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.”
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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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
- February 1 — for Summer 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, M.S.N.
Jenny Sauls, Director
(615) 904-8488
MSNadvisor@mtsu.edu
Academic Advisor for MSN Program
(615) 898-5252
MSNadvisor@mtsu.edu
The School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) in a hybrid format that includes one concentration: Advanced Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner. 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, February 1 for summer admission, and April 1 for fall admission.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php);
- 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 47 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.
Curriculum: Nursing, Advanced Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.
Core (15 hours)
NURS 6000 - Theoretical Foundations of Evidence Based Practice
3credit hours
Prerequisite or corequisite: NURS 6002; admission to the MTSU MSN program. Provides the theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice. Focuses on the critical components of contemporary nursing knowledge; explores the nature of theory development in nursing; examines relevance of concepts from basic and applied sciences; analysis and evaluation of nursing and related theories; and relevance of theory in terms of impact on professional nursing practice, individuals, families, and groups as clients in health care systems. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6001 - Healthcare Policy
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MTSU MSN program. Designed to further knowledge in health care policy and how its use impacts the health care delivery system. Within this context students will read about and discuss aspects of health care delivery, access and equity of the health care system, health disparities and how they impact delivery and policy, and how advanced practice nursing can impact health policy. Intended for master level students in the health care arena. Offered spring, summer and fall semesters.
NURS 6002 - Advanced Nursing Research
3credit hours
Prerequisite or corequisite: NURS 6000; admission to the MTSU MSN program. Involves the systematic examination and application of the research process. Concept of evidenced-based practice and its application to nursing critically examined. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6003 - Advanced Role Development
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission into MTSU MSN program. Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the legal, historical, political, social, and ethical aspects of advanced nursing. Examines traditional and emerging roles for advanced nursing. Offered spring, summer and fall semesters.
NURS 6990 - Scholarly Synthesis
3credit hours
Pre- or corequisite: All MTSU MSN nursing courses; NURS 6209 or NURS 6309 or NURS 6410 or NURS 6609. A culminating experience which provides the opportunity to synthesize current knowledge in the major or concentration area of study. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters. To be taken the last semester of study or by permission from the department. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Concentration Courses (10 hours)
NURS 6101 - Advanced Health Assessment
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MTSU MSN program. Corequisite: NURS 6102. Offers preparation to the advanced practice nurse to conduct focused and comprehensive health assessments of clients across the lifespan. Process of diagnostic reasoning emphasized as the primary means of collecting and analyzing data obtained from the client history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6102 - Advanced Health Assessment Clinical
1credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MTSU MSN program. Corequisite: NURS 6101. Emphasizes the application of advanced assessment techniques in performance of focused and comprehensive health assessments of clients across the lifespan. Clinical analysis and synthesis of physical assessment data and diagnostic reasoning skills developed. Expect to devote approximately 4 hours each week to assignments and activities. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
*(NURS 6102 - 60 contact hours which do not count in certification eligibility requirements)
NURS 6103 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3credit hours
Explores an in-depth scientific knowledge base relevant to selected pathophysiological states confronted by advanced practice nurses. Provides a basis for the foundation of clinical decisions related to selected diagnostic tests and the initiation of therapeutic regimens. Pathophysiology across the lifespan correlated to clinical diagnoses and management. Offered spring, summer, and fall.
NURS 6104 - 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 (17 hours)
NURS 6601 - FNP I Women's Health
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the MTSU MSN program; NURS 6000, NURS 6002, NURS 6003, NURS 6101, NURS 6102, NURS 6103, NURS 6104; corequisite: NURS 6602. Focuses on advanced practice nursing and health care management of women in diverse populations. Includes biopsychosocial interactions, affecting women throughout the lifespan. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6602 - FNP I Women's Health Clinical
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the MTSU MSN program; NURS 6000, NURS 6002, NURS 6003, NURS 6101, NURS 6102, NURS 6103, NURS 6104; corequisite: NURS 6601. Focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to women. Various clinical settings with diverse populations may be employed for clinical practice. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6603 - FNP II Adult Health
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the MTSU MSN program; NURS 6000, NURS 6002, NURS 6003, NURS 6101, NURS 6102, NURS 6103, NURS 6104; corequisite: NURS 6604. Focuses on advanced practice nursing and healthcare management of adults and older adults in diverse populations. Includes developmental, physiological, pathological, and psychosocial changes relative to health maintenance, acute and chronic illnesses, and life transitions. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6604 - FNP II Adult Health Clinical
4credit hours
Prerequisites: NURS 6000, NURS 6002, NURS 6003, NURS 6101, NURS 6102, NURS 6103, NURS 6104; corequisite: NURS 6603. Focuses on advanced practice nursing and healthcare management of adults and older adults in diverse populations. Includes developmental, physiological, pathological, and psychosocial changes relative to health maintenance, acute and chronic illnesses and life transitions. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6605 - FNP III Pediatrics
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the MTSU MSN program; NURS 6000, NURS 6002, NURS 6003, NURS 6101, NURS 6102, NURS 6103, and NURS 6104; corequisite: NURS 6606. Focuses on advanced nursing and healthcare management of children and adolescents. Includes developmental, physiological, pathological, and psychosocial changes relative to health maintenance, acute and chronic illnesses, and developmental transitions within the family context. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
NURS 6606 - FNP III Pediatrics Clinical
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the MTSU MSN program; NURS 6000, NURS 6002, NURS 6003, NURS 6101, NURS 6102, NURS 6103, NURS 6104; corequisite: NURS 6605. Focuses on advanced nursing and healthcare management of children and adolescents. Includes developmental, physiological, pathological, and psychosocial changes relative to health maintenance, acute and chronic illnesses, and developmental transitions within the family context. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Practicum (5 hours)
NURS 6609 - FNP Practicum
4 to 5 credit hours
(5 credit credit hours required)(5 credit hours required)
dotslash:(5 credit hours required)
title:(5 credit credit hours required)
(5 credit hours required)
NURS 6609 - FNP Practicum
4 to 5credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the MTSU MSN program; NURS 6000, NURS 6001, NURS 6002, NURS 6003, NURS 6601, NURS 6602, NURS 6603, NURS 6604, NURS 6605, NURS 6606; corequisite: NURS 6990. Focuses on the synthesis of previously gained knowledge and skills in the provision of advanced nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. Emphasis placed on health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical management of clients with common acute and chronic illnesses. Offered spring, summer, and fall semesters.
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.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is currently offering the Family Nurse
Practitioner (FNP) track. Family nurse practitioners provide primary care for individuals
across the lifespan, and many provide care to indigent and uninsured populations.
Our MSN graduates are providing primary care in middle Tennessee and across the country.
Overall Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Master's program, graduates will:
- Synthesize nursing knowledge into evidence based practice
- Integrate specialized knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines
into advanced nursing roles
- Use research to validate and refine knowledge relevant to advanced nursing roles.
- Practice advanced nursing roles in collaborative relationships across disciplines
and in partnerships with communities.
- Manage the health care of clients within current legal, ethical, and professional
standards.
- Improve the health of clients among diverse population groups.
- Promote positive changes in healthcare delivery, health policies and nursing practice.
Additional Information
The master's degree program in nursing at Middle Tennessee State University is accredited
by the
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
www.acenursing.org
The master's degree program in nursing at Middle Tennessee State University
is accredited by the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street NW
Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791
(http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)
All programs are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. | 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor | Nashville, TN 37243
