Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
General Information
The School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The program is designed to allow nurses with a baccalaureate degree to prepare for rural health advanced practice roles. MSN degree concentrations available include Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner and Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates of the MSN program will have specific competencies related to rural health nursing practice either as a Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner or as a Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate the synthesis of expert knowledge for advanced nursing practice in diverse populations.
- Evaluate nursing and interprofessional theory and evidence-based practice for their contributions to advanced nursing practice and professional role development.
- Provide leadership in the appraisal and improvement of healthcare and healthcare delivery.
- Use systematic methods to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based advanced nursing practice.
- Participate in organizational and political systems to influence healthcare and healthcare delivery.
- Communicate, collaborate, and consult with clients, nurses, and other professionals to meet healthcare needs of individuals and populations.
- Actively demonstrate the advanced nursing practice role.
- Integrate ethical and legal principles in advanced nursing practice.
Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive and limited to available space. In addition to meeting the requirements of the Graduate School, the minimum requirements for admission to the program include:
- a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program,
- an unencumbered RN license from an approved state.
- an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) cumulative,
- a three hour graduate or undergraduate course in statistics with a grade of “C” or higher.
- one year of experience as an RN.
In addition to the above criteria, consideration is also given to the applicant's professional work experience, the applicant’s professional statement, and the three required professional references submitted with the Graduate School application.
Please refer to the School of Nursing website for specific information on the application process for admission and progression plans for study. Contact (859) 622-2628 or (859) 622-1827 for additional information on the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
Progression Policy
Students must complete all required course work with a grade of “B” or higher and must complete any prerequisite 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 MSN Student Handbook for specific information on readmission procedures. The program reserves the right to alter the suggested plan of study as necessary to enhance a quality educational program.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 51.3801
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MSN Advanced Practice Core Courses | ||
| NSC 800 | Advanced Practice Role (1) | 8 |
| NSC 830 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NSC 832 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NSC 834 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NSC 840 | Theoretical Foundation for EBC | 3 |
| NSC 842 | Advanced Nsg. Practice Issues | 3 |
| NSC 890 | Synthesizing Evidence for ANP | 3 |
| NSC 892 | Evidence-based Proj in ANP | 3 |
| MPH 855 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
| Concentrations | ||
| Students must select one of the following Concentrations: | 15-17 | |
Family Nurse Practitioner | ||
Psychiatric Mental Health | ||
| Total Hours | 47-49 | |
Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FNP Courses | ||
| NSC 870 | FNP I | 3 |
| NSC 872 | FNP II | 3 |
| NSC 874 | FNP III | 3 |
| NSC 876 | FNP Internship | 6 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
1 Concurrent NSC 800 Advanced Practice Role enrollment with NSC 870 FNP I, NSC 872 FNP II, NSC 874 FNP III for a total of 8 hours.
Psychiatric Mental Health Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PMHNP Courses | ||
| NSC 880 | PMHNP I | 3 |
| NSC 881 | Applied Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| NSC 882 | PMHNP II | 3 |
| NSC 884 | PMHNP III | 3 |
| NSC 886 | PMHNP Internship | 5 |
| Total Hours | 17 | |
1 Concurrent NSC 800 Advanced Practice Role enrollment with NSC 880 PMHNP I, NSC 882 PMHNP II, NSC 884 PMHNP III for a total of 8 hours.