Nursing - Master of Science

The Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice roles, nursing leadership, and clinical research.

The MSN program's theme is Discovery of Self, Transformation in Others, and Innovation in Systems.

The MSN degree has two tracks: Leadership and Clinical Research. These two tracks share seven core courses that provide a solid foundation for graduate-level education. Applicants must be registered nurses who have earned the Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN). Interested students who have not earned the BSN are encouraged to apply to our RN-BSN program.

The Louise Harkey School of Nursing's mission is to cultivate caring nurse professionals through exemplary education and lifelong learning promotion.

Upon competition of  MSN's program's Leadership track , the student will be able to:

Integrate scientific findings from multiple disciplines and evidence-based practice to improve patient care and population health.

Critically apply best practices and leadership theory to complex organizational situations and employment problems.

Appropriately apply quality improvement methods, measures, and tools to enhance patient safety and business performance.

Evaluate research methods, data analysis, and results to resolve practice problems and inform change.

Integrate informatics and healthcare technology into the coordination of care from a leadership perspective.

Create and objectively critique health policy.

Function as a leader and change agent advocating strategies for health equality and workplace inclusion.

Manage and coordinate culturally competent care through systemwide interprofessional collaboration.

Upon competition of the  MSN program's Clinical Research track,  students will be able to:

Appropriately apply quality improvement methods, measures, and tools to enhance patient safety and business performance.

Manage and coordinate culturally competent care through systemwide interprofessional collaboration.

Integrate informatics and healthcare technology into clinical research from a leadership perspective.

Integrate scientific findings from multiple disciplines and evidence-based practice to improve patient care and population health.

Analyze trends in healthcare access for equity and affordability.

Evaluate clinical research best practices and leadership theory to lead a clinical trial study team to design, conduct and coordinate clinical research studies.

Appraise the relevance of diverse designs for clinical trials as they affect various investigational sites.

Evaluate the application of the ethical principles that guide clinical research, federal regulations, and Good Clinical Practice in a variety of sponsored clinical studies.

The Clinical Research track graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) exam. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Clinical Research Education Programs Option considers applicants who have completed a clinical research degree program that is regionally accredited to have achieved a valid substitute for 1,500 hours of professional experience performing the essential duties (ACRP, 2019).

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences provides progressive, exemplary healthcare education.

Named the best small college in North Carolina in 2016, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences has evolved from a small nursing school into a robust educational institution offering degrees in seven health science disciplines. From one-year diplomas to associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees – including part-time and online options – we offer an option to fit our needs, whether you’re new to healthcare or already employed and seeking to advance your career.

At our state-of-the-art campus, situated on the grounds of Atrium Health Cabarrus, you’ll learn in an immersive, professional healthcare environment that embodies excellence and provides unmatched real-life clinical experience. You’ll learn from expert faculty who provide individualized instruction and are committed to helping you succeed while you’re here and after you graduate.

Our students boast 90+ per cent pass rates on licensure and certification, far exceeding state and national averages, and 96 per cent are working in healthcare within six months of graduation.