Welcome to the Master of Science in Nursing Program Purpose of the Handbook

Progression

In addition to these policies, the MSN degree program has the following requirements: Prior to participation in any clinical learning rotation, students must submit evidence of health history and physical exam, TB screening, professional liability insurance (for FNP students, nurse practitioner student liability insurance must be purchased), RN license, current CPR certification, and any additional requirements specified by healthcare agencies. These documents must be updated annually. Criminal background checks and urine drug screens may be required by some clinical agencies. The student and clinical agency will make arrangement for the required screening per the clinical agency protocols.

Progression Policies for MSN Students

1. 
   Students are expected to earn a grade of no less than a “B” in all of the FNP clinical courses, no less than a “C” in all non-clinical courses, and must maintain an overall “B” average (3.0) in the MSN program. A grade of “C” or lower in any clinical course requires the student to retake the course to progress. The clinical courses are: NRSG 5480 (Advanced Nursing Assessment), NRSG 7000 (Primary Care of Adults I), NRSG 7010 (Primary Care of Adults II), NRSG 7030 (Primary Care of Women), NRSG 7050 Primary Care of Children & Adolescents), and NRSG 7410 (Primary Care Practicum). Students who earn a rating of “clinically unsatisfactory” in a clinical course will have a grade of “F” assigned for that course, regardless of the class average for the semester. Students who earn a clinically unsatisfactory rating due to the question of competence may not progress in the MSN program.
   

2. 
   A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0 at the end of a semester will receive a warning from the University. The student and Assistant Director of Graduate Programs will meet to determine whether a return to a 3.0 GPA is feasible based on the remaining coursework. If a 3.0 GPA is not feasible, the student will be withdrawn from the program.
   

3. 
   A student may repeat only one nursing course in the MSN program. If a student fails two nursing courses or the same course twice, they will be denied continued enrollment in the MSN program.
   

4. 
   A student who fails a course and has no previous failure may request to retake the course the next time it is offered based on space availability. The student will be required to submit to the School of Nursing Graduate Committee a narrative reflection related to the problem(s) that contributed to their clinical failure and their strategic plans for minimizing those problems at later re-enrollment in the course. Students who re-enter the MSN program after a failure will do so under the current catalog and current SON requirements.
   

All candidates for readmission to the MSN program will have their admission status determined by the Graduate Committee of the School of Nursing. Acceptance of previously earned course credits will be at the discretion of the faculty. New: 05/07/09; revised 08/1010; revised 6/11]

Grievances, Appeals, and Petitions

Readmission to Graduate Studies

Students who have not been enrolled for over a year must complete a new application and submit it to Graduate Admissions. All required courses for the MSN degree must be completed within a period of seven (7) years from the date the student begins graduate courses at Georgia College. Any course work, including transient courses, completed more than seven (7) years prior to completion of requirements for the MSN degree will be considered outdated and will not apply toward the MSN degree program.

Transfer and Transient Credit