Program overview

The Master of Science in Critical Care Nursing (MSNC) program is intended for registered nurses willing to undertake a specialist qualification in Critical Care Nursing. The program aims to prepare future leaders in Critical Care Nursing who provide safe, comprehensive evidence-based care to critically ill patients who are competent in adding to the body of knowledge of critical care nursing practice through research and scholarly activities. These graduates will be able to provide high-standard, ethical, holistic, and culture-sensitive nursing care in Critical Care Nursing, as well as in relevant education and research.

The Program Study Plan

• The master’s degree requires successful completion of 42 credit hours.
• The master’s degree requires two years of study. This should be achieved through six semesters.
• The language used in the program are the English language.

How will you learn?

The MSc Critical Care Nursing program aims to adopt student-centered learning approaches by utilizing various interactive learning strategies throughout the program. The curriculum is delivered through integrated learning methods including, but not limited to the following:

• Large-group interactive sessions using: Flipped classroom strategies, Interactive lectures, Presentations.
• Small-group interactive sessions using: Flipped classroom strategies, Team -based Learning (TBL), Case-based learning, Tutorials, Seminars, Small group discussions, Panel discussions and debates.
• Self-directed learning (SDL) using: Small-group discussions, Peer-assisted learning.
• Clinically based learning sessions using: Placement in various clinical settings, Clinical observation, Bedside teaching.
• Clinical Portfolio focusing on: Patient management, Workplace based assessment.
• Reflective journal within the framework of Appreciative Inquiry

How you will be assessed?

Through direct assessment method and indirect assessment method

Direct assessment includes Written assessments include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Multiple choice questions (MCQs; A-type questions with one best answer)
• Long Essay Questions (LEQs).
• Written Assignment
• Oral Presentation
• Critical Review & Research Proposal
• Clinical assessments include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Portfolio including case-based discussion, assignments, students prepared presentation and professional code of conduct, Workplace-based assessment.
• Indirect assessment includes Student surveys.
• Course Evaluation Survey (CES).
• Course Learning Outcomes Survey (CLOs)

Careers Overview

Upon successful completion of the requirements for the Masters of Critical Care Nursing Program, the graduates can apply for “Nurse Specialist” license from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialist (SCFHS). Nurse Specialist may work in hospitals, clinics, community health, and research institutions. In addition, graduates may seek specializations to advance their careers through Postgraduates doctorate Studies. Also, graduates would have the knowledge, skills, and values to be eligible to apply for an academic position such “Lecturer or Clinical Instructor”.

Job Prospects

A nurse specialist will be responsible to dealing & analyze a variety of critical care assessment using sophisticated equipment, results will be reported to the physician and data provided will play a major role in diagnosing and treating different medical conditions and monitoring disease processes. There are different areas of critical care which include ICU, CCU, Emergency, and recovery. With additional training and experience, Nurse Specialist can become a department leader or lab manager and involved in different scientific medical research.

Career Advice

All students are invited and encouraged to constantly meet with career counselors assigned by the Student Career and Alumni Unit (SCAU). Student career counseling is a process that helps students to know and understand their skills, abilities, and interests, and how it relates to the workplace to make an appropriate decision concerning their future career path. It is a dynamic and collaborative process between a faculty staff member and student, focused on the student’s needs and goals.