General Information

The School of Nursing offers Post-Graduate Certificates in Rural Family Nurse Practitioner and Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, for nurses who have completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or higher and who wish to obtain a second nursing specialty. The number of credit hours required for completion varies by specialty. All MSN policies apply to the Post-Graduate Certificate students.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the synthesis of expert knowledge for advanced nursing practice in diverse populations.
2. Evaluate nursing and interprofessional theory and evidence-based practice for their contributions to advanced nursing practice and professional role development.
3. Provide leadership in the appraisal and improvement of healthcare and healthcare delivery.
4. Use systematic methods to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based advanced nursing practice.
5. Participate in organizational and political systems to influence healthcare and healthcare delivery.
6. Communicate, collaborate, and consult with clients, nurses, and other professionals to meet healthcare needs of individuals and populations.
7. Actively demonstrate the advanced nursing practice role.
8. Integrate ethical and legal principles in advanced nursing practice.

Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission to the program include:

1. Admission to the Graduate School.
2. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from a nationally-accredited program.  
3. Unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license from an approved state.
4. One year of experience as an RN.

Admission is competitive and limited to available space. In addition to the above criteria, consideration is also given to the student’s Professional Statement submitted with the Graduate School application and the three required professional references.

Please refer to the School of Nursing website at https://nursing.eku.edu/masters-degree-programs for specific information on the application process for admission and progression plans for study, or contact the School of Nursing at (859) 622-1827 for information on the application process for admission.

Progression Policy

To progress, students must complete all required course work with a grade of “B” or higher and must complete any pre-requisite courses before advancing to the next course. Students who fail to meet the requirements for progression must apply for readmission. Readmission to a nursing course is not guaranteed to any student. Please refer to the Student Handbook for specific information on readmission procedures. The program reserves the right to alter the suggested plan as necessary to enhance a quality educational program.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 51.3805

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Nurse Practitioner Concentration Prerequisites
NSC 830	Advanced Pharmacology
NSC 832	Advanced Health Assessment
NSC 834	Advanced Pathophysiology
Certificate Requirements
NSC 870	Rural Health FNP I	3
NSC 872	Rural Health FNP II	3
NSC 874	Rural Health FNP III	3
NSC 876	Rural Health FNP Internship	6
NSC 800	Advanced Practice Role 1	8
Total Hours		23

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Concurrent enrollment with NSC 870 Rural Health FNP I, NSC 872 Rural Health FNP II, NSC 874 Rural Health FNP III