group of nurses smiling at the camera

Master of Science inNursing

Program summary

Prepare for nursing leadership or educational positions with the CCNE–accredited MSN program. This online master's degree program is designed for registered nurses who have bachelor’s degrees in nursing.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 26

Credits and costs

36 Credits$1,017 per credit

CCNE Accredited

This program is CCNE Accredited

The health care landscape is constantly changing. As a nurse, you need to stay on top of the latest health practices, delivery systems, regulations, and administrative procedures. And now, with research indicating a clear link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes, it's no longer a luxury to update your knowledge; it's a necessity.

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can prepare you for leadership and educational positions by helping you stay at the forefront of this dynamic industry.

One Degree, Two Options

The core curriculum of the online MSN program covers the principles of health care policy and the leadership skills needed to influence positive changes in health care in organizations and on a national, state, or local level. While studying the relationships between practice and research in the development of nursing science, you can also learn about the health care system from global, health policy, and economic perspectives. You will cover complex issues and trends specific to nursing, as well as in the broader context of the health care industry, in order to promote the health of individuals, families, and communities throughout society.

You will then refine your studies even further by choosing one of two options in the MSN degree program.

Nurse Administrator
The courses in the Nurse Administrator option can help you gain advanced knowledge of organizational leadership, health policy, and evidence-based health care delivery to prepare you for leadership and administrative roles in a variety of health care situations. The curriculum is designed to assist you in preparing for national certification as a nurse leader or executive.

Nurse Educator
The Nurse Educator option can provide you with advanced knowledge of evidence-based teaching and learning principles, curriculum development, and evaluative techniques. After successful completion of the program, you could be prepared for educator roles in various academic and health care settings. The curriculum can also help to prepare you for national certification as a nurse educator.

Why an Online MSN from Penn State?

Comprehensive Curriculum — The MSN program, offered through Penn State World Campus in collaboration with the highly respected Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, focuses on advanced nursing knowledge that you can put into practice immediately. The curriculum provides you with in-depth study of human health and development throughout the life span. You can also learn about providing health services in diverse care settings to individuals, families, and communities of varied cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds throughout the world.

Flexibility — The online learning format offered by Penn State World Campus meets the unique needs of working professionals so you can fit a degree program into your life. The flexibility of studying when and where you want can give you the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge while maintaining your current responsibilities. As a student in the online MSN program, you can expect to take at least two courses per semester in fall and spring, with additional courses offered during the summer semester.

Nurse administrators may want to enter the online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) directly from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and complete their MSN core courses and Nurse Administrator option courses through the doctoral program.

Recognition — The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at The Pennsylvania State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Further information can be found at www.ccneaccreditation.org.

Who Should Apply?

The online MSN program was designed for you if you:

  • are a registered nurse with a valid United States RN license
  • have a bachelor's degree in nursing
  • want to advance in your career, either through an administrator or educator position

Courses

Penn State's 36-credit online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program can help you build on your existing nursing experience with the additional knowledge and skills you need to lead change in the dynamic health care environment.

Your curriculum will include:

  • Core courses — All students enrolled in the MSN program will take the same three core courses to build a foundation of learning.
  • Option-specific courses — You will choose either the Nurse Administrator option or the Nurse Educator option and take the courses related to those options. Students in the Nurse Administrator option will select elective courses that suit their professional interests and background, in addition to the courses required for the option.
  • Clinical practicum — You will be required to complete 270 hours of a clinical practicum in the Nurse Educator option and 180 hours of a clinical practicum in the Nurse Administrator option after finishing your option-specific courses. This can be completed in a convenient location based on your current work schedule. (Criminal background checks and other compliances will be required, with the cost being incurred by the individual student.)

The curriculum is offered in both part-time and full-time academic plans. The part-time schedule consists of two courses per semester in fall and spring, with additional courses offered during the summer semester. With the full-time schedule, you would take three courses per semester in each fall and spring, with additional courses available during the summer semester

MSN Core Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Analysis and evaluation of the health care system with emphasis on health policy and economic issues affecting nursing practice.

  • 3
    credits

    Current conceptual and theoretical models in nursing, including relationship to practice and research in development of nursing science.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines the relationship of nursing theories to the development of nursing science, as well as current scientific advances that guide nursing practice and research.

Nurse Administrator Option (21 credits)

Nurse Administrator Required Courses (15 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    This course explores population health concepts, measurement, and application in practice, research, and policy. This course explores population health as a framework for improving health in society. Multiple determinants will be examined in relation to health status measurement, health and disease trends, and health disparities at a community, national, and global perspective.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a foundation in information systems and technology for improvement of health care.

  • 3
    credits

    Concepts of health care economics and policy for nurse administrators.

  • 3
    credits

    Concepts and theories of leadership for nurse administrators.

  • 3
    credits

    Human resource management and workforce issues for nurse administrators.

    • Prerequisite

      NURS 846

Nurse Administrator Elective Courses (select 6 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Philosophy of administration; principles of scientific management and their application in colleges and universities; case studies of administrative problems.

    • Prerequisite

      Courses or experience in higher education.

  • 3
    credits

    Strategic planning and resource management in higher education through institutional research.

  • 3
    credits

    Legal context of employment in the United States.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides students with an overview of selected managerial behavior and career topics in modern organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    This course examines workplace diversity, gender, and race challenges facing employers and employees, and the skills for managing diversity.

  • 3
    credits

    Nature, function, and technique of governmental budgeting viewed as mechanism for allocating resources among alternative public uses.

  • 3
    credits

    Concepts and approaches contributing to effective use of human resources in public and nonprofit organizations; legal issues and requirements.

  • 3
    credits

    The design, implementation, and purpose of computerized management information systems in public and nonprofit organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the analysis of public policy within its organizational and political contexts, including an emphasis on an economic perspective.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of concepts of human behavior in formal organizations, systems analysis, conceptual models, and decision processes.

  • 3
    credits

    Theory of organizational change and development; case analysis of applications in actual situations.

    • Prerequisite

      HADM 510 or PADM 510

  • 3
    credits

    A survey of major human resource issues such as job stress, burnout, and the many forms of discrimination in organizations.

    • Prerequisite

      PADM 505 or HADM 510 or PADM 510

  • 3
    credits

    Theories and techniques of financial planning and control, with emphasis on their application in government and nonprofit agencies.

    • Prerequisite

      PADM 502

  • 3
    credits

    Development of basic concepts and issues in public administration; administrative theory and public policy processes.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduces students to the design of exposure assessment and health effect studies applicable to disasters and terrorism.

  • 3
    credits

    Investigates the impact that terrorist incidents may have on health care facilities or their ability to deliver health care services.

Nurse Educator Option (21 credits)

Nurse Educator Required Courses (21 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Advanced nursing assessment and diagnosis of physical, psychosocial, and developmental health for adults and families across the adult age spectrum.

  • 3
    credits

    Integration of advanced physiology, genetics, and pathophysiology as related to specific disease entities and alterations in functioning.

  • 3
    credits

    Pharmacologic therapies in advanced nursing practice.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a foundation in information systems and technology for improvement of health care.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a foundation in the role of the nurse educator and evidence-based strategies for nursing education. Students will explore various theoretical perspectives of teaching and learning, as well as practical application of strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners. The course is intended to prepare students to employ effective teaching strategies in classroom, clinical, and online educational settings. Discussion of managing various challenges related to nursing education will be included throughout the course.

  • 3
    credits

    Methods for assessment, measurement, and evaluation of student learning in academic and clinical settings.

    • Prerequisite

      NURS 840

  • 3
    credits

    Curriculum design and evaluation, educational program development, and accreditation.

    • Prerequisite

      NURS 840

Clinical Practicum (6 credits)

Choose one course based on option.
  • 6
    credits

    Practicum in the application of the nurse educator role in academic and health care settings. (Includes 270 practicum hours.)

    • Prerequisite

      NURS 841, NURS 842

  • 6
    credits

    Practicum in the application of the nurse administrator role in health care settings. (Includes 180 practicum hours.)

    • Prerequisite

      NURS 845, NURS 846, NURS 847

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,017 per credit
12 or more$12,203 per semester

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by June 30 to start August 26
  • Spring DeadlineApply by October 1 to start January 13
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 1, 2025, to start May 19, 2025

Admissions Help

If you have any questions throughout the admissions process, please contact an admissions counselor.

Admission Requirements 

For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

Specifically, as an applicant to Penn State's online MSN program, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a program accredited by a national accrediting agency for nursing and hold a current license to practice professional nursing in the United States.

Expectations:

  • GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
  • Grades of B or better in all sciences and nursing courses
  • College chemistry and statistics (NOTE: Chemistry is not required for those applying to the Nurse Administrator option.)

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. — Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

GPA and Test Scores — postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required. The program prefers an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.3. Official GRE or GMAT test scores will be considered if submitted, but are NOT required.

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Please note that for entrance into a Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing graduate-level program, the minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 580 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 25 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 7.0.

References (2) — you will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.  

If you completed college-level courses over the last five years, an academic reference is required. Other references should be from a nursing supervisor, preferably holding a degree higher than yours.

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Personal Statement — In order for the admissions committee to evaluate your potential, please write a narrative addressing these bulleted items (single-spaced and no more than 300 words):

  • your relevant work experience
  • your goals for graduate study and for future career development
  • clearly articulated reasons for applying to the selected option at Penn State
  • any other information you would consider pertinent to your application

The Graduate Admissions Committee considers the Goal Statement very seriously. Your Goal Statement reflects your ability to express yourself clearly and concisely in writing and indicates the fit of your goals with the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing graduate program.

Start Your Application

You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

Begin the graduate school application

  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
  • Choose "Nursing" as the major
  • Choose "Master of Science Nursing (MSN)" as the degree
  • Then, be sure to choose either "Nurse Administrator" or "Nurse Educator" as the option

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply 

Start or Advance Your Career

A group of nurses sitting at a table together having a meeting

Steady job growth is expected in health care for the next several years. As a graduate of the MSN degree program, you could be qualified for many career opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community care facilities, mental health and substance abuse hospitals, home health agencies, colleges/universities, and even business.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

Career paths may vary depending on the program option you choose. The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Manager
  • Nursing Director
  • Nursing Instructor
  • Progressive Care Unit RN (Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse)

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Registered Nurses

5.6%
employment growth (10 years)
3,072,700
total employment

Medical and Health Services Managers

28.4%
employment growth (10 years)
476,750
total employment

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

18.2%
employment growth (10 years)
69,190
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Programs Related to This Degree

Credit toward the following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program, if you apply and are accepted:

Expand your knowledge of the business of health care, with topics including health care economics, fiscal planning, and data management. This online certificate program can provide you with the decision-making and problem-solving strategies necessary for a role in nursing administration.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administrator

Gain the skills you need to influence the success of the next generation of nurses. This online nurse educator certificate program can prepare you to meet the diverse needs of students in classroom, clinical, and online educational settings.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Nurse Educator

Practicum Course

Student are required to take a 6-credit practicum course based on previous experiences and learning needs.

What to Expect

As a student in either the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator option of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, you will take a practicum course near the end of the curriculum. This 6-credit practicum experience includes 270 practicum hours for the Nurse Educator option and 180 practicum hours for the Nurse Administrator option, and will be developed to fulfill mutually agreed-upon objectives based on your previous experiences and identified learning needs.

The practicum planning process involves establishing a site affiliation agreement with the practicum site. You will be responsible for identifying potential practicum sites and preceptors and working with the Assistant Dean for Online Education and Outreach at the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing to accomplish the affiliation agreement process. Some students choose to complete practicum requirements at their place of employment and other students identify alternate practicum sites.

For the Nurse Educator option students, the practicum hours will take place in an academic or health care setting. You will work with a preceptor who holds a master’s degree or higher and is in a nurse educator role in an educational setting to demonstrate multiple aspects of the nurse educator role.

For the Nurse Administrator students, the practicum hours will take place in a health care setting. You will work with a preceptor who holds a master’s degree or higher in a health care setting to demonstrate multiple aspects of the nurse administrator role.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can learn more about the application process, clinical and practicum locations, and what our courses are like right now.

Admissions Questions

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for application varies by program. See the “How to Apply” section of each program for specific dates. By that deadline, your application materials should be complete, including all transcripts and reference forms. Once your application is submitted, the references you have provided will automatically be sent an email with instructions on how to proceed. Please allow your references sufficient time to respond by the posted application deadline.

How much is the application fee? Is it refundable?

Please refer to the Penn State Graduate School website for general application questions or issues.

If I took a course or graduated from Penn State, do I start a new account with the Graduate School?

No. Once a Penn Stater, always a Penn Stater! Please log in with an existing account and use your former Penn State ID number; otherwise, you may receive a second number and your application may be delayed. Dates prior to the year 2000 may not automatically populate. If you cannot find or remember your number, visit the Graduate School website.

Do I need to send an official transcript with my application?

You need to upload a copy of your official transcript as part of your application; unofficial or advising transcripts are not accepted. You will not be able to submit your application without a transcript unless you previously attended Penn State as a student and list Penn State as an educational institution attended. If admitted, you will need to submit an official transcript.

My name has changed since I last attended Penn State. What do I need to do?

Please be sure to use your previous account and original Penn State ID number when you begin the application. Your former name may automatically populate, but you will be able to officially change your name in the system.

I took one summer course at another school. Do I need to send a transcript from that school?

Yes. Please send the front and back pages of a copy of an official transcript from all post-secondary schools you attended.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in another field before I attended my nursing program. Do I need to send a transcript from the first school?

Yes. Please send the front and back pages of a copy of an official transcript from all post-secondary schools you attended.

I attended an online program. Will Penn State recognize that degree?

Your bachelor’s degree must be from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or one that is deemed comparable to a U.S. institution. See the requirements for graduation admissions for details. Nursing programs must be accredited.

Does Penn State World Campus meet SARA requirements for my state?

See a state-by-state listing.

Tuition/Financial Aid Questions

How much does it cost to attend Penn State?

Visit the "Costs" page for your program to see tuition rates for the current academic year.

Is financial aid available?

Students studying online through Penn State World Campus are eligible for student loans. You must meet enrollment and other criteria to qualify. Penn State World Campus has a dedicated financial aid office that can help answer your questions and address your concerns. Visit the Financial Aid page of the Penn State World Campus website for more information.

Are there scholarships available?

While there are currently no scholarships specifically earmarked for students in these programs, many students receive scholarships or other financial assistance from their employers, professional organizations, or other community agencies.

General Questions

Will I have an adviser?

Yes, you will be assigned a faculty adviser to help with academic and career discussions and a general adviser to help with registration or administrative issues.

Do I need to find my own clinical/practicum sites?

Yes. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of their knowledge of appropriate agencies and their local network to identify practicum sites that would be most beneficial in reaching individual goals. Our faculty are willing to give suggestions when necessary. Penn State must have a site affiliation agreement with any participating agency. Please visit this map of our current affiliations.

Is there a designated time I need to be online?

Most courses are asynchronous, meaning you can log on at your convenience. There may be some small group assignments that will require a mutually agreed-upon time for those in your group to connect.

Can I work full-time while in school?

Most students do work at least part-time. However, some employer flexibility will be required, especially when students are in practicum courses, as those hours depend on the preceptor’s schedule and are usually on weekdays. Some students choose to switch to weekend shifts, work per diem, or take vacation during those periods. In addition, please plan to spend approximately 3 hours studying outside of class for every hour in class; some courses may require more.

How long does it take to complete the program?

MSN degree programs are typically completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time (two courses/semester) study; clinical/practicum course work often requires more credits. For the most cohesive education, students should be prepared to commit to this time frame.

Do online programs require a presence on campus?

The Master of Science in Nursing is completely online with the exception of the required practicum course work. The practicum course work is completed at a site near your location.

Contact Us

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

Cody Hoffman
Student Enrollment Recruiter
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 814-865-0865

To learn more about additional, highly respected nursing programs, visit The Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing website.

Faculty

  • Rachel Allen, RN, PMHNP-BC

    • Degree
      Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
    • Degree
      MSN, University of Pennsylvania
    • Degree
      BSN, Thomas Jefferson University

    Dr. Rachel Allen is an assistant research professor and a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, a National League for Nursing Jonas Scholar, and a fellow at the Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on psychiatric nursing, nursing history, mental health policy, and the broad social history of deinstitutionalization. Dr. Allen's research contains both a chronic illness and community focus, centering on individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness.

  • Cara Exten, PH.D., MPH, B.S.

    • Degree
      Ph.D., The Ohio State University
    • Degree
      MPH, Emory University
    • Degree
      B.S., East Tennessee State University

    Dr. Cara Exten is an assistant teaching professor for the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. She is an infectious disease epidemiologist, focusing on health disparities affecting sexual and gender minority populations, with an emphasis on sexual health (specifically HIV and other sexually transmitted infections) and substance use. She has extensive experience in survey data collection, data analysis, and working with high-risk populations, and she is passionate about the examination of diseases in their entirety, including biological, sociological, and epidemiological factors.

  • Donna M. Fick, RN, FGSA, FAAN

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Nursing Science/Geriatrics, University of California-San Francisco
    • Degree
      MSN, Gerontological Nursing, University of Cincinnati
    • Degree
      BSN, Nursing Science, Berea College

    Dr. Donna M. Fick is the director of the Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence at Penn State. She is an instructor for a variety of graduate nursing courses. Dr. Fick's research interests include inappropriate medication use in older adults, recognition and management of delirium superimposed on dementia, and implementation of ultra-brief delirium screening in hospital settings.

  • Sandra Halbruner, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC

    • Degree
      DNP, Wilkes University
    • Degree
      M.S., Penn State
    • Degree
      BSN, Johns Hopkins University
    • Degree
      B.S., Franklin & Marshall College

    Dr. Sandra Halbruner is an assistant teaching professor for the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. She has more than 21 years of experience in the field of medicine. Her research interests include active learning techniques in the multi-site or online classroom.

  • Sharilee Hrabovsky, D.Ed.

    • Degree
      D.Ed., Adult Education, Penn State
    • Degree
      Post-master’s certification, Family Practice Nurse Practitioner, Widener University
    • Degree
      MSN, Villanova University
    • Degree
      BSN, Thomas Jefferson University

    Dr. Sharilee Hrabovsky is an assistant research professor with the  College of Nursing. She teaches online courses in the graduate school. She has been a practicing nurse for the last 36 years, 23 of them as a nurse practitioner, and has presented on tobacco use, treatment, and regulation research for the last eight years. She is a nationally certified tobacco treatment specialist and has worked with hundreds of tobacco users through clinical trials or direct patient care in their quest to reduce or quit tobacco use.

  • Susan Loeb, PH.D., RN, FGSA, FAAN

    • Degree
      DNP, Penn State
    • Degree
      MSN, Penn State
    • Degree
      BSN, Penn State

    Dr. Susan J. Loeb is a professor for the College of Nursing and the College of Medicine. She is a faculty affiliate at the Center for Health Care Policy and Research and Center for Healthy Aging. Her program of research focuses on the health needs and issues of older inmates with chronic health conditions, including those with advanced chronic illnesses who are approaching the end of life. Her research has been funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Nursing Research. Over the past two decades, Dr. Loeb has taught a wide array of courses across the nursing curriculum, from undergraduate through doctoral education. Most recently, her teaching has been in writing-focused courses, helping students develop their scholarly papers or dissertations. She also regularly teaches NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care.

  • Paul Logan, PH.D., CRNP, ACNP-BC

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Penn State
    • Degree
      MSN, University of Pennsylvania
    • Degree
      BSN, Messiah College

    Dr. Paul Logan is an assistant research professor for the College of Nursing. His research interests include outcomes, quality, and value in health care, particularly the quality of care provided by nurse practitioners. His clinical interests include acute care, critical care, and cardiovascular disease.

  • Sheri Matter, Ph.D., MSN, RN

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Leadership and Administration, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    • Degree
      MSN, Wilmington University
    • Degree
      MBA, University of St. Francis
    • Degree
      MHA, University of St. Francis
    • Degree
      B.S., Nursing, Wilkes University

    Dr. Sheri Matter is the assistant dean of graduate professional programs and is an associate teaching professor in the College of Nursing. She has more than 30 years of nursing leadership, including as chief nursing executive of a multiple-hospital system. Dr. Matter's research for her dissertation focused on the nurse characteristics of a highly reliable organization.

  • Nicole Peterson, DNP, A/GPCNP-BC, CRNP, RN

    • Degree
      DNP, University of Iowa
    • Degree
      MSN, University of Iowa
    • Degree
      BSN, University of Iowa

    Dr. Nicole Peterson is an assistant teaching professor and emeritus associate professor of instruction at the University of Iowa. She has been an adult and gerontological primary care nurse practitioner since 2008, with clinical practice experience in long-term care, community care, home care, and primary care. This includes providing geriatric and primary care to the Meskwaki Nation community (Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa and their employees). She has teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate nursing, including master’s and doctorate levels, as well as serving as a geriatric nurse practitioner.

  • Andrea Yevchak Sillner, Ph.D., CNS, RN

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Nursing, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Nursing, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Nursing, Penn State

    Dr. Andrea Yevchak Sillner is an assistant research professor in the College of Nursing. She is also a board-certified gerontological clinical nurse specialist. Dr. Sillner's research interests are in improving transitions of care for older adults and their informal family caregivers by focusing on technology-assisted communication and preferences of care.

  • Kimberly Van Haitsma, PH.D.

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Bowling Green State University
    • Degree
      M.A., Clinical Psychology, Bowling Green State University
    • Degree
      B.A., Psychology, Calvin College

    Dr. Kimberly Van Haitsma's research interests include developing observational methodologies to assess behavior and emotion in dementia, developing evidence-based education programs to enhance the skills of formal caregivers, advancing the understanding of person-centered care — "knowing preferences for everyday living" — and developing measurement tools for research, clinical practice, and evidence-based interventions for formal caregivers.

  • Kelly Wolgast, RN, FACHE, FAAN

    • Degree
      DNP, University of Alabama
    • Degree
      M.S., Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College
    • Degree
      MSN, Vanderbilt University
    • Degree
      BSN, Penn State

    Dr. Kelly Wolgast is the assistant dean for outreach and professional development and an associate teaching professor. She teaches both nurse administrator/management courses and nurse educator courses in Penn State's MSN and DNP programs. Her research interests include nurse leadership, health care delivery models, distance learning, and military/veterans' health.

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