What are the requirements for admission to the Graduate Nursing Program?

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program is selective. To be successful, applicants should be graduates of an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program and have achieved a competitive grade point average in their undergraduate program which included an introductory statistics course.

Does the Graduate Nursing Program at Colby-Sawyer College accept transfer students from other institutions?

Yes, Colby-Sawyer's graduate nursing program accepts transfer students. Up to nine (9) graduate-level credits may be transferred from other programs after evaluation by the Registrar.

What are the academic policies of the Graduate Nursing Program?

A minimum grade of B- is required in all nursing courses. Graduate students may only repeat one nursing course one time, if necessary. In addition, the nursing faculty reserves the right to require withdrawal of any student whose health, conduct or academic standing makes it unsafe for the student to remain in a nursing course or in a clinical setting. Failure to comply with the clinical agency policy is also cause for dismissal from the nursing major. Academic policies regarding probation, suspension and dismissal are the same as for the undergraduate nursing program.

Where do graduate nursing students complete their clinical hours?

Clinical experiences for students are offered in a variety of in-patient and community settings, including Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, New London Hospital, and Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, to name a few.

What kind of employment opportunities will a Master’s of Science Nursing degree afford me?

The graduate nursing program is designed for the baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse. Graduates are prepared to practice as advanced nurse generalists in the health care setting; nurse educators in academic or healthcare institutions; or nurse leaders across all levels of a healthcare organization in order to impact and improve patient outcomes. Colby-Sawyer graduates have careers in a wide range of organizations: inpatient, ambulatory, integrated systems and community-based, as well as colleges and universities.

What courses are required for the graduate nursing program?

Courses are offered in an asynchronous on-line format in 8 week sessions. Graduate nursing courses are designed to respond to the unique needs of adult learners who have current nursing practice experience.

How long will the Graduate Nursing Program at Colby-Sawyer College take to complete?

The MSN degree may be completed in 28 months. The combination of on-line work and clinical practice is structured around the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education’s* (CCNE) Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.