RN-to-MSN, Nursing Informatics, FlexPath option
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Capella University offers RN-to-MSN bridge specializations for licensed registered nurses who have completed 67.5 program points of undergraduate coursework. Learners in the RN-to-MSN bridge specializations are required to complete NHS-FPX5004, NURS-FPX5003, NURS-FPX5005, and NURS-FPX5007 before registering for any other Master of Science in Nursing course. Upon successful completion of the RN-to-MSN bridge courses, learners pursue the program requirements for any Master of Science in Nursing specialization. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree will not be conferred.
In the MSN Nursing Informatics specialization, learners analyze and implement contemporary models, theories, research, and best practices for providing nursing care across the lifespan using various health care technologies. Learners investigate the world of health informatics and examine the depth and breadth of health information systems and how they influence strategic planning, decision making, and clinical project management. The specialization curriculum emphasizes best practices in health informatics essentials, including patient safety, electronic medical records, workflow, meaningful use, change management, and the health information system life cycle. Learners who pursue this specialization through the FlexPath option earn an MSN through self-paced demonstrations of competencies.
Practicum Requirement(s)
Minimum of 200 practicum hours. See the Practicum section, below, for more information.
Additional Program Requirements
Bridge courses
| NURS-FPX5003 | Health Assessment and Promotion for Disease Prevention in Population-Focused Health | 2 |
| NURS-FPX5005 | Introduction to Nursing Research, Ethics, and Technology | 2 |
| NURS-FPX5007 | Leadership for Nursing Practice | 2 |
Core courses†
| NHS-FPX5004 | Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Learners | 2 |
| NHS-FPX6004 | Health Care Law and Policy | 2 |
| NHS-FPX6008 | Economics and Decision Making in Health Care | 2 |
| NURS-FPX6011 | Evidence-Based Practice for Patient-Centered Care and Population Health | 2 |
| NURS-FPX6016 | Quality Improvement of Interprofessional Care | 2 |
| NURS-FPX6021 | Biopsychosocial Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice 1 | 2 |
| NURS-FPX6026 | Biopsychosocial Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice 2 | 2 |
| NURS-FPX6030 | MSN Practicum and Capstone | 3 |
Specialization courses†
Total
At least 33 program points
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 NURS-FPX6025 and NURS-FPX6030.
Alabama residents are not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
This specialization does not prepare graduates for licensure as an RN or APRN.
Learners enrolled in the RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics, FlexPath option specialization are required to maintain a current, unrestricted RN license throughout their program.
Learners enrolled in a Capella nursing program in the FlexPath learning format will become ineligible to enroll in the MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP) specialization if they progress through certain coursework in any of the following courses: NHS-FP6004, NHS-FPX6004, NHS-FP6008, NHS-FPX6008, MSN-FP6011, NURS-FP6011, NURS-FPX6011, MSN-FP6016, NURS-FP6016 or NURS-FPX6016. FlexPath courses cannot be transferred into the MSN-AGPCNP specialization. To learn more, contact a Capella coach or call enrollment services at 1.866.736.1751.
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.