Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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.

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

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.

Courses are offered in an asynchronous online 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.

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