Master of Science in Nursing

Degree Completion Program for Certificate-Prepared Nurse Practitioners Web-Based Format

The Master of Science in Nursing degree with majors in family nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife and adult/gerontological nurse practitioner is offered as a degree completion program for certificate-prepared nurse practitioners. The program is offered entirely through the World Wide Web, providing the most flexible schedule available. Students meet course requirements through a combination of Web-based courses, challenge exams and a portfolio process. Upon graduation, the MS-prepared nurse practitioner will be fully recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse according to the American Nurses Association's definition.

Eligibility

Students must have a BSN and be certificate-prepared as a family nurse practitioner or adult/gerontological nurse practitioner. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on undergraduate course work is required for regular admission to the program. A college-level physical assessment course is a prerequisite or must be completed concurrently with courses in the first session enrolled.

Program Format

All of the graduate core courses are offered online in a Web-based format. A challenge exam process is available for Family and Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner students to earn credit for Applied Drug Therapy and Advanced Pathophysiology. Clinical specialty requirements are met through a process of portfolio examination. The portfolio process involves an examination of certificate program course descriptions, transcripts and a resume. Based upon this documentation, recognition for the clinical courses is given.

At the completion of all coursework students will be required to pass an oral comprehensive exam. Every effort will be made to conduct this exam by room-based or desk-top videoconferencing. However, if videoconferencing cannot be arranged, the student may be required to appear on campus for the exam. Students may also elect to visit the campus in relation to some experiences, such as research project or thesis, or if activities are necessary for completion of these specific course requirements.

Courses Required by Portfolio

The specific clinical specialty courses will vary, according to the nurse practitioner area of specialization. Credit hours recognized by portfolio are from 18 to 19 credits. Please refer to the appropriate brochure insert for a list of clinical courses.

Total credits required for the program: 44-46 credits (by enrollment, challenge and portfolio).