Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing

Accreditation

The graduate programs in the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404.975.5000
Fax: 404.975.5020
www.acenursing.org

Mission
The mission of the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing is to prepare professional nurses to improve the well-being of complex and diverse populations. Congruent to this mission, the mission of the MSN Program is to educate advance practice nurse leaders who; through research, policy, and practice will promote health and well-being of local, national and international communities so that all people can thrive.

Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the MSN program, graduates will:

  • Critically analyze, interpret and utilize appropriate knowledge, research and theories to meet the health care needs of diverse client populations across the lifespan.

  • Collaboratively plan the delivery of culturally sensitive health care with organizations and the community.

  • Contribute to the advancement of nursing profession through evidenced-based research and practice.

  • Synthesize the leadership management, negotiating, teaching/coaching and consulting roles to foster continual improvement in order to meet changing societal and environmental needs.

  • Operationalize ethical, legal, political, and economic principles in application to management of healthcare delivery across the lifespan.

  • Advocate for advanced nursing practice through a commitment to lifelong learning and community service.

Curriculum
The curriculum includes coursework required by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) and professional accrediting organizations. This coursework is competency based for both the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Administration (NADM) tracks.

The core competencies utilized for the FNP track have been developed by The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). The TBON defines Advanced Practice Nurse (APNs) as: "registered nurses who hold authorization from the board to practice as advanced practice nurses based on completing an advanced educational program acceptable to the Board.  The term includes a nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, nurse anesthetist, and a clinical nurse specialist.  The advanced practice nurse is prepared to practice in an expanded role to provide health care to individuals, families, and/or groups in a variety of settings including but not limited to homes, hospitals, institutions, offices, industry, schools, community agencies, public and private clinics, and private practice.  The advanced practice nurse acts independently and/or in collaboration with other health care professionals in the delivery of health care services."  (http://www.bne.state.tx.us/default.htm)

The competencies for the NADM track have been developed by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). The AONL competencies and the American Nurses Association (ABA) Nursing Administration: Scope and Standards of Practice, are the foundation for the NADM program. Both organizations, NONPF and AONL, provide certification examinations for practice in the chosen role. The NADM role definition and program competencies are derived from The AONL Nurse Executive Competencies: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, and Business Skills (AONL, 2015). The role of the nurse administrator is one of leadership; both the nurse executive and nurse manager(s) are leaders who promote shared governance, leverage those who they supervise, identify the consumer services as the focus of nursing services, identify budgeting and finance as integral to nursing services, and innovate to accomplish organizational goals while promoting quality and safety.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines (broadly) the nurse administrator as a registered nurse who orchestrates and influences the work of others in a defined environment to enhance the shared vision of an organization or institution. The nurse administrator role varies in and among institutions. Common themes that permeate all roles include advocacy, leadership, mentorship, shared vision, knowledge of business practices and processes, high quality and safe care, positive outcomes, and dedication to the profession (ANA, 2024).

General Requirements
Graduate Academic Regulations

Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet both the general requirements of the University’s Graduate School and the specific requirements set by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing specific to each track.

Registered nurses who have graduated from a nationally accredited baccalaureate or graduate nursing program are eligible to apply to the following graduate pathways at Texas A&M International University: the Nursing Administration RN/MSN track, Nursing Administration (NADM) track, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track, and the Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate track. The advancement of the nursing profession requires an ongoing commitment to continuing education and lifelong learning. Graduates of Texas A&M International University’s Master of Science in Nursing and post-master’s certificate programs are prepared with advanced knowledge, leadership, and clinical competencies to improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities of the region.

Deferring Admission 

Students wishing to defer their offer of admission can do so by submitting a Change of Admission Information Form available with the Graduate School. Deferrals will only be granted for a term of up to one year from the offer of admission. Students who defer their admission for more than one year will be required to reapply to the program.

Non-Degree Seeking Applicants 

Individuals wishing to take courses for personal growth may register for up to twelve hours as non-degree seeking and subject to approval and space in the courses. These courses may not be applicable to a degree program. The student must obtain permission from the Director for Graduate programs, the Dean, and Graduate Council. 

Leave of Absence

Students should be aware that they are required to maintain continuous registration as outlined by the program track, until all requirements for graduation have been met. A student may petition for a leave of absence at any time. The student must petition the CNHS Admission & Progression committee for approval. If the petition is granted, the registration requirement will be set-aside during the period of the leave.  The requirement to complete the degree within five years remains and begins at the first semester admitted as a degree seeking student. 

Credit for Prior Learning Policy (University Catalog):

Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing and College of Nursing and Health Sciences accept transfer credits from other universities according to the policy of Texas A&M International University.

a. Accepting Transfer Credits
Twelve (12) hours of graduate level study with a minimum grade of 3.0(B) on a 4.0 scale may be transferred from accredited institutions of higher education. Evaluation of the transferring credits identifies they are equivalent to the course they are replacing. Approval is obtained from the Admission and Progression Committee and the Dean of CNHS.

Academic Progression
The graduate student must meet the standards for minimal performance and progression established by Texas A&M International University and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Grading Policy:

A             90-100
B             80-89
C             75-79
F              Below 75

All grade assignments and assessments (exams, quizzes, etc.) will be calculated to the hundredth (i.e., 2 decimal points). The final numeric course grade is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows: Less than 0.45 will round down to the next whole number (i.e., 89.44 would be rounded down to 89), and 0.45 or greater will round up to the next whole number (i.e., 89.45 would be rounded up to 90).

Suspension and Dismissal

1. Graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above to progress and graduate from the MSN program in the CSON. Students must successfully pass both the clinical and didactic components of a course to progress to the following courses.

2. A student whose GPA falls below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation in accordance with the Graduate School and the university policies.

  • Academic probation status will be lifted in accordance with the Graduate School and the university policies once the required conditions have been met.

  • Following the probationary status, the Admission and Progression Committee will determine the student's eligibility for readmission into the program. The student is required to submit an appeal for reconsideration. Readmission is competitive and contingent upon the availability of space. The process involves a thorough review of the student's case, encompassing an evaluation of their academic performance, conduct, and any extenuating circumstances that may be relevant.

3. Students will be subject to academic review if any of the following occur:

  • GPA falls below 3.00

  • Earn two letter grades of a C during the course of study

  • Earn a letter grade of an F during the course of study

  • Demonstrate unprofessional conduct

4. Students must repeat any course in which they earn a letter grade of a C or lower.

  • In courses where the practicum and didactic components are offered separately, students are required to repeat only the course in which they were unsuccessful.

5. Students who earn a letter grade of a C may not progress to any subsequent courses for which that course is a prerequisite until the course has been repeated and a letter grade of a B or higher is achieved.

  • No course can be repeated more than once.

  • A student who earns a second letter grade of a C will be dismissed from the program.

6. In the event that a graduate student demonstrates deficiencies in academic performance and/or professional conduct, such as, but not limited to:

  • A student who does not achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 for two consecutive full-time semesters

  • Academic misconduct, such as any act of dishonesty involving academic work

  • Unsafe clinical practice

  • Falsification of credentials

  • Conduct unbecoming to a student as described in the University Student Conduct Code.

7. Students will be subject to the following actions from the CSON if any of the aforementioned behaviors are observed during the duration of the program:

  • Suspension: The separation of the student from the program will occur for a specified period of time. The student is not guaranteed continuation at the end of this period. The process entails a comprehensive review of the student's case, which includes an assessment of their academic performance, conduct, and any extenuating circumstances. A decision will be made regarding their eligibility for continuation into the program by the Admission and Progression Committee.

  • Dismissal: The separation of the student from the program for an indefinite period of time. The Admission and Progression Committee will make a decision on re-eligibility for readmission to the program.

8. Dismissal for Unprofessional/Unsafe Conduct Policy: CSON administration and faculty reserve the right to dismiss students without previous warning for unsafe and/or unprofessional behavior.

9. The recommendation to suspend or dismiss the student because of scholastic deficiency must be made in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School by the Dean of CSON.

Additional Master’s Degree Policy
Students shall not be permitted to apply the same course credit to more than one master’s degree except in the Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner as an additional master’s degree may obtain the degree upon successful completion of the major curriculum and substituting hours attained in the Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration for twelve hours of required coursework.

Graduate Degrees - College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Professional Certificates