MSN Patient Care Services Administration (PCSA)
Why SHU?
Sacred Heart University’s Nursing Program has been a leader in the preparation of nurse administrators since 1987. We enjoy an excellent reputation throughout the State and regionally for our contemporary curriculum combined with an expert and committed faculty. Current students and alumni are highly satisfied with their educational experience both on campus and online. Course work and the role practicum focus both on the micro system and the macro system levels of the organization.
This degree can be attained exclusively online. Students desiring face to face courses can take some courses on campus but many courses are offered only online.
The curriculum is designed around the Mulit-Dimensional Leadership model created by the faculty (Barker, Sullivan, and Emery, 200x) and published in “Role Competencies for Clinical Nurse Leaders: The Renaissance of Transformational Leadership” published by Jones and Bartlett. The model includes concepts of transformational leadership, complexity science, Leadership IQ, and role competencies. Course work is organized around the following:
- Strategic Leadership, Planning and Visioning
- Client Needs and Satisfaction including marketing services
- Managing Information for Quality Care and Systems of Health Care Delivery
- Managing Human Resources
- Managing Financial Resources
What the degree prepares you for:
The goal of the PCSA track is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to assume the role of nurse manager or to advance the skills of nursing managers already in the role. It is the initial degree for preparation to assume nurse executive responsibilities as well. The track provides the student within understanding of the challenges, issues, and rewards of patient care administration in complex health care organizations.
Admission Criteria
- BSN Degree from an accredited college or BA/BS in related field, with a GPA of 3.0
- Provisional admission status is possible for individuals with a GPA of less than 3.0
- Statement of professional goals
- Interview with graduate nursing faculty
- Undergraduate research course recommended
- Statistics course required
- Current Connecticut RN license (or for online students, RN licensure in state of professional practice)
The applicant for admission must submit a completed application, résumé, two letters of recommendation, and send official copies of transcripts of all prior nursing and academic work.
Clinical Sites/Affiliations.
Initially students work in their own organization with a self selected mentor. Assignments are generally applied to the work setting. During the role practicum experience the faculty, with input of the student, identifies preceptors at the Vice Presidential or Director level in acute, long term, or community settings based on the students background and professional goals.
Program Description & Fact Sheet
Graduate Catalog
Graduate Admissions We accept only online applications. An admissions counselor will be accepting your application and will follow up with you to assist you to finalize the application for review by the Nursing Department.