Austin Peay State University Nursing School Review
Austin Peay State University (APSU) was founded in 1927 as a training school for teachers. It quickly expanded, adding additional undergraduate programs and branching out into graduate education. In 1972, it added its first nursing program. Now, APSU offers nursing programs for undergraduates and graduate students. The School of Nursing, which is part of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, has accreditation for its programs from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approval from the Tennessee Department of Health, Board of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The School of Nursing accepts students for its pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in their second semester of their second year. Students must spend the first year and a half (three semesters) as pre-nursing students, completing general education requirements and nursing prerequisites. Once enrolled in the pre-licensure BSN program, students complete a five-semester nursing curriculum. This prepares them for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Austin Peay State University does not allow students on the pre-licensure track to study part-time.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN
A Registered Nurse (RN) who holds an associate degree or a diploma can complete a full BSN degree online through APSU’s RN to BSN program (also called the BSN completion track). Studying on a full-time basis, an RN needs three semesters to complete the nursing coursework. The RN also has the option of studying part-time. In addition to nursing coursework, a student on the RN to BSN track must complete any missing prerequisites and general education courses. If she needs to complete any of these courses, the program will take longer than three semesters. The RN to BSN program does include clinical rotations, but these can be scheduled at a time and location convenient for the student. The nursing course sequence begins in the summer.
Master of Science in Nursing
APSU cooperates with five other schools (East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Tennessee State University, and the University of Memphis) to offer the Regents Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. In order to be eligible for the MSN program, an RN must hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably a BSN degree. This program, in order to accommodate working RNs, is offered online. The length of the program is very flexible; a student can complete it at his own pace. He can choose among the following specializations:
Nurse Educator
The nurse educator track requires thirty-nine credit hours, and includes a six-credit teaching practicum.
Nursing Administration
A student on the nursing administration track must earn thirty-four credits total. The curriculum includes a four-credit administration practicum.
Nursing Informatics
In order to complete the nursing informatics track of the MSN program, a student must earn thirty-eight credits in total. This includes a four-credit practicum.
Family Nurse Practitioner
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) track of the MSN program is the most intense track, requiring forty-six credits in total. Students on this track must complete four different clinical rotations and a practicum.
Master of Science in Nursing – Bridge Option
While the MSN program is designed for RNs who hold a BSN degree, RNs who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can apply to the bridge option. Through the bridge option, they will take several undergraduate nursing courses before transitioning into the MSN track of their choosing.
Post-master’s Certification – Family Nurse Practitioner
A master’s-prepared nurse who wishes to become an FNP can complete the post-master’s certification program. Students in this program need to earn twenty-three credits total. They take classes in the FNP area of specialization, but are not required to complete the core graduate nursing courses. Three clinical rotations and a practicum are included in the curriculum.
Contact:
Austin Peay State University
601 College Street,
Clarksville, TN 37044
