Saint Louis University

What you'll study

The programme builds on registered nurse preparation with core master's level study in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacology for advanced practice, and advanced clinical decision-making. Depending on your chosen pathway—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing—you will then take focused modules that reflect that role.

• Nursing Administration: leadership and organisational theory, healthcare finance and resource management, quality improvement and patient safety, human resources and workforce development, strategic planning and change management, and a leadership practicum in a healthcare setting.
• Nursing Research: research methods and design, biostatistics for health sciences, evidence-based practice, grant writing and research ethics, implementation science, and a research project or thesis that applies rigorous methods to a clinical or systems question.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning across the lifespan, specialty-focused clinical practicum(s), evidence-based interventions for complex conditions, interprofessional care coordination, and a clinical capstone that demonstrates integration of theory and practice.

All tracks emphasise ethical practice, cultural humility, population health, and interprofessional teamwork. Clinical hours and practicum experiences are required and are arranged through SLU’s clinical partnerships; in addition, students undertake a capstone or thesis appropriate to their pathway to demonstrate mastery.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an equivalent nursing degree and possess a current, unencumbered registered nurse licence in their jurisdiction. Typical admissions materials include a curriculum vitae or résumé, personal statement describing professional goals and reasons for choosing the specific pathway, and professional references. Academic transcripts demonstrating successful undergraduate performance are required; some clinical experience is often preferred, particularly for clinical and administration tracks.

International applicants must satisfy English language proficiency requirements and provide verified credentials. All admitted students must meet health, immunisation, background check and clinical clearance requirements prior to beginning practicum placements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme move into a range of advanced nursing roles. Those from the Nursing Administration track take on nurse manager, clinical operations leader, or director-level positions in hospitals, community health organisations and long-term care. Graduates from the Nursing Research pathway work as nurse researchers, research coordinators, or pursue further doctoral study while supporting evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives. Clinical Nursing graduates often become clinical nurse specialists, advanced clinicians in specialty units, clinical educators, or transition to advanced practice roles where applicable.

Across tracks, alumni find employment in acute care, primary care, community health organisations, public health agencies, academia, and healthcare consulting. The degree also supports progression to doctoral study for nurses interested in research, policy or higher education careers.

Why study at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University’s nursing education is grounded in Jesuit values that emphasise whole-person care, ethical leadership and service to vulnerable populations. The School of Nursing provides access to clinical experiences in a varied healthcare environment through local hospital and community partnerships, and students benefit from simulation facilities and interprofessional learning opportunities with other health disciplines.

Faculty combine clinical expertise and research experience and mentor students through practicum placements and capstone projects. The programme is designed to be flexible to accommodate working nurses, with options for part-time study and blended delivery where available, enabling professionals to continue working while advancing their qualifications.