ACCELERATE YOUR NURSING CAREER:

4+1 Nursing Option

Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree are in high demand. At CSB and SJU, we offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which includes clinical practice, in addition to courses that emphasize leadership and diversity. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take your NCLEX licensing exam and begin a registered nurse role in a specialty area of your choice.

Save time and money, expand your potential

Our 4+1 option allows eligible undergraduate senior nursing students to take graduate courses toward their Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership and Education for Practice. You’ll not only receive an exceptional undergraduate degree in nursing, you have the option to spend one more year and receive your graduate degree. This saves time and money while helping you prepare to be a practicing nurse and leader.

Juniors: Apply Now

4+1 Offers:

• Undergraduate tuition for up to 18 graduate credits
• A curriculum that integrates the liberal arts and Catholic and Benedictine values, with emphasis on leadership, diversity and evidence-based practice
• Completion of one year of coursework toward a Master of Science in Nursing—Leadership and Education for Practice
• Preparedness to lead and succeed in today’s complex and dynamic healthcare landscape.

Requirements:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher
• Open to current nursing students entering their senior year
• In-house March 1 application deadline
• We strongly encourage students to consider the time and dedication this program will require. There is no reduction of required clinical hours for the bachelor’s degree or practicum hours for the master’s degree.

FAQ for MSN Leadership and Education for Practice, 4+1 Option

Who is this program for?

• Anyone who is committed to providing exceptional high quality nursing care and desires to expand their nursing knowledge, increase their leadership skills, and enter nursing practice with increased competence and confidence. You need not have aspirations to continue beyond the MSN, but many of you may choose a specialty later in your career and further your education. Regardless this degree will open doors for advancement in any practice environment. Here are some highlights of the program.
  • 600 hours of additional clinical experience.
  • Emphasis on Evidenced Based Practice
  • Emphasis on Leadership.
  • Emphasis on Education: Staff and nursing students’ development, and patient education.
  • Networking – see below
  • Earn your first certification! As a certified nursing educator.

What are the advantages to taking graduate courses in my senior year?

Cost savings.

• Graduate courses taken in the senior year are considered part of the full-time undergraduate tuition fees, up to 18 credits. Post-graduation, these courses will be charged at the graduate fee/per credit, depending on the program and location.
• If you continue with your MSN at CSB, you will have saved approximately $10,000. If you choose to return to CSB within 5 years to pursue a DNP (FNP, or Leadership), your credits will transfer, pending acceptance into the program.
• If you decide the MSN at CSB is not right for you and you choose a graduate nursing program at a different location, some courses may transfer.*

*Matriculation to the graduate program required. The number and credits of graduate course transfers varies, but is usually limited.

Networking, Experience and Flexibility

• The addition of a graduate level QI course and Clinical Practicum, in the Fall senior year, will provide you the opportunity to network with leaders in nursing around the state of Minnesota who are pursuing their leadership and FNP doctorates at CSB. You will be in the same courses as these exceptional leaders. The Practicum course will provide an additional 120 clinical practice hours for you to expand your nursing knowledge and leadership skills as a designer of care at the bedside. You will graduate with increased confidence as you assume your first BSN position.
• In the spring, senior year, you will continue to network with the same cohort of outstanding nursing leaders in three courses. Networking may lead to professional opportunities.
• All graduate courses taken in the senior year are hybrid in delivery. There are two synchronous meetings (in person or online) per course, with the majority of the course delivery asynchronous online, with weekly assignments and discussion. Scheduling time for NCLEX review, job searching and interviewing, and preparing and studying for courses is less cumbersome as you do not have to work around 3 traditionally scheduled courses on campus.

Can I still study abroad my senior year?

• YES! The NRSG 303 team has historically provided an exciting opportunity for study abroad in the Spring. Locations may vary. If this is not an option for you, other outstanding local opportunities will be open to you as well.

Prepare to lead and succeed

Where will a MSN: Leadership and Education for Practice take you? The possibilities are endless, really. You might choose a career in leadership, teaching, research or program development. Or, you may decide to continue your education with a doctorate degree in nursing. Here’s a sampling of roles you can aspire to with a MSN degree.

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Clinical Director
• Director of Nursing
• Program Supervisor
• Nurse Educator or Faculty
• Public Health and Policy Leader
• Advanced Research
• Health Information Manager