WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Pennsylvania College of Technology recently introduced a revision to its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program curriculum that will reduce the number of required courses, ultimately lowering the cost for students to complete the degree.
“The goal of this change is to streamline the curriculum for working registered nurses who are trying to further their education,” explained Kelly T. Bidlespacher, director of nursing: bachelor’s and graduate degrees.
Penn College offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program with a concentration in nursing education.
The revised curriculum will be implemented in May, when the next cohort of students is accepted. The change reduces the number of credits from 37 to 34 by combining three eight-week classes — Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Health & Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice — to one 15-week course: Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment and Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Penn College implemented the MSN in nursing education program in 2021 to help alleviate the nation’s shortage of nurses — which is exacerbated by a shortage of nursing faculty.
“The profession is in dire need of nurse educators to shape the next generation of nurses,” Bidlespacher said. “Those who complete a master’s in nursing with an emphasis on nursing education have the opportunity to help shape the future of health care.”
In addition to academic settings, nurse educators can also fill staff development roles in the clinical setting.
Created for the working nurse, the curriculum for Penn College’s MSN in nursing education is designed to be completed on a part-time basis within two years. Classes are six to 15 weeks in length. To learn more, call 570-327-4525 or visit www.pct.edu/mne.
The college also offers a one-year, 15-credit post-master’s certificate in nursing education.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.eduor call toll-free 800-367-9222.