Program

Siena Heights University offers a totally online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The MSN Nursing Leadership program focuses on preparing nurses for leadership positions across the spectrum of health care and is designed to develop strategic and creative thinkers who employ a wide variety of innovative strategies to improve processes, outcomes, and quality of care through the adoption of leadership roles in a multitude of health care settings.

The Siena Heights MSN degree will transform your leadership skills through the development of expertise in strategic planning and health care operations giving you the tools to become an effective change agent, improve quality of care, and advance your nursing career.

• Siena Heights University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC) at 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois, 60604-1441, www.ncahlc.org.

• The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited nursing program (NLNAC or CCNE).
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (regular admission) on a 4.0 scale. GPAs under 3.0 will be considered for conditional admission on an individual basis.
• Current unencumbered RN license in a state or jurisdiction of the United States.
• Minimum of one year full-time nursing practice experience is recommended for all MSN students. Applicants who do not meet this criterion will be considered on an individual basis.
• Provide scholarly professional goal statement.
• Provide two letters of recommendation.
• Provide current curriculum vitae.
• Pass a criminal background check upon admission to the program.

What types of MSN programs are offered at Siena Heights University?

• Nursing Leadership – Winter and Fall semester admissions.
• The MSN Nursing Leadership program focuses on preparing nurses for leadership positions across the spectrum of health care and is designed to develop strategic and creative thinkers who employ a wide variety of innovative strategies to improve processes, outcomes, and quality of care through the adoption of leadership roles in a multitude of health care settings.

Why choose the Nursing Leadership Program?

• The Nursing Leadership program recognizes the growing need for health leaders beyond traditional hospital administration and focuses on developing the nurse as a leader in a holistic perspective.
• The Siena Heights Nursing Leadership degree will transform your leadership skills through the development of expertise in strategic planning and health care operations giving you the tools to become an effective change agent, improve quality of care, and advance your nursing career.

Does the Siena Heights Nursing Leadership Degree require clinicals?

• Students will complete an immersive practicum experience with a nurse leader. Students will design a leadership project in Practicum I and implement the project in Practicum II.  The practicum experience will be completed at a site identified by the student, near their place of residence, and approved by the faculty lead.

How do prospective students apply?

• Prospective students should apply online through the SHU Graduate College at start.sienaheights.edu/msn.

What are the criteria for admission for the Siena Heights Nursing Leadership Program?

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited nursing program (NLNAC or CCNE)
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (regular admission) on a 4.0 scale. GPAs under 3.0 will be considered for conditional admission on an individual basis.
• Current unencumbered RN license in a state or jurisdiction of the United States
• Minimum of one year full-time nursing practice experience is recommended for all MSN students. Applicants who do not meet this criterion will be considered on an individual basis. 

Application Process

• Apply online at start.sienaheights.edu
• Enrollment fee (applied towards tuition)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Must be in good standing with all previously attended colleges and universities
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• Copy of current RN license
• Professional Goal Statement
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Criminal background check upon admission to the program

When is the Application due date?

• The Nursing Leadership program admits students for the Winter and Fall semesters. The Priority application deadline is November 1 for Winter admission and July 1 for Fall admission. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after the priority deadline on a space available basis.

How long is the program?

• The Siena Heights Nursing Leadership program is a two-year part-time program consisting of 36 credits (12 classes). Each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) consists of two 7-week sub-sessions. Students will take two 7-week classes each semester (6 credits), which allows a student to be eligible to apply for Financial Aid.

How does a student know what courses to take?

• A program advisor will help students understand the Nursing Leadership program.  Each student will receive a degree plan upon admission to the program that will outline the required courses the student will take each session.
• Students are also assigned a nursing faculty mentor once accepted into the MSN program.

Will students be required to travel to Siena Heights University?

• No, students are not required to travel to SHU. The program is completely online.

What is the cost of the program?

• Students can find an estimated cost for the program by inquiring at start.sienaheights.edu/msn. Ask your program advisor about the Siena Tuition Advantage, which offers price certainty for students by holding our tuition costs steady over a 2-year academic period.

Are scholarships, loans and financial aid available?

• Financial aid is available. To determine eligibility, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/ and fill out the FAFSA form.

How does the advisement process work?

• All students are assigned an advisor at the time a student inquires about the program. Your advisor and nursing Nursing Leadership program coordinator will evaluate your application materials and provide a detailed degree plan upon acceptance. Your advisor will be available throughout your 2-year program to answer questions or provide assistance. Students are also assigned a faculty advisor/mentor upon acceptance. Advising is conducted by phone, in-person, or via Skype/Zoom.

Is there a new student orientation?

• Yes, the program requires a mandatory new student orientation prior to all start dates. Orientation is done online and must be completed by the prescribed deadline in order to be cleared for the first semester of courses.

Can I work and complete the Nursing Leadership Program?

• Yes! The Siena Heights Nursing Leadership program is a two-year part-time program consisting of 36 credits (12 classes). Each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) consists of two 7-week sub-sessions with the student completing one course per sub-session. This program is designed to meet the educational needs of a working student.  

Is the program nationally accredited?

• Siena Heights University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC) at 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois, 60604-1441, www.ncahlc.org.

• The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

What if I have additional questions about the program?

• Please contact an advisor for the MSN program. For further questions regarding the nursing program, please contact the nursing program directly.

• Price Certainty! Ask about the Siena Tuition Advantage, Siena Heights University’s pledge to hold tuition prices steady over two academic years.
• The program is available 100 percent online. You can complete your degree at home part-time and still work full-time.
• Fall or Winter start in a two-year program with accelerated seven-week classes, one course at a time.

• Apply online at start.sienaheights.edu
• Enrollment fee (applied towards tuition)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Must be in good standing with all previously attended colleges and universities
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• Copy of current RN license
• Professional Goal Statement
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Criminal background check upon admission to the program

When is the Application due date?

The Master of Science in Nursing Leadership program admits students for the Winter and Fall semesters. The Priority application deadline is November 1 for Winter admission and July 1 for Fall admission. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after the priority deadline on a space available basis.

• Integrate advanced theoretical and scientific knowledge as a basis for the delivery of advanced nursing care to diverse populations.
• Function as a leader by initiating and maintaining effective working relationships through mutually respectful communication and collaboration within interprofessional teams. Demonstrate skill in care coordination, delegation, and initiating conflict resolution strategies in various settings across the health care system. 
• Creative thinkers who employ a wide variety of innovative strategies to develop and improve processes, outcomes, and quality through the adoption of leadership roles in their practice setting. Establishes a culture of professional excellence and achievement through the application of research outcomes, responsive communication, and lifelong learning amongst dedicated nursing and interdisciplinary professionals.
• Demonstrate understanding of the political determinants of health care and the system level impact on health care delivery. Engage in policy development and advocacy to promote change.
• Engage in interprofessional partnerships and community engagement to meet health care needs by planning, delivering, managing, and evaluating population care in diverse local, national, or global communities.
• Demonstrate understanding of the determinants of health care at an individual, population, and systems level. Utilize theoretical and scientific knowledge in nursing practice to impact direct/indirect health care.

SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY’S MISSION

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

SHU DIVISION OF NURSING MISSION

The Mission of the Siena Heights University Division of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences is to educate prospective and practicing health professionals at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Based upon a liberal arts foundation, the faculty and students collaborate in a dynamic teaching and learning environment that embraces caring, diversity, and creativity. Siena Heights University health professionals continually strive to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical in all interactions with individuals, groups, and communities while providing health care. Respectful of the dignity and worth of all people, graduates of the Siena Heights University Division of Nursing are prepared to provide high-quality care in the ever-changing healthcare systems

SHU DIVISION OF NURSING PHILOSOPHY

As a Catholic institution in the Dominican tradition, we believe in the dignity and worth of every human being. That philosophy is embedded into every aspect of SHU’s Nursing Program. When designing the Pre-Licensure Nursing program, Siena nursing faculty drew upon years of teaching expertise and wisdom, as well as national nursing standards. That means the courses are practical and relevant to today’s health care professional. Students are challenged in both traditional nursing courses such as Fundamentals and Health Assessment, and courses unique to Siena Nursing: Gerontology and End-of-Life Care; Ethical, Cultural and Spiritual Nursing Practice; and Care of the Client with Complex Needs.