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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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!
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 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
