Interdisciplinary Focus of the Nursing Program

Learning Environment

Students of this intensive graduate program enjoy a uniquely personalized environment in which they are the center of faculty attention. Since MGH Institute is dedicated solely to graduate education, there are no undergraduates to compete with for faculty time or attention, as there might be at other institutions.

Students typically enter the program with a variety of educational and occupational backgrounds. This diversity provides a stimulating educational experience, and enriches interactions between both classmates and faculty. You’ll enjoy collegial working relationships with your fellow classmates in which you learn and study together in a noncompetitive educational environment.

As part of our interdisciplinary approach to education, students have the opportunity to participate in quarterly Schwartz Center Educational Rounds in which students and faculty from the different academic programs engage in dialogue on important issues that advance a compassionate approach to patient care. The rounds are similar in structure to the hospital-based rounds series also sponsored by the Kenneth B. Schwartz Center. Through these sessions, students not only broaden their interdisciplinary perspective, they also develop the teamwork skills critical to contemporary health care.

No classes are held from the middle of April to the beginning of September, enabling students to gain additional clinical experience in summer and finance their education as well.

The vast majority of classes for the direct-entry master's nursing program are taught on our Boston campus in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Some may include online options or utilize the Internet for threaded discussions between classmates. An increasing number of courses are being offered completely online.

CAS in Clinical Investigation

There is a wide recognition that a well-trained, multi-disciplinary work force will be required to tackle health care demands of the future. Nurses play an increasing role in various levels of clinical research. With one of the first Clinical Investigation programs in the country, the MGH Institute offers rigorous courses taught by faculty actively engaged in clinical research.

RNs who have matriculated into the Master of Science in Nursing may petition to earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Clinical Investigation at reduced credit requirement than if they were completed separately. MS candidates must be in good academic standing to seek this dual option; consult your academic advisor to learn more.

• CAS combined with MS in Nursing - only 10 credits