patients, their supports, other professional and non-professional team members
- Make sense of information gathered from communication
- Apply social intelligence
In the interpretation of data, students have the ability to:
- Observe patient conditions and responses to health and illness
- Assess and monitor health needs
- Apply computational thinking
- Manage cognitive loads
To integrate knowledge to establish clinical judgment, students have the ability to:
- Critically think, problem-solve and make decisions needed to care for persons, families and/or communities across the health continuum and within (or managing or improving) their environments and/or in one or more environments of care
- Intellectualize, conceptualize, and achieve the Essentials of Baccalaureate, Master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice education (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], Essentials, 2020)
- Apply information literacy
- Collaborate across disciplines
To incorporate appropriate professional attitudes and behaviors into nursing practice students have the ability to:
- Demonstrate: concern for others, integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, interest and motivation
- Acquire interpersonal skills for professional interactions with a diverse population of individuals, families and communities
- Acquire interpersonal skills for professional interactions with members of the health care team including patients, their supports, other health care professionals and team members
- Acquire the skills necessary to promote change for necessary quality health care
- Acquire cross-cultural competency
- Collaborate virtually
Skills that nursing majors may use also include the following:
Motor Function: Sufficient motor function, neuromuscular strength and coordination to effectively perform client care activities. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Transfer, turn, lift clients
- Push, pull, lift and support 25 lbs.
- Manipulate life support devices
- Use diagnostic instruments for physical assessments
- Achieve and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding
- Manipulate diagnostic and life support devices
- Measure and administer medications by all routes
- Maintain balance, reach above shoulders, reach below waist, stoop and squat
Gross and Fine Motor Coordination: To provide safe and effective nursing care. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Move about in limited patient care environments
- Perform a variety of treatments and procedures
- Calibrate and use equipment
- Write with a pen/pencil and use keyboard and/or mouse
- Sit, stand, move within classrooms, labs, acute nursing units, operating rooms, emergency rooms, community settings, and long-term care facilities for as long as required.
Due dates for clinical requirements will be communicated to the students via classroom announcements and e-mail messages from either the Nursing Clinical Placement Specialist or the Program Chair. Students who have not met all requirements will not be permitted in the clinical area and may jeopardize their clinical placement. Students who miss two or more clinical days are at risk for clinical failure.
Students are expected to attend all clinical experiences (lab or off-campus) as scheduled. See Attendance Section in the Nursing Student Handbook for attendance requirements.
Clinical facilities are selected based on the opportunity to provide the student experiences that meet the learning outcomes of the course. The assignment to a clinical group is made at the beginning of the semester, or earlier, and is dependent on faculty and the institutions availability. Students must be aware that they may need to travel a distance (up to 1.5 hours) from campus to attend assigned clinical sites. Students should also be aware that some clinical rotations may be in the evening or on Saturdays or Sundays. Please note that the university carries malpractice insurance on all students.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Stockton University is proud to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to nurses seeking the highest credential or terminal degree in nursing practice.
Larider Ruffin, DNP, APN, ANP-BC, AGNP-C, CTTS, FAANP, FAAN
DNP Program Chair
Associate Professor of Nursing
DNP, Wilmington University
Areas of expertise: Diabetes, Smoking and Vaping prevention and education
Contact information
Phone: (609) 626-3563
Email: Larider.Ruffin@stockton.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
The MSN program with the clinical concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) consists of 46 credits and the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) consists of 50 credits. All students must complete the program within five years of matriculation. Students may transfer a maximum of nine (9) appropriate graduate nursing credits from an accredited college or university (clinical courses are not transferable).
AGPCNP and FNP Post-Master's Certificates require additional didactic coursework and clinical hours.
Yes. Admission is open to RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from either an NLN- or CCNE-accredited school. Prospective applicants must meet the admissions criteria listed under the "Admissions Criteria" tab at the top of this page, however, meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
No, GRE scores are not required.
Students are admitted in the Fall and Summer semesters.
While graduate admissions selection committees review applications until the start of the semester, by applying prior to the Priority Deadline, you can ensure that your transition to Stockton is as smooth as possible: you will be invited to the New Student Orientation Event, and have access to priority registration which means you may have more options for monthly installments of a payment plan, as well as greater options for class selection.
Priority Deadlines
For a Summer start in the 24-month option: April 1
For a Fall start in the 33-month option: July 1
Yes. There are three graduate level nursing courses in the MSN & DNP programs available for non-matriculated students:
- NURS 5325 Health Care Systems & Policy
- NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 5326 Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Population Health
To register, students must complete the online Graduate Non-Matriculated Student form.
Stockton may accept up to 9 credits that sufficiently match corresponding Stockton courses, provided that the grade earned is a 3.0 (B) or better. Clinical courses are exempt from transfer.
A Graduate Transfer Equivalency Form must be submitted at the time of application when requesting transfer credits. Any other transfer requests should be submitted to the student's advisor for prior approval, but in all cases no later than the first semester following admission to the program.
Yes, Stockton University offers a tuition discounts to matriculated nursing students who are employees of the following healthcare partners: AtlantiCare, RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health and Virtua Health. For more information, click here.
Lia Ludan, DNP, FNP-BC
Chair, MSN & Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Email: Lia.Ludan@stockton.edu
Apply today. If you have further questions you can Request More Information or call the Office of Graduate Admissions at (609) 626-3640 or E-mail gradschool@stockton.edu.