Off the beaten track: MSN education for a changing health care environment

Given the dynamic nature of the health care environment, what should be the focus of graduate education in nursing? New advanced practice roles for nurses are emerging, but few university-based educational programs exist to respond to the need. In developing a Master's program, Baylor University School of Nursing accepted the challenge to deviate from tradition by preparing a nurse who has the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to proactively address the present and future needs of health care in multiple settings and roles. This article discusses this unique and creative program in patient care management. Outcome evaluation reveals that students are attaining the terminal objectives, meeting the outcome criteria, and readily securing employment.