MSN, Care Coordination
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Learners in the MSN Care Coordination specialization examine and apply theories, research, and best practices for the nurse care coordinator. The specialization curriculum emphasizes client assessment and evaluation; care planning; transitioning of care; clinical efficiency; and monitoring, reporting, and analysis techniques used to meet the needs of individuals, caregivers, families, communities, populations, and health care organizations. Throughout the specialization, learners evaluate the historical evolution of care coordination and its relevance in population health, emerging health care models and their relationships to care coordination, care coordination structure and process, legal and ethical considerations, the role of cultural competence in care coordination, and the role professional nursing leadership plays in achieving successful quality measurement. Successful graduates of this specialization are prepared to pursue director-level and leadership positions in a wide range of health care settings and organizations that specialize in care coordination nursing.
Practicum Requirement(s)
Minimum of 100 practicum hours. See the Practicum section, below, for more information.
Additional Program Requirements
Core courses†
| NHS5004 | Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Learners | 4 |
| NHS6004 | Health Care Law and Policy | 4 |
| NHS6008 | Economics and Decision Making in Health Care | 4 |
| NURS6011 | Evidence-Based Practice for Patient-Centered Care and Population Health | 4 |
| NURS6016 | Quality Improvement of Interprofessional Care | 4 |
| NURS6021 | Biopsychosocial Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice 1 | 4 |
| NURS6026 | Biopsychosocial Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice 2 | 4 |
| NURS6030 | MSN Practicum and Capstone | 6 |
Specialization courses
| NURS6610 | Introduction to Care Coordination | 4 |
| NURS6612 | Health Care Models Used in Care Coordination | 4 |
| NURS6614 | Structure and Process in Care Coordination | 4 |
| NURS6616 | Ethical and Legal Considerations in Care Coordination | 4 |
| NURS6618 | Leadership in Care Coordination | 4 |
Total
At least 54 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with NURS6030.
Alabama residents are not eligible to enroll in this program.
This specialization does not prepare graduates for licensure as an RN or APRN.
Learners enrolled in the MSN Care Coordination specialization are required to maintain a current, unrestricted RN license throughout their program.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each delivery model.
Practicum
Learners enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a specialization in Care Coordination; RN-to-MSN Care Coordination; Care Coordination, FlexPath option; RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, FlexPath option; Nursing Education; RN-to-MSN Nursing Education; Nursing Education, FlexPath option; RN-to-MSN Nursing Education, FlexPath option; Nursing Leadership and Administration; RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration; Nursing Leadership and Administration, FlexPath option; or RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration, FlexPath option are required to complete 100 documented hours of hands-on practicum experience. Learners enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a specialization in Nursing Informatics; RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics; Nursing Informatics, FlexPath option; or RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics, FlexPath option are required to complete 200 documented hours of hands-on practicum experience. Learners enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate are required to complete 750 documented hours of hands-on practicum experience.
The practicum experience requires learners to synthesize and expand the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program by applying evidence-based methods to practice. Learners are responsible for finding an appropriate preceptor to oversee the practicum experience. With their preceptors, learners engage in in-depth work within a practice environment that reflects course outcomes. The practicum experiences offer learners an environment in which to apply their knowledge and skills. Practicum takes place at a professional site at which learners, with the support of program faculty and their on-site preceptors, participate in advanced practice initiatives. These could include program evaluation, quality improvement, and advanced practice techniques. Learners use the practicum experience to help them achieve the MSN program outcomes and competencies and the learning objectives related to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.
Additionally, learners are required to document their practice practicum experience in associated online coursework. The associated practicum courses provide systematic opportunities for feedback and reflection. Practicum hours are considered complete once all program required practicum hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum hours requirements cannot be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.