Master of Science in Advanced Nursing Practice

Year 1, Fall semester

8 credit hours (core courses, common to all concentrations)

• 0503511Nursing theories and Frameworks1 credit

  This course provides graduate nursing students with knowledge to understand the underlying premise of nursing theories. Within this course, students will be able to undertake a nursing theory in line with his/her research thesis proposal in the identified area. The purpose of this course is to be able to link theory and practice in nursing. The content will include the process of theory development and critical analysis of the different levels of nursing theories and related biopsychosocial and education theories as they relate to nursing practice. The course will provide the opportunity for the student to evaluate factors and issues influencing the role of theory in nursing and develop a theoretical framework which is useful in their practice settings.

• 0503512Advanced Nursing Research 11 credit

  This course provides graduate nursing students with advanced knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students will be able to write a complete research proposal in a critical care area. The course is designed to assist in the planning of Master’s theses.

• 0503513Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice3 credits

  This course provides an in-depth examination of advanced pathophysiological processes affecting human health across the lifespan. Designed for graduate nursing students specializing in critical care, maternal-neonatal, mental health, and community health, the course emphasizes the mechanisms of disease, alterations in physiological function, and their clinical implications. Using a systems-based approach, students will explore cellular injury, inflammation, immune responses, genetic influences, and multi-organ dysfunction, as well as specific pathophysiological conditions relevant to their area of specialization.

• 0503516Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice3 credits

  This course is designed to help critical care nurses develop advanced clinical assessment skills, focusing on the essential technology and procedures utilized in the management of the critically ill. During laboratory/clinical experiences psychomotor skills and the use of advanced technologies will be developed, this course also enables the students to differentiate abnormal from normal findings using advanced assessment techniques such as obtaining appropriate health history and performing physical examinations on adult patients with complex problems in a variety of critical care settings. In addition, the course emphasizes proper documentation of data obtained and the development of appropriate plans of care.

Year 1, Spring semester

8 credit hours (core courses, common to all concentrations)

• 0503503Biostatistics for Health Care Providers1 credit

  The goal of this course is to help students conduct and interpret statistical analysis for different research studies and designs assisted by the appropriate computer software. Emphasis will be on the nature and characteristics of the most commonly used statistical techniques (descriptive statistics, correlation and linear regression, factor analysis, and elementary hypothesis testing) and their applicability to specific healthcare problems within the context of nursing.

• 0503514Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare2 credits

  This course provides master students with knowledge and an understanding of the importance of leadership and innovations in healthcare settings and industry. The course analyzes the primary elements of leadership and innovations in the local, regional, and global healthcare system. It critically examines theories of leadership, innovation and change, collaborative teamwork, ethics, and healthcare system dynamics that are evaluated for their contributions to advancing quality and safety in the healthcare system. It intends to benefit current or prospective healthcare practitioners in the public and private sectors by addressing issues facing organizational leaders, clinicians, managers, administrators, and planners in health departments/agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, care facilities, medical device companies, etc. The course addresses the key topics associated with the health status and care needs of the United Arab Emirates, inter-governmental relations, stakeholders and their interests, international trends, and changing patterns of care.

• 0503517Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice3 credits

  This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that enable them to apply the principles of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics for the management of common acute and chronic health problems. The course provides an overview of critical care medications commonly used in complex situations and covers the representative drugs of a pharmacologic group, mechanisms of action, indications for use, drug interactions, titration of dose, key adverse effects, contraindications and monitoring of therapy in order to achieve safe and optimal patient outcomes.

• 0503518Advanced Nursing Research 22 credits

  Prerequisite: 0503512 Advanced Nursing Research 1

  Building upon the knowledge gained in Advanced Nursing Research I, this course focuses on applying advanced research methods in nursing. Students will apply qualitative and quantitative methodologies to develop and write a complete research proposal in a critical care area. The course is designed to assist in the planning and initiation of Master’s theses, with a focus on proposal writing, literature review, methodology selection, and ethical approval processes.

Year 2, Fall semester

12 credit hours: the theory and practicum courses of the chosen concentration (below) and the thesis proposal. The study plans on the programme page code the thesis proposal 0503521, which the course list gives to Advanced Mental Health Care Nursing - Theory; their plan for Maternal and Neonatal Health uses the Mental Health codes, and they number the concentrations differently from the course list.

• Concentration course - Theory6 credits
• Concentration course - Practicum3 credits
• Thesis proposal3 credits

Year 2, Spring semester

6 credit hours (programme total: 34)

• 0503510Thesis - within specialty area6 credits

  This is culmination of the in-depth research activity. During this course, students should design and conduct an empirical study in the field of nursing (depending on their specialty) and present a written master’s thesis. Scholarly activity demonstrates the student’s advanced level of knowledge, professional competence, critical thinking, and writing skills from conception to completion.

Concentration 1: Advanced Maternal and Neonatal Health Care Nursing (9 credit hours)

This concentration prepares nurses to provide advanced, evidence-based care for women, mothers, newborns, and families across maternal and neonatal healthcare settings.

• 0503519Advanced Maternal and Neonatal Health Care Nursing - Theory6 credits

  This course offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced concepts in maternal and neonatal health care, tailored for graduate level nursing students. Emphasizing evidence-based practices, students will refine advanced assessment techniques and lean to manage of complex health issues affecting pregnant women, newborns, and their families. This course integrates principles of ethics, health policy, and research to prepare students for leadership roles in maternal and neonatal health care. Key topics include an in-depth review of anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with antepartum, intrapartum, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care. Frequently encountered complications during pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and neonatal critical care are thoroughly discussed. Nursing assessment, critical thinking, and prioritization of interventions are emphasized throughout the course, ensuring students are equipped to address diverse and complex clinical scenarios. The course incorporates current evidence-based guidelines and best practices, delivered in a practical and engaging format. Students will also explore cutting-edge research, ethical considerations, cultural competence, and the implications of health policy in maternal and neonatal care. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to critically analyze complex cases, contribute to improved health outcomes through education, research, and advocacy.

• 0503520Advanced Maternal and Neonatal Health Care Nursing - Practicum3 credits

  This practicum course provides master’s nursing students with immersive, hands-on experience in advanced maternal and neonatal health care settings. The course incorporates evidence-based practice, emerging health care technologies, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical decision-making to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Students will refine advanced assessment techniques and learn to manage complex health issues affecting pregnant women, women in labor, postnatal women, newborns, and neonates. Through supervised clinical practice, emphasizing clinical excellence, research integration, and technological advancement, students will refine their skills in assessing, and interpreting diagnostic findings of antenatal, intranatal, postnatal women and the newborn to recognize deviations from the normal physiological process and implementation of appropriate evidence-based interventions. This course enables student to further develop critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills and ability to function effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Through simulation, case studies, and direct patient care, student will develop the expertise needed to provide high-quality, safe, and culturally competent care to women and neonates.

Concentration 2: Advanced Mental Health Care Nursing (9 credit hours)

This concentration prepares nurses to provide advanced mental health nursing care, support therapeutic communication, promote recovery, and contribute to mental health service development.

• 0503521Advanced Mental Health Care Nursing - Theory6 credits

  This advanced course is designed for master nursing students in MSc nursing programs. The focus is on advanced psychiatric nursing practice utilizing an evidence-based approach with individuals and families in psychiatric care settings on acute and chronic psychiatric-mental health needs. This course prepares the students to comprehensively assess, diagnose, and manage selected mental health needs of mental health populations. This course also presents theoretical concepts and empirical evidence related to psychotherapeutic and modalities interventions with patients with mental illness populations across the lifespan. This course is built upon the following: critical thinking, technical skills, therapeutic communication, leadership/management, time management/ organization, professional behavior, caring, and utilizing the advanced nursing process. This will enable the students to improve the quality of care for patients with mental health- psychiatric problems, families, and the community. The course content is delivered through selected mental health nursing cases in a problem-based format emphasizing mental health nursing across the lifespan.

• 0503522Advanced Mental Health Care Nursing - Practicum3 credits

  This course provides the opportunity for advanced mental health nursing practice in acute and chronic healthcare settings. Students in this clinical practicum will practice advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing roles in acute and chronic mental health care settings, emphasizing mental health nursing across the lifespan. Students will apply knowledge of psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and psychiatric assessment to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Students will also work with individuals and families experiencing stress responses, maladaptive behaviors, and severe behavioral disorders. In addition, this course presents empirical evidence-based interventions related to psychotherapeutics and modalities with selected patient populations across their lifespans. It also explores the advanced nature and scope of mental health and illness, treatment, and preventive measures. Students will have the opportunity to master these concepts through concurrent clinical rotations.

Concentration 3: Advanced Primary and Community Health Care Nursing (9 credit hours)

This concentration prepares nurses to deliver advanced care in primary care, public health, community health, prevention, health promotion, and chronic disease management.

• 0503523Advanced Primary and Community Health Care Nursing - Theory6 credits

  This course prepares students to develop an advanced understanding of community partnership as a foundation for nursing practice. Emphasizing ethical, legal, and socio-cultural considerations, learners will explore the critical role of nurses in promoting public health, preventing disease, and responding to health crises at the community level. The course integrates key principles of epidemiology, health promotion, illness prevention, and disaster preparedness, fostering the application of evidence-based strategies in diverse community settings. Learners will conduct comprehensive community assessments to identify health needs and develop targeted interventions using advanced clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on autonomous practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership in designing sustainable health initiatives. Additionally, the course highlights the integration of healthcare technology and informatics to enhance service delivery, improve health outcomes, and support research-driven advancements in nursing practice. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to manage complex community health challenges, contribute to policy development, and implement innovative solutions that enhance both individual and population well-being.

• 0503524Advanced Primary and Community Health Care Nursing - Practicum3 credits

  This practicum course provides learners with hands-on experience in community health nursing, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Students will work collaboratively with community organizations, public health agencies, and diverse populations to assess health needs, implement evidence-based interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Emphasis is placed on leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiological principles, and community-based health initiatives.

Concentration 4: Advanced Adult Critical Care Nursing (9 credit hours)

This concentration prepares nurses to manage complex adult critical care cases and contribute to high-quality care in intensive and acute care settings.

• 0503525Advanced Adult Critical Care Nursing - Theory6 credits

  This course is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the care of critically ill adult patients. It focuses on pathophysiology, assessment, and evidence-based management of acute and life-threatening conditions encountered in critical care settings. Emphasis is placed on the integration of clinical judgment, advanced monitoring techniques, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient outcomes. Ethical considerations, cultural competence, and family-centered care are also explored to prepare nurses for leadership roles in the critical care environment.

• 0503526Advanced Adult Critical Care Nursing - Practicum3 credits

  This course is a clinical experience that builds on prior clinical and theoretical courses to enable the critical care nurse to analyze complex health problems of diverse patients who present to the acute care setting. Critical care nurse students engage in the comprehensive management of patients with a variety of complex critical illnesses and/or chronic disease. Research, patient preferences, and nursing experience are integral to clinical decision making, management, and evaluation of patient-focused clinical outcomes.

Course numbers in the study plan booklet

The study plan booklet linked on the programme page numbers the same courses differently: 0503517 Nursing theories & Frameworks (1), 0503518 Advanced Nursing Research 1 (1), 0503519 Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3), 0503520 Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare (2), 0503521 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice (3), 0503522 Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3), 0503523 Advanced Nursing Research 2 (2), 0503532 Biostatistics for Health Care Providers (1), 0503590 Thesis within specialty area (9) 0503524 and 0503525 Advanced Maternal and Neonatal Health Care Nursing, Theory (6) and Practicum (3); 0503526 and 0503527 Advanced Mental Health Care Nursing; 0503528 and 0503529 Advanced Primary and Community Health Care Nursing; 0503530 and 0503531 Advanced Adult Critical Care Nursing Its semester plans match the sequence above, with the thesis proposal uncoded.