Peggy Slota DNP, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor, Director, DNP and Graduate Nursing Leadership Programs joins us today to discuss the Master’s of Science in Nursing program at Carlow University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

1.    Tell us about the Master’s of Science in Nursing programs offered at Carlow University.
Carlow University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with two concentrations:  Nursing Concentration in Education and Leadership (NCEL) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).  Students may also enroll as RNs to complete their BSN first and then continue with the MSN program.

2.    What’s the typical duration for your full time and/or part time programs?
The MSN-NCEL can be completed in one year fulltime and in two years part-time. The MSN-FNP program can be completed in two years fulltime and about 3-4 years taking classes part-time.

3.    What sets your post-graduate program apart from other universities?
Both programs are offered at all three of our campus locations.  Both programs are offered in a convenient, one day per week format.  For example, the MSN-NCEL students may complete the Master’s curriculum in one year taking classes only one full day per week. The MSN-NCEL program is unusual in that students study core content in both educational principles and theories and leadership and administration.  During the internship course, the MSN-NCEL students choose a focus area of either education or management.  Our philosophy is that you lead from where you are – regardless of role, our students are leaders in their professional lives.

4.    There’s a lot of discussion about costs and benefits of college degrees today.  Do you consider your masters’ level programs a good academic value?
The MSN degree is a valuable degree in the current healthcare workplace. Our MSN-NCEL students are educated to assume either educator roles or leadership positions.  The MSN-FNP students are educated for the CRNP role and are eligible to sit for national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners, allowing them to fill a variety of positions caring for patients across the lifespan. There is a faculty shortage nationally and with the healthcare reform, there will be an increased demand for nurse practitioners.

5.    Does Carlow University have the ability to make financial assistance available for graduate students?
Carlow University provides financial counseling and financial assistance to graduate students.

6.    Is accreditation important to your incoming students?
Accreditation is important for nursing students to ensure that the highest levels of academic standards are available.  Carlow University is accredited by CCNE.

7.    What are the key elements of your admissions requirements?
Students applying to both the RN-MSN and MSN programs are evaluated by previous academic achievements, written essay, and professional references.

8.    Can you offer any advice for veterans or mid-career applicants who are returning to school?
Go for it!  There has never been a better time or more opportunities for nurses with graduate degrees.  Carlow University is known for providing strong academic support to adult students, with numerous student support services, small classes, and personal attention and guidance. We have developed a series of modules to assist students who have not been in the academic setting for a while with specific academic skills.  We understand that graduate students are active professionals with full lives outside of school and work.

9.    Do you currently have or plan on offering a DNP program?
We admitted our first cohort of DNP students in August of 2009.  Our DNP program is a program focused on leadership in change at a systems level.  The program is hybrid in nature, combining online classes with up to one Saturday class per month on campus.

10.     What do you enjoy most about your position at Carlow University?
Carlow is a warm and supportive environment for both faculty and students.  We have wonderful, dynamic students and with the use of dialogue education for graduate students, all students and faculty are actively engaged in life changing discussion and growth.

For more information on the Master’s in Nursing Program available at Carlow University, please visit them online.

Thank you Peggy, for sharing and participating in our interview.