Earning a faith-based degree offers many advantages for nursing students, even those that don’t think of themselves as particularly religious. Faith-based degree programs are effective because they combine high-quality academic programs with supportive campus culture and strong social and professional networks. This applies to the traditional programs, online courses and hybrid degree programs offered by Houston Christian University. The Master of Science in Nursing is offered as a hybrid program where “faith supports learning.” The faith-based MSN program at Houston Christian University prepares graduates to become a either a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or a Family Nurse Practitioner.
But why earn a faith-based MSN degree or any kind of faith-based degree? Because Christian universities offer students something special that goes beyond what they will find at other schools. A college education, these schools remind us, is about more than just strong academics. Here are some of the ways they accomplish that goal.
But why earn a faith-based MSN degree or any kind of faith-based degree? Because Christian universities offer students something special that goes beyond what they will find at other schools. A college education, these schools remind us, is about more than just strong academics. Here are some of the ways they accomplish that goal.
A Supportive Community
One of the major tenets of Christianity is the acceptance of others. Houston Christian University supports that value in its faith-based degree programs. HCU students, including those in online programs, create a strong social network of diverse students who support each other in their faith, academics, and career goals
Educating the Whole Person
Christian schools have a top-notch academic curriculum as well as an environment designed to fulfill a student’s spiritual side. Students in the master’s program will have the chance to participate as much or as little as they want in faith-based activities at HCU. The school’s core values are reflected in every class. Those values are represented by the acronym “HIGHER,” which stands for:
- Honor
- Integrity
- Glorification of God
- Humility
- Excellence
- Respect
Valuable Soft Skills
It’s interesting how soft skills, which are highly in demand among employers, align so well with a faith-based approach to conducting interactions in a professional environment. A faith-based MSN program emphasizes treating others with respect, developing great communication and listening skills, considering the opinions of others and treating each patient as you would want to be treated. Faith-based programs also emphasize personal responsibility, including time management, as well as collaboration with others.
A Strong Professional Network
In addition to the professional network offered through its partnership with the Texas Medical Center, Houston Christian University has more than 20,000 alumni across the country and around the world. This alumni network can support nurses as they seek to transition from a graduate program into a better job in the workforce.
Popular with Employers
Christian employers are more likely to call in applicants from Christian universities, according to a survey reported on by the Christian Post. The survey also found employers who are not Christian show no bias against Christian university graduates. In fact, a majority of employers in the survey said they expect Christian university graduates to be prepared when it comes to “maturity, effective communication, and teamwork,” according to the Post.
While evaluating the advantages of earning a faith-based degree, keep in mind that all of this is in addition to a high-quality education that teaches graduate nursing students about the latest innovations in technology and best practices for improving patient outcomes.