Loyola University New Orleans prides itself on combining the academic excellence of its faculty and programs. In recent years, Loyola has consistently ranked among the top regional colleges and universities in the South and one of the top 60 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report's special issue "America's Best Colleges."

Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Loyola offers more than 60 bachelor, master, and doctorate programs in five colleges. Through its College of Social Sciences, which is home to the School of Nursing, registered nurses can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree in a completely online format.

Technical requirements

All online students should have access to a reliable computer and be familiar with its basic operation. At a mini-mum, students must know how to use a mouse to navigate around the screen; utilize word processing software (Microsoft Word); download files; and read and send e-mail and attach document files to e-mail. Students should have some experience navigating and using the Internet as an information and communication resource.

All computers must be equipped with Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3, Microsoft Windows XP, or a later operating system; 133 MHz or higher processor (Pentium IV recommended); 256 MB RAM (512 MB recommended) for the operating system, plus an additional 8 MB RAM for each program running simultaneously; Super VGA (800 X 600) or higher resolution monitor with 256 colors; 12X or higher CD-ROM drive (DVD-ROM recommended); and sound card with speakers (or headphones).

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 works best with Blackboard on computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. JavaScript and Cookies must be enabled, and Internet connections should be 56K modem or better (cable or DSL recommended). Required software includes Microsoft Office Version 1997 or higher (Microsoft Office 2003 recommended). Necessary plug-ins include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Windows Media Player or equivalent, Quick Time, and Flash 6.0. All students are encouraged to maintain Norton's Antivirus software.

Online programs

Loyola's School of Nursing, which is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, has been educating RNs since the 1970s, when the University started one of the first BSN programs in the country designed for working RNs. In 2004, a completely web-based MSN program was offered.

MSN for Health Care Systems Management. The Master of Science in Nursing program aims to prepare nurses to function in advanced roles in a variety of healthcare settings. The program seeks to develop critical thinking and ethical decision making as primary skills needed by all nurses in advanced roles. The curriculum is designed to educate nurses to provide effective and cost-efficient nursing care, and to provide leadership in improving and extending healthcare to specific populations.

Students benefit from diverse course content, all of which adheres to standards identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Standards of Practice for Case Managers (1995) published by the Case Management Society of America. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including nursing administration, management, finance, quality improvement, health promotion, disease prevention/management, integrated delivery systems, managed care strategies, and workforce management.

The degree requires 36 credit hours of graduate coursework, 12 of which are devoted to core courses and 24 of which are devoted to HCSM major courses. Students should plan to devote 8 to 12 hours each week for a 3-credit course. The program is designed to be completed in approximately 24 months, so students typically complete one course at a time, which allows for undivided attention for each course. Graduates are qualified for positions such as care coordinator, case manager, managed care consultant, nurse executive, nurse manager, outcomes manager, product line manager, program manager, and quality manager.