January 2025 University Catalog

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 legal and ethical standards; interprofessional collaboration; cultural competency; data-driven decision-making; and planning and resource management for individuals, groups, and populations. Throughout the specialization, learners apply the Quadruple Aim to care coordination processes, analyze gaps in practice and develop solutions, examine legal and ethical implications, align resources to meet client needs, and lead care coordination activities to deliver culturally competent coordination of care. Successful graduates of this specialization are prepared to pursue director-level and leadership positions in a wide range of healthcare settings and organizations that specialize in care coordination nursing. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.

Practicum Requirement(s)

Minimum of 500 practicum hours. See the Practicum section, below, for more information.

Additional Program Requirements

Core courses

NHS5004Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Learners

4

NHS6004Healthcare Law and Policy

4

NHS6008Economics and Decision Making in Healthcare

4

NURS6011Evidence-Based Practice for Patient-Centered Care and Population Health

4

NURS6016Quality Improvement of Interprofessional Care

4

NURS6020 Advanced Nursing Practice 1: Biopsychosocial Concepts

4

NURS6026Biopsychosocial Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice 2

4

NURS6080MSN Practicum: Professionalism in Person-Centered Care and the Workplace Environment

4

NURS6085MSN Practicum and Capstone

6

Specialization courses

NURS6620Care Coordination Healthcare Models

4

NURS6622Care Coordination Structure and Process

4

NURS6624Care Coordination Ethical and Legal Considerations

4

NURS6626Care Coordination Leadership

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 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 Informatics; RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics; Nursing Informatics, FlexPath option; RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics, 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 500 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.