Gonzaga University

From its founding in 1887 by Father Joseph Cataldo, S.J., as a frontier boarding school for boys, Gonzaga University has established its unique identity. Named for the Jesuit Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron of youth, the 115-year-old institution has grown and matured into one of the West's premier regional universities - fiscally conservative and financially strong, fully accredited, and dedicated to excellent teaching and providing a community atmosphere for its students. Gonzaga's educational philosophy is based on the 450-year-old Ignatian model that aims to educate the whole person - mind, body and spirit - an integration of science and art, faith and reason, action and contemplation.

RN to BSN Program

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This program is designed exclusively for Registered Nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing. The central objective of the program is to build upon existing knowledge and expertise to promote a new level of excellence in nursing. The curriculum stresses critical inquiry and analysis in an environment conducive to adult learning. Students apply theoretical concepts and research-based knowledge in a variety of practice settings. The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The BSN program is designed to meet the needs of working registered nurses. The program emphasizes individualized advising and can be completed through part-time or full-time study. The program is offered through a web-based format.

RN to MSN Program (for Diploma and ADN graduates)

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The goal of the integrated RN-MSN Program is to prepare professional nurses with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for advanced nursing practice and leadership in current and evolving future health care systems. The program is grounded in the theme Leadership in Nursing. Theory and research in nursing and related fields are integrated to provide a broad base for advance nursing practice. Graduates may function as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, managers/administrators, educators, consultants, and/or evaluators/researchers in a variety of specialties and settings. Particular emphasis is given to meeting the needs of under served populations. This Program is designed to meet the needs of working registered nurses and offers ability to your Master’s in less time and with fewer credits than if obtained a BSN and MSN degree separately. Upon completion of the program you will earn your MSN degree. This program is available through on-campus and distance learning formats.

Master of Science in Nursing

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The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program integrates theory and research in nursing and related fields to provide a broad base for advanced practice in nursing. Program options include: Psychiatric Mental-Health, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, and an Individualized Option. The program stresses critical inquiry and analysis in the academic environment and application of theory and research in diverse practice settings. Both role development and clinical preparation are emphasized. A thesis relevant to the practice focus is required. Intended to meet the needs of working registered nurses, the program is delivered through on-campus and distance learning formats.

Other distinctive features include: pursuit of humanistic and ethical alternatives to solve contemporary nursing and health care problems; study of health care ethics from both individual and organizational perspectives; emphasis on Jesuit - inspired values of knowledge, sensitivity, integrity, excellence, and justice; active involvement of students in designing individual program and learning experiences; course load and degree time line adjusted to personal circumstances; elective courses available in most Gonzaga graduate departments in addition to those in nursing; and maximization of career mobility. The curriculum is dynamic and changes may occur on a yearly basis.

Post-Master's Certificate

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The Post-Master's Certificate programs are designed for the registered nurse who already possesses a master's degree in nursing but desires preparation in a different functional area. The PMCN programs are structured to meet the needs and schedules of working registered nurses through the same on-campus and distance learning formats used in the master's degree program. It consists of 22-32 semester credits and provides both theoretical and clinical application components. In some instances, depending on the learner's background, additional credits may be encouraged or required. Program options include: Family Nurse Practitioner, Parish Nursing, Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Psychiatric Mental-Health. Graduates of the FNP and psychiatric mental-health options are qualified to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center's and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners' certification examinations for FNPs. National certification is a credential needed in many states to obtain advanced practice licensure.

Distance Learning Format

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The Gonzaga distance learning format enables nurses residing in more geographically isolated areas to further their education. The distance learning format blends on-campus visits at selected intervals each semester with videotapes of current classes held with the on-campus learners. Students call or e-mail faculty to consult as needed for advising or discussing course or clinical issues. To the extent possible, students obtain clinical experiences in their local area or within geographical area close to their communities.

BSN for the Beginning Student

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The Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for individuals seeking initial preparation and licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Gonzaga University.

For more information, visit the home page of Gonzaga University - Department of Nursing.