Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Nursing – Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist [MSN]


The Master of Science in Nursing programs prepares nurses to meet the community’s needs 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 healthcare leaders. In addition, the program meets national credentialing exam application requirements and prepares graduates for future doctoral study.

Students in the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program are educated in the CNS three spheres of influence (patient, Nurse, System) and across the continuum from wellness through illness to care for patients from late adolescence through geriatrics a hospital and community settings. At the end of this program, graduates will be eligible to sit for national certification examinations and subsequently be eligible for state licensure as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Possess a BSN degree (Applicants holding an RN 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).
  • Have a current unrestricted license to practice as a professional registered nurse in the U.S. or eligibility to obtain a Michigan license.
  • Have completed an approved basic statistics course that includes descriptive and inferential statistics within the last ten years.
  • Have completed a basic health assessment course.
  • Have completed 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 must either complete the Community Health Nursing courses (NURS 450  and NURS 450 ) or 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)
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • A two to three-page (500 words maximum) personal statement that describes your goals as a CNS.

The personal statement should reflect your understanding of the role of a CNS 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 the AACN and NCBSN to help articulate the fit with your goals. The personal statement is evaluated based on your understanding of the role of the CNS, fit with our program, and the ability to express yourself clearly and professionally.

Application Process

The university takes an average of 2-3 weeks to make admission decisions. Therefore, the response time from the School of Nursing may be longer depending upon submission date and application deadlines.

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: 43 hours


Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Courses: 19 hours


Electives for students planning to pursue doctoral studies: