The Master of Nursing program at the University of Manitoba prepares nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles. The program builds on experiential knowledge and fosters critical enquiry. Graduate nursing education develops upon undergraduate education through the integration of theory, research and practice. Our graduates leave prepared as leaders in advanced nursing practice. They influence the domains of education, research, administration, practice, and nursing knowledge and outcomes.

The Education Stream

This stream in the MN Program prepares graduates for careers in education. A nurse educator has in-depth knowledge of teaching and learning related to education, either in nursing practice or nursing education. The theories of teaching and learning are explored in relation to student learning and teaching practices. Areas of focus within this stream are generally directed towards improving educational outcomes.

What are some of the possible career opportunities for graduates of the education stream in the MN Program?

• Clinical educator in an institution
• Clinical/community education roles, such as diabetes educator
• Instructor at a faculty/school of nursing
• Doctoral studies

The Administration Stream

This stream in the MN Program prepares graduates for careers in nursing management and administration. The nurse administrator provides leadership in a variety of settings, including practice, education, or government. Understanding the theories relevant to nursing leadership and other organizational practices enables the nurse administrator to provide leadership and strategic thinking in his/her practice arena. Areas of focus within this stream are generally directed towards improving organizational and process outcomes.

What are some of the possible career opportunities for graduates of the administration stream in the MN Program?

• Nurse manager
• Nursing director
• Chief nursing officer
• Instructor at a faculty/school of nursing
• Doctoral studies

The Clinical Stream

This stream in the MN Program prepares graduates for clinical career opportunities including Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), as well as other roles within the institution or community setting. Areas of focus within this stream are generally directed towards improving patient or client outcomes.

What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)?

The CNS has in-depth knowledge in a selected area of clinical practice. The CNS advances nursing knowledge, skills, and judgment to enhance patient or client care. In practice, the CNS strengthens the link between nursing research and practice, and assists others in knowledge translation. According to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), “clinical nurse specialists provide expert nursing care and play a leading role in the development of clinical guidelines and protocols. They promote the use of evidence, provide expert support and consultation and facilitate system change.”

• The CNS is a registered nurse (RN) with graduate education and expertise in a specific nursing specialty area.
• The CNS has advanced skills in analyzing and synthesizing evidence and facilitating the integration of research-based evidence into individualized care in the clinical practice setting.

What does a CNS do?

• The CNS provides leadership in promoting excellence in the delivery of relevant nursing services through the application of advanced knowledge of nursing care, research methodologies, evidence based practice and program evaluation.
• The CNS addresses key clinical issues and program priorities by participating in or directing clinical practice, consultation, education, research, support of systems, publication and professional leadership.
• The priorities of the CNS are often directed by program priorities, patient outcomes or assessment of nursing’s need for evidence around particular clinical issues.
• The CNS provides leadership and direction related to nursing practice, standards, program development and evaluation, quality and research.

What are some of the possible career opportunities for graduates of the clinical stream in the MN Program?

• CNS
• Instructor at a faculty/school of nursing
• Doctoral studies

Advisor

Prior to applying to the Administration, Clinical, or Education Streams of the graduate program, students are expected to contact prospective faculty members to obtain an advisor for their program. Applicants may review faculty interests on the Faculty of Nursing web site or contact the Graduate Program Student Advisor at 474-7334 for further information.

In collaboration, the student and faculty advisor will discuss the student’s learning needs to determine the fit between advisor and student. The advisor will work with the student to devise a plan for his/her course of studies. Generally, the advisor will be the student’s thesis/committee chair or comprehensive examination chair. Students must meet, at a minimum, annually with their advisor. Any changes to program plan must be approved by the advisor.

The student/advisor relationship is important in assisting the student to navigate the university system. Students are responsible for initiating and maintaining regular communication with their advisor. Students are also responsible for understanding and knowing the Faculty of Graduate Studies policies and regulations, as well as the Supplementary Regulations which provide the guidelines for graduate study.

Admission Requirements

An application fee of $100 (subject to change) for Canadian and International applicants. Applicants are required to meet the entrance requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and the following requirements of the Faculty of Nursing:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing, mental health nursing or psychiatric nursing or its equivalent from an approved or accredited university. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with a degree in another discipline may be considered on a case by case basis, providing the applicant is a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN). For these individuals, up to an additional year of course work may be required prior to consideration for admission to the graduate program as a regular student.
2. Official transcript(s) (statement of course work and grades obtained) of all academic records from courses taken at all degree-granting institutions. Please note that you do not need to provide an official transcript from the University of Manitoba. Contact the Graduate Program Student Advisor in Nursing for clarification.
3. Completion of a Research Methods course and an introductory Statistics course with a minimum grade of 2.5 (C+) in each course. It is highly recommended that Statistics be taken within the last 5 years and Research Methods be taken within the last 8 years to ensure currency. Students are advised to check with the Graduate Program Student Advisor as to whether courses completed meet this requirement. Please note that applications are accepted from students currently enrolled in these two prerequisite courses.
4. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) in the last 60 credit hours of university study. In rare instances, the Faculty of Nursing may recommend admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of applicants who have a non-competitive GPA, but who have demonstrated evidence of recent academic achievement, long-standing commitment, leadership, and outstanding achievement in the nursing profession. Applicants who fit in this category must have a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 credit hours of university study.
5. Three (3) letters of reference indicating the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications.
6. Proof of active practicing nurse registration or active practicing psychiatric nursing registration in Canada is needed. Applicants from other countries may apply provided they have active practicing nurse status in their home country.
7. For the Administration, Clinical, and Education streams, one year of clinical practice is desirable.
8. A resume/curriculum vitae that includes the following:
   • past educational preparation;
   • employment experience, indicating level of responsibility;
   • community service including involvement in professional associations;
   • awards and honours; research projects;
   • publications; 
   • continuing education;
   • innovation in clinical practice; &
   • any other supporting information.
9. Indication of selected stream (administration, education, or clinical practice), to include:
   • why you are interested in the selected stream;
   • how the selected focus fits with the potential advisor’s work; and
   • potential research question(s) within the stream. Please limit synopsis to 500 words.
10. Proficiency in English (see Graduate Calendar).
11. Upon acceptance to the Master of Nursing Program, students must submit a completed Immunization Record by September 1 of the year of admission.
12. An interview may be required.

Note:  The Graduate Studies Committee in the Faculty of Nursing reviews all applications, but final approval rests with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Program admission is on a competitive basis and submission of the above requirements in no way guarantees program acceptance.

Full and Part-Time Study

A student is considered to be full time in the Administration, Clinical or Education stream if s/he takes a minimum of 12 credit hours during the regular academic year. Students have to apply for part-time studies.

Thesis & Comprehensive Examination Overview

Thesis - 21 credit hours

• Identify and define a research problem(s) or question(s);
• Actively engage in a systematic process to address the research question(s);
• Provide evidence of mastery in a specialized area of nursing knowledge;
• Produce a scholarly written document; and
• Competently defend the thesis in an academic and public forum.

Comprehensive Examination - 27 credit hours

Students complete a minimum of 27 credit hours, and a written and oral examination.

The program at a glance