Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

The programme develops advanced nursing knowledge across clinical assessment, evidence-based practice, systems leadership and research methods. Students choose a pathway—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing—and follow a combination of core and pathway-specific modules plus a culminating project or practicum.

• Core modules: advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology for advanced practice, healthcare policy and ethics, nursing informatics and quality improvement.
• Nursing Administration pathway: organisational leadership in healthcare, finance and resource management for nursing, human resources and workforce development, strategic planning and change management, practicum in healthcare administration.
• Nursing Research pathway: research design and methods, biostatistics for nurses, applied qualitative and quantitative methods, evidence synthesis, research practicum and thesis or capstone project focused on original or translational research.
• Clinical Nursing pathway: advanced clinical decision-making, specialty clinical practicum(s) relevant to student focus, interprofessional practice, complex care management and development of advanced practice skills.
• Capstone options: depending on pathway, students complete a practice-based practicum, a research thesis, or a project demonstrating application of advanced skills to a service or practice problem.

Structure

The programme is delivered through a mix of seminars, online learning, simulation and supervised clinical or administrative practicum. Students typically combine coursework with workplace responsibilities; pathways offer flexible scheduling and part-time study options where available. Clinical placements and practicum arrangements are organised in collaboration with regional health providers.

Entry requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) licence in the country or state of practice.
• A recognised bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or equivalent; applicants with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees should contact the admissions team regarding pathway options and prerequisite requirements.
• Professional experience as a registered nurse is normally required or strongly recommended, particularly for administration or clinical practice pathways.
• Academic transcripts and references demonstrating potential for graduate study.
• A personal statement outlining professional goals and preferred pathway; some applicants may be invited to interview.
• International applicants will need to meet English language requirements and provide evidence of credential equivalence.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of senior roles across healthcare settings. Common career outcomes include:

• Nurse manager, director of nursing or other leadership and operational roles in hospitals and community services.
• Nurse researcher or research coordinator roles in academic, clinical or industry settings, contributing to evidence generation and improvement of care.
• Advanced clinical roles or clinical nurse specialist positions in specialty practice areas supported by clinical education and practicum experience.
• Policy, quality improvement and patient safety roles within health systems and commissioning organisations.
• Academic and educational roles, including clinical educator positions and pathways into doctoral study for those pursuing careers in teaching and research.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

• Practice-focused curriculum with strong links to regional hospitals and health systems that support clinical placements and administrative practicums.
• Faculty with clinical and research experience who mentor students through applied projects, quality improvement initiatives and research activities.
• Flexible delivery options designed for working nurses, combining online coursework, simulation and supervised practice to balance study with employment.
• Small cohort sizes and a learner-centred approach aligned with the university’s values, emphasising ethical practice, service and holistic care.
• Support services for graduate students including academic advising, practicum coordination and career development to help transition into leadership, research or advanced clinical roles.