Arizona’s spectacular natural landscape, national forests and monuments draw millions of visitors each year. In addition, its moderate weather and desert temperatures have encouraged many people to relocate in search of a healthier lifestyle.
With the Arizona population growth came the need for health professionals to care for the sick and aging. Many institutions of higher learning have established innovative health care tracks to provide master’s level education to keep up with the demand in nursing, health care management, adult-gerontology and public health.
Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
College of Nursing and Health Innovation
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University prepares innovative health care providers, leaders, researchers and educators to enhance health in Arizona’s culturally diverse community and around the world. Established in 1960, the college has grown significantly as a provider of nursing education with bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate-level programs.
Arizona State University operates two health clinics with nurse managers and nursing students to provide services to the public and gives students an innovative hand-on learning opportunity. A Master of Science degree is available in three advanced practice levels. In addition, a Graduate Certificate program for Community and Public Health gives nursing professionals an opportunity to better understand the communities they serve.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science: Clinical Research Management (MS-CRM)
The Master of Science degree program with a concentration in Clinical Research Management is delivered in a fully online format. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for a career in the high-demand industry of clinical research. Specialized positions for this skill-set include medical drug, device and product developers, health care institutions, universities, governmental regulatory agencies, and national and international research organizations.
Students in this program will develop the following proficiencies:
-Design of clinical research studies for consumer products such as new drugs, vaccines and medical devices.
-Data management for clinical research projects.
-Regulatory requirements in product development.
-Code of conduct for ethical research.
-Fiscal properties of the clinical trial industry.
This online program includes a minimum of 33 credit hours and is designed to provide flexibility for the working adult student.
Graduate Certificate: Public and Community Health Practice
This Graduate Certificate program in Public and Community Health Practice is available to both nursing and non-nursing students. The primary concentration is to prepare post-Bachelor of Science graduates to solve public health problems. Many students are already employed in community health facilities but seek advanced knowledge with an emphasis on evidence-based research.
The program of study requires a minimum of 18 credits and incorporates the following competencies:
-Community health practice foundations.
-Patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions.
-Assessment and analysis of community health.
-Environmental and occupational health.
-Planning and evaluation techniques.
An internship experience at a community health facility is also required.
Master of Healthcare Innovation (MHI)
The Master of Healthcare Innovation is offered in a fully online format and prepares students for an innovative and transformative approach to health care. Graduates will be prepared to be leaders in the industry with a goal of influencing and improving the public health care system.
The curriculum prepares students for leadership roles while following the latest trends in health care. Networking with other professionals is encouraged for real-life experiences and innovative collaboration. Throughout the graduate program, the primary focus is on creative thinking, strategic planning, problem solving, implementation and evaluation.
Master of Science: Nurse Educator (MS-NE)
The Master of Science degree as a Nurse Educator prepares experienced nurses to educate the next generation of nurses for a changing health care setting. Use of state-of-the-art teaching strategies combined with clinical experiences provides nurse educators with a well-rounded, innovative program. With the challenges of health care changes facing today’s nurse educators, this graduate degree provides the tools needed to be a successful leader.
This fully accredited program will qualify graduates for nurse faculty positions at colleges and universities, community health care facilities, high-level government and private health organizations. The degree is available through a hybrid format with online and classroom modules.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
500 N. 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 496-2644
https://nursingandhealth.asu.edu/welcome?destination=node/2551
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at Grand Canyon University provides excellent health care education in high-demand disciplines. For over 25 years, GCU has been preparing nursing professionals for successful careers in health and healing. Quality degree programs, ranked eighth in the country, are offered in convenient online and evening classes to accommodate working professionals.
Various Master of Science degree programs are available with specialization in leadership, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, education, public health and several bridge degrees for students who want hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and want to bridge to Master of Science degree.
Nursing Programs
Matching Program Tracks: M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge) (online)
This is a bridge program for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to earn a master’s degree and advance to a management position. Graduates of this program will qualify for positions such as charge nurse, director of nursing, chief nursing officer or other leadership role. The core courses are taken online and focus on ethics, finance, policies, research analysis and communication skills.
M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (dual degree) (online)
This is a dual degree program that is delivered in an online format. Candidates have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and are seeking the skills necessary to advance their careers to management or executive positions. The primary focus of this graduate program is health care as a business. Learning outcomes include cost examination, preparing and maintaining a budget, and managing overhead and personnel.
M.S. in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Adult-Gerontology (online)
This online master’s program prepares experienced registered nurses to care for adult-geriatric patients in complex, acute and critical care environments. Skills learned include clinical diagnosis, procedures, advanced health assessment, and care of chronically ill patients. Nurse Practitioners are also educated on the physiological and psychosocial impact acute and life-threatening illness presents to the patient, family and community.
M.S. in Nursing: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
The Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist online master’s program is designed for experienced registered nurses to advance to positions as clinician, leader, community advocate, systems manager, researcher or consultant. Three health care areas of emphasis include relationships between the patient and client, nurses and nursing practice, and organizations and systems. In addition, core competencies include clinical judgment and inquiry, skills as a catalyst for learning, collaboration techniques with other team members, advocacy for the underserved and response to diversity.
M.S. in Nursing: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist: Adult-Gerontology (online)
This online master’s level degree prepares nurses with organizational and clinical decision-making skills. The ACNS learns to nurture the nurse-patient relationship through advocacy, ethical conduct, as well as social, political, legal and historical viewpoints. Typical career paths include nursing education, nursing leadership, clinical researcher and nursing consultant. A practicum field experience is also required prior to completion of this program.
M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (online)
The Health Care Informatics master’s degree program is completed in an online format and trains nurses how to user patient health data to attain better patient outcomes, reduce costs and optimize operational effectiveness. Graduates will be leaders in health care facilities and responsible for building data systems for operations, computer training for health care personnel, automating clinical care, collect and analyze patient data for improved care.
M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge) (online)
This bridge program is for experienced registered nurses who have a BSN degree and who want to pursue as master’s degree with a concentration on Health Care Informatics. Students are typically interested in improving patient outcomes through data analysis, reduce costs and obtain operational efficiency through optimization practices. Graduates will be qualified to work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, pharmacies, insurance companies, consulting firms and technology suppliers.
M.S. in Nursing: Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge) (online)
This online bridge program was created for experienced registered nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to take on a management position in health care. Core competencies of the graduate program include: management skills such as managing a budget, conflict resolution, personnel issues; nursing skills such as ethics, healthcare policy and finances; and leadership skills that stress effective use of communication and collaboration. A field experience is required to practice skills learned in the management and nursing course segments.
M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Education prepares registered nurses to teach nurses and patients. Coursework is done online and focuses on pharmacology, health care research, pathophysiology, curriculum development and implementation, policy review, ethics and finance in health care. Graduates are eligible for career opportunities in university academics and clinical settings. A capstone course and clinical experience to develop evidence-based practice and enhance problem-solving skills.
M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education (Bridge) (online)
The Nursing Education online bridge program is designed for experienced registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree who want to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree. This program prepares nurses for advanced nursing education in an academic or clinical setting. Core areas of study are: finance, policy and ethics in health care, nursing and health care research, evaluation and assessment methods, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology and teaching technology use.
M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (online)
The Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems online master’s degree program provide the advanced skills needed for registered nurses to advance to a management position in their career. Opportunities include charge nurse, chief nursing officer, director of nursing or vice president of nursing services at a hospital or other health care facility. Nursing, leadership and management skills are developed in areas such as communications, relationship building, analysis of research data, organizational change and conflict resolution.
M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in Public Health trains nurses in community health issues and the ability to solve them. Theories, concepts and principles of public health are areas of study developed through online coursework. Graduates can expect job opportunities in health care facilities, hospitals, social service agencies, county and state health departments, universities, governmental agencies and corporations. Public Health professionals evaluate psychological, social, behavioral, and economic factors in the recommendation of policy change.
M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge) (online)
This online bridge Master of Science in Nursing degree has an Emphasis in Public Health. It is designed for B.A.-prepared registered nurses wishing to earn a master’s degree for career advancement in public health. Typical candidates are interested in disease prevention and community health and would like to define, assess and resolve public health problems. Prior to graduation, students must complete a capstone project and public health practicum.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
3300 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017-3030
(602) 639-7500
[email protected]
http://www.gcu.edu/College-of-Nursing-and-Health-Care-Professions.php
Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
College of Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University was founded in 1992 to meet the demand for health care professionals of all specialties to serve the community. The mission of the CHS is to prepare team-oriented, patient-centered experts through specialized educational programs.
Master of Medical Science, Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Arts programs are available in the following concentrations:
-Physician Assistant Studies.
-Physical Therapy.
-Occupational Therapy.
-Biomedical Sciences.
-Cardiovascular Science.
-Podiatric Medicine.
-Nurse Anesthesia.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA)
The Nurse Anesthesia master’s program prepares students to be skilled professionals in all aspects of anesthesia management. Nurse Anesthetists account for approximately 65 percent of anesthesia administration in the nation. Collaboration skills are critical between the MSNA and the surgeons, anesthesiologists, podiatrists, dentists and other providers to ensure the best surgical outcomes.
The master’s-level program is divided coursework and clinical practicum. Coursework teaches basic sciences and specific use of equipment and anesthesia management. The first phase of the degree must be completed prior to starting the second phase clinical rotation. Students are required to work in various environments and locales where they will begin administering anesthesia under the supervision of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or practitioner. Surgical settings include urban and rural hospitals, doctors’ offices, pain clinics and same-day surgery centers. A combination of clinical sites in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Montana, South Dakota, Texas and Washington is established to ensure the best practice experience.
Accreditations
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (CANAEP)
Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA)
Contact Information
19555 North 59th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85308
(623) 572-3215
https://www.midwestern.edu/academics/our-colleges/college-of-health-sciences.xml
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
College of Health and Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services at Northern Arizona University provides professional training, in competitive programs to enter rewarding and well-paying health care positions. Students serve the community through clinical community resource training. This gives hands-on experience while providing low-cost care to needy families.
Master’s degree programs are available in many fields of study including: Nursing, Athletic Training, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Dental Hygiene, Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies.
Programs are conveniently offered in distance-learning, online formats in addition to traditional campus course study in numerous cities throughout the state of Arizona.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is available in an online program for the convenience and flexibility for adult learners. The program prepares registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree to provide health care for underserved rural families and communities. Skills include health care delivery systems, family primary care, professional relationship building, advanced practice nursing.
Students must complete 48 credit hours of coursework plus 780 total hours of clinical experience. Core courses include applied pathophysiology, pharmacology, family nursing, rural theory and health, transition roles, advanced nursing assessment and healthcare technology systems. Prescribing and dispensing drug privileges are authorized with Arizona state certification. Graduates are also eligible for national certification application as a family nurse practitioner.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education (MSN-NE) (online)
The Nursing Education track of the Master of Science in Nursing program prepares experienced registered nurses for a career in teaching other nurses at colleges, universities and continuing education. Core competencies are taught online and include:
-Curriculum development.
-Education philosophies.
-Teaching styles and assessment.
-Teaching and learning strategies.
-Student testing methods.
-Clinical and laboratory teaching skills.
-Nursing policies and ethics.
-Distance learning module design and implementation.
Master of Science in Nursing: Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (MS-PHCNS) (online)
The Public Health CNS graduate degree program develops proficiencies in policy development, cultural influence on health care, community assessment and social consequences of specific populations related to public health. The Clinical Nurse Specialists master’s degree is designed for registered nurses to expand their expertise and advance their careers.
Public health opportunities include providing direct patient care, organization services, cost control and nursing education at a college or university. This online track includes clinical theories and research-based nursing systems. Public health populations served can include adult, geriatric or child health. CNS careers include outcome managers, consultants, case managers, educators and clinical nurses. Public health officials also provide guidance to patients and families with health care delivery systems.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Health Professions – (Bldg #66)
Room #118
208 E. Pine Knoll Drive
PO Box: 15015
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
(928) 523-4331
http://nau.edu/chhs/