Nursing Education (MS) Graduate Handbook

The purpose of the Nursing Education (MS) Student Handbook is to supplement the information found online in Student Policies.

It is the responsibility of the student to read, understand, and adhere to the all Student Policies and which are online and in the Department of Graduate Nursing Education (MS) Student Handbook, which is found on the School of Nursing website. The policies and procedures in the department are subject to change without prior notice and may be communicated via email, in writing or verbally.

Department of Graduate Nursing Student Handbook

The Department of Graduate Nursing is a department within the School of Nursing. The upper division nursing program was initiated in 1968 and graduated its first class of three students in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The National League for Nursing granted initial accreditation to the nursing program in 1977. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at SUNY Brockport is currently accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The graduate program was reopened in the fall of 2018, awarding a Master of Science degree and eligibility for licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner. In the fall of 2023, a Master of Science degree with eligibility for licensure as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) was added. Both Master of Science Nurse Practitioner degree programs are accredited by CCNE.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP program) was opened in the spring of 2021, awarding a clinical doctorate, the DNP. The DNP program is accredited by CCNE.
The Master of Science in Nursing Education program was approved in the spring of 2025 and is planned to welcome its inaugural cohort of students in the fall of 2026. The Masters of Science in Nursing Education is in the accreditation process with CCNE.

SUNY Brockport School of Nursing

Mission Statement

Our central mission is the preparation of exemplary professional nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse leaders. Our graduates will utilize evidence- and systems-based practices to provide healthcare leadership, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the diverse populations we serve.

Vision Statement

Our exemplary graduates will make significant contributions to healthcare that will transform patients’ experiences.

Values

Honesty, Integrity, Compassion, Curiosity, Accountability, Civility, Desire for Excellence

Philosophy

Nursing is a profession that focuses on the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations to promote health, prevent disease, and provide support during illness, rehabilitation, and at the beginning and end of life. Patients and communities are viewed holistically throughout the lifespan. Nurses work autonomously and in collaboration with other health professionals in a world of emerging technology to promote social justice, health equity, and address systemic racism and pervasive inequities in health care.

The School of Nursing’s curriculum includes 10 domains representing the essence of professional nursing practice, with expected competencies included for each domain. The competencies within each domain are applicable across four spheres of care: health promotion/disease prevention, chronic disease management, regenerative/restorative care, and hospice/palliative care.

Nursing education utilizes knowledge drawn from nursing practice, the liberal arts, sciences, and the humanities. The School of Nursing faculty promotes the vision and mission of the University and the School through teamwork and collaboration.
Students are recognized as bringing diverse abilities and perspectives to the educational setting. Students are active, accountable, and responsible participants in the learning process. Accordingly, opportunities are provided that encourage each student to build on past knowledge and experience through a wide variety of active learning techniques.

The undergraduate nursing curriculum emphasizes the progressive development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to critical thinking and exemplary nursing practice. The Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing is the foundation for healthcare leadership roles, graduate study, and continuing professional development.

The graduate curriculum provides the education necessary for advanced clinical practice and systemic change leadership. The curriculum strongly focuses on inclusive, equitable, evidence-based care. Advanced practice nursing graduates are well-prepared to inform nursing care through ethical, conceptual, and theoretical thinking.
4.28.25

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Master’s in Nursing Education Student Learning Outcomes

The Program Student Learning Outcomes associated with the Nursing Education program are consistent with the AACN/NLN standards and competencies and are as follows:

Demonstrates expertise in the integration, translation, and application of nursing knowledge as well as from other disciplines as it applies to the advanced nurse educator.  
Designs person-centered care through the science of advanced practice nursing and addresses access to, cost of, quality, and safety of care. 
Demonstrates understanding of the role of the advanced practice nurse to influence policy at the system level to enhance the health of the public.  
Apply the principles of the research process to inform healthcare practices through the scholarship of an advanced nurse educator.
Collaborates with appropriate stakeholders to promote evidence-based, quality, safety, and improved outcomes of individuals and populations.  
Implements advanced nursing knowledge and professional values in collaborative work, utilizing partnerships across professional arenas to improve the efficacy of team-based interactions.
Incorporates systems-based practice with psychosocial dimensions, cultural diversity, and global health to address system improvement.  
Employs the use of informatics, communications and healthcare technologies to capture data to enhance coordinated patient care.  
Applies and evaluates the impact of ethical principles in complex decision-making processes of caring for patients in the advanced nurse educator role.

Approved 5/19/25

Department of Graduate Nursing Graduate Level Committees

Within the Department of Graduate Nursing, there are a variety of committees, which are designed to conduct the business of the graduate nursing programs. Committees are a constructive way for students to voice their concerns and make suggestions for changes in the program. Student representatives are sought and welcomed on departmental committees. If interested in participating on a committee, please contact any nursing faculty member about joining. Although faculty value individual student feedback, student representatives are expected to share concerns as reflected by feedback obtained from the class and rather than to exclusively offer their own opinions.

Responsibilities of Student Representatives

Attend scheduled committee meetings (or ask an alternate to attend).
Bring student feedback to the committee and bring feedback from the committee to the student body.
Work with faculty on the committee on various tasks.
Assist in the work of the committee.

The following is a brief description of each graduate committee in which students are invited to participate:

Graduate Program Committee

The entire graduate faculty, as well as student representatives, attend this meeting, which is held monthly. During this meeting, decisions are made regarding how the affairs of the graduate program will be conducted.

FNP/AGPCNP Curriculum/Evaluation Committee

This committee is responsible for establishing, implementing, and revising program evaluation materials, and for matters pertaining to the continual improvement and refining of the overall curriculum of the FNP and AGPCNP programs. This committee meets monthly.

DNP Curriculum/Evaluation Committee

This committee is responsible for establishing, implementing, and revising program evaluation materials, as well as for matters pertaining to the continual improvement and refinement of the overall curriculum of the DNP program. This committee meets monthly.

Nursing Education (MS) Committee

Graduate Program Admission Committee

This committee is responsible for establishing, implementing, and revising criteria, policies, and procedures relevant to graduate program admissions, progression, and course challenge requests and re-admissions.

Leadership Team

This committee is responsible for long-range planning and goals for the entire department.

Guidelines for Suitability and Capacity for Advanced Practice

The following are expectations of all graduate students and are used as guidelines for assessing suitability and capacity for Advanced Nursing Practice. Students applying to and continuing in any of the Graduate Nursing Programs at SUNY Brockport are expected to:

Demonstrate honesty, integrity and ethical principles.
Relate to people with warmth and empathy, communicating feelings appropriately.
Have an accepting attitude toward their total selves, including responsibility for meeting physical and emotional needs.
Be open to change in themselves and others.
Be able to listen and receive feedback from faculty and clinical/internship instructors.
Be able to accept suggestions for improvement from faculty without being defensive, argumentative, or aggressive.
Recognize the essential worth and dignity of all human beings.
Appreciate the value of human diversity.
Develop self-confidence and initiative in working with people.
Identify personal strengths, limitations, and motivations, especially as related to a decision to work with people.
Express thoughts with clarity in both written and verbal form.
Relate with respect for all people regardless of unique characteristics, for example, those related to race, religion (or lack of religion), gender, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and value system.
Refrain from imposing their own personal, religious, sexual, and political preferences on clients.
Be accountable for his/her own actions.

If a faculty member identifies inappropriate behavior on the part of a student in the classroom or clinical/internship area this behavior will be documented in the student’s permanent record in the form of a note, counseling memo and/or a contract.

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics

Nursing students at SUNY Brockport are expected to act in accordance of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Students who do not act in accordance to the ANA Code of Ethics will be dismissed from the nursing program. The provisions are as follows:

Provision 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.

Provision 2: A nurse’s primary commitment is to the recipient(s) of nursing care, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.

Provision 3: The nurse establishes a trusting relationship and advocates for the rights, health, and safety of recipient(s) of nursing care.

Provision 4: Nurses have authority over nursing practice and are responsible and accountable for their practice consistent with their obligations to promote health, prevent illness, and provide optimal care.

Provision 5: The nurse has moral duties to self as a person of inherent dignity and worth including an expectation of a safe place to work that foster flourishing, authenticity of self at work, and self-respect through integrity and professional competence.

Provision 6: Nurses, through individual and collective effort, establish, maintain, and improve the ethical environment of the work setting that affects nursing care and the well-being of nurses.

Provision 7: Nurses advance the profession through multiple approaches to knowledge development, professional standards, and the generation of policies for nursing, health, and social concerns.

Provision 8: Nurses build collaborative relationships and networks with nurses, other healthcare and non-healthcare disciplines, and the public to achieve greater ends.

Provision 9: Nurses and their professional organizations work to enact and resource practices, policies, and legislation to promote social justice, eliminate health inequities, and facilitate human flourishing.

Provision 10: Nursing, through organizations and associations, participates in the global nursing and health community to promote human and environmental health, well-being, and flourishing.

American Nurses Association Provisions

Code of Ethics for Nurses

ANA Position Statement on “The Nurse’s Role in Addressing Discrimination: Protecting and Promoting Inclusive Strategies in Practice Settings, Policy, and Advocacy”

Technical Standards for the Graduate Nursing Program

The Department of Nursing’s graduate curriculum is designed to provide the education necessary for functioning at the advanced practice level of nursing. Students build on the fundamental principles of nursing, acquire skills of critical judgment based on education and experience, and develop an ability to use principles and skills wisely in decision-making and problem-solving pertaining to the delivery of high-quality advanced practice-nursing care.

Students admitted to the graduate program in the Department of Graduate Nursing need the intellectual and physical abilities to acquire the knowledge, behaviors, and skills taught within the program. In addition to satisfactory academic performance in all coursework, students are expected to fulfill the essential non-academic functions of the curriculum in a reasonably independent manner. These functions are specified by the physical, cognitive, and behavioral standards (referred to collectively as technical standards) necessary for the completion of the graduate nursing program. Technical standards for the graduate program in the Department of Graduate Nursing are outlined below.

The Department of Graduate Nursing will consider for admission and advancement any individual able to perform pursuant to the standards that are used as guidelines. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws and policies, while maintaining the integrity of program standards. Accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis, working in conjunction with the Office of Students with Disabilities.

The following are expectations of all nursing students and are used as guidelines for assessing suitability and capacity for practice. Students applying to and continuing in any Nursing Program at SUNY Brockport are expected to:

Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and ethical principles.
Relate to people with warmth and empathy, communicating feelings appropriately.
Have an accepting attitude toward their total selves, including responsibility for meeting physical and emotional needs.
Be open to change in themselves and others.
Be able to listen and receive feedback from faculty and clinical instructors.
Be able to accept suggestions for improvement from faculty without being defensive, argumentative, or aggressive.
Recognize the essential worth and dignity of all human beings.
Appreciate the value of human diversity.
Develop self-confidence and initiative in working with people.
Identify personal strengths, limitations, and motivations, especially as related to a decision to work with people.
Express thoughts with clarity in both written and verbal form.
Relate with respect for all people regardless of unique characteristics—for example, those related to race, religion (or lack of religion), gender, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and value system.
Refrain from imposing their own personal, religious, sexual, and political preferences on clients.
Be accountable for his/her own actions.

In addition, students should be aware that some internship sites require a full background check, and felony convictions may disqualify students from participating at certain sites and/or jeopardize future licensure. Students are expected to comply with internship site requirements and should also complete the University’s Felony Review Form annually and should be aware that a felony record may preclude taking certain courses in the program, graduating, and/or obtaining licensure in the profession. Questions regarding this process should be directed to the chairperson of the department.

Disability Statement

Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to specific accommodations. SUNY Brockport’s Office for Students with Disabilities makes this determination. Please contact the Office for Student Disabilities at 395-5409 or osdoffic@brockport.edu to inquire about obtaining an official letter to the course instructor detailing approved accommodations. The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter. Faculty work as a team with the Office for Students with Disabilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Department of Graduate Nursing Guidelines for Academic Dishonesty

The Department of Graduate Nursing supports the University Policy on Academic Honesty as outlined below.

General:

Because an academic community functions most successfully when there is trust among all members, academic dishonesty is a serious breach of that trust which exists between a student, one’s fellow students, and/or the instructor.
Academic dishonesty is a major violation of university policy, which can result in a range of disciplinary actions from a reprimand to suspension or expulsion from the institution. Any student suspected of such a violation will be subject to charges in accordance with the Student Council Regulations.
Violations of academic honesty include, but are not limited to, the actions described in the Academic Dishonesty Policy. Established school, unit, and/or individual policies will address circumstances unique or specific to particular academic areas. When such policies are developed, they shall be forwarded to the President for approval and incorporation in this policy.

Definitions

Academic dishonesty may be seen as including the following:

Presenting as one’s own: words, ideas, or products of another without providing a standard form of documentation such as footnotes, endnotes, or bibliographic documentation.
Use of Artificial Intelligence software to generate all or part of an assignment.
Fabricating facts, statistics, or other forms of evidence in papers, laboratory experiments, or other assignments.
Presenting someone else’s paper or material as one’s own work.
Writing or attempting to write an examination, paper, computer work, or material for another student; allowing someone else to take one’s examination.
Buying and/or selling of examinations; possession of examinations or answers to examinations without the permission of the instructor. Taking screenshots of online exams, quizzes, and/or case study materials, etc.
Using prohibited resources, discussing/sharing/viewing any content on tests or other individual assessments with other students while completing it or after finishing it when not all students complete it at the same time/day. For example, an online test is due on a Sunday. Student A takes it on Tuesday and then tells student B what five of the questions were on the exam before student B takes the exam. Or student B watches Student A take the exam and thus has access to the questions before logging into the exam his/herself.
Failing to follow the rules of conduct for taking an examination as stipulated by the instructor prior to the examination or as stated by him or her in a written course syllabus, including the use of any prohibited communication devices.
Presenting work for which credit has already been received in a previous course, without the consent of the instructor.

Guidelines for Writing Papers in All Programs Within the Department of Nursing:

All papers will be written in APA format, in professional paper format. Refer to the APA Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) for assistance. Papers that do not comply with APA requirements may be deemed un-gradable, points may be deducted, or the paper may be returned to the student for revision. Use of Artificial Intelligence software to generate all or part of assignments is a violation of the academic integrity expectation and will be responded to as such.

Policy on Use of Alcohol, Drugs and Other Mood-Altering Substances

All students are required to read the following policy on the Use of Alcohol, Drugs and other Mood-Altering Substances, and to adhere to it.

Chemical use, as well as abuse, can interfere with your internship performance. Even small amounts of mood-altering substances can affect your judgment and perceptions and therefore endanger the lives of your patients. The following departmental policy on alcohol, drugs and mood-altering substance use has a two-fold purpose:

To ensure the safety of your patients.
To help you recognize if your actions are problematic and to assist you in seeking help.

The faculty of the Department of Graduate Nursing will not tolerate the presence of students on campus or internship settings who are under the influence of alcohol/drugs and other mood-altering substances. The department faculty’s concerns are not limited to illegal drugs. The department policy absolutely forbids students from participating in the internship setting with even the smell of alcohol on their breath or if exhibiting any behavioral manifestations indicative of mood-altering substance use, even where the substance is a legally prescribed medication. Any student who is taking a prescribed medication or who has a medical problem that may cause them to appear to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs or other mood-altering substances must inform the faculty prior to starting any internship. The use of alcohol several hours before internship or heavy use the night before can result in the smell of alcohol on your breath, which is unacceptable. Some illegal substances have a long half-life (such as cannabis) and would show up in the screen one month after use.

The procedure that will be followed by faculty in dealing with students with the smell of alcohol/drugs on their breath or who are under the influence of alcohol/other mood-altering substances is as follows:

In the Internship Setting:

Both the client’s and your personal safety will be taken into consideration.

No further patient/student contact will be allowed.
You will be directed to get an immediate blood alcohol level test or use a breathalyzer or, have an immediate drug screen. It will be your responsibility to pay for the costs involved and to provide proof of the time and the date the testing was done.
You will be dismissed from the program if your test results indicate the presence of alcohol/drugs or other mood-altering substances or if you refuse to take the required test. You may be dismissed from the program if your test results indicate the presence of a prescribed medication and you have not previously notified your internship faculty member.

The Department of Graduate Nursing is in full compliance with Student Policies.

Social Networking and Electronic Devices Policy

Any statement made or posting of any material, pictures or information within any venue of social networking (Facebook, twitter, etc.) which can cause actual or potential harm or injury to another person or to the Department of Graduate Nursing and/or SUNY Brockport itself will be grounds for dismissal from the nursing program.

Using social networking to contact preceptors or faculty is not an acceptable means of professional communication and will not be tolerated. As a reminder, it is a violation of HIPAA policies to ever discuss any aspect of clinical care on social networking. Violation of HIPAA policy is subject to federal prosecution.

Health and Vaccination Policy for the Master’s in Nursing Education Program

All students must submit required health forms that include a completed physical examination on the appropriate form as designated by the nursing department by the date indicated. The provider must verify that the student is physically and emotionally capable of participating in a full program of study in the master’s in nursing education program. This verification may include documentation of a negative 2-Step PPD, QuantiFERON testing, T-spot results, or negative chest x-ray. Failure to submit this physical and emotional health verification will prevent participating in the internship experience.

In light of the demands, actual and potential, of the internship and lab settings for graduate nursing courses, it is prudent that program faculty are aware of health issues that could affect student’s performance and/or patient care. Students are to inform faculty if any such conditions exist or arise during internship courses. A medical clearance letter may be requested before resuming internship duties if a student is sent home early or cannot attend internship because of a health concern.

The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses supports nurses having appropriate vaccination, including Provision 3, which states, “The nurse promotes, advocates for and protects the rights, health and safety of patients.” Before beginning the internship component of the nursing program, all students must comply with current SUNY, NYS, and clinical/program-specific vaccination requirements. These requirements may change as health knowledge changes. Students will be made aware of current expectations on the required health forms. As of 9/1/2024, there must be documentation of the dates of administration of 2 doses of MMR, the 3-part vaccine against hepatitis B, annual flu vaccination, initial series of Tdap (DtaP, DTP, tDAP) and booster of Tdap after age 11, and Varicella vaccination/immunity. The annual COVID booster is highly recommended and is still required at some internship sites.

Medical exemptions are the only vaccination exemptions recognized in NYS. Students who enroll in the program and are not fully vaccinated per nursing requirements are responsible for making their own arrangements for an appropriate internship experience and document the sites acceptance of the student’s limited vaccination status. The site and preceptor must still be approved by the Program Director, and appropriate legal agreements must be completed. Processing an internship site’s required paperwork and contracts can take several months. The student will not be able to begin their internship until those requirements have been satisfied. The student will be responsible for the cost associated with any of these arrangements, including additional faculty supervision time if necessary.

The inability of students to secure appropriate sites that will accept their incomplete vaccination status in a timely manner, including a COVID booster if required by the site, may result in course dismissal/failure. The program will not attempt to secure an internship site for the student under these circumstances. We do not place graduate students who are not fully vaccinated into internship settings. If the student changes his/her mind and accepts vaccination after being unable to secure an internship site or after an internship site declines his/her placement due to lack of vaccination, the student will still be responsible for ensuring an additional appropriate internship site if that site is no longer available. The inability to complete a course because of an incomplete vaccination status limiting internship placements may result in course failure and program expulsion.

If a student who was not fully vaccinated decides to become fully vaccinated, the program will assist with internship placements in subsequent semesters. However, we may be unable to place the student for the semester immediately after complete vaccination is achieved as these placements are secured an entire semester ahead of the course beginning. Students are responsible for ensuring their vaccination status is updated throughout the program. Failure to do so may result in an inability to complete the internship and course requirements in the program and lead to program dismissal.

Students with a documented medical exemption must submit the university’s medical exemption form before taking the internship course. This form must be completed by a New York State licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife. Documentation must include verification of the specific medical contraindication. The form will be reviewed by the Program Director, and a determination of acceptance or lack of acceptance for the exemption will be made. Students may be required to produce additional documentation if a sound exemption is not established. In the event that the medical exemption is not accepted, the student has the right to appeal the decision to the Chairperson of the Department.

Admission to the Nursing Education (MS) Program

Applications for the Nursing Education (MS) program are accepted for both fall and spring semesters. The best consideration dates for admission into the program are March 15 for entry to the fall semester and October 15 for entry to the spring semester. Eligible students should submit their application online at Graduate Admission Application

Eligibility Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing program or an international equivalent is required with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
An unencumbered New York state license and current registration as a registered professional nurse.
Recent work experience as a registered nurse is preferred and required before graduation.

Admission Requirements and Transfer Credit from the Brockport FNP Program

Students who are in good standing and currently enrolled in an NP program and would like to be considered for transfer into the Nursing Education MS program should speak with their NP advisor and then contact the Director of the Nursing Education Program to begin the process. Entry into the Nursing Education MS Program is a competitive process. Admission to the program is contingent on space and specific admission requirements and is not guaranteed. NP students who wish to transfer to the Nursing Education program must meet all standard admission requirements and the following:

A GPA of 3.0 or higher in any previous graduate coursework is required.
Students will submit a 1–2-page letter describing their interest and why they would like to pursue a degree in Nursing Education, and how that would enable them to meet their career goals.
Students who have earned a B or higher in NUR 510 (Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing) and NUR 521(Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing) or their equivalent, may request transfer of these credits to meet the requirement for NUR 512 (Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurse Educators) in the Nursing Education MS program. Equivalent courses taken at other institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will require review of the course syllabus. Students must also demonstrate teaching competency to meet the educational objectives in the course before transfer credit is earned.
Students who have earned a B or higher in NUR 545 (Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing) or its equivalent may request transfer of course credits to meet the requirement for NUR 516 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators in the Nursing Education MS program. Equivalent courses taken at other institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will require review of the course syllabus. Students must also demonstrate teaching competency to meet the educational objectives in the course before transfer credit is earned.
Students who have earned a B or higher in NUR 520 or equivalent may request transfer of course credits to meet the requirement for NUR 530 Evaluating the Evidence for Teaching: Research Essentials for the Nurse Educator. Equivalent courses taken at other institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will require review of the course syllabus.

Admission decisions for transfer of current students in the FNP program at SUNY Brockport will be made by the Director of the Nursing Education Program, in conjunction with the Chairperson of the Graduate Nursing Department. Students who meet the requirements outlined in the previous section may be considered for transfer on a space-available basis.

Graduate Program Progression Policy

For students matriculated in the graduate program, the following grade scale will be used:

A 94-100
A- 90-93
B+ 87-89
B 84-86
E less than 84

Satisfactory progress and continued progression through the graduate program requires students to earn a minimum grade of “B” in all graduate nursing courses, including the internship course.

Prerequisite Courses

NUR 535: NUR 512, NUR 516, NUR 530 with a grade of B or higher
NUR 640: NUR 512, NUR 516, NUR 530 with a grade of B or higher
EDI 621: EDI 517 with a grade of B or higher

Students are not allowed to register for a course without satisfactorily completing all prerequisites. Students who do so will be dropped from the course and are responsible for any financial liability applied by the university.

A Systems Approach to Improving Health Outcomes in Advanced Nursing (NUR 535)

Before enrolling in NUR 535, students will need to possess a current position as an RN where they will identify an issue in their clinical practice area and develop an evidence-based practice or quality improvement project for this direct care 60-hour clinical experience. This course will provide students with the opportunity to utilize a systems approach to make improvements in the clinical setting as an advanced nurse.

Students will need to identify a nurse on their unit who will serve as their “preceptor”. The preceptor will be required to have an active nursing license and be currently working in a healthcare related leadership/management position (staff or charge nurse, nurse manager, nursing supervisor). The preceptor should possess good knowledge of the larger healthcare system to be able to assist the student to understand a broader perspective with making improvements or solving a relevant issue in the setting.

Course Failures

Students who earn less than a “B” in any required graduate course, not including the internship course, NUR 640, will have one (1) opportunity to repeat the course and must earn a minimum grade of “B”. Those who repeat a required graduate course and earn less than a “B” will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn less than a “B” in more than one required graduate course or in the internship course, NUR 640, will be dismissed from the graduate program. Withdrawal from a course while failing is considered a course failure for this policy and the graduate course progression policy.

Incomplete Grade Contracts in the Graduate Program

A student may request an incomplete grade option from the instructor, but it is at the instructor’s discretion to determine if it is appropriate. Incomplete grades will not be provided for students who have simply failed to plan adequate time to complete assignments and are only utilized when extenuating circumstances prevent students from finishing a small portion of the course requirements. Incompletes are not designed to ensure that students do not experience a penalty for dropping courses in which they are not successfully managing their time or assignments. Incomplete grades in the graduate program will only be available for up to six months from the final day of the course. An incomplete contract must be completed and submitted by the student and course instructor.

Dismissal Policy for the Graduate Program

Nursing faculty members continuously evaluate nursing students in the graduate nursing program at SUNY Brockport. Students can be dismissed from the graduate program at any time for failure to meet the school’s standards, violations of Nursing Practice in New York as defined by NYS State Education Law, Article 139
or based on the following criteria:

Failure of a required course within the graduate nursing program will result in the student being placed on academic probation. Failure of two required courses will result in immediate dismissal from the program. The Program Director will be responsible for monitoring student progression/failures and will notify students appropriately regarding a change in their program status. Withdrawal from a course while failing is considered a course failure for this policy and the graduate course progression policy.
Failure to provide safe care to clients during any clinical/internship experience.
Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to: cheating on an examination, theft of an examination, or plagiarism of assignments from any printed source or the work of others.
Lack of commitment to the values of the nursing profession as evidenced through behavior and attitudes. See the Guidelines for Suitability and Capacity to Enter the Profession of Nursing
Abusive Criticism: The faculty and staff are open to receiving and responding to constructive suggestions. Processes are available to allow for appeals of grades and for other grievances. The expression of criticism or problems involving the use of abusive language or disruptive behavior directed toward faculty or staff will not be tolerated. Such behavior is inconsistent with professional standards and inappropriate for students.
Inappropriate use of Social Media: The use of social media including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, My Space, Twitter, Allnurses.com, YikYak, SnapChat, TikTok, Reddit blogs, etc. provide the ability for students to communicate with and receive support from their peers. However, students need to be aware that publishing information on these sites may be public for anyone to see and is able to be traced back to them as individuals. Nursing graduate students are preparing for a profession that provides services to the public and expects high standards of behavior. Appropriate netiquette is expected in all communication. HIPAA law and potential sanctions apply to information posted on social media. The student must not disclose conﬁdential information related to individuals or agencies. Students must follow HIPAA guidelines at all times. Students may not post any information concerning clients/internship rotations in any online forum or webpage. HIPAA violations, related to patients cared for in the course of internship work while in the graduate program at SUNY Brockport are grounds for immediate suspension while pending full investigation and may lead to dismissal. Students are legally responsible for anything that they post on social media forums.
Inappropriate academic conduct: Nursing faculty expect all students to arrive on time for all internship hours, to remain in the clinical/internship setting for the expected timeframe, and to follow the legitimate instructions of the internship preceptor. Faculty members may establish additional ground rules for the behavior of students during internship and coursework. Faculty members establish the grading rules, work expectations for their courses, and include these in their course syllabi. Students are responsible for fulfilling the expectations as stated in course syllabi within the timeframe established by the course instructor. Students who falsify any internship time logs or patient care documentation will be immediately dismissed from the program. Students may only use electronic devices (e.g., laptops, PDAs) with the permission of the instructor or internship preceptor. Students who speak to faculty members, preceptors, patients or other students in ways that are disrespectful and disruptive may be dismissed from the course without reimbursement, and in such cases, the students may incur a failing grade for the course, as well as additional penalties. Students participating in online courses must also exhibit appropriate conduct in all aspects of the course, including respectful communications (written, posted, and verbal), academic honesty, and timeliness of participation and fulfillment of assignments.
Severe maladaptation to the educational process as evidenced by:
1. student’s lack of ability to participate productively in a class or internship setting.
2. a consistent pattern of inadequate class preparation.
3. a consistent pattern of late completion of assignments, irresponsible behavior in class or internship placement site or a consistent pattern of absence from class or the internship setting.

Students will receive written notification from their nursing instructor or department chair of impending dismissal due to unsafe or unprofessional behavior. Students may be asked to leave an internship site or classroom immediately in the event of unsafe or unprofessional behavior. Written notification will follow. Students will be given the opportunity to be heard. In the event of dismissal from the Program, the student will be informed of the right to appeal. University Grade Appeals Policy. Once dismissed from the graduate nursing program, students are not eligible for readmission.

Graduate Readmission Policy

Graduate nursing students, in good academic standing, who do not maintain continuous enrollment or have an approved leave of absence in the graduate program will be dismissed from the program. These students may apply for readmission with a future cohort. These applicants are subject to the rules, procedures, curriculum, and standards in place at the time of readmission. Readmission is not automatic and may be subject to the additional requirements set forth by the department. Students applying for re-admission to the program complete the same application as those who are applying for admission to the program and are evaluated within the context of the application pool at the time of their application. Students who are dismissed from the program for course failures or unprofessional/dangerous behavior are not eligible to apply for readmission.

Criminal Conviction Policy

Any student charged with or convicted of a crime before or after admittance to the Department of Graduate Nursing must discuss his/her situation individually and confidentially with the Chairperson of the Department of Graduate Nursing as soon as possible to assess the proper procedure to report his/her situation to the State Education Department and manage any issues with required background checks and practice limitations.

Some internship sites or agencies affiliated with the Department of Graduate Nursing require background checks on nursing students before allowing them to participate in activities. Agency requirements are subject to change without notice. If a background check prohibits participation at a site, the student may be unable to successfully complete course requirements, which may result in failure of the course and potentially result in dismissal from the nursing program.

Nurse Education Internship Placement Process

Students should submit all required medical and HIPPA paperwork the semester before they will be completing their internship (i.e. for a fall internship, students should submit required paperwork in the preceding spring semester). Students who do not submit their required paperwork by the posted deadline will not be allowed to begin their internship. Additionally, various internship sites may have specific requirements, such as background checks or other compliance paperwork. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about and complete any additional requirements needed for their specific internship site.

Choosing a Site and Preceptor

Students should begin planning an applicable internship site and preceptor well before their internship course. Students interested in pursuing a career as an academic nurse educator should explore accredited higher education nursing programs in their area.

Students should refrain from selecting preceptors who are nurse educators teaching in certified nursing assistant (CNA), home health aide (HHA), or licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs. Students should aim to select a preceptor who is a nurse educator teaching at a community college (an associate degree in nursing program) or a four-year university (a bachelor’s degree in nursing).

Students interested in a career as a nurse educator in a healthcare-based setting, such as a hospital or public health agency, should explore identifying a potential nurse educator preceptor in one of those settings.

Guidelines for Identifying an Eligible Nurse Educator Preceptor:

For the nurse educator preceptor in an academic setting: The preceptor must have a Master’s degree in nursing or higher and work as a nurse educator full-time in an accredited nursing program for a minimum of 3 years. Adjunct instructors are not eligible to serve as preceptors because they cannot fully immerse students in all aspects of the role of a nurse educator.
For the nurse educator preceptor in a healthcare setting: The preceptor must have at a Master’s degree in nursing or higher and currently work as a nurse educator full-time for a minimum of 3 years.
It is ideal for students to be able to experience teaching and learning in a variety of formats (face-to-face, online, clinical, lab, and simulation); however, this may be difficult to obtain with one preceptor. However, with permission of the program director, students may work with more than one preceptor to obtain these experiences. The student should inquire about the specific teaching modalities and formats the prospective preceptor uses and plan accordingly.

Part-Time Study (6-Semester Plan with Fall Start)

Semester/Credits	Courses
Fall, Semester 1 (7 credits)	NUR 512 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurse Educators (4 credits) NUR 530 Evaluating the Evidence for Teaching: Research Essentials for the Nurse Educator (3 credits)
Spring, Semester 2 (6 credits)	NUR 516 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators (3 credits) NUR 525 Principles of Teaching and Learning in Nursing (3 credits)
Fall, Semester 3 (6 credits)	NUR 618 Curriculum Development in Nursing Education for In-Person and Online Teaching (3 credits) EDI 517 Instructional Design Theories (3 credits) FALL ONLY
Spring, Semester 4 (7 credits)	NUR 535 A Systems Approach to Improving Health Outcomes in Advanced Nursing (1 credit/60 internship hours) NUR 620 Curriculum Development and Innovative Strategies for Teaching Clinical, Lab, and Simulation (3 credits) EDI 620 Learning Theories for Instructional Designers (3 credits)
Fall, Semester 5 (7 credits)	NUR 635 Assessment and Evaluation Strategies in Nursing Education (3 credits) NUR 622 The Role of Nurse Educator in Academia and Internship Practice (1 credit) EDI 621 Applications of Instructional Design (3 credits) FALL ONLY
Spring, Semester 6 (6 credits/180 internship hours)	NUR 640 Application of Teaching in Nursing Education: Internship (3 Credits/180-hour student teaching internship) EDI 581 Technology for Learning (3 credits) SPRING ONLY

Total of 39 credits (6 semesters)/240 Internship

Part-Time Study (6-Semester Plan with Spring Start)

Semester/Credits	Courses
Spring, Semester 1 (6 credits)	NUR 516 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators (3 credits) NUR 525 Principles of Teaching and Learning in Nursing (3 credits)
Fall, Semester 2 (7 credits)	NUR 512 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurse Educators (4 credits) NUR 530 Evaluating the Evidence for Teaching: Research Essentials for the Nurse Educator (3 credits)
Spring, Semester 3 (7 credits)	NUR 535 A Systems Approach to Improving Health Outcomes in Advanced Nursing (1 credit/60 internship hours) NUR 620 Curriculum Development and Innovative Strategies for Teaching Clinical, Lab, and Simulation (3 credits) EDI 620 Learning Theories for Instructional Designers (3 credits)
Fall, Semester 4 (6 credits)	NUR 618 Curriculum Development in Nursing Education for In-Person and Online Teaching (3 credits) EDI 517 Instructional Design Theories (3 credits) FALL ONLY
Spring, Semester 5 (6 credits/180 internship hours)	NUR 640 Application of Teaching in Nursing Education: Internship (3 Credits/180-hour student teaching internship) EDI 581 Technology for Learning (3 credits) SPRING ONLY
Fall, Semester 6 (7 credits)	NUR 635 Assessment and Evaluation Strategies in Nursing Education(3 credits) NUR 622 The Role of Nurse Educator in Academia and Internship Practice (1 credit) EDI 621 Applications of Instructional Design (3 credits) FALL ONLY

Total of 39 credits (6 semesters)/240 Internship hours

Full Time Study (4 Semester Plan with Fall Start)

Please note that full time study will not be available during the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Semester/Credits	Courses
Fall, Semester 1 (10 credits)	NUR 512 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurse Educators (4 credits) NUR 530 Evaluating the Evidence for Teaching: Research Essentials for the Nurse Educator (3 credits) EDI 517 Instructional Design Theories (3 credits) FALL ONLY
Spring, Semester 2 (10 credits)	NUR 516 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators (3 credits) NUR 525 Principles of Teaching and Learning in Nursing (3 credits) NUR 535 A Systems Approach to Improving Health Outcomes in Advanced Nursing (1 credit/60 internship hours) EDI 620 Learning Theories for Instructional Designers (3 credits)
Fall, Semester 3 (10 credits)	NUR 618 Curriculum Development in Nursing Education for In-Person and Online Teaching (3 credits) NUR 635 Assessment and Evaluation Strategies in Nursing Education (3 credits) NUR 622 The Role of Nurse Educator in Academia and Internship Practice (1 credit) EDI 621 Applications of Instructional Design (3 credits) FALL ONLY
Spring, Semester 4 (9 credits/180 internship hours)	NUR 620 Curriculum Development and Innovative Strategies for Teaching Clinical, Lab, and Simulation (3 credits) NUR 640 Application of Teaching in Nursing Education: Internship (3 Credits/180-hour student teaching internship) EDI 581 Technology for Learning (3 credits) SPRING ONLY

Total of 39 credits (4 semesters)/240 Internship hours

General Policies

Policy and Procedure for Student Complaints That Do Not Involve Discrimination

A faculty member who receives a complaint, that does not involve discrimination, from a student about another faculty member should encourage that student to first speak directly with the person concerned, in an effort to resolve differences and feelings. If requested by the student, arrangements will be made for another faculty member or program administrator to be present as well for the discussion.
If the student’s concerns persist, the student should then speak to the director of the individual program in an effort to resolve differences and feelings.
If the student’s concerns persist, the student should then speak with the Chairperson of the Graduate Nursing Department.
The Chairperson of the Graduate Nursing Department will discuss the situation with the student and attempt to affect a resolution.

Policy and Procedure for Student Complaints That Involve Discrimination

The Department of Graduate Nursing has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. If a student has a concern, the following procedure should be followed:

If the student complaint is regarding discrimination of any kind, the student should be referred directly to the Chairperson of the Graduate Nursing Department.
The Chairperson will inform the student of the discrimination complaint procedures in effect on the campus.
If the complaint is against the Chairperson, the student should be referred directly to the Dean for general complaints and to the Affirmative Action Director for complaints about discrimination.

Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy

Gender discrimination and sexual harassment are prohibited in class. Title IX legislation requires the University to provide gender equity in all areas of campus life. If you or someone you know has experienced gender discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, we encourage you to seek assistance and to report the incident through resources available online with Title IX. Confidential assistance is available at Hazen Center for Integrated Care. For these and other regulations governing campus life, please see all of our Student Policies.

Policy on Student Access to Records

Students have the right of access to their own files in the Department of Graduate Nursing office and may contact the program director to do so.

Policy on Electronic Medical Record Access

Students MUST access Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) only with student-generated accounts. Students must never access the EMR when in an internship setting with an employee generated EMR account. Such access is a HIPAA violation and is grounds for dismissal from the graduate nursing program.

Internship Affiliation Agreement Requirements

For student internships: If going into an academic setting, no affiliation agreement is required. If going into a clinical based setting (with a nurse educator in a hospital), an affiliation agreement will be required.

HIPAA Compliance Policy

Students will sign the HIPAA/FERPA confidentiality agreement at internship agencies as required.
Students will be responsible for submitting their required health documents and HIPPA confidentiality agreements in the semester preceding their internship experience. Only department faculty and administrative assistant will have access to this information.
Student health information will be kept for one year after a student’s graduation and then purged from the system.

Notice of Information Practices

Uses and Disclosure of Health Information

Student health information is obtained and kept on file in the Department of Nursing. This is done to fulfill the terms of written agreements between the Department of Graduate Nursing and internship agencies with whom the department affiliates for internship experiences. In general, a written authorization to release information is required from you to share health information with any third party not involved in your medical care. If you choose to sign an authorization to disclose information about you, you can later revoke that authorization to stop any future uses and disclosures.

Identifiable health information about you may be disclosed without your authorization to these affiliating agencies only to document that legal health requirements have been met.

Individual Rights

In most cases and according to New York State Medical Records law, you have the right to review or receive a copy of your health information. You also have the right to receive a list of instances where we have disclosed health information about you for reasons other than related administrative purposes. If you believe that information in your record is incorrect or if important information is missing, you have the right to request a correction of the existing information or add the missing information.

Complaints

If you are concerned that your privacy rights have been violated, or you disagree with a decision made about access to your records, you may contact the Department Chairperson. You may also send a written complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Department Chairperson can provide you with the appropriate address upon request.

Our Legal Duty

The Department of Graduate Nursing is required by law to protect the privacy of your health information, provide this notice about our information practices, and follow the information practices that are described in this notice.

If you have questions or complaints, please contact the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing.

Graduate Dress Code

All graduate students are required to wear their University identification badge and should meet the dress code of any agency to which he/she is assigned. The faculty supervisor will inform students of particular regulations associated with the Internship site.

All students must maintain a professional appearance, which also requires:

Good personal hygiene
Short, clean fingernails with no polish
Hair that is clean and neat
No perfume or cologne
Minimal makeup
No chewing gum

Long hair must be worn up and secured well with plain band or clip

Beards and mustaches must be short and well groomed

Tobacco is a health risk. Therefore, students may not smoke or chew tobacco in any Internship setting.

Jewelry Policy

The wearing of jewelry should be considered in the context of patient and student safety as well as projecting a student’s professional appearance.

There can be no name tags or ID badges that dangle. They need to clip or pin on the uniform.
A watch and ring (i.e. band) that do not have edges or prongs are acceptable.

Body Piercing & Tattoo Policy

While SUNY Brockport practices inclusivity, values diversity and recognizes that personal appearance is an important part of a person’s individuality and expression, the expectation is that professionalism and safety must be maintained both in the classroom and internship site.

Please note, if an internship site requires a more stringent policy, the student will be expected to follow the policy of the facility they are at for clinical.

Body Piercings:

Ear lobe piercings and small stud/post style earrings are acceptable. Hoop earrings greater than 1in. are not permitted in the ear lobes. Upper ear and cartilage piercings are permitted but a student may be required to discreetly cover them with a properly sized bandage as a safety consideration; clear plastic retainer styles may also be worn as an alternative. Solid gauge posts that are of neutral color and matching skin tone are to be worn if a student has gauged earlobes.
Facial and oral piercings are not permitted with the exception of a single nose (nostril only) piercing. Nose piercings must be stud style, minimal in size and unobtrusive. Nose hoops are not permitted. Other facial piercings must preferably be removed or discreetly covered with a properly sized bandage; clear plastic retainer styles may also be worn as an alternative.

Tattoos:

Tattoos may be visible if the images or words do not convey violence, discrimination, profanity or sexually explicit content, and as agency policy allows. Tattoos containing such messages must be covered with bandages, clothing or cosmetics. Bandages must be kept clean, dry and intact, and must not interfere with students’ ability to perform tasks. SUNY Brockport Department of Graduate Nursing Student Affairs Committee faculty reserve the right to make a decision about whether or not a student’s visible tattoo is appropriate. Students may not use hospital materials to cover tattoos.

Artificial Enhancements:

No artificial nails are permitted particularly since they harbor staph bacteria (per CDC).
No nail polish.

According to the research on professional appearance – people acquire a perception of you that translates into perceived care. Noncompliance to the dress code will lead to disciplinary action by the supervising faculty member and depending on the seriousness of the infraction, could result in probation or dismissal from the program.

Policy on Student or Faculty Injury at Internship or Exposure to Blood or Bodily Fluids

According to the contracts that are issued between the schools of nursing and the health care organizations, should a student be injured during a clinical internship “The hospital/facility agrees to make available medical care at the request and expense of faculty and students who may become ill or may be injured while on duty. Upon written requests from the faculty or student, reports of such illness or accident will be sent to the university/university.” The student may be seen in the emergency department, by employee health, or may choose to see his/her own primary care provider, based on the extent and severity of illness or injury.

If a student sustains a needle stick injury, blood or body fluid splash, cut from any device used in a patient, etc., the Internship preceptor and assigned faculty member should be contacted urgently. The internship preceptor will advise the student and/or faculty member on how to proceed and ensure the area is cleansed as noted in the facility’s blood/body fluid exposure policy.

Some exposures may be true medical emergencies depending on the source of the patient’s medical problems or the type of injury that occurred. Therefore, the internship preceptor may then refer the student to Employee Health Service or the Emergency Department if indicated.

Again, students are responsible for their own medical expenses, including the urgent/emergent care received at the hospital site. The student may need to obtain ongoing follow-up care with their Primary Care Provider and take post-exposure prophylactic treatment, which can be costly. The expenses incurred by the ongoing follow-up care will also be the responsibility of the student.

Malpractice Insurance

SUNY’S Malpractice insurance coverage is sufficient to cover students and faculty. Malpractice insurance is provided for graduate students who are assessed a $21 fee for the internship course (NUR 640) each semester regardless of any outside malpractice policies the student may have in place. This is a required charge mandated by SUNY.

Transportation Policy

Transportation to and from all internship sites is the student’s responsibility

Communication Policies

All students have a nursing advisor that they should see at least once every semester to plan course schedules. An advisor’s signature and a key number are required in order to register for classes for the succeeding semester.

Students may communicate with faculty by email or by office phone. Course faculty will make every attempt to respond within 24 hours during weekdays. Faculty are not expected to respond to student messages over weekends and holidays. In case of emergencies, students may contact faculty using the phone numbers given at orientation. Nursing faculty have regular office hours when they are available to see students. Individual appointments may also be made.

It is critical to check email and Bright Space frequently. Students are expected to respond to faculty emails within 48 hours during the semester. It is also expected that students will check their email during university breaks, as emails may be sent to them at that time. Failure to respond promptly to faculty phone calls and emails is unprofessional and will be reflected in the course evaluations, which may impact future employment or educational references.

Graduate Course Transfer Policy

A maximum of 12 credits of non-internship coursework will be considered for transfer from another accredited graduate nursing program. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the course syllabus and an official transcript to the nursing education program director for consideration of transfer credit. Transfer credit is only considered for outside coursework completed before enrolling in the graduate program. Once admitted to the graduate program, students are required to complete all remaining coursework at SUNY Brockport, unless the program director grants special permission. Admitted students may not enroll at outside institutions and transfer any additional required coursework in place of required coursework in the program. Only courses taken within the last ten years may be considered for transfer credit. We also do not accept transfer credit for NUR 535 or NUR 640, as these are considered practical/internship courses. We do not accept transfer credit for the four EDI courses required to obtain your certificate in Instructional Design (EDI 517, 581, 620, 621)

Non-Matriculated Status/Courses Policy

Before being admitted to the graduate nursing program (non-matriculated status), eligible students may be able to complete up to 9 credits of non-internship coursework in the MNE program on a space available basis. All non-matriculated students must meet with the program director before enrolling in any graduate program courses. Non-matriculated students must maintain continuous enrollment in appropriate courses. Permission codes will be provided by the program director after evaluation is made that the course has seats available and the student is adequately prepared for the academic expectations. Up to 9 credits of approved coursework, taken as a non-matriculated student and completed with a grade of B or higher, will be applied to the graduate degree requirements if the student is admitted to the graduate MNE program the subsequent year. Courses taken as a non-matriculated student more than a year before applying for admission will be evaluated for credit within the program on a case-by-case basis. Taking courses as a non-matriculated student does not guarantee admission to the graduate MNE program.

Part-Time/Full Time Status Policy

Students are admitted as part-time or full-time matriculated students to the MNE program. Please note that a full-time option will NOT BE AVAILABLE until the Fall 2027 semester. Part-time students take up to 6 credits a semester. Full time students take 9 or more credits a semester. Permission from the graduate program director is required to change status from part-time to full-time and vice versa. It is important to see your academic advisor before you request a change in your program plan to ensure you are meeting the necessary requirements for successful completion in a timely manner. Once admitted, all students must maintain continuous registration (fall and spring) for a minimum of three credit hours unless a formal leave of absence is approved. All students must make continuous progress toward the degree or certificate and must complete the degree requirements within the NYS time to completion requirement of 5 years. Any student who does not maintain continuous enrollment without approval of a formal leave of absence may be dismissed from the program and ineligible to return without reapplying to the program. Readmission will be evaluated with consideration of the additional applicants in the application cycle.

Temporary Academic Leave for the Graduate Program

Students in good academic standing may request Temporary Academic Leave (TAL) from the graduate program during their course of study. Students on academic probation are not eligible for a TAL. All students who return from TAL will return on contract detailing expectations for completion of their program. Please review SUNY Brockport’s TAL policy for important details.

Students are encouraged to contact their program director prior to, as well as upon return of leave. When a leave of absence is granted, the period of leave is not counted against the time to completion requirement for the degree.

TAL may be granted for compelling reasons such as illness, military duty, or parental leave. Requests for a TAL because of work schedule conflicts will not be granted. Leaves are ordinarily granted for no more than 1 semester. Documentation from a health care provider must accompany a request for a medical TAL.

If a medical leave is granted, it is expected that students are actively engaged in a course of medical and/or mental health treatment that leads to recovery.
Prior to re-enrollment, students will need to demonstrate that the condition that precluded enrollment during the leave has resolved sufficiently to allow the student to return to their internship and coursework. Students are required to provide a letter from their healthcare provider indicating they can resume all aspects of the program.

The effective withdrawal date of a TAL is the date that all required paperwork is submitted to the Center for Graduate Studies. Students must also drop their courses online or they will continue to have subsequent financial liability. The date courses are dropped and the TAL form is submitted to the Center for Graduate Studies determines the amount of tuition reimbursement (if applicable). Students withdrawing from courses should also review the Withdrawal and Progression Policies.

Curriculum and/or program plans are subject to change while a student is on TAL, such as but not limited to graduation and course requirements, credit load, course term offerings, and enrollment status. Students are responsible for keeping in contact with their advisor or program director while on leave to ensure they are aware and understand any new academic changes.

Students returning after TAL from the program that exceeds 1 semester will need to meet with the Program Director to determine if any courses will need to be repeated.

Development of the Nursing Education (MS) Program

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education, assists schools in implementing these standards; influences the nursing professional to improve health care, and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice. The National League of Nursing (NLN) NLN Core Competencies describe the scope of educator practice, they also serve as an evidence-based framework for curricular design in programs that prepare nurse educators. Their framework aligns with the blueprint for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, which will prepares graduates to attain competencies in all aspects of the faculty role and so they can successfully obtain this specialty certification after program completion.

Preparation for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Exam:

Before preparing for the Certified Nurse Educator examination, it is important to confirm that all eligibility requirements are met. Completion of your Nursing Education (MS) degree from SUNY Brockport will enable you to meet the eligibility criteria required for you to sit for the CNE exam. Eligibility will be determined after formal degree conferral by the university which does not occur until end of May (spring graduates) or end of January (fall graduates).

You will need to complete 1 and 2 below:

Documentation of valid licensure/ certificate or other documentation of unencumbered practice in the country of residence.
Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with a major emphasis in nursing education OR a post-master’s certificate in nursing education.

Although the Nursing Education (MS) program was developed using the NLN Core Competencies, it is important to prepare using the detailed test blueprint to identify the content areas that are included in the exam and determine which areas call for focused study. Content areas are distinctly weighted to determine the percentage of questions that pertain to each area. Test blueprint can be found on the National League of Nursing (NLN) CNE handbook.

The CNE handbook also provides a list of suggested references and textbooks to help you prepare for the exam. The Nursing Education (MS) program has adopted many of these sources as course materials in the program, which will be highly beneficial for those preparing to sit for the CNE exam. The CNE handbook also contains some sample exam questions that students can use to help prepare for their exam.

Additionally, the NLN offers a Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) to help prepare candidates for success in obtaining the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) credential. The SAE is a 65-item multiple choice, half-length examination that meets the test blueprint outline and percentage in each content category. Prospective candidates are able to practice taking CNE type questions, experience the online exam test taking format, review rationales for both correct and incorrect responses, and receive an individual score report to identify strengths and areas for improvement. For information about ordering the SAE, please visit the National League for Nursing website and select CNE Exam Prep from the sidebar.

Please refer to the CNE website for eligibility and other information to prepare for the exam: CNE®

Graduate Policies from the University:

Please see the university policies and university graduate policies

All policies reviewed, revised as needed, and approved 10.15.25