The master of science program at Boston College School of Nursing prepares leaders in advanced practice roles. Courses from nursing and other disciplines provide important theoretical knowledge, assessment skills, role/leadership development, and advanced clinical practice in a selected specialization. Faculty advisors help each student plan a program of studies and access appropriate clinical sites. They also arrange and supervise opportunities for students to apply and critique nursing theory and research.
The adult health nursing gerontological specialty track prepares clinicians in advanced nurse practice roles caring for the elderly. Opportunities for advanced specialization in gerontology can be tailored to fit students’ needs and interests.
The program admits registered nurses who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing program. The full-time option is a 1.5 year
program of 45 credits. The program of study includes 24 credits of core courses,
21 credits of adult health theory and adult clinical practica. Students who
opt to complete the program on a part-time basis have five years to do so.
An additional specialty concentration for master’s-prepared nurses seeking
additional certification. Students selecting this option receive academic credit
for a course sequence which is determined on an individual basis considering
previous university and professional experiences.
Graduates will be able to:
- Manage the health care of adults with emphasis on the elderly, providing
health promotion and care based on current nursing science and science from
other disciplines;
- Evaluate and ensure the continuous quality of health care delivery by considering
ethics, research, health policy, access, and cost;
- Participate in interdisciplinary, culturally-sensitive teaching, counseling
and healing with elderly patients, families and communities, locally and globally;
- Clearly define the contributions of the advanced practice nurse to quality
care outcomes of elderly adults;
- Have the educational preparation required for national certification;
- Apply for advanced practice certification as a gerontological nurse practitioner
(in states requiring certification) or clinical nurse specialist in gerontological nursing;
- Apply for prescription writing privileges and be eligible for third party
reimbursement (in states in which NPs have these privileges);
- Apply to doctoral programs in nursing;
- Assume an advanced practice nursing role as a gerontological nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist in a variety of health care settings including clinics, health maintenance organizations, occupational health, home care, school and private practice settings.