MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
POST-MASTER'S CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
Advanced practice nurses have opportunities to serve as innovative leaders and skilled practitioners, and contribute to the improvement of nursing and health care practice. The demand for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders/specialists, nurse educators, and nurse administrators/executives continues to grow in the rapidly changing and expanding systems of health care.
Graduate study provides the opportunity to examine existing theory and practice by the combined use of academic, clinical, and research activities, to contribute to the developing body of theory relevant to the knowledge and skills necessary to practice at a high level of expertise, and the opportunity of specialization in advanced practice.
Students enter graduate study with considerable diversity in background; their growth is facilitated by program planning to meet individual needs. Students assume responsibility for self-growth through individual planning, continued learning, self-direction, and self-evaluation.
The Mission Statement of the Department of Nursing is to provide and promote baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral nursing education in an environment which emphasizes the development of individuals as professional nurses with a vision of their own power, and a clear sense of self and their professional role. The department endeavors to prepare graduates who are critical thinkers, who utilize, transmit, and develop new knowledge through systematic models of scholarly inquiry, and who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning. Preparation for excellence in nursing practice is achieved through the integration of arts and sciences, humanistic concern for the health and well-being of others, and an awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in a pluralistic society. The Sage Colleges strives to prepare graduates who are assertive and practice client advocates, enabling clients to maximize their own potential. The global and technological context in which the nursing profession continues to evolve is emphasized, with the expectation that our graduates will assume leadership roles as professionals, and citizens in organizations to influence health care delivery, nursing education, and the welfare of society.
The Sage Graduate Program in Nursing:
- Provides advanced study in a specialized area of clinical nursing.
- Prepares graduates for the role of educator, clinical specialist, nurse practitioner, or administrator/executive in nursing.
- Educates nurses for leadership roles in the advancement of nursing theory and science.
The Department of Nursing has earned a reputation for excellence among its graduates, and one of the strengths of the program is faculty advisement and guidance.
Accreditation and Certification
The Sage Colleges is accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education.
The Master's Degree Program in Nursing at The Sage Colleges is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791, and the New York State Education Department.
The Department of Nursing is a member agency of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, and the Council of Deans of Nursing in Senior Colleges and Universities in New York State. Nurse practitioner faculty are members of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)
Graduates with the required number of clinical hours are eligible to take the advanced level certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for clinical nurse leaders/specialists, administrators/executives, or nurse practitioners.
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Sage is one of the top programs in the United States for percentage of graduates passing the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.
Graduates of the nurse practitioner tracks are eligible for certification by New York State as nurse practitioners in the specialty area. The Department of Nursing is a member agency of the National League for Nursing (NLN), Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs, the American Association of Colleges for Nursing, and the Council of Deans of Nursing of Senior Colleges and Universities of New York State.
Sage's curriculum prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in a changing health care system, and in their own clinical area of interest. Clinical experience is available in local, regional, and national health care agencies. Courses are offered day, evenings, or in an institute format with alternate week course scheduling. Clinical areas (follow links to complete descriptions) include:
- Community Health
- Adult Health
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Practitioner
Within Community Health Nursing and Adult Health Nursing clinical areas, advanced, functional practice roles are available:
- Administrative/Executive
- Educator
- Clinical Nurse Leader/Specialist
In Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing advanced practice roles are available:
- Clinical Nurse Leader/Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Leader/Specialist and Nurse Practitioner
- Educator
- Administrator/Executive
Advanced Certificate Program
Advanced certificates are available for nurses with a Baccalaureate Degree. Courses are graduate level and are required for a Master's degree in nursing if one chooses to pursue degree requirements. Total credits required are 15. Advanced Certificates are available in the following areas:
- Counseling for Nurses
- Other areas are being planned
B.S./M.S. Program
Registered Nurses are eligible for early admission to the Master's Degree Program. Student's with a 2.75 G.P.A. may apply for early admission to the M.S. program and take up to 12 credits, which will be counted toward both degrees.
RN's with a Bachelor's Degree in a Field Other than Nursing
Official transcripts and professional work experience will be evaluated. Certain undergraduate nursing prerequisites (normally NSG 331,332,402 or 404/406) will be advised to help prepare the student for advanced study in nursing.
Post Master's Certificate in Nursing
Post-Master's Certificates are available for nurses with a Master of Science Degree with a major in nursing in preparation for advanced practice nursing. Programs are individually designed considering the individual Master's Degree curriculum, the Sage M.S. curriculum and the type of certificate. Total credits required range between 12 and 36.
New York State requires 300 hours of clinical practice as part of a clinical practicum affiliated with a nurse practitioner program registered by the New York State Education Department.
Post-Master's Certificates are conferred in May, August, and December. Students must file a completed application for graduation with the Student's Services Office. Filing deadlines are: February 1st for May, June 1st for August, and October 1 for December.
Post-Master's Certificates are available in 11 advanced practice areas:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Community Health Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Leader/Specialist
- Nurse Administrator/Executive
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Health Nursing
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Nurse Educator
Post-Master's Certificate Applicants must submit a formal application with all requirements to Sage Graduate School Office of Admissions.
Post-Master's Certificate Requirements (in addition to Graduate Admission Requirements) are:
- Master's Degree in Nursing
- Interview with Graduate Program Director
Master's Degree Requirements
The Master's of Science Degree in nursing requires 39-49 credit hours and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis from 1 1/2 years to 7 years depending on the program and student interest. A maximum of 12 credits are transferable in the nursing program. Students with a prior Master's degree may complete a second Master's with less credits. A minimum of 30 credits at Sage is required and a student must complete the equivalent of the Sage's Master's degree curriculum including a Master's project. An individualized program plan is completed for every student in consultation with graduate faculty.
I. Core Courses (9 credits)
- Paradigms and Perspectives of Advanced Practice Nursing
- Nursing in a Sociopolitical Environment
- Transforming Advanced Nursing Roles
II. Research (6 credits)
- Nursing Research Methods
- Research Seminar
- Thesis (optional)
III. Supporting Courses: Cognates (3 credits)
- Epidemiology and Health Research (Community Health Nursing)
- Advanced Physiology (Adult Health Nursing, Nurse Practitioner areas)
- Neurobiology (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing)
IV. Clinical Concentration and Supporting Courses - Student Select One (9-30 credits)
- Community Health Nursing (9 credits)
- Adult Health Nursing (9 credits)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (12-16 credits)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (30 credits)
- Adult Nurse Practitioner (24 credits)
- Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (24 credits)
V. Advanced Functional Role - Option in Community Health and Adult Health Nursing (9 credits)
Educator (9 credits)
- Nurse Educator I: Facilitating Learning
- Nurse Educator II: Transforming Leadership
- Nursing Educator Practicum
Administrator (9 credits)
- Operations and Finance
- Practicum I: Clinical Delivery Systems
- Practicum II: Clinical Delivery Systems
Clinical Nurse Leader/Specialist (6-9 credits)
- Advanced Clinical Practice Roles
- Specialty Practice Roles Area
- Practicum
VI. Electives (0-9 credits)
Varies with clinical concentration and functional area.
General Information
Students may attend the Master of Science Degree Program with a major in nursing on a full-time or part-time basis. The program is a minimum of three to four terms for full-time students. Selected required courses and electives are available during the summer sessions.
Students taking clinical courses need to submit evidence of the following, one month prior to each clinical course:
- Current licensure as a registered professional nurse
- Professional liability insurance (as a student nurse practitioner for NPs)
- Required immunizations, titers, and tuberculin test
- Recent physical exam
- Current CPR preparation
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Department of Nursing must meet Sage Graduate School admission requirements:
- Official transcripts of ALL previous undergraduate/graduate study
- Two letters of reference (academic or professional)
- Statement of professional goals and a resume or curriculum vitae.
- International Students - please check requirements through the Graduate Admissions Office.
Post-Master's Certificate Requirements: (in addition to Graduate Admission Requirements)
- Master's Degree in Nursing
- Interview with Graduate Program Director
Application Procedure
Sage Graduate School uses a self-managed application process. With this process the student accumulates all of the admissions materials required, including a completed application, all academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation (sealed), a resume, and a goals statement, and send them to the Graduate Admissions office with the application fee. Applications are accepted year round.
Facilities
The Department of Nursing is located in Ackerman Hall on the Troy Campus. There are two college nursing facilities, one for Health Assessment, and one for practice in an acute care environment. Most of the clinical experiences in nursing are in the health care agencies in the Capital District. RNs from outside the Capital District may choose to arrange some of their clinical placements in their home community.
