Welcome to SAU Online

Dive into this comprehensive program guide to learn more about Spring Arbor University and how to accelerate your career by earning an online RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

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Thank you for your interest in Spring Arbor University's online RN-MSN or RN-BSN program. Please see below for program specifics.

 

Online RN to BSN and RN to MSN Programs Brochure

Online RN to BSN Program

The online RN-BSN program at Spring Arbor University is an efficient bridge for you to learn the advanced clinical, analytical and professional development skills necessary to move forward in your career, while continuing to practice nursing and stay involved in family activities.

In addition to advanced skills in communication, management, technology and population care, this program dives deep into what it means to be a Christian caregiver charged with restoring nursing to its core values. This way, you can graduate better prepared to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of your patients.

The 100% online CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN degree program at Spring Arbor University is a bridge for you to learn the advanced clinical, analytical and professional development skills necessary to move forward in your career.

  • Our RN to BSN degree online courses fit the needs of busy nurses – with no mandatory log-in times.
  • Pursue your degree while working and stay involved in family activities with 100% of coursework online.
RN to BSN Program Detail

The 100% online CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN degree program at Spring Arbor University is a bridge for you to learn the advanced clinical, analytical and professional development skills necessary to move forward in your career.

  • Our RN to BSN degree online courses fit the needs of busy nurses – with no mandatory log-in times.
  • Pursue your degree while working and stay involved in family activities with 100% of coursework online.

Online RN to MSN Program

The RN to MSN online program at Spring Arbor University prepares students to further their careers as a nurse practitioner (PMHNP, PNP, FNP, AGPC,) an educator, or an administrator. With multiple tracks available, you’ll be sure to find a pathway in advanced nursing that fits your passion and interests.

Delivered online and designed for working nurses, this program allows you to earn your MSN for less money and in less time than it would take if you were to pursue your BSN first.

Additional Core Courses

NUR685 Advanced Practice in Primary Care I

This course will present critical concepts the advanced practice nurse can use in delivering evidence-based nursing for the adult population. Using a holistic approach, students will apply theory to practice.

NUR686 Advanced Practice in Primary Care II

This course prepares students with the skills to function as an advanced practice nurse in addressing chronic and complex alterations in health experienced by the older adult. Gerontology concepts will be applied in meeting the biological, psychosocial, mental, and spiritual needs of the older adult. Students will combine history taking, physical examination techniques, and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.

NUR680 Clinical Practicum

The clinical practicum is arranged with a local preceptor with the approval of the program faculty. Students have regular contact with SAU clinical faculty, who also provide oversight of the preceptor-led experience. In the Adult Gerontology concentration, the minimum is 500 hours; however, students taking the Family Nurse Practitioner track have an additional two credits, equating to a total of 625 clinical hours.

NUR681 Capstone Project

Students will examine the evidence base for resolving a current health problem, design and implement a project that applies the evidence-based treatment/solution, and evaluate the change that occurs in the target group. This project is not designed as a thesis but an application of concepts and learning throughout the graduate program.

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MBA Core Courses

MBA 060 MBA Orientation

Introduces students to Spring Arbor University and the Gainey School of Business MBA program. Familiarizes students with the Blackboard learning management system that supports learning through electronic access to learning materials from virtually anywhere, connects the learning community, and promotes collaboration. Students practice using Blackboard tools, interact with peers, monitor course progress and grades, and obtain feedback from an instructor through Blackboard.

MBA 617 Leadership in Business

Introduces students to leadership in business administration as a foundation for effective management of the organization. Explores leadership from the perspective of the practicing manager and focuses on individual, group, and organizational leadership. Covers the nature of leadership, leading change, leadership effectiveness, leadership development, and traditional and emerging leadership theories. Special emphasis is placed upon self-leadership and professional leadership assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses in handling specific managerial issues and responsibilities.

MBA631 Accounting for Managers

Introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of accounting as a discipline to support managerial decision making in businesses. Examines the use of information for data driven decision making, including organizational level performance measurements. Covers financial ratio calculations and analysis, preparation of financial statements, taxes, accounting liquidity, contribution margin, budgeting, and auditing issues.

MBA622 Statistics for Business Managers

Introduces students to data driven decision making using a statistical thinking framework. Emphasis placed upon the use of statistical data for identifying, understanding, interpreting, and solving business scenarios and issues. Develops skills necessary to identify business problems, collect data following appropriate protocols and methods, and analyze data using statistical techniques.

MBA661 Marketing for Managers

Introduces the principles of service and stewardship through marketing management. Focuses on developing an understanding of the role of markets and marketing from an economic thinking perspective including an analysis of product markets and developing marketing strategies that will provide sustainable competitive advantage. Special emphasis is placed upon the integration of concepts, principles, and techniques of marketing through application within client organizations. Topics include: customer value and satisfaction, market research and surveys, marketing segmentation differentiation, positioning, and the development and execution of marketing plans.

MBA607 International Business (including NYC trip)

Introduces key aspects of contemporary international business management and implications of international business on organizational strategy, structure, and function. Coverage includes ethics in business, country differences, trade and investments, global monetary systems, and competition in a global marketplace. Topics include Poverty Cure, human rights, global human resource development, conference environment papers, and group presentations. As a part of the MBA607 courses, students attend an International Business Summit as part of a four-day trip to New York City. The university covers the costs of accommodations (i.e., hotel, food) to participate in the summit. Students are responsible for travel arrangements and expenses.

*Students choose either MBA607 or MBA607A

MBA607A International Business (no NYC trip option)

Introduces key aspects of contemporary international business management and implications of international business on organizational strategy, structure, and function. Coverage includes ethics in business, country differences, trade and investments, global monetary systems, and competition in a global marketplace. Topics include Poverty Cure, human rights, global human resource development, and conference environment individual presentations, peer reviews, and critiques.

*Students choose either MBA607 or MBA607A

MBA688 MBA Capstone Study

The MBA capstone experience emphasizes the integration and application of acquired knowledge and skills from the MBA core and concentration curriculum. Focuses on the identification of a group/work unit/team or organizational level issue, problem, or opportunity, as well as the proposed solution to improve organizational performance. Students will conduct an organizational assessment, review of the literature, explain the issues using appropriate concepts and theories, create a proposal to address the problem, and develop a final business consultancy report and presentation. The student works with a real organization/client, and the client provides an assessment of the student's performance and contribution to the organization.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Curriculum

NUR712 Neurobiology and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan

This course builds on the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, providing a rigorous examination of neurobiology as it relates to mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will explore the relationship between neurobiology and psychopathology, examining epidemiology and etiology of select mental health disorders. Emphasis will be placed on genetics, development, and trauma as they relate to neurobiology and psychopathology. This course introduces the students to mental health assessment strategies that are sensitive to the psychosocial needs of mental health clients. 

NUR713 Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan

This course builds on the knowledge of neurobiology and psychopathology, applying evidence-based principles and best practices related to psychopharmacology to treat psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will gain advanced knowledge about pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, neuro-pharmacological mechanisms, risks, benefits, and adverse effects of psychotropic medications. Focus will be on examination and application of neuropsychopharmacology and diagnostic reasoning with a focus on comorbid physical and mental health conditions commonly seen in psychiatric/mental health settings. Integration of psychotherapeutic interventions in the treatment planning of psychiatric mental health symptoms and disorders will be explored. Pre-Requisite: NUR 712 

NUR714 Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health I: Adults

This course will focus on developing advanced knowledge and skills required to assess, diagnose, and interpret appropriate screening tools, laboratory tests, and behavioral assessments related to mental health disorders affecting adults and older adults. This course examines major adult disorders; looking at epidemiology, health, and mental health promotion and prevention, risk factors, taxonomy, cultural factors, assessment issues specific to adults and older adults, use of rating scales, as well as evidence-based adult-specific treatments. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychopharmacological interventions, trauma-based interventions, and combinations of these treatments will all be emphasized. Students will develop treatment plans to address the psychiatric mental health disorders affecting this population

NUR715 Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health II: Children/Adolescents/Young Adults 

This course will focus on developing advanced knowledge and skills required to assess, diagnose, and interpret appropriate screening tools, laboratory tests, and behavioral assessments related to mental health disorders affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. This course examines major childhood disorders; looking at epidemiology, health and mental health promotion and prevention, risk factors, taxonomy, cultural factors, assessment issues specific to children, adolescents, and young adults, use of rating scales, as well as evidence-based child and adolescent-specific treatments. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-based interventions, psychopharmacological interventions, trauma-based interventions, and combinations of these treatments will all be presented. Students will develop treatment plans to address the psychiatric mental health disorders affecting this population. 

NUR780-M PMHNP Clinical Practicum

This course builds on previous knowledge and practice of care of individuals and families, evidence-based practice for the advanced practice nurse, and theoretical application of care for the psychiatric mental health population across the lifespan. Health promotion, health protection, health maintenance, health restoration, and disease prevention at the individual and family level are emphasized. Students will be engaged in mastering competencies introduced, practiced, and evaluated progressively over the clinical experience. Students will work closely with a clinical preceptor and nursing faculty to gain experience in assessment, primary prevention, and intervention with populations with mental illness or at risk for mental illness, developing, implementing, and evaluating psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan. Application of legal, ethical, and policy issues for the psychiatric mental health population will be addressed throughout the course. Students should plan to engage in different clinical placements over the course to gain a wide variety of clinical experiences. Pre-requisite: NUR 712 

NUR781 Integration of Evidence for Advanced Clinical Practice 

This course provides a focused application of knowledge and skills for the NP student regarding evidence-based practice. Students will translate evidence to clinical practice based on a problem/need related to their specialty. While developing an EBP project, students will be immersed in the clinical setting of their project focus for a total of 70 hours. In addition to developing an EBP project, students will complete a state Board APRN review

RN to MSN Program Detail

The RN-MSN online program at Spring Arbor University allows you to continue to practice while working towards a position of nurse educator, nurse administrator or nurse practitioner. Delivered online, this program allows you to earn your MSN for less money and in less time than it would take if you were to pursue your BSN first.

  • Our online RN-MSN programs offer various paths to advance your career with an education rooted in Christ-centered philosophy. 
  • Earn your degree while working full-time, with only one course at a time (excluding clinical & residency coursework)
  • Continue working traditional hours Monday-Friday, or three 12-hour shifts a week
  • Flexible and balanced - only 15-20 hours a week in coursework 
  • Most coursework is online with no mandatory login times
  • Enjoy a week off in between classes with our 7-1-7 model (7 week courses, 1 week break)
  • Start quickly - no GRE/GMAT required
  • Be a part of a caring community; engaged faculty and a Student Success Coach will support you every step of the way
  • Grow personally, professionally, and spiritually as you embark on an enriching journey in the spirit of service
  • Graduate prepared for licensure from any of our online nursing programs, and enjoy a rewarding career with a bright outlook
Healthcare Administration Concentration Curriculum

MBA641 Trends in Healthcare Administration & Management

Addresses contemporary issues in the field of healthcare and the factors influencing the structure, delivery, and financing within health care systems. Examines the roles of various health care institutions and professional groups providing health services. Covers emerging trends that impact healthcare in the U.S. as well as the leadership challenges associated with healthcare administration. Special emphasis on making informed decisions related to healthcare administration and management topics that concern modern healthcare administrators.

MBA642 Managerial Finance in Healthcare

Examines the fundamentals of financial management in the healthcare sectors. Prepares non-financial healthcare professionals with skills necessary to manage and control costs while simultaneously investing resources in strategic opportunities. Focuses on the use of financial analysis techniques, financial reasoning, and financial tools for effective decision making and planning in a healthcare setting. Special emphasis on financial liquidity, solvency, and measuring efficiency of healthcare organizations using key ratio information.

MBA643 Managing Quality in Healthcare

Identifies the principles of quality improvement necessary for creating a quality culture in healthcare. Examines tools and methods of planning and implementing quality improvement initiatives in healthcare. Addresses both clinical improvements related to the delivery of quality patient care and process improvements related to the processes necessary in supporting the delivery of quality patient care. Special emphasis on methodology for improving quality in healthcare organizations, process improvement tools and measurement systems, Six Sigma, lean management techniques, and medical informatics.

NUR625 Educational Theory & Curriculum Design

This course utilizes learning theories to design a teaching/ learning project. Strategic planning steps such as needs assessment, behavioral objectives, instructional design, and delivery for non-traditional learners will be explored.

Pediatric NP (PNP) Curriculum

NUR702 Advanced Pediatric Physical Assessment and Pharmacotherapeutics

This course focuses on advanced comprehensive health/physical assessment and pharmacotherapeutics for the infant, child, and adolescent in the context of their family. The course prepares the pediatric nurse practitioner student to complete comprehensive history, physical/psychological and health promotion needs assessments, and integrate pediatric pharmacology knowledge and skills necessary to assess, appropriately select, calculate, and integrate pharmacologic agents, and therapeutic modalities in the pediatric population.  

NUR703 Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Their Families I 

This course prepares the pediatric nurse practitioner student to address the primary healthcare needs of infants, children, adolescents, and their families. The course focuses on normal growth and development, health promotion, health maintenance, and health care management for children from birth through adolescence within the context of their family.

NUR704 Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Their Families II

In this course the pediatric nurse practitioner student builds on nursing management of pediatric primary healthcare needs in the context of normal growth and development, health promotion, health maintenance, and health care management for children from birth through adolescence. This course focuses on nursing management of primary health care needs for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common health problems and acute illnesses of infants, children, and adolescents in the context of their families

NUR705 Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Their Families III

In this course, the pediatric nurse practitioner student builds on the nursing management of pediatric primary healthcare needs in the context of normal growth and development, health promotion, health maintenance, and health care management of common health problems and acute illness for children from birth through adolescence. This course focuses on nursing management through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment including collaboration with appropriate pediatric specialists, for infants, children, and adolescents experiencing complex, chronic and/or disabling life-long processes and their families.

NUR780-K Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum

This clinical course focuses on the application of nursing theory, pathophysiological and epidemiological concepts, and exploration of nursing therapies, skills, and techniques essential to the provision of primary health care for infants, children, and adolescents in the context of their families. Clinical experiences focus on normal growth and development, health promotion, anticipatory guidance, management of common health issues, acute illness, complex chronic, and/or disabling life-long processes for infants, children, and adolescents in the context of their families. Working with clinical preceptors, within the pediatric nurse practitioner scope of practice, the pediatric nurse practitioner student assumes a more autonomous role in physical assessment, determining pathophysiological processes, interpreting diagnostic findings (subjective and objective), initiating pharmacotherapeutic and non-pharmacologic therapies, providing patient and parent teaching, and developing health promotion and disease prevention strategies for infants, children, and adolescents.

NUR781 Integration of Evidence for Advanced Clinical Practice 

This course provides a focused application of evidence-based practice knowledge and skill for the pediatric nurse practitioner student regarding evidence-based practice. Students will translate evidence to clinical practice based on a problem/need related to their specialty. While developing an EBP project, students will be immersed in the clinical setting of their project focus for a total of 70 hours, a minimum of 30 of the 70 hours will be direct clinical hours (for a total of 530 hours for the PNP-PC graduate).  In addition to developing an EBP project, students will complete a PNP-PC Certification Exam Review.

RN to BSN Admission Requirements
  • At least one year experience working as a registered nurse preferred
  • Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure
  • An official transcript from all previous institutions attended with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all prior college work
  • Completion of at least 58 transferable semester hours
  • A writing sample
  • An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program
  • Completed application
RN to MSN Concentration Curriculum

Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Online

Concentration Courses of Study:

 
Human Resource Development Concentration Curriculum

MBA647 Workplace Learning and Professional Development

Explores the major issues relevant to workplace learning and development. Develops skills in needs analysis, learning and development methods, method selection, development plans, and assessment. Covers adult learning theory, knowledge, and development. Emphasizes principles of traditional and contemporary approaches to workplace learning and development in organizations. Special emphasis on the practical application of learning development methods and assessments to ascertain factors influencing effective workplace learning strategies.

MBA648 Human Resource Development

Explores major issues of managing human resources. Develops skills in assessing human resource needs for career development and organizational effectiveness. Covers principles of adult learning through designing practical applications in diverse work settings. Special emphasis on current topics in the field of human resource development, including the assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation of HRD programs; personal, professional, and organizational development; and application of HRD in diverse contexts. Various types of training programs will be examined, including onboarding, skills and technical, performance management, employee wellness, career management, organization and management development, and diversity.

MGT651 Management of Organizational Behavior

Introduction to the management of behavior in organizations, the field of industrial and organizational psychology, and various aspects of people in the workplace. Covers issues related to employee development through training and learning, employee productivity, well-being, attitudes, behaviors, motivation, and leadership. Explores principles of organizational behavior and management such as how people work, where they work, and how the workplace operates. Emphasizes the complexity of organizational functioning and importance of the management of organizational behavior.

NUR635 Instructional Strategies

Students will delve into the selection and application of instructional strategies for traditional and online learning environments. A variety of approaches for learning experiences in higher education, professional/staff development, and community programs for individuals or groups will be used.

RN to MSN Admission Requirements
  • Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure

  • At least six months experience working as a registered nurse preferred

  • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
  • A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
  • An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program
  • A two-page goal statement that explains your rationale for pursuing a graduate nursing degree
  • Completed application

Next application deadline:

  • April 15, 2024

Next start date:

  • May 13, 2024
Family Nurse Practitioner
Curriculum

NUR633 Health Promotion across the Lifespan

This course prepares the advanced practice nurse (APN) to apply theoretical and current research concerning health promotion and disease prevention to clinical practices, individuals, families, communities and special populations, all from a Christian perspective. Students will explore the transformative effect of compassion and caring in facilitating healthful behavior changes and will learn to apply culturally appropriate communication skills adapted to the individual’s cognitive, developmental, physical, mental and behavioral health status. A review of the patterns and variations of human growth and development will inform the student’s exploration of the impact of the family on the health of individuals across their lifespan. Evidence-based, health-promoting strategies and modalities will be analyzed. Students will apply the knowledge, skills and competencies essential to the promotion and maintenance of health, both as independent providers and within a multidisciplinary team.

NUR645 Family Systems and Clinical Management of the Childbearing Family

This course prepares the family nurse practitioner-student to examine evidence-based principles of nursing care in the context of family and nursing theory, and to apply this knowledge to clinical practice within diverse family systems, all from a Christian perspective. Students will consider and apply the knowledge, skills and competencies essential to the holistic management of child-bearing women and their families, both as independent providers and within a multidisciplinary team. Students will focus on the care of healthy antepartum women and those with health pattern variations that may result in at-risk pregnancies. Emphasis is placed on collaborative management of women and families during pregnancy. Concepts focused on promoting well-being will be explored, with an emphasis on family interventions that promote resiliency as well as the health and well-being of the family.

NUR687 Advanced Practice in Primary Care of the Child

This course prepares the family nurse practitioner to provide evidence-based, primary health care to infants and children, all from a Christian perspective. Using a holistic approach, students examine the scientific basis of common health problems and factors influencing nursing management of these problems. Relevant nursing interventions for common health problems of children in families are explored, as are the responses and adaptations of the child and family to common health problems. Students will consider and apply the knowledge, skills and competencies essential to the holistic management of children and families, both as independent providers and within a multidisciplinary team. Students will combine history taking, physical examination techniques and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.

Management Concentration Curriculum

MBA654 Strategic Planning & Management

Introduces the concepts of strategic planning and management, and considers the vision, mission, and goals of the organization. Provides students with a framework for conducting strategic planning in the organizational environment. Examines the balanced scorecard approach to strategic planning and management for translating strategy to action. Special emphasis is placed upon the cyclical development of pertinent information necessary for strategic planning and management.

MBA648 Human Resource Development

Explores major issues of managing human resources. Develops skills in assessing human resource needs for career development and organizational effectiveness. Covers principles of adult learning through designing practical applications in diverse work settings. Special emphasis on current topics in the field of human resource development, including the assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation of HRD programs; personal, professional, and organizational development; and application of HRD in diverse contexts. Various types of training programs will be examined, including onboarding, skills and technical, performance management, employee wellness, career management, organization and management development, and diversity.

MBA651 Management of Organizational Behavior

Introduction to the management of behavior in organizations, the field of industrial and organizational psychology, and various aspects of people in the workplace. Covers issues related to employee development through training and learning, employee productivity, well-being, attitudes, behaviors, motivation, and leadership. Explores principles of organizational behavior and management such as how people work, where they work, and how the workplace operates. Emphasizes the complexity of organizational functioning and importance of the management of organizational behavior.

NUR655 Special Topics Elective

Special topics of interest to the nurse-educator will be presented in this course. The topics will vary by semester at the discretion of the nursing department.

RN to BSN Core Curriculum

NUR321 Professionalism and Professional Values

This course further develops and strengthens core professional values by emphasizing the pursuit of practice excellence. The ANA Standards and Scope of Nursing Practice and Ethical Code for Nurses are examined as well as professional associations and practice regulating bodies. The course explores the role of nursing theory to guide practice. The formal literature review process and the value of evidence-based practice (EBP) are introduced. E-portfolios are introduced as a method of documenting academic progress and professional development. The course provides foundational professional concepts in legal, ethical, and patient-centered care in preparation for future courses across the educational continuum and roles in advanced practice nursing.

NUR452 Evidence Based Practice I

Three (1) credit components will be taken concurrently with carousel courses. These one-credit component/modules are designed to guide the baccalaureate student to identify practice issues, appraise and integrate evidence, and evaluate outcomes. The e-portfolio is used as a tool to document competencies, track academic progression through the six EBP components, and document academic preparation as students navigate the Capstone project.

  1. The student will learn the value of evidence-based practice (EBP), the use of EBP to support quality and safety measures in practice, and models for applying evidence to clinical practice. The concept of the Senior Project is introduced. Students identify educational need in practice or a patient safety issue and then search the databases to begin a literature review to gather evidence to support that issue for their Senior Project. Students learn the basic steps of the Excel spreadsheet to document their ongoing literature review.
  2. The student is introduced to the basic elements and concepts of statistics and the use of statistical data in nursing research studies. The students continue to define their chosen practice or educational topic for the Senior Project and continue the literature review. Excel instruction progresses during this component to build on the skills obtained in the first component.
  3. The student learns the value of research, implications for practice, and the steps of the research process. Ethical issues and the advocacy role of the nurse in protecting the rights of human subjects are recognized. Students learn how bias can influence the design and the implications are explored. The course stimulates critical thinking through locating, evaluating, and critiquing research studies and provides the opportunity to develop a practicum proposal based on scientific research and evidence-based practice. The literature review process continues throughout the course with a written proposal for the Senior Project submitted at the end of Component 452.c.

NUR341 Patient Centered Care I

This course has a gerontology focus that utilizes the principles and techniques of holistic nursing assessment and care planning guided by evidence-based interventions and nursing theory. How an aging population affects the healthcare system and nursing practice are explored. Nursing assessment incorporates review of systems, health promotion, preventative care need, and palliative care planning.

IDS300 Biblical Perspectives

As a Christian liberal arts university, Spring Arbor University is committed to nurturing an appreciation for the resources of the Scriptures for creative personal faith and human life in the modern world. This course is designed to foster knowledge and understanding of the literature and history of the Bible and integration of faith, living, and learning.

NUR360 Information Management/Patient Care Technologies

This course emphasizes the use of technology and information systems for clinical decision-making. Students learn the skills necessary to use information management and patient care technologies to deliver safe and effective care. The course explores quality improvement information systems that monitor patient outcomes and required regulatory reporting. Ethical and legal issues related to the use of IT, including copyright, privacy, and confidentiality issues are investigated.

NUR442 Patient Centered Care II

Evidence-based health techniques for disease prevention, health promotion, and self-management of chronic conditions are investigated. Younger adult assessment and health history interview techniques are explored. The assessment findings are used to formulate a holistic, culturally sensitive health promotion plan and apply a theory as a basis for care. The course focuses on effective communication in facilitating client movement toward health and wellness.

NUR344 Clinical Prevention/ Population Health

The course discusses theory and concepts of community/public/global health including health care systems in transition, health policy, and epidemiology. The Public Health/Community Health Nurse’s (PH/CHN) role as partner with the community in health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and population health are applied to patient scenarios. Students utilize teaching, learning, and behavioral change theories and concepts to plan care.

NUR434 Quality Leadership

This course focuses on the professional nurse’s role in applying the principles of leadership and management to navigate systems in health care organizations across the continuum of care. The course explores the nurse leader’s role in quality and safety, the regulatory environment, policy, and advocacy for EBP. The course provides opportunities to improve critical reasoning, interdisciplinary communication techniques, and conflict resolution. Change management and conflict resolution theories are utilized in practice situations.

NUR453 Evidence Based Practice II

Three (1) credit components will be taken concurrently with carousel courses.

  1. Reviewing the basic elements and concepts of the research process including levels of measurement, measurement tools, data presentation and descriptive statistics.
  2. Students learn to use Excel for statistical equations in preparation for the utilization of nursing research and using data to make evidence-based changes in practice. Integration of the most widely used statistical methods and the use of Excel promotes deeper understanding within the context of health care research and evidence-based nursing practice.
  3. Additional concepts of statistical analysis and major epidemiological study designs are explored. Statistical concepts are applied to evidence-based nursing practice.

NUR494 Senior Nursing Project

This course provides the student with the practical experience of applying and integrating the concepts and theories learned so far in the program to a setting (community or clinical). Students assess and identify a patient safety or care process problem, a practice discrepancy, or an educational need supported by research through a comprehensive literature review. Using the nursing process, students design and implement their project and the BSN portion of the program culminates with a project presentation to faculty, peers, and interested parties.

IDS400 Values: Personal and Social

This is a capstone course in which the student formulates a philosophy of life providing the base for such concerns as professional ethics, accountability in government and nursing practice, respect for human rights, and a responsible lifestyle in our contemporary world. Ethical theories and personal values are examined through readings, analysis of issues and classroom discussion.

NUR422 Spiritual Dimensions of Healthcare

This course examines the increasing emphasis on spiritual well-being and healing environments as elements of health care. Techniques and emphases are examined from a Christian perspective.

Adult-Gerontology Curriculum

NUR632 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

This course is designed to prepare the student to apply evidence-based principles of wellness, disease prevention, and health risk in individuals, families, communities, and aggregate/clinical populations. Diversity is examined relative to social and communication patterns, roles, and value/beliefs underlying health-illness behaviors.

NUR642 Chronic Disease and Complex Problems in Older Adults

The focus of this course is on management of chronic disease and complex care needs of older adults. Emphasis will be on case management and interdisciplinary collaboration to arrange and evaluate care for the most health compromised clients.

NUR660 Nurse Educator Internship

This course provides individually supervised field experience in clinical and academic settings that integrate concepts in nursing education with practical teaching situations. Students will also design an evidence-based project based on their practice setting. Prerequisites: NUR 625 and NUR 635

Organizational Consulting Concentration Curriculum

MBA647 Workplace Learning and Professional Development

Explores the major issues relevant to workplace learning and development. Develops skills in needs analysis, learning and development methods, method selection, development plans, and assessment. Covers adult learning theory, knowledge, and development. Emphasizes principles of traditional and contemporary approaches to workplace learning and development in organizations. Special emphasis on the practical application of learning development methods and assessments to ascertain factors influencing effective workplace learning strategies.;

MBA657 Strategic Leadership

Examines characteristics and skills that allow leaders to make positive and strategic contributions to their organizations. Focuses on the development of strategic leadership skills including the development of strategic thinking and strategic actions for superior organizational performance. Emphasizes the analysis of leader traits, skills, styles, and characteristics, and the influence on the strategic leadership of organizations.

MBA658 Organizational Consulting

Examination of best consulting practices for internal and external change agents. In-depth exploration and practice on contracting, assessment and diagnosis, data collection, feedback techniques, implementation of planned change initiatives, resistance to change, and other psychodynamics in the organization related to change. Emphasizes the collaborative consulting approach and the collaborative consulting cycle as well as change management models and effective change management consulting techniques.

RN to MSN Core Curriculum

NUR321 Professionalism and Professional Values

This course further develops and strengthens core professional values by emphasizing the pursuit of practice excellence. The ANA Standards and Scope of Nursing Practice and Ethical Code for Nurses are examined as well as professional associations and practice regulating bodies. The course explores the role of nursing theory to guide practice. The formal literature review process and the value of evidence-based practice (EBP) are introduced. E-portfolios are introduced as a method of documenting academic progress and professional development. The course provides foundational professional concepts in legal, ethical, and patient-centered care in preparation for future courses across the educational continuum and roles in advanced practice nursing.

NUR341 Patient Centered Care I

This course has a gerontology focus that utilizes the principles and techniques of holistic nursing assessment and care planning guided by evidence-based interventions and nursing theory. How an aging population affects the health care system and nursing practice are explored. Nursing assessment incorporates review of systems, health promotion, preventative care need, and palliative care planning.

NUR452 Evidence Based Practice I

Three (1) credit components will be taken concurrently with carousel courses. These one-credit component/modules are designed to guide the baccalaureate student to identify practice issues, appraise and integrate evidence, and evaluate outcomes. The e-portfolio is used as a tool to document competencies, track academic progression through the six EBP components, and document academic preparation as students navigate the Capstone project.

  1. The student will learn the value of evidence-based practice (EBP), the use of EBP to support quality and safety measures in practice, and models for applying evidence to clinical practice. The concept of the Senior Project is introduced. Students identify educational need in practice or a patient safety issue and then search the databases to begin a literature review to gather evidence to support that issue for their Senior Project. Students learn the basic steps of the Excel spreadsheet to document their ongoing literature review.
  2. The student is introduced to the basic elements and concepts of statistics and the use of statistical data in nursing research studies. The students continue to define their chosen practice or educational topic for the Senior Project and continue the literature review. Excel instruction progresses during this component to build on the skills obtained in the first component.
  3. The student learns the value of research, implications for practice, and the steps of the research process. Ethical issues and the advocacy role of the nurse in protecting the rights of human subjects are recognized. Students learn how bias can influence the design and the implications are explored. The course stimulates critical thinking through locating, evaluating, and critiquing research studies and provides the opportunity to develop a practicum proposal based on scientific research and evidence-based practice. The literature review process continues throughout the course with a written proposal for the Senior Project submitted at the end of Component 452.c.

IDS300 Biblical Perspectives

As a Christian liberal arts university, Spring Arbor University is committed to nurturing an appreciation for the resources of the Scriptures for creative personal faith and human life in the modern world. This course is designed to foster knowledge and understanding of the literature and history of the Bible and integration of faith, living, and learning.

NUR360 Information Management/Patient Care Technologies

This course emphasizes the use of technology and information systems for clinical decision-making. Students learn the skills necessary to use information management and patient care technologies to deliver safe and effective care. The course explores quality improvement information systems that monitor patient outcomes and required regulatory reporting. Ethical and legal issues related to the use of IT, including copyright, privacy, and confidentiality issues are investigated.

NUR442 Patient Centered Care II

Evidence-based health techniques for disease prevention, health promotion, and self-management of chronic conditions are investigated. Younger adult assessment and health history interview techniques are explored. The assessment findings are used to formulate a holistic, culturally sensitive health promotion plan and apply a theory as a basis for care. The course focuses on effective communication in facilitating client movement toward health and wellness.

NUR344 Clinical Prevention/ Population Health

The course discusses theory and concepts of community/public/global health including health care systems in transition, health policy, and epidemiology. The Public Health/Community Health Nurse’s (PH/CHN) role as partner with the community in health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and population health is applied to patient scenarios. Students utilize teaching, learning, and behavioral change theories and concepts to plan care.

NUR453 Evidence Based Practice

Three (1) credit components will be taken concurrently with carousel courses.

  1. Reviewing the basic elements and concepts of the research process including levels of measurement, measurement tools, data presentation and descriptive statistics.
  2. Students learn to use Excel for statistical equations in preparation for the utilization of nursing research and using data to make evidence-based changes in practice. Integration of the most widely used statistical methods and the use of Excel promotes deeper understanding within the context of health care research and evidence-based nursing practice.
  3. Additional concepts of statistical analysis and major epidemiological study designs are explored. Statistical concepts are applied to evidence-based nursing practice.

NUR434 Quality Leadership

This course focuses on the professional nurse’s role in applying the principles of leadership and management to navigate systems in healthcare organizations across the continuum of care. The course explores the nurse leader’s role in quality and safety, the regulatory environment, policy, and advocacy for EBP. The course provides opportunities to improve critical reasoning, interdisciplinary communication techniques, and conflict resolution. Change management and conflict resolution theories are utilized in practice situations.

NUR494 Senior Nursing Project

This course provides the student with the practical experience of applying and integrating the concepts and theories learned so far in the program to a setting (community or clinical). Students assess and identify a patient safety or care process problem, a practice discrepancy, or an educational need that is supported by research through a comprehensive literature review. Using the nursing process, student’s design and implement their project and the BSN portion of the program culminates with a project presentation to faculty, peers, and interested parties.

IDS400 Values: Personal and Social

This is a capstone course in which the student formulates a philosophy of life providing the base for such concerns as professional ethics, accountability in government and nursing practice, respect for human rights, and a responsible lifestyle in our contemporary world. Ethical theories and personal values are examined through readings, analysis of issues and classroom discussion.

NUR510 Moral & Ethical Decision Making

This course provides a meta-cognitive foundational approach to advanced nursing practice in the contemporary world. It explores worldview presuppositions with an emphasis on a Christian perspective and development of a consistent, conscious understanding of reality.

NUR522 Theoretical Perspectives for Advanced Practice

This course promotes examination, analysis and synthesis of a variety of conceptual frameworks, models and theories that provide a foundation for research and applied practice in the areas of nursing, business and education. Philosophical ideation, beliefs, scope and assumptions of select theories and models will be explored.

NUR532 Organizational & Systems Leadership

The focus is on understanding the professional role of the advanced practice nurse. The processes associated with role development, socialization and effective collaboration with diverse interdisciplinary partnerships will be examined.

NUR551 Applied Research Methods

This course focuses on the significance of research to the development of a profession and the practical application of statistics to evidence-based outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on design, methodology and data collection relative to development of a research-based capstone project or thesis.

NUR612 Advanced Pathophysiology

This course provides advanced knowledge and clinical application of normal and pathophysiologic mechanisms related to altered health status and disease processes. Diagnosis and treatment skills will be analyzed, interpreted and evaluated for changes in normal function seen during illness/disease and when assessing an individual’s response to treatment.

NUR618 Advanced Pharmacology

This course will provide the advanced practice nurse with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose and manage pharmacologic agents, alternatives to pharmacological interventions and therapeutic modalities. Prescriptive authority, including responsibilities and legalities, will be discussed, including controlled substances and the potential for abuse.

NUR602 Advanced Health Assessment (residency)*

This practicum will prepare students with the core knowledge and competencies needed to complete a comprehensive assessment using client data to detect signs and symptoms of pathophysiological changes and psychosocial variation from an individual, family or community perspective. Effective strategies will be developed to address health care issues, including health promotion, communication and client-teaching skills using a holistic approach. The practicum will provide clinical opportunities to further refine and practice the history taking and physical examination skills necessary for competence as an advanced practice nurse.

The Nursing Department reserves the right to change curriculum requirements based on professional or accreditation recommendations.

PLEASE NOTE – PSY351 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences is also required FOR ALL MSN programs (if student has not taken a comparable statistics course, this is required to be taken during the MSN program. The student is notified of this upon acceptance into the program.)

Executive Leadership Concentration Curriculum

MBA657 Strategic Leadership

Examines characteristics and skills that allow leaders to make positive and strategic contributions to their organizations. Focuses on the development of strategic leadership skills including the development of strategic thinking and strategic actions for superior organizational performance. Emphasizes the analysis of leader traits, skills, styles, and characteristics and the influence on the strategic leadership of organizations.

MBA654 Strategic Planning & Management

Introduces the concepts of strategic planning and management, and considers the vision, mission, and goals of the organization. Provides students with a framework for conducting strategic planning in the organizational environment. Examines the balanced scorecard approach to strategic planning and management for translating strategy to action. Special emphasis is placed upon the cyclical development of pertinent information necessary for strategic planning and management.

MBA651 Management of Organizational Behavior

Introduction to the management of behavior in organizations, the field of industrial and organizational psychology, and various aspects of people in the workplace. Covers issues related to employee development through training and learning, employee productivity, well-being, attitudes, behaviors, motivation, and leadership. Explores principles of organizational behavior and management such as how people work, where they work, and how the workplace operates. Emphasizes the complexity of organizational functioning and importance of the management of organizational behavior.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Spring Arbor University Online offers affordable, accredited, Christ-honoring degrees online that are designed to broaden your professional reach, enrich your faith and make you more marketable in your sphere of influence. In fact, Christian Universities Online named us in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.

2023-2024 online tuition rates

RN-BSN Program - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: $610 per credit hour*

Additional fees:

  • Application fee - none for RN-BSN
  • Tech fee - full-time registered for credit $105 per semester
  • Registration fee - all students seek credit $40 per semester

RN-MSN Program - Master of Science in Nursing: $610/ $767 per credit hour*

Additional fees:

  • Application fee - $30
  • Tech fee - full-time registered for credit $105 per semester
  • Registration fee - all students seek credit $40 per semester
  • MSN Residency fee - $425

*Tuition rates and fees are subject to change

For information regarding funding your education, please visit our Financial Aid Overview page.

About SAU Online

Since 1873, Spring Arbor University has helped students pursue wisdom by offering an education grounded in the Christian faith.

What began as a small elementary and secondary school in the late 1800s has evolved into a premier private Christian university that offers engaging online programs designed to meet the unique needs of busy, working adults.

While we’re not the only university to offer online degree programs, our distinction lies in our total commitment to providing educational excellence within a Christ-honoring and supportive online community.

Accreditations and Affiliations

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – All degrees offered by Spring Arbor University are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602. 1.800.621.7440.

State Authorization

SAU is authorized to offer online education across the nation, with exceptions for nursing programs in AL, AZ, LA, NE, NY, OR and SD. 

Spring Arbor University is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for the MSN Nurse Educator program.

Awards & Recognition

As the popularity of online degree programs grows, the number of schools offering online degrees grows as well. When researching online schools to earn your degree, you want to make sure you are looking only at accredited colleges. Accreditation is important because it means the university is held to a certain standard. You also will want to compare the school’s rankings and any recognition awarded by third-party sources. This way, you will know that you’re receiving a quality education that is recognized for its student satisfaction, instructional quality and credibility.

Spring Arbor University Online offers highly-ranked, highly-respected educational programs for busy adults. In addition to being accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, we’ve received numerous awards and rankings for our degree programs. See below for recent rankings and awards.

  • Ranked in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges: Regional Universities Midwest Rankings
  • Ranked in the 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities*
  • Named in the Best Online Christian Graduate Schools Guide*
  • Named in the 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.*
  • Ranked by The Economist as No. 1 in economic value for Christian universities in Michigan and No. 2 for all universities in Michigan

*Christian Universities Online

Take the Next Step

Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated admissions representatives so you can learn more about earning your advanced nursing degree online with Spring Arbor University. 

We’re here to answer any questions, guide you through the application process, discuss your career goals, and explain how SAU helps working professionals succeed from enrollment to graduation.