Davenport University

What you'll study

The programme combines core advanced nursing theory with concentration-specific study and supervised clinical or practicum experiences. Core modules typically cover advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, nursing research and evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and ethics, and informatics and quality improvement.

• Nursing Administration concentration: leadership and organisational behaviour in healthcare, finance and resource management for nursing services, strategic planning, human resource and workforce development, healthcare law and regulatory issues, and a practicum or capstone focused on administrative projects.
• Nursing Research concentration: quantitative and qualitative research methods, biostatistics for nursing, grant writing and research dissemination, implementation science, systematic reviews, and a research practicum or thesis project that produces a publishable-quality study or evidence synthesis.
• Clinical Nursing concentration: advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, specialty-focused clinical management, complex care coordination, interprofessional practice, and an extended clinical practicum in an acute or community setting aligned to the student’s specialty.

Learning methods include seminars, case-based learning, simulation laboratory sessions, online coursework, and supervised practicum placements with partner healthcare organisations. A final capstone, practicum project or thesis is usually required depending on the chosen concentration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent and be a registered/licensed nurse in their practising jurisdiction. Typical admissions criteria include a satisfactory undergraduate GPA, professional references (often including a clinical manager or academic referee), a personal statement outlining career goals, and an up-to-date CV demonstrating clinical experience.

• Registered Nurse licence held in good standing.
• Undergraduate nursing degree from an accredited institution; applicants with an associate degree may be considered through bridge or post‑licensure pathway options where available.
• Academic transcripts and typically a minimum recommended GPA; specific programme-level GPA expectations will be provided by the admissions office.
• Professional experience in clinical practice is highly valued; some concentrations may require evidence of supervisory experience or prior exposure to relevant clinical areas.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations for non‑US qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a range of senior nursing roles across acute hospitals, community and public health services, private health providers and research organisations. Typical career pathways include:

• Nurse administrator or director of nursing, responsible for service delivery, staffing and operational leadership.
• Nurse researcher or clinical research coordinator, contributing to evidence generation and quality improvement.
• Clinical nurse specialist or advanced clinical practitioner within specialty areas such as medical‑surgical care, critical care, geriatrics, or community health.
• Nurse educator roles in academic or practice‑based settings, designing and delivering professional development.
• Positions in healthcare policy, quality and safety, informatics or consultancy, where advanced nursing knowledge and systems understanding are required.

Completion of the programme strengthens eligibility for leadership and specialist certification programmes and supports progression to doctoral study for those pursuing careers in research or academia.

Why study at Davenport University

Davenport University offers a practice-focused nursing master’s built around applied learning and strong connections with regional healthcare providers. Students benefit from experienced faculty with active clinical backgrounds, hands-on simulation facilities, and partnerships that support practicum placements in a variety of clinical and administrative settings.

• Flexible delivery options, including blended and online coursework, to accommodate working professionals.
• Emphasis on experiential learning: simulation labs, clinical practicum placements and project-based capstones that address real organisational challenges.
• Support services for graduate students such as academic advising, career services and assistance arranging clinical placements with local health systems.
• Preparation for leadership, research and advanced clinical practice roles through curricula designed to align with contemporary healthcare needs and regulatory standards.