Alvernia University

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate nursing education with pathway-specific coursework and supervised clinical experiences. Core topics typically include advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology for advanced practice, healthcare policy and ethics, leadership and management in nursing, biostatistics, and evidence-based practice.

Specialist modules vary by pathway, and commonly include:

• Nursing Administration: organisational leadership, finance and resource management, human resources in healthcare, quality improvement and strategic planning.
• Nursing Research: research design and methods, advanced statistics, grant-writing and scholarly dissemination, and a capstone or thesis based on original research.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical decision-making, speciality clinical practicum(s), advanced therapeutic interventions and interprofessional care coordination.
• Registered Nursing (RN to Master’s pathways): bridge coursework to build graduate-level competencies, clinical practicum placements and integration seminars to connect prior clinical experience with advanced practice expectations.

All students undertake a culminating experience appropriate to their pathway: a project or practicum for administration and clinical pathways, and a thesis or major research project for the research pathway. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice, leadership skills and ethical, patient-centred care.

Entry requirements

• Current, unencumbered licence as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the jurisdiction of practice.
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution is normally required; applicants with an ADN/Associate degree may be considered for bridge or RN-to-master’s options where available.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA as set by the School of Nursing, with stronger academic records expected for competitive entry.
• Relevant clinical experience is usually required or strongly recommended, particularly for clinical and administration pathways.
• Supporting materials such as a personal statement outlining professional goals, two or more professional references (clinical and/or academic), and a current CV or résumé.
• Successful completion of any programme-specific screening processes, which may include interview, background check and health clearance for clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of advanced roles across acute, community and long-term care settings. Typical career destinations include:

• Clinical leadership roles such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse manager or clinical coordinator.
• Healthcare administration and management positions in hospitals, community health organisations and healthcare systems.
• Research roles supporting clinical trials, health services research or academic research teams; graduates of the research pathway may pursue doctoral study.
• Advanced clinical practice and specialist nursing positions in areas such as medical/surgical care, critical care, geriatrics or population health (scope of practice depends on regional licensure and certification).
• Education roles in hospitals or academic settings, particularly for those who combine clinical expertise with teaching responsibilities.

Alumni typically find opportunities in regional hospitals, community health organisations, research institutes and academic programmes; some progress to policy, quality improvement or management careers within healthcare systems.

Why study at Alvernia University

• Student-centred learning: small cohort sizes support close faculty mentoring, personalised feedback and opportunities for leadership development.
• Clinical partnerships: established placement relationships with local and regional healthcare providers give access to diverse practicum experiences across acute and community settings.
• Experienced faculty: instructors are practising clinicians and researchers who bring current clinical perspectives and evidence-based approaches into teaching.
• Values-based education: Alvernia’s Franciscan heritage emphasises holistic, ethical and person-centred care which is woven through the nursing curriculum.
• Flexible delivery: options for part-time study and hybrid or blended course delivery help working nurses balance study with employment and family commitments.