MASTERS in Nursing RESOURCE INFORMATION
As part of our VHS plan to enhance excellence in nursing, we strongly encourage ALL nurses to consider education progression.
Considerations
1. Career Goals: what are your ultimate plans—direct care? Higher level of clinical practice? Administrative? Specialization?
Academia and teaching? What degree best supports your career plan?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Clinical focus—FNP, acute care NP, midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN, DNP, etc.
Administrative focus—nurse leadership, clinical nurse leader, MBA-business, health systems management, information
management, etc.
Education focus-- nurse education, nurse leadership, etc.
Research focus—MSN, CNS, or consider doctorate--DNP, PhD
2. Type of learner: do you prefer a traditional in-seat classroom setting or the schedule flexibility of learning on-line?
3. Schedule: does your work schedule prevent attending classes one day or one evening per week due or do you simply prefer
the flexibility of on-line education?
4. Location: if you select traditional program, where is the university located and are you willing to travel or carpool?
5. School/College Accreditation: Be sure that the school of nursing you choose is accredited by CCNE – accredits
baccalaureate and higher degree programs.
6. Clinical/Praticum Requirements: Depending upon your selected program of study, you may have to complete clinical
rotations and/or practicum requirements that may require distance travel to other settings.
7. Cost: what is the tuition cost per credit hour and are there other fees (registration; technology or e-books fees? Does the
school have a partnership with VHS with accompanying tuition discounts?
8. Unit Leadership Support: will your direct supervisor support your education plan while continuing work?
9. Commitments and timing: what are your life commitments and is this the best time to return to school? Can you
successfully “juggle” work, school, home & family life, and self-care?
10. Payment Options: Some schools offer deferred tuition payments to end of the semester.
Education Options (with preferred academic partners to VHS)
1. Regional master’s programs w/ options for online, classroom inseat, or hybrid mix of class and online:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Shenandoah University
Shepherd University
James Madison University
Eastern Mennonite University
e.
f.
g.
George Mason University
University of Virginia
West Virginia University
2. On-line: offers the most flexibility with work & family schedules. Some tuition discounts available:
a.
b.
c.
d.
American Sentinel University
Grand Canyon University
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Walden University
e.
f.
g.
Drexel On-line University
University of Phoenix
Kaplan University
Benefits
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Post-graduate nursing degree builds on your knowledge for greater scope of practice
Supports career advancement and higher level positions
Depending upon your program of study, positions you for positions with greater responsibility
Expanded professional opportunities related to supervisory, precepting, teaching, or administrative duties, etc.
Career ladder advancement
Professional recognition
VHS Support
1. Nurse Education Textbook Reimbursement is offered to VHS nurses pursuing higher level nursing degrees.
Generously funded by the WMC
Foundation to support nurse education. Fund pays for textbooks purchased during current calendar year (January – December) and requires NO work
commitment payback. Must have completed first 6 months employment to apply.
2. Tuition Assistance is provided to FT and PT staff by Valley Health for academic studies and must be approved by your supervisor and Human
Resources. Requires a work commitment payback of 3 years for master’s degree support.
For more information: Contact Lisa M. Zerull, PhD, RN, FCN Academic Liaison (540) 536-2344 C (540) 409-6973
lzerull@valleyhealthlink.com
Rev 5-2014