Metropolitan State University is one of only a few schools to offer a master's degree in nursing (MSN) online. "Registered nurses pursuing graduate degrees are often employed in hospitals or other settings that require a variety of shifts," said Barbara Hoglund, MSN Online Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Nursing. "Many find it difficult to come to class during traditional daytime or evening hours. Our students appreciate the flexibility offered through online coursework."
"The online master's program is helping me fulfill a personal goal," said student Sandra Rooney. "I am almost halfway through the program, and I wouldn't even be in a program at Metropolitan State if it weren't for the online classes." Currently, Metropolitan State University offers its entire MSN program online. "Since some of the courses require specific skills demonstrations or evaluation of oral communication skills," added Hoglund, "the School of Nursing has designed periodic on-campus synthesis seminars and clinical foundation seminars to meet those needs." The seminars occur once or twice every semester.
In general, nurse practitioner students have more on-campus activities than do students in leadership or management career paths.
Interaction Important
"The School of Nursing purposefully emphasizes interaction in our program so students feel connected with each other and the faculty," Hoglund added. Online instructor Suzanne Narayan, Ph.D., RN and Professor of Nursing, tries to create a sense of community in her online classes. "We take digital photos of the students so they can put faces with names," she said. "I communicate with them regularly through a personal question and answer section of the course which allows them to post messages to me and get a private response." Narayan's students also participate in weekly discussions through a forum, and she provides feedback on the discussions once or twice a week.
"The teachers do a great job of making students feel connected," agreed Rooney. "We are assigned into small online groups that change periodically throughout the semester. I have exchanged phone numbers with some class members, and we have connected in that way."
"Many nursing faculty have developed effective online teaching skills through workshops and interaction with other online educators," said Hoglund. "Faculty who have difficulty letting go of the 'sage on the stage' role are generally not well suited to online teaching."
"Faculty need good organizational and communication skills in order to be successful online instructors," added Narayan. "They need to develop their courses in a clear format. Information needs to be accessible and easy to follow. Students should have a sense that the faculty member is present in the course without being oppressive. This means that the instructor needs to respond to questions and provide timely feedback."
Metropolitan State University offers three nursing tracks online. The Family and Adult Nurse Practitioner tracks can be completed in three years; the leadership/Management track can be completed in two years. According to Hoglund, a limited number of students are given permission to take one or two graduate nursing courses prior to admission. This is based on the individual's qualification and course availability. It is a good way for students to decide if the format and the program are right for them.
"Online learning is not for every student," agreed Narayan. "Students pursuing this kind of program must be motivated and able to manage their time in order to keep up with discussion postings and other course activities."
"The MSN Online program requires that successful students are self-starters with lots of personal motivation and attention to detail," said Hoglund. "A bit of computer and Internet savvy doesn't hurt either!"
Metropolitan State University (www.metrostate.edu), a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, provides high-quality, affordable academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels.