What can I do with a graduate nursing degree?

There are many opportunities and options for advanced practice nurses. Nurses are discovering the path to ensuring continued upward mobility in their profession, greater personal satisfaction and, not the least, a greater impact on the lives of patients. That path is the professional credential of a graduate degree in nursing. A graduate degree in nursing can open career doors and unlock personal potential.

What is a clinical nurse specialist (CNS)?

A Clinical Nurse Specialist has competencies in advanced nursing practice and is an expert clinician and client advocate in a particular specialty of nursing practice. CNSs provide direct client care, health promotion and preventive care within specialized areas of practice and may be involved in research, education and consultation. The CNS is also involved in indirect practice activities and serves three clients: individuals and their families; nursing personnel and health care systems; and the populations that they serve. Specialty areas of study include: administration; adult health and illness; community health; child and family; and gerontology.

What is a nurse practitioner (NP)?

A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice nurse with master's or post-master's education. The NP is a skilled health care provider who provides direct care to patients and families in primary care settings. Family Nurse Practitioners are master's prepared nurses who care for individuals of all ages, families and communities. Adult NPs care for persons from adolescence through the end of life. Pediatric NPs care for infants through adolescence. Women's Health Care NPs care for women from adolescence through the end of life. Geriatric NPs care for adults aged 55 and older. Acute Care NPs care for critically ill and hospitalized adults. Certified Nurse Midwives do prenatal, labor and delivery and postnatal care.

Do I need work experience to apply to the master's program?

At least one year of experience as a registered nurse is highly recommended by most programs and required by others.

How long does the master's program take?

The estimated length of time to complete the master's degree is a minimum of five (5) quarters of full-time study. Nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery programs require 2 years (6 terms) of full time study. Some specialties require coursework during the summer term. The estimated length of time to complete the master's degree on a part-time basis is up to three years.

What about the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The GRE needs to be taken prior to submission of your application. There are three parts of the exam: verbal, analytical and quantitative. You may call (800) GRE-CALL or check out their website, www.GRE.org, for more information about scheduling and taking the GRE. Computer testing sites are available in Portland, Salem, Milwaukie, Eugene and Boise. Make sure you request that your scores be sent to OHSU. A combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000 is considered competitive for admission.

Are there courses required prior to admission?

Yes. Master's students must have successfully passed a statistics course within five years prior to entry into the program. If this requirement has not been met at the time of application, the student will be required to take a statistics course (graduate or undergraduate) prior to the first quarter of the program. Check your local community college or university for course offerings, or review the Oregon prerequisites guide and Washington prerequisites guide.

Can I take courses without being admitted into the graduate nursing program?

Yes. You may take up to nine (9) credits total as a non-degree student on the OHSU main campuses if you are a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree, with the permission of the course faculty.

Is financial aid available?

The OHSU Office of Financial Aid assists students in locating scholarships and loans to cover educational expenses. Nurse Practitioner students are eligible for federal traineeships. Preference is given to students from rural, under served areas. A Web site with helpful financial aid information and links to scholarship and aid search engines is www.finaid.org. For specific information about scholarships and financial aid offered at OHSU, visit the School of Nursing’s financial aid Web page and click on “Financial Aid”. Or, call the OHSU Registrar and Financial Aid office at (503)494-7800 or (800)775-5460.

When do I apply to the graduate program?

The School of Nursing reserves the right to review applications received after the deadline if space is available in the specialty area. Priority is given to applications that are complete on December 1.

What graduate specialties does OHSU School of Nursing offer?