Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program Overview
Degree:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is for baccalaureate-prepared nurses. In keeping with the standards for graduate education for advanced practice nursing delineated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in the Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nurses, the purpose of the MSN program is to prepare students to assume leadership roles in their particular specialization. Master’s-level nursing education is the appropriate level of education for nursing professionals who are seeking roles that require advanced practice skills in order to function as providers and organizers of the health care delivery process. Students must complete one of the specializations listed in the University catalog.
Degree Requirements
To receive a Master of Science in Nursing degree, students must complete 87-89 quarter units of graduate credit. A maximum 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be transferred to meet program requirements. Refer to the General Catalog section on graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding admission and evaluation. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must maintain a B (84%) in all core and specialization courses.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
FNP and PMHNP Area of Specializations carry additional program fees. See General Information section of catalog for course fees.
CORE Requirements
6 Courses
Advanced Practice Nursing
4.5 Quarter Units
This course explores the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse within a changing health care environment, focusing on role theory and role development related to advanced practice. Leadership skills are developed for independent practice and collaboration within multidisciplinary professional and organizational frameworks.
Theory in Advanced Practice
4.5 Quarter Units
This course develops critical thinking skills to support advancement of nursing knowledge through theory development, analysis, and application of advanced nursing practice in diverse settings. Students explore the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing practice and develop skill in analysis of nursing and related theories.
Biomedical Statistics
4.5 Quarter Units
This course explores fundamental concepts and methods of statistics as applied to health related fields. The topics of this course include: introduction to basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics as they apply to health research; basic and intermediate concepts for testing, statistical hypotheses, construction and interpretation of confidence intervals; applying selected parametric and nonparametric techniques; regression and multiple regression; analysis of covariance, multivariate ANOVA, and related multivariate analyses. Computer software will be used to illustrate statistical procedures.
Health Policy & Finance
4.5 Quarter Units
Addresses the acquisition of knowledge and skills to promote health, help shape the health delivery system, and advance values through policy processes and advocacy. The intricacies of the organization and financing of healthcare delivery systems and the effect of health policies on healthcare delivery are the foci.
EBP for Advanced NSG Practice
4.5 Quarter Units
Exploration of types and quality of evidence used to support nursing practice. Study of research designs, measurement tools, and other methods for the safe application of evidence to development of improved care and care systems are emphasized. Identification of an evidence-based scholarly question pertinent to advanced practice nursing.
QI & Project Management
4.5 Quarter Units
Centers on identifying and developing the skills needed by leaders in today’s healthcare arena. Students will employ the concept of leadership in the four key domains of advanced practice: clinical practice environments, the nursing profession, at the systems level, and in the health policy arena.
Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner
Academic Program Director: Mary McHugh; [email protected], Susan Drummond; [email protected]
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization will prepare advanced practice nurses to manage the care of individuals and families across the lifespan. The FNP program is designed for nurses who hold a Baccalaureate Degree in nursing (BSN) who wish to advance their knowledge, education and skills to practice in an Advanced Practice role as an FNP. Graduates are eligible to sit for the FNP national certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The Program emphasis is to foster the FNP’s abilities to critically think; make differential diagnoses; use evidence-based findings to improve healthcare outcomes; and be accountable for the provision of healthcare to diverse individuals and families in the areas of health promotion, disease prevention, management of acute and chronic health conditions and primary care. The FNP provides clinical management of primary care conditions in a variety of clinics and community-based settings
Preparation for FNP Specialization
3 Courses
Advanced Physical Assessment
4.5 Quarter Units
Presents information expanding the student’s knowledge base related to current health patterns across the lifespan. Faculty will facilitate the students’ acquisition of advanced skills in collecting subjective data and performing an adult physical and mental status examination. Students interpret data acquired through assessment and results of diagnostic studies.
Advanced Pharmacology I
4.5 Quarter Units
This course develops critical thinking skills to support advancement of nursing knowledge through theory development, analysis, and application of advanced nursing practice in diverse settings. Students explore the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing practice and develop skill in analysis of nursing and related theories.
Advanced Pathophysiology
4.5 Quarter Units
Provides pathophysiological principles and concepts essential for performing advanced clinical assessments, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic decision-making. Describes disordered physiology and clinical consequences of common disease processes. Analyses of the biophysical rationale are used during seminar, problem-solving exercises and case studies to recognize the pathophysiologic bases of clinical findings.
Specialization Requirements
9 Courses
Students must pass all Preparation for FNP Specialization courses before beginning any specialization courses
Diversity Issues in APN
4.5 Quarter Units
Provides a knowledge base for applying, analyzing and evaluating the culturally competent provision of patient-centered care. Diversity in the global healthcare delivery systems is addressed. Allows the graduate nursing students to explore various models and theories which guide the development of culturally competent nursing practice.
Advanced Pharmacology II
4.5 Quarter Units
Second course of a two course series. Within each class of therapeutic drugs, the course examines clinical application, drug actions, interactions, reactions, and contraindications. The course will also include principles of prescribing and patient compliance.
Primary Care of Adult and Aged
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: FNP 683C
Development of clinical decision-making skills. Focus is the delivery of comprehensive health care, including health promotion, health maintenance, and the diagnosis and treatment of common acute and chronic illnesses. Assigned readings, lectures, class discussion, and case studies are used as well as supervised practicum in multicultural practice settings. FNP 683A and FNP 683C must be taken concurrently and both completed satisfactorily to progress.
Care of Adult & Aged Practicum
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: FNP 683A
Application of theoretical knowledge in supervised clinical settings in the practice of caring for the adult and aged. The role of the family nurse practitioner in health promotion and disease prevention is emphasized. Required 180 preceptored/field experience clinical hours. FNP 683A and FNP 683C must be taken concurrently. Grading is S/U only.
Primary Care-Women & Children
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: FNP 684C
Focus on methods of health promotion/disease prevention, and assessment and management of common health problems in infants, toddlers, school age children, adolescents, and women from menarche through to the climacteric. FNP 684A and FNP 684C must be taken concurrently and both completed satisfactorily to progress.
Women and Children Practicum
6.0 Quarter Units
Corequisite: FNP 684A
Application of theoretical knowledge in supervised clinical settings in the practice of caring for women and children. The role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in health promotion and disease prevention is emphasized. Required 180 preceptored/field experience clinical hours. FNP 684A and FNP 684C must be taken concurrently. Grading is S/U only.
FNP Residency
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: FNP 685C
Prepare students to perform the advanced practice roles of manager, clinician, educator, researcher and consultant in the provision of primary care services across the lifespan to under-served populations. FNP 685A and FNP 685C must be taken concurrently and both completed satisfactorily to progress.
FNP Residency Practicum
8.0 Quarter Units
Corequisite: FNP 685A
Concentrated residency experience in which the student will critically and accurately assess, plan intervene and evaluate nursing experiences related to the care of individuals, aggregates, and nursing systems. Required 240 preceptored/field experience clinical hours. FNP 685A and FNP 685C must be taken concurrently. Grading is S/U only.
FNP Capstone
4.5 Quarter Units
Students demonstrate integration of knowledge from the core, core clinical, and clinical coursework in the MSN-FNP Program. The compilation and interpretation of information from previous courses is demonstrated in a scholarly paper and successfully passing an exam which mirrors the national board certification examination for Family Nurse Practitioners.
Specialization in Psychiatric – Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Lifespan
Academic Program Director: Susan Drummond; [email protected]
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse practitioner- Lifespan (PMHNP) is registered nurse prepared at the master’s degree level and specializes in primary mental health care for individuals, groups and populations across the lifespan. The PMHNP Program is designed for nurses who hold a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN), who wish to advance their knowledge, education and skills to practice in an advanced practice role as a PMHNP. This advanced practice nurse maintains a critical role in the health care team and ensures collaboration and the provision of safe, effective, coordinated care. As an independent member of the health care team, and in partnership with patients, the PMHNP provides a variety of evidence-based services and therapies. The PMHNP assesses, makes diagnoses and plans care for complex psychiatric and concomitant medical issues, including the prescription and management of psychopharmacologic agents. The PMHNP advocates for patients and their families within a recovery and trauma-informed paradigm. The PMHNP ensures that patients and their families are engaged and actively participate in their behavioral health (mental health and substance use) care as they respond to the illness experience. The PMHNP continuously enhances their care through quality improvement and safety efforts and influences policy at the local, regional and national levels. The PMHNP melds the art and science of professional nursing and skillfully manages the acute and enduring issues posed by people with behavioral health issues across the lifespan. Graduates of this PMHNP Program are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Lifespan competency-based examination or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification examination.
Admission Requirements
Students applying for the PMHNP area of specialization must be accepted to the MSN program.
NOTE: Additional course fees apply. Course fees can be referenced in the general information section of this catalog.
Preparation for PMHNP Specialization Courses
3 Course
Advanced Pharmacology I
4.5 Quarter Units
This course develops critical thinking skills to support advancement of nursing knowledge through theory development, analysis, and application of advanced nursing practice in diverse settings. Students explore the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing practice and develop skill in analysis of nursing and related theories.
Advanced Physical Assessment
6.0 Quarter Units
Presents information expanding the student’s knowledge base related to current health patterns across the lifespan. Faculty will facilitate the students’ acquisition of advanced skills in collecting subjective data and performing an adult physical and mental status examination. Students interpret data acquired through assessment and results of diagnostic studies.
Advanced Pathophysiology
4.5 Quarter Units
Provides pathophysiological principles and concepts essential for performing advanced clinical assessments, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic decision-making. Describes disordered physiology and clinical consequences of common disease processes. Analyses of the biophysical rationale are used during seminar, problem-solving exercises and case studies to recognize the pathophysiologic bases of clinical findings.
*Students have the option of taking the preparation for MNP specialization concurrently with the 6 MSN core courses.
Specialization Requirements
9 Course
Students must pass all Preparation for PMH
Diversity Issues in APN
4.5 Quarter Units
Provides a knowledge base for applying, analyzing and evaluating the culturally competent provision of patient-centered care. Diversity in the global healthcare delivery systems is addressed. Allows the graduate nursing students to explore various models and theories which guide the development of culturally competent nursing practice.
Psychopharmacology in MH Care
8.0 Quarter Units
Corequisite: FNP 685A
Advanced concepts in pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics for targeted symptoms in the management of various psychiatric disorders. Management of symptoms for various populations and risk-mitigation strategies are presented for clinical problems in primary mental health settings. Use of psychopharmacologic agents with medical comorbidities. Patient adherence strategies examined
MH Care: Adults/Aging Adults
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: MNP 694C
Evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and treatment/management approaches to various psychiatric symptoms and disorders are explored. Analyze concepts of neurophysiology and neuropathophysiology of adult/aging adults with psychiatric disorders. Examine the professional, policy and practice issues influencing the nurse practitioner’s role as a mental health provider for adult/aging adults with psychiatric disorders.
Adults/Aging Adults Practicum
8.0 Quarter Units
Corequisite: MNP 694
Facilitate practicum experience of the PMHNP student with adults/aging adults in mental health care settings. Accurately assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate the care of adults/aging adults with mental illness. Perform the advance practice role of manager, clinician, educator, researcher, and consultant in the provision of mental health services. Required 240 preceptored/field experience clinical hours Grading is S/U only.
MH Care: Children/Adolescents
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: MNP 687C
Evidence-based biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with mental illness and/or developmental disorders are explored. Facilitate the knowledge of professional, policy and practice issues influencing the nurse practitioner’s role as mental health provider of children and adolescents with mental illness and/or developmental disorders.
Children/Adoles Practicum
6.0 Quarter Units
Corequisite: MNP 687
Facilitate Practicum experience of the PMHNP student with children/adolescents in mental health care settings. Accurately assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate the care of children/adolescents with developmental, behavioral or psychiatric disorder. Perform the advance practice role of manager, clinician, educator, researcher, and consultant in the provision of mental health services. Required 180 preceptored/field experience clinical hours. Grading is S/U only.
Introduction to Psychotherapy
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: MNP 688C
Provides a comprehensive review of psychotherapy principles and treatment approaches commonly used in primary mental health care services. Explores ways of developing effective therapeutic relationships with an emphasis on therapeutic communication. Individual, group and family psychotherapy across the lifespan are analyzed. MNP688A and MNP688C are taken concurrently.
Intro Psychotherapy Practicum
4.0 Quarter Units
Corequisite: MNP 688A
Learner applies theories and principles of psychotherapy learned in MNP688A. Assesses motivation and readiness for treatment. Applies various theories of behavior patterns, belief systems, therapeutic relationship strategies based on evidence to reduce emotional stress, facilitate cognitive and behavior change, and foster growth. Required 120 preceptored/field experience clinical hours. MNP688A and MNP688C are taken concurrently. Grading is S/U only.
PMHNP Capstone
4.5 Quarter Units
Students demonstrate integration of knowledge from the core, core clinical and clinical coursework in the MSN-PMHNP Program. The compilation and interpretation of information from previous courses is demonstrated in a scholarly paper and successfully passing an exam which mirrors the national board certification examination for PMHNPs
Specializations
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization prepares advanced practice nurses to manage the care of individuals and families across a lifespan. The program develops your ability to think critically; make differential diagnoses; use evidence-based findings to improve healthcare outcomes; and provide diverse individuals and families with healthcare that includes health promotion, disease prevention, management of acute and chronic health conditions, and primary care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the FNP national certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Lifespan
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Lifespan (PMHNP) specialization prepares nursing professionals for advanced practice roles in providing primary mental healthcare to individuals, groups, and populations across a lifespan. As an independent member of the healthcare team, and in partnership with patients and their families, PMHNPs provide a variety of evidence-based services and therapies. They assess, diagnose, and plan care for complex psychiatric and concomitant medical issues, including the prescription and management of psychopharmacologic agents.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Registered Nurses
-
$93,353
avg. salary (USA) -
243,307
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Nursing
- Nursing Care
- Medication Administration
- Nursing Process
- Home Health Care
- Medical Records
- Nursing Practices
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- HCA Healthcare
- Sanford Health
- Hartford HealthCare
- Fresenius
- Albany Medical Center
- Ascension
- CHRISTUS Health
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Implement appropriate theories, models, frameworks, and concepts from nursing and non-nursing disciplines when designing interventions that influence healthcare outcomes for diverse populations in a variety of settings.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, to evaluate fiscally appropriate healthcare delivery systems that integrate research and clinical expertise to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care.
- Evaluate economic, policy, environmental, and social forces that impact nursing practice, health care delivery and quality of health care.
- Participate in the analysis, implementation and evaluation of strategies for improving nursing practice through the implementation of health information systems and technologies.
- Demonstrate a professional commitment to creating an environment of lifelong learning for patients, families, communities, and other healthcare practitioners.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Pricing
The cost shown is the estimated price for this degree. Many National University students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which may substantially lower a degree program’s cost.
You can visit our Tuition Estimator to see what scholarships and discounts are available and get more information about expected costs. You can also start the application process and receive counseling from our Enrollment team on the costs of your degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization, and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization programs at National University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization programs at National University are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
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Our network of 245,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Yes, an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) is a higher level degree than an RN (Registered Nurse). An RN is a licensed nurse who has completed a diploma program, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing, while an MSN is a graduate-level degree that prepares nurses for advanced roles in the field of nursing.
What degree you earn depends on your career aspirations. A BSN is typically considered the minimum requirement for many nursing positions, while an MSN provides advanced education and training for nurses seeking higher-level roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator. Ultimately, the decision of which degree to pursue depends on your career goals.
No, an MSN is not the same as an NP. An MSN is a graduate-level degree program that provides advanced education and training in a variety of areas, while an NP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed specialized training and holds a master’s or doctoral degree.
An MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) is a graduate-level degree program that prepares nurses for advanced practice roles, leadership positions, and research opportunities. It typically includes specialized coursework and clinical training in areas such as nursing education, administration, informatics, and advanced practice nursing. An MS (Master of Science) in nursing, on the other hand, provides students with an in-depth understanding of the nursing profession and helps them prepare for a variety of nursing roles.
- Monthly online meetings
- Minimal on-campus requirements
- Degree can be completed in as little as 12-18 months*
- 12-week courses
- Specializations include Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Board certification review course for nurse practitioner specialties
- Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificates available to students who already hold an MSN
*For post-BSN students, the program time to completion is 19 months; for incoming transfer students from another institution, program length depends on the program credits accepted.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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