Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Nursing – Clinical Research Nursing [MSN]


The Master of Science in Nursing programs prepares nurses to meet the needs of the community for healthcare providers/nurses with advanced practice knowledge and skill. Graduates are prepared for advanced practice registered nursing roles as clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners, educators, researchers, and leaders in health care.

The Clinical Research Nurse Masters program prepares students to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the Clinical Research Nurse as described by the Internationally Association of Clinical Research Nurses (IACRN).

Clinical research nursing is the specialized practice of professional nursing focused on maintaining equilibrium between care of the research participant and fidelity to the research protocol. This specialty practice incorporates human subjects’ protection; care coordination and continuity; contribution to clinical science; clinical practice; and study management throughout a variety of professional roles, practice settings, and clinical specialties. (IACRN, 2012).

Clinical Research Nurse graduates will be eligible to test for national certification (Association of Clinical Research Professionals [ACRP]; Society of Clinical Research Associates [SOCRA]) and will find employment as clinical research coordinators, project managers, research nurse managers, research associates, and program administrators.  Employers may be academic medical centers, private practice research sites, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, healthcare corporations, health insurance companies, data information companies, contract research organizations, and federal agencies.

Program Admission


Admission Requirements

All students must first meet requirements set by the Graduate School. Applicants will be considered for selection into the Master of Science in Nursing - Clinical Research Administration program upon meeting the following criteria:

  • Possess a B.S.N. degree (Applicants holding an R.N. license with a bachelor’s in another discipline may apply for conditional admission).
  • Have at least a cumulative 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) college GPA. (Applicants may seek conditional admission with a GPA of 2.75).
  • International students: Applicants who possess a Bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary institution 
in country where English is not the principal spoken language must take and pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 84 or better; students who enter the program with a TOEFL requirement must take ESLN 565  during the first semester of classes.
  • Have a current unrestricted license to practice as a professional registered nurse in the U.S or eligibility to obtain a Michigan license.
  • Have successfully completed an approved basic statistics course that includes descriptive and inferential statistics within the last 10 years.
  • Have successfully completed a basic health assessment course.
  • Successful completion of an undergraduate community health nursing course and clinical (or equivalent), from an accredited university. R.N.s with a Bachelor’s in a discipline other than nursing have to either complete the Community Health Nursing courses (NURS 450  & NURS 451 ) or successfully complete the Community Health ATI Examination to demonstrate equivalency.
  • A telephone or in-person interview may be a part of the admission process

Additionally, the following documents are required and must be submitted with the application.

  • Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state in which practice will occur (Applicants who are eligible for a license may apply for conditional admission)
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • A two to three-page (500 words maximum) personal statement that describes your goals as a Clinical Research Nurse.

The personal statement should reflect your understanding of the role of a Clinical Research Nurse and should clearly indicate that your goals are a fit for your chosen program. It is most effective when you have researched the program and the scope of practice of your area of interest before writing your personal statement. Review the documents linked above from IACRN, ACRP, and SOCRA to help articulate the fit with your goals. The personal statement is evaluated based on your understanding of the role of the Clinical Research Nurse, fit with our program, and the ability to express yourself clearly and professionally.

  • Two (2) professional references that document competence in nursing practice and the potential for success in a graduate program of study.

Application Process

Applicants must:

  • Complete an application for admission to the Graduate School. The university takes an average of 2-3 weeks to make admission decisions. The response time from the School of Nursing may be longer depending upon submission date and application deadlines.
  • Submit official transcripts from each educational institution you have attended so your admission application can be processed.
  • Select the program code on your application (CRN).

School Information


Nursing Michael L. Williams, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, CNEDirector | 309 Marshall, 734.487.2310, michael.williams@emich.edu

Jennifer Avery, Ph.D., RN, Associate Director of Graduate Studies | 318M Porter, 734.487.7676, javery10@emich.edu

Sherry M. Bumpus, Ph.D,, FNP-BC, Director of Nursing Operations | 311 Marshall, 734.487.2310, sherry.bumpus@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Deanna Kowaleski, MA, Admissions & Advising Specialist, 311 Marshall, 734.487.6599, dkowales@emich.edu

Jennifer Avery, Ph.D., RN, Assistant Professor, 318M Porter, 734.487.7676, javery10@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 35 hours