Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (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
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 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 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 859-622-6458. 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. 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: 51.3801
| 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: | ||
Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner | ||
| Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | 34 | |
| MSN Exit Requirement | ||
| GRD 888B | MS Nursing Oral Comp Exam | 0 |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
Comprehensive Examination
Candidates are required to pass an oral comprehensive examination (GRD 888B MS Nursing Oral Comp Exam) of their program of study.
Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Practice Core Courses | ||
| NSC 830 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NSC 832 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NSC 834 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Practicum Courses | ||
| NSC 880 | Rural PMHNP I | 3 |
| NSC 881 | Applied Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| NSC 882 | Rural PMHNP II | 3 |
| NSC 884 | Rural PMHNP III | 3 |
| NSC 886 | Rural PMHNP Internship | 5 |
| Clinical Requirement | ||
| NSC 800 | Advanced Practice Role 1 | 8 |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
1 Concurrent enrollment with NSC 880 Rural PMHNP I, NSC 882 Rural PMHNP II, NSC 884 Rural PMHNP III for a total of 8 hours.