Benedictine University

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate-level nursing theory with specialised pathways in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Core modules typically cover advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology at the graduate level, nursing research methods and statistics, healthcare policy and ethics, and quality and safety in healthcare delivery.

• Nursing Administration — leadership and organisational behaviour in healthcare, financial and human resource management for nursing, strategic planning, legal/regulatory issues, and quality improvement projects.
• Nursing Research — research design and methods, biostatistics, evidence synthesis, grant writing and implementation science, culminating in a research project or thesis focused on improving nursing practice or patient outcomes.
• Clinical Nursing — advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, care of complex patients across the lifespan, clinical decision-making, speciality-focused practicum experiences and preparation for roles such as clinical nurse specialist or advanced practice within a defined scope.

All pathways include supervised clinical hours or practicum experiences in healthcare settings, and many programmes offer a capstone, practicum portfolio or research dissertation to demonstrate competency and readiness for advanced practice or leadership roles.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution and possess a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) licence. Typical additional requirements include a minimum undergraduate GPA, professional references, a current CV or résumé, and a personal statement describing career goals and reasons for pursuing the master’s programme.

Some applicants with substantial professional experience but without a BSN may be considered for bridge or RN-to-MSN pathways where available; applicants may also be asked to complete prerequisite coursework if their previous study did not include necessary foundational subjects. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations for overseas qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme move into a range of advanced nursing roles. Common career destinations include nurse manager or director positions, clinical nurse specialist roles, nurse researchers, clinical educators, quality and patient safety officers, and consultant roles within healthcare systems. Those who follow the research pathway can work in academic or clinical research settings, contributing to evidence-based practice and policy development.

The administrative pathway prepares nurses for leadership positions in hospitals, community health organisations and long-term care, while the clinical pathway readies nurses for advanced practice within their scope and for roles that require high-level clinical reasoning and coordination of complex care.

Why study at Benedictine University

Benedictine University emphasises small cohort sizes and personalised faculty mentorship, which supports close supervision during practicum and research projects. The university partners with local and regional health providers to give students access to a variety of clinical placement opportunities across acute, community and long-term care settings.

The programme integrates a values-based approach to professional practice, combining rigorous academic preparation with practical experience. Flexible delivery options, including part-time and hybrid modes where offered, help practising nurses balance study with ongoing professional commitments. Faculty are experienced clinicians and researchers who bring current practice and scholarship into the classroom and clinical supervision.