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Apply By: April 01, 2025
Next Start Date: May 12, 2025

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Overview

The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) is an advanced clinician who functions as an expert clinician, leader, researcher, educator, and consultant that exerts influence in three spheres: patient/family, nursing personnel, and organization system. The AG-CNS graduate acquires knowledge and experience to provide services to individuals in an area of specialization across the lifespan in health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and/or chronic illness. The AG-CNS works in a variety of clinical settings including acute care hospitals, community agencies, long term care, home care, and physician offices. There are 42 credit hours in the specialty with additional direct clinical hours.

The AG-CNS graduate is prepared to:

  1. Provide expert outcome-oriented nursing therapeutics for complex patients to promote health, well-being, and quality of life.
  2. Manage the integration and coordination of patient care services across the health care continuum.
  3. Design and implement patient and staff educational programs for promotion of positive health care outcomes.
  4. Consult and collaborate with members of the health care team to support the delivery of quality patient care.
  5. Utilize research methodology and evidence to investigate, promote, and evaluate nursing therapies that produce positive patient care outcomes.
  6. Model responsibility for continued professional development, integrity, accountability, competence, and credentialing as a clinical nurse specialist.

For more information regarding the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), click here. For more information on the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), click here.

Online Learning

USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need no matter the modality for which you're taking classes. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.

Online Student Resources

Other Emphases

Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
Master's
Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Master's
Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Master's
Nursing - Nursing Education Leadership
Master's
Nursing - Healthcare Systems Leadership
Master's
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100% Online
42 Credit Hours
Complete in 2.5-3 Years

Credits Breakdowns

General
Education

18
Credits

Clinical Core Courses

9
Credits

Clinical Specialty Courses

15
Credits

Total Credits

42
Credits

There are 42 credit hours in the specialty with additional direct clinical hours.

Admission Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited nursing program and a regionally-accredited college or university earned prior to applying to the MSN program.
  • A minimum cumulative baccalaureate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. GPAs are reviewed based upon the total BSN GPA. This includes transfer courses in RN Completion programs.
  • Satisfactory completion of a course in undergraduate statistics (grade C or better) at the time of application.
  • An unencumbered U.S. RN license in all states of practice.
  • Recommended but not required: One year full-time or 2,000 hours of clinical practice as an RN within the last five years.

Handbooks

These handbooks are a compilation of selected policies and guidelines for the College of Nursing and Health Professions and those seeking a Graduate Nursing degree.

CNHP Handbook

Graduate Nursing Handbook

 

Course Checksheet View in Bulletin

The MSN and Post MSN online programs are limited to working with certain states in the U.S. only. Moving into a state not recognized by the graduate nursing program will lead to inability to continue in MSN coursework. The exception to this is active military status. Click here to see your availability.

    1. Submit an online application and $40 application fee.
    2. Submit transcripts to Graduate Studies. 
      • Official transcripts are required only from the institution at which your highest degree was earned. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed from the previous institution to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
      • Unofficial transcripts from other institutions attended can be submitted via email by the applicant to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
      • Applicants who wish to seek transfer credit for graduate coursework must submit an official transcript from the institution where that work was completed. 
      • Mailed transcripts can be sent to this address:
        Graduate Studies
        University of Southern Indiana 
        8600 University Blvd. 
        Evansville, IN 47712
    3. Read the full transcript policy by clicking here.
    4. International applicants may be required to submit additional information.

    Incoming Students

    • Start Date:
      January 13, 2025
    • Start Date:
      May 12, 2025
      Application Deadline:
      April 01, 2025
      Document Deadline:
      April 15, 2025
    • Start Date:
      August 18, 2025
      Application Deadline:
      July 01, 2025
      Document Deadline:
      July 15, 2025

    College & Department Contacts

    Dr. Bailey P. Rankin
    Assistant Professor of Nursing
    Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs

    Career Outlook

    Evansville Regional Data

    The Master of Nursing - AGCNS will train you in the knowledge you need to advance your healthcare career and you will receive the specific training to reach your professional and academic goals.

    Ranked by U.S. News and World Report

    Our master’s in nursing online program is ranked as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. It’s also ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs for veterans. This is because we are committed to providing you with the high-quality academics, dedicated faculty and staff, and vital student support to ensure you reach your full potential and excel in your chosen field.

    Evansville Regional Data

    Top Regional Occupations by Income

    *income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.

    Related Career Fields

    • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

    The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.

    Tuition and Fees
    Scholarships and Aid
    Grants

    CCNE Accredited SealThe master's degree program in nursing at the University of Southern Indiana is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

    Out-of-State Licensure Information

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