Program Requirements
The MN program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in advanced nursing practice
- Engage in reflection, to think critically, and to act with scientific integrity in scholarly endeavors
- Facilitate the learning process and participate in activities that influence health and healthcare policy
- Understand the interaction of the nursing profession with social, political, economic, and historical forces
Students in the MN program can select a thesis-based or course-based route.
Student programs are designed based on the chosen focus area and in light of the student’s career goals, clinical interests, and research interests.
MN Thesis-based
Students in the thesis-based MN program are required to complete 10 courses or 13 courses for the Clinical focus area (★3, ★4 and/or ★6) for a minimum total of ★30 credits, plus a thesis.
Coursework includes five required courses. The remaining courses are selected according to areas of focus, outlined below, and elective courses.
The thesis-based route is an opportunity for intensive research education in an area of student interest. It provides knowledge about particular content and research method and students work closely with their supervisors to complete the research.
MN Course-based
Students in the course-based MN program are required to complete 11 courses or 13 courses in the Clinical focus area (★3, ★4 and/or ★6) for a minimum total of ★33 credits, plus a ★3 capping exercise (NURS 900).
Coursework includes five required courses. The remaining courses are selected according to areas of focus, outlined below, and elective courses. The capping exercise is individually designed and is congruent with the student’s area of study and may address topics such as clinical outcomes, evidence-based practice, total quality improvement, or knowledge translation. Course-based students should complete at least three courses per year.
All part-time course-based graduate students must register in a minimum of 3 units (★3) in course-work or in M REG 800 each September to August period to maintain their student status.
Clinical Requirements for Nursing Courses
Students are responsible for the health and safety requirements for all clinical practice courses in their graduate program. These requirements must be met prior to starting the clinical courses. If there is an associated fee, students are responsible for the costs incurred.
- Registration with College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR)
- Health Status Form
- Immunization Requirements: See University Infectious Disease Regulation .
- Criminal Record Check (Security Clearance Check)
- Professional Ethics/Code of Student Behaviour
Please see the Faculty of Nursing’s website for further information regarding clinical requirements
Length of Program
The Master’s program can be completed within a two-year period. All students with a clinical focus area attend continuously through the spring/summer terms between their first and second years.
The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MN program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is four years. The maximum time to complete the course-based MN program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.