Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner (M.S.N.)
General Information
The School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing degree. The program is designed to allow nurses with a baccalaureate degree to prepare for rural health advanced or advanced practice roles. Master’s degree concentrations available include Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner and Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates of the M.S.N. 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. Advanced Nursing Practice Outcomes include:
- 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
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,
- 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.
Admission is competitive and limited to available space. In addition to the above criteria, consideration is also given to the applicants’ 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 at https://nursing.eku.edu/masters-degree-programs for specific information on the application process for admission and progression plans for study. For the Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration contact 859-622-2517. For the Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration contact 859-622-7927.
Progression Policy
To progress, 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. Refer to the course descriptions in this Catalog for specifics. When a student is given permission to repeat a practicum course, the student must also enroll in the co-requisite hours of NSC 800 Advanced Practice Role.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 51.3801
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MSN Core Courses | ||
| 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: | 32-34 | |
Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner | ||
Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | ||
| MSN Exit Requirement | ||
| GRD 888B | MS Nursing Oral Comp Exam | 0 |
| Total Hours | 47-49 | |
Comprehensive Examination
Candidates are required to pass an oral comprehensive examination (GRD 888B MS Nursing Oral Comp Exam) of their program of study.
Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Advanced Practice Core Courses | ||
| NSC 830 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NSC 832 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NSC 834 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Practicum Courses | ||
| 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 |
| Clinical Requirement | ||
| NSC 800 | Advanced Practice Role | 8 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |