The Master of Science in Nursing degree at MTSU helps address a critical shortage
of Family Nurse Practitioners with high-quality, affordable, and time-efficient studies.
Coursework is completed online, except for clinical rotations through approved preceptors
(in the student's home area when possible). Family Nurse Practitioners deliver comprehensive
primary health care services to all ages and help provide health care to underserved
populations. Full-time or part-time study is available. The program increases access
to graduate education for practicing nurses who need time flexibility and for those
in remote areas.
Full-time clinical manager fits in nurse practitioner online program
Lorrie Richardson (B.S., Nursing, ’97) works full-time as a surgery center’s clinical
manager while studying for her master’s at MTSU in the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
with the online program. “The ability to go at my own speed and continue to work while
earning my degree made this particular program appealing to me,” she says. “I have
also had a lot of encouragement from family and friends to pursue advanced education.
The first semester of the program was challenging; however, there is so much assistance
that I was able to catch on quickly.” She also has enjoyed being a part of the learning
experience for first-year nursing students through a graduate assistantship. Richardson,
who may pursue a Ph.D., earned her certification as an ambulatory perianesthesia nurse
(CAPA) in 2012. She has worked on the vascular/telemetry floor and in emergency services
and ambulatory surgery.
Master’s sets up MTSU educator to teach future nurses, pursue doctorate
Nurse educator Lisa Murphree became an assistant professor at MTSU after receiving
her Master of Science in Nursing in August 2010 through the Regents Online Campus
Collaborative. She’s in a clinical track position coordinating and teaching medical
surgical clinical, while also working on a doctoral degree. “I very much appreciated
the online format of the M.S.N. program, which helped balance family, part-time work,
and graduate work,” Murphree says. “The practicum provided a wonderful bridge between
school and a teaching position.” She calls the M.S.N. program “challenging, worthwhile,
and a good value. The graduate courses in the education track through ROCC have already
proven to be great preparation for the Ed.D. for Nurse Educators degree I am pursuing.”
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
The Master of Nursing programs helps train nurses who seek to practice as advanced
clinicians, want to teach in entry-level nursing programs, or wish to manage professional
practice workplaces. Graduates may work in a variety of settings including hospitals,
nursing homes, businesses, private practices, HMOs, schools and community centers
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Fast Pace Urgent Care
- Frist Group
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Primary Care Hope Clinic
- St. Thomas Hospital System
- Stonecrest Medical Center
- Take Care Clinic at Walgreen
- Tennova Healthcare
Graduate
MTSU’s School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree with
a concentration of Family Nurse Practitioner.
Deadline to be fully admitted to graduate studies at MTSU and to have required documents
received by MTSU's School of Nursing:
- October 1 — for Spring term admission
- April 1 — for Fall term admission
MTSU is currently not accepting out-of-state applicants for the MSN program.
Recent information indicates that the varied requirements in these states is prohibitive,
placing an undue financial and administrative burden on the University. Since this
situation is not likely to change in the near future, it is recommended that you seek
an alternative institution for your graduate study plans.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Other programs offered
The MTSU School of Nursing also offers selected graduate courses which may be transferred to programs offering
the Master of Science in Nursing.
Undergraduate
Undergraduates in the School of Nursing may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree via a traditional four-year baccalaureate program, first as a pre-nursing
major and then, after three semesters and acceptance to the upper division, as a nursing
major.
Apply Now!
Nursing, Advanced Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), M.S.N.
Nursing, Advanced Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), M.S.N.
Jenny Sauls, Director
(615) 904-8488
MSNadvisor@mtsu.edu
Academic Advisor for MSN Program
(615) 898-5252
MSNadvisor@mtsu.edu
Courses are offered each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). All courses are taught in the online learning environment.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Advanced Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner requires
- residence in Tennessee;
- an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Tennessee;
- a bachelor's degree in nursing with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (conditional admission will be considered with a 2.9 overall B.S.N. GPA);
- successful completion of a 3-semester-hour or 4-quarter-hour undergraduate level statistics course;
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if needed.
Application Procedures
Students are advised to contact the graduate program advisor in the School of Nursing before beginning the application procedure. Applications are due by October 1 for spring admission and April 1 for fall admission.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official copies of transcripts including all universities attended;
- submit three signed letters of recommendation;
- submit an updated vita or resume;
- submit a copy of R.N. license.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Nursing requires completion of a minimum of 42 semester hours.
Candidate must
- complete graduate nursing courses with a B or better in all courses,
- maintain current documentation within the School of Nursing document storage account, and
- complete an Advanced Family NP practicum.
Reinstatement/Extension
Both full-time and part-time students must register for each term (fall, spring, and summer). Failure to register for any semester/term constitutes a lapse in the program of study requiring readmission to the program. See readmission requirements in the policy.
Students who do not plan to register for a particular term/semester must complete and submit an Interruption of Program (IOP) form to the MSN academic advisor before completing the current term. Failure to submit the IOP will result in the necessity for reapplication.
Note that students may wish to submit a Stop Out form to the College of Graduate Studies and will need to fill out a readmission application form (without being required to submit any additional materials) before enrolling for the next term/semester. This will ensure that the College of Graduate Studies has all current student information and will trigger the process required for re-enrollment.
Curriculum: Nursing, Advanced Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner
The following illustrates the coursework requirements.
Core (15 hours)
NURS 6010 - Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
3credit hours
Encourages nursing inquiry and scholarship by developing skills necessary for evidence-based practice and healthcare improvement. Focuses on the principles and processes of evidence-based practice and relationships between theory, research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
NURS 6011 - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Life Span
3credit hours
Focuses on evidence-based guidelines used to promote health and prevent disease for diverse individuals, communities, and populations. Emphasis on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and disease detection.
NURS 6012 - Diversity and Caring for Special Populations
3credit hours
Focuses on identifying the needs of diverse and special populations across the lifespan. Content will include social determinants of health and care for individuals with unique healthcare needs.
NURS 6013 - Ethics, Healthcare Policy, and Economics
3credit hours
Focuses on ethical principles, healthcare policy, and economics and the influence of these topics on providers, consumers, and the healthcare system. Explores moral and ethical principles of healthcare and the relationship to healthcare policy.
NURS 6014 - NP Role and Leadership in Health Care
3credit hours
Requires analysis of the advanced practice nurse role and its relationship to various dimensions of leadership. Principles of leadership and accountability provide foundation for integrating concepts such as systems thinking, quality improvement, and fiscal responsibility.
Concentration Courses (10 hours)
NURS 6110 - Advanced Health Assessment
4credit hours
Acquisition and application of advanced health assessment skills and techniques to perform focused and comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan. Analysis and evaluation of physical assessment findings and development of diagnostic reasoning skills.
NURS 6111 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3credit hours
Focuses on application of pathophysiologic processes common in acute and chronic illnesses in primary care patients across the lifespan. Integrates theoretical knowledge and clinical principles from nursing and related disciplines to disease processes.
NURS 6112 - Advanced Pharmacology
3credit hours
Focuses on pharmacology and therapeutics used in the treatment of selected health conditions commonly encountered by the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis placed on the decision-making process utilized to safely and effectively prescribe and monitor pharmacotherapeutics appropriate to the client situation. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Family Nurse Practitioner Courses (12 hours)
NURS 6210 - Family Healthcare Diagnosis and Management I
6credit hours
Focuses on advanced practice nursing diagnosis and management of healthcare problems common to individuals and families. Emphasis on core concepts of diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic conditions in primary care settings.
NURS 6211 - Family Healthcare Diagnosis and Management II
6credit hours
Focuses on the continuing development of the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis placed on increasing competency in the development and evaluation of comprehensive, collaborative, and evidence-based plans of care for complex and multisystem disorders.
Practicum (5 hours)
NURS 6213 - Family Healthcare Diagnosis and Management Intensive
5credit hours
Final synthesis of advanced practice nursing. Comprehensive and emphasizes autonomous practice and the professional role and responsibilities of the entry-level family nurse practitioner. Students prepared for national certification and credentialing.
Withdrawal from a Course
Only two (2) instances of course withdrawal are permitted without consequences in the M.S.N. program. Withdrawal from one or more courses in any given semester is considered one (1) instance of withdrawal. Students with more than two (2) withdrawals from the M.S.N. program will not be readmitted to the program.
Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), M.S.N.
Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), M.S.N.
Jenny Sauls, Director
(615) 904-8488
MSNAdvisor@mtsu.edu
Academic Advisor for MSN Program
(615)898-5252
MSNadvisor@mtsu.edu
Courses are offered each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). All courses are taught in the online learning environment.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner requires
- residence in Tennessee;
- an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Tennessee;
- a bachelor's degree in nursing with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (conditional admission will be considered with a 2.9 overall B.S.N. GPA);
- successful completion of a 3-semester-hour or 4-quarter-hour undergraduate level statistics course.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if needed.
Application Procedures
Students are advised to contact the graduate program advisor in the School of Nursing before beginning the application procedure. Applications are due by October 1 for spring admission and April 1 for fall admission.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official copies of transcripts including all universities attended;
- submit three signed letters of recommendation;
- submit an updated vita or resume;
- submit a copy of R.N. license.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Nursing requires completion of a minimum of 42 semester hours.
Candidate must
- complete graduate nursing courses with a B or better in all courses;
- maintain current documentation within the School of Nursing document storage account, and
- complete a psychiatric mental health practicum.
Reinstatement/Extension
Both full-time and part-time students must register for each term (fall, spring, and summer). Failure to register for any semester/term constitutes a lapse in the program of study requiring readmission to the program. See readmission requirements in the policy.
Students who do not plan to register for a particular term/semester must complete and submit an Interruption of Program (IOP) form to the MSN academic advisor before completing the current term. Failure to submit the IOP will result in the necessity for reapplication.
Note that students may wish to submit a Stop Out form to the College of Graduate Studies and will need to fill out a readmission application form (without being required to submit any additional materials) before enrolling for the next term/semester. This will ensure that the College of Graduate Studies has all current student information and will trigger the process required for re-enrollment.
Curriculum: Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The following illustrates the coursework requirements.
Core (12 hours)
NURS 6010 - Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
3credit hours
Encourages nursing inquiry and scholarship by developing skills necessary for evidence-based practice and healthcare improvement. Focuses on the principles and processes of evidence-based practice and relationships between theory, research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
NURS 6011 - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Life Span
3credit hours
Focuses on evidence-based guidelines used to promote health and prevent disease for diverse individuals, communities, and populations. Emphasis on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and disease detection.
NURS 6013 - Ethics, Healthcare Policy, and Economics
3credit hours
Focuses on ethical principles, healthcare policy, and economics and the influence of these topics on providers, consumers, and the healthcare system. Explores moral and ethical principles of healthcare and the relationship to healthcare policy.
NURS 6014 - NP Role and Leadership in Health Care
3credit hours
Requires analysis of the advanced practice nurse role and its relationship to various dimensions of leadership. Principles of leadership and accountability provide foundation for integrating concepts such as systems thinking, quality improvement, and fiscal responsibility.
Concentration (13 hours)
NURS 6110 - Advanced Health Assessment
4credit hours
Acquisition and application of advanced health assessment skills and techniques to perform focused and comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan. Analysis and evaluation of physical assessment findings and development of diagnostic reasoning skills.
NURS 6111 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3credit hours
Focuses on application of pathophysiologic processes common in acute and chronic illnesses in primary care patients across the lifespan. Integrates theoretical knowledge and clinical principles from nursing and related disciplines to disease processes.
NURS 6112 - Advanced Pharmacology
3credit hours
Focuses on pharmacology and therapeutics used in the treatment of selected health conditions commonly encountered by the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis placed on the decision-making process utilized to safely and effectively prescribe and monitor pharmacotherapeutics appropriate to the client situation. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6310 - Psychopharmacology
3credit hours
Examines the indications, actions, and effects of psychotropic drugs in the management of targeted psychiatric symptoms and treatment of acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Patient safety emphasized through appropriate prescribing.
Family Nurse Practitioner Courses (12 hours)
NURS 6311 - Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management I
6credit hours
Emphasizes concepts, techniques, and knowledge necessary to conduct accurate mental health assessments. Data collection, including the principles of general health screening, psychiatric history taking, mental status examination, diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5, and therapeutic interviewing utilized.
NURS 6312 - Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management II
6credit hours
Focuses on deepening and expanding the knowledge of fundamental elements related to the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships with clients in mental health settings. Emphasis placed on the application of theory to clinical practice.
Practicum/Intensive (5 hours)
NURS 6313 - Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum
5credit hours
Focuses on identifying clinical problems and recognizing system implications. Students will use technology to identify clinical and research evidence and critically analyze the evidence for rigor and applicability to the clinical setting. Students write a culminating evidence-based review paper.
Withdrawal from a Course
Only two (2) instances of course withdrawal are permitted without consequences in the M.S.N. program. Withdrawal from one or more courses in any given semester is considered one (1) instance of withdrawal. Students with more than two (2) withdrawals from the M.S.N. program will not be readmitted to the program.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing is to provide
excellence in nursing education by preparing individuals to meet the dynamic and complex
health care needs of society. Through robust academic programs, the School of Nursing
demonstrates its commitment to the art and science of nursing. This mission is exemplified
in the preparation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the areas of Family Practice
(FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) at MTSU.
The graduate of an FNP program is prepared to care for individuals and families across
the lifespan. The FNP role includes preventative healthcare, as well as the assessment,
diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness and preventative health care
for individuals and families. Family nurse practitioners demonstrate a commitment
to family-centered care and understand the relevance of the family's identified community
in the delivery of family-centered care (NONPF, 2013). Graduates of the MTSU FNP program
are prepared to sit for national certification as FNPs.
The graduate of a PMHNP program is prepared to care for individuals and families across
the lifespan who are at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric
disorders or mental health problems. The PHMNP provides primary mental health care
to patients seeking mental health services in a wide range of settings. This includes
assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health and psychiatric disorders (NONPF,
2013). Graduates of the MTSU PMHNP and the PMHNP-PMC are prepared to sit for national
certification as PMHNPs.
Specific content and competencies must be addressed as part of your NP education.
These areas are interrelated. Additionally, students at MTSU must meet program outcomes
that are based on The Essentials of Master's Education.
- Program Outcome 1: Demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge from nursing and related disciplines
as the basis for clinical judgment and nursing practice to improve care delivery and
health outcomes across populations.
- Program Outcome 2: Apply knowledge of organizational and leadership theories within the systems of healthcare
using ethical principles to improve outcomes, manage risks, and provide cost-effective
care.
- Program Outcome 3: Engage in self-reflection that fosters personal well-being, commitment to lifelong
learning, nursing expertise, and leadership.
- Program Outcome 4: Utilize principles of safety science and quality to improve care delivery, and to
create a culture of patient, provider, and workplace safety.
- Program Outcome 5: Generate, synthesize, translate, apply, and disseminate knowledge to improve health
outcomes, resolve practice problems, and transform health care.
- Program Outcome 6: Use appropriate technologies to enhance health care services and improve health outcomes.
- Program Outcome 7: Develop and promote a professional identity that reflects nursing characteristics,
norms, and values while adhering to ethical principles to carry out professional responsibilities.
- Program Outcome 8: Collaborate effectively across professions, with patients and families, and within
communities to enhance care, improve outcomes, and reduce costs.
- Program Outcome 9: Identify and engage partners at local, community, regional, and global levels to support
and improve population health outcomes consistent with epidemiologic, genetic, and
genomic data to design evidence-based approaches.
- Program Outcome 10: Provide person-centered evidence-based holistic care through continuous evaluation
of interventions to improve care delivery and health care outcomes.
Additional Information
The master’s degree program in nursing at Middle Tennessee State University is accredited
by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
All programs are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. | 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor | Nashville, TN 37243
