Master's Degree Sciences in Nursing with Specialty in Critical Care · Educational Role

The mission of the Master’s degree Sciences in Nursing with a Specialty in Critical Care is to prepare a specialized nurse for the management of critically ill patients and for the performance of various roles with a high sense of responsibility, commitment, humanism and dynamism within health care institutions. The program will train graduates to fill positions of administration, leadership, and educator in various scenarios. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, research, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the use of technology to address the problems of critically ill patients, family, and community

Goals of the Program

Develop competencies in the area of critical care specialty that trains the nursing professional to make meaningful contributions independently and collaboratively in the delivery of health services and nursing practice. 

To evaluate the body of knowledge of the theories and models as a basis to contribute to the practice of the discipline of nursing. 

Develop the research competence and the use of the findings in critical practice. 

To assess the applicability of theories and management models to coordinate the efficient use of human, material and fiscal resources in the provision of health services. 

Acquire knowledge and skills related to functional roles in nursing education and management. 

Demonstrate leadership skills to initiate and carry out changes in the specialty area within health care systems. 

Possess ethical-professional attitudes, communication skills, leadership, critical thinking and use of technology to facilitate the intervention with the person, the family, and the community.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs with a specialty in Critical Care and an Educational or Administrative role are accredited by ACEN through Fall 2028.

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Curricular sequence

Admission Requirements

• Present evidence of full vaccination against Covid-19.
• Have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university.
• Have a minimum academic point average of 2.50 in the last sixty (60) academic work Credits.
• Possess permanent and current license of nurse/or general practitioner for the practice of nursing in Puerto Rico.
• Be an active member of the School of Nursing professionals in Puerto Rico.
• Have a minimum year of work experience as a general practitioner.
• Deliver two recommendation letters from the agency’s supervisory staff where you have/had the work experience/s.
• Be recommended by the Program Admissions Committee.
• Present the following documents:
• Health Certificate
• Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination 
• Evidence of chickenpox vaccine
• Certificate of negative criminal record issued by the Department of the police of Puerto Rico
• Copy of permanent license and current Association
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training (CPR)
• Curriculum Vitae
• *Other documents may be requested.

Admission Process for the MSN & MSA Programs

1. Application and payment. The candidate must complete the application for admission and pay the non-refundable application fee of $75.00.
2. Submission of documents and requirements. The candidate must submit the admission documents and requirements established for the academic program to which they are applying. It is the candidate's responsibility to make sure their file is complete within the established dates.
3. File evaluation. Once the corresponding requirements are received, the Admissions Committee will evaluate the candidate's file using the admission criteria established by the program.
4. Interview notification. Candidates who have completed the process required to be considered for an interview will be scheduled on the interview dates set by the Admissions Committee. The University will notify the candidate of the date, time, format and any additional instructions related to their interview.
5. Interview with the Admissions Committee. During the interview, the Committee will evaluate the candidate according to the criteria and the evaluation instrument established by the program. As part of the process, the candidate may be asked to analyze a brief article from a professional or academic journal. In addition, they must present an updated copy of their curriculum vitae (CV) if it is not already part of their file.
6. Comprehensive evaluation and selection. Once the interviews are concluded, the Committee will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the candidates, considering the academic requirements, the documentation submitted, the interview results and the other selection criteria established by the program. Admission will be competitive when the number of qualified candidates exceeds the available spaces.
7. Admission decision. Selected candidates will receive an official notification of the corresponding decision. Meeting the minimum admission requirements and participating in the interview do not guarantee admission to the program.