Alabama MSN Programs
Auburn University: RN to MSN Program Review
Auburn University, 226 Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849
Auburn University (Auburn) was first established in 1856. It has been listed as one of the top 50 public universities for 17 years and is rated as 82nd among public and private universities in the US by US News and World Report. Auburn’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) jointly with Auburn University Montgomery. The AU/AUM Joint MSN Program offers a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program.
Most courses are offered online with one or two campus visits required each semester. Completing the program requires three semesters of full-time study. Applications to both the Auburn University Graduate School and the Auburn School of Nursing must be submitted. Two courses are taught at Troy University as well. Registered nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and unencumbered license may apply. GPA requirements may be bypassed if room allows probationary students to be accepted. GRE scores, three reference letters, a current resume, and a goal statement essay are required. A recent statistics course, CPR certification, immunizations, and malpractice insurance are also needed.
Nursing students in the masters program have an opportunity to take the Study Abroad – SPAIN program. They can earn 6 credits while learning about healthcare and healthcare administration in Spain. Two other MSN programs are currently being developed at the Auburn School of Nursing. They are Nurse Educator and Primary Care Practitioner. Nurses who are interested in a MSN track of Clinical Nurse Specialist: Adult Health should contact Dr. Anita All at the Auburn School of Nursing campus.
Part-time program curriculums may be developed for nurses who are not able to attend the masters program full-time. This is done on an individual basis with Dr. Anita C. All.
Numerous nursing scholarships are available, as well as state and federal financial aid for nurses seeking advanced training in Auburn’s MSN program.
Jacksonville State University: RN to MSN Review
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, Alabama 36265-1602
In 1883, Jacksonville State University (JSU) was established as a normal school. Located Jacksonville in northeast Alabama, the University has over 200 international students. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and post-Masters certificate program are offered at JSU with a focus on Community Health Nursing. Students are prepared to serve the community through program development in response to current community needs. Health promotion and prevention are emphasized with a focus on underserved members of communities such as women and children.
Applicants must apply to the JSU College of Graduate Studies by submitting official transcripts and scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) to Jacksonville State University, 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602. BSN prepared nurses must have current, unencumbered licenses in the US, three professional recommendations, a written statement of goals, expectations, and interests in graduate study.
A nurse may choose to complete the program of 38 credits on a full-time or part-time basis. Jacksonville State University is affiliated with Troy University (Troy), and students must complete four online courses from this college in online format. Each student’s community health clinical experience is customized and completed in unique healthcare settings that coordinate with and support career goals. Graduates are prepared to work in many aspects of community health. Full-time students complete the MSN program in four semesters. Graduates may pursue national certification as an Advanced Public Health Nurse.
Qualified students may apply for many different nursing scholarships, and federal financial aid is available to students. This MSN program is unique in the fact that students are able to define their community of interest and individualize their masters degree in nursing program.
Samford University: RN to MSN Program Review
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
Samford University, located in Birmingham is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention. It was established in 1841, and today it is rated 104 out of 191 by US News and World Reports top-tier doctoral universities. Samford’s Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing online graduate programs have also been highly rated. A variety of programs that lead to masters degrees in nursing are available at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) nurses to take the national certification exam after completing the masters program. Graduates are qualified to provide primary care to patients and family members of all ages. Only a few campus visits are necessary to complete this 42 credit online course that takes from 18 to 24 months to finish. Students also complete 720 clinical hours in many different healthcare settings.
Samford also offers a MSN Nurse Anesthesia program that requires 28 months of full-time study before taking the national certification program. Experienced Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists with a BSN and two years’ experience may complete their MSN by applying to the BSN to MSN option. It takes one year to complete the online program and little on-campus attendance. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on grade point average of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, recommendation letters, personal interview, and work experience.
The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing also offers a Nurse Educator online MSN program that prepares graduates to take the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam. This program was established to meet the needs of the severe nurse educator crisis in the nation. As an incentive to enter this program, nurses entering the program can have 85 percent of the total borrowed for tuition forgiven by teaching for four years full-time in a school of nursing. Although on-campus visits are rarely required, students beginning the program must attend a three-day orientation on campus at 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham Alabama.
Another track in Samford’s masters degree in nursing program is in Nurse Management. Students are trained for entry and mid-level management programs in various healthcare facilities. This online program takes five semesters to complete, and practicum experiences are arranged close to students’ homes.
Registered Nurses with an associate degree or diploma may enter the RN to MSN program at Samford University and earn their masters degree while bypassing their bachelors degree. In seven semesters or two years, the program can be completed online. It is the only program in Alabama that offers an online RN to MSN program that does not include a bachelors degree. All tracks in the masters degree in nursing program are available except for nurse anesthesia. Students must complete five bridge courses over two semesters, and then they may begin the MSN core courses.
South University: RN to MSN Program Review
South University
5355 Vaughn Road
Montgomery, Alabama 36116-1120
South University was established in 1899 as a Practical Business College and today has locations in several states. South University Nursing College, located at 5355 Vaughn Road in Montgomery offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and a masters degree in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. Students complete six core courses and then those needed for their specialty of FNP. The 62 credit program prepares graduates to provide primary care to the entire family across the lifespan. Students complete practicums in Adult and Geriatrics, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, and Primary Care, ending the program with a graduate project. Students may live on campus while enrolled in the program.
The Novi, Michigan campus of South University, located at 41555 Twelve Mile Road also offers a FNP program, as does the campus located at 709 Mall Boulevard in Savannah, Georgia. South University also offers the FNP program at 4401 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida and at the University Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida. All of the FNP program are the same and require 62 credits to complete. An online option for the FNP masters program is also available and is discussed below.
The Savannah, Georgia and Tampa, Florida campuses of South University also offer MSN programs in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. The Adult Health Nurse Practitioner program consists of 56 credits that are completed before taking the national certification exam. Students specialize in disease prevention, risk reduction, health promotion, and are able to provide primary care to adults of all ages. After completing the masters degree core courses, 32 credits are necessary for this specialty. Students complete practicums in a variety of adult healthcare categories, including Women’s Health and more and ending the program with a graduate project in nursing.
The Nurse Educator masters program that is offered in Savannah and in Tampa consists of 48 credits to prepare nurses to instruct and train future nurses. After the MSN core courses are completed, 24 credits are required for this specialty. Students prepare to teach undergraduate level nursing students and complete this program with a graduate project after all practicums are completed.
South University also has several MSN online options available, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Practitioner in either Family Health or Adult Health, Accelerated RN to MSN, and Master of Science in Nursing programs. Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Informatics are also available online at South University.
The online Nurse Practitioner (NP) program allows BSN trained nurses to pursue a masters degree specializing in Adult Health or Family Health. Those without a bachelors degree may qualify for the accelerated RN to MSN online program that is discussed later in this article. Students in the Adult Health NP program complete three practicum courses and are trained to provide primary care to adults of all ages. Family NPs learn to care for all members of families and complete four practicum courses. Admission requirements are a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, a statistics course, a current unencumbered RN license, three references, a goal statement, and resume. Provisional status is not available for NP specialty tracks.
BSN trained nurses may also opt to complete a non-NP program online, including the Nurse Educator specialization in about 18 months. This program prepares nurses to train undergraduate students for a career in nursing. The Nurse Informatics masters program prepares nurses to use operational data systems and to train healthcare professionals in their use. Another specialty, the Nurse Administrator specialization trains Registered Nurses in policy and financial decisions and other management skills. Applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a statistics course and undergraduate nursing research course, official transcripts, and a current unencumbered RN license. Three references, a goal statement, and resume are also required. Provisional admission is granted to those with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 or for completion of the statistics or nursing research requirement. A GPA of 3.0 must be earned on these two courses, or the student is dismissed from the program.
Registered Nurses without a BSN may apply for the Accelerated RN to MSN online program at South University. Both a BSN and MSN are awarded after the entire program is completed. Three specialties are available, including Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Nursing Informatics. To be admitted to the program, nurses must have an associate degree or diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A current unencumbered RN license is also required, along with three references, a goal statement essay, and a resume. Before continuing to the MSN courses, students must have a GPA of 2.75 or better on bachelor’s degree courses and complete a statistics course with at least a B.
South University is unique in the fact that it offers a variety of online and on-campus MSN programs. Nursing scholarships and federal financial aid are available for students.
Spring Hill College: RN to MSN Program Review
Spring Hill College
4000 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36608
Spring Hill College is a liberal arts college that was established in 1830, and it is located in Mobile, Alabama. It is operated by the Jesuits and is the oldest Catholic college in the South. It was rated 14th among the best colleges in the South that offer bachelors and masters degrees by US News and World Report. A Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a combination of online courses, visits to the Spring Hill campus, and completion of clinical experience in a student’s local community and work setting.
The CNL is the latest nurse role developed by the American Association of College of Nursing. CNLs are generalist clinicians with a masters degree who serve as a resource for the nursing team. The clinical nurse leader implements programs that bring the latest innovations in care delivery to patients. Admission to the program is open to BSN trained Registered Nurses, and it is a competitive program. Nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing with at least one year’s experience may also qualify. Applicants must be currently licensed Registered Nurses in the state that they practice nursing and must work in a clinical setting or have access to a healthcare facility for clinical integration and research. Also required are three references, employment verification, resume, and a statement of intent that should all be sent to the college at 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608.
Another entry option to the program is for the RN with Non-Nursing Baccalaureate who is admitted as a non-degree graduate student to complete the five RN to MSN nursing bridge courses. After that, graduate degree courses are pursued to complete the masters degree. In addition, the RN with Masters Degree in Nursing program offers unconditional admission to students with a GPA of 3.0 who meet the other requirements. Graduates receive a Post-Master’s Certificate after completing the program. The RN with Associate Degree/Diploma to MSN Program allows nurses to complete the general education requirements and five RN to MSN nursing bridge courses before beginning the MSN program.
Unconditional admission is grated to applicants who meet the general admission requirements and have a 3.0 GPA. Those who do not meet the requirements may be offered conditional admission if they have a GPA of at least 2.75. A GPA of 3.0 must be earned after six hours of coursework are completed.
Financial aid for tuition is available through scholarships and federal financial aid.
The University of Alabama: RN to MSN Program Review
The University of Alabama
Box 870358
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0358
The University of Alabama (UA) is part of the University of Alabama System located in Tuscaloosa. Established in 1831, it has been rated in the top 50 public universities in the US by US News and World Report many times and UA has had the highest ranking of a university in the state by this source. The Capstone College of Nursing is known for its leading edge technology, such as its high-fidelity simulators and also for its flexible full-time and part-time options for nurses. Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science (MSN) programs include Case Management, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nurse Educator Specialization. Students have the option of attending full-time or part-time, and all nursing courses are taught online.
The Rural Case Management masters degree in nursing program focuses on handling case management and healthcare administration. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepared Registered Nurses with current licensure and grade point averages (GPA) of 3.0 or better qualify for the program. Conditional admission is sometimes granted to applicants with lower than expected GPA or GRE or MAT scores. A GPA of 3.0 in the MSN courses is required to qualify for graduation. Three semesters are required for full-time study plus the completion of 36 to 39 credits. Part-time studies take six semesters for completion.
Another MSN program at UA is Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). CNLs oversee care coordination of a group of patients and put evidence-based practice into action. Admission and graduation requirements are the same as those for the Rural Case Management MSN program. One year of full-time studies or two or more years of part-time study are required to complete the program. The Dual Degree MSN/MA in Management is also offered at the Capstone College of Nursing and the Manderson Graduate School of Business. Students take advanced nursing courses as well as health care management courses and must be admitted to both programs. Two years of full-time study are necessary to finish this program.
A nurse who has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and wants to become a Nurse Educator may complete both a masters and doctorate degree in the MSN/EdD or EdD for Nurse Educators program. It takes three or three and one-half years of full-time study to complete the two degrees. Graduates are prepared to teach undergraduate level nursing students.
The University of Alabama offers many different types of financial aid for MSN students, including federal government assistance, state nursing scholarships, scholarships from the University, from the Capstone College of Nursing, and from many other public and private institutions.
University of Alabama at Birmingham: RN to BSN Program Review
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0113
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of three universities in the University of Alabama System. Established in 1936, it is known for its medical research center that is one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States known as UAB Hospital. UABs School of Nursing was founded in the 1950s and is part of the academic health center that is known around the world. US News and World Report lists it among the top 5 percent of nursing schools in the US.
A Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers four focal areas, including nurse practitioner in acute care or primary care, nursing education, nursing informatics, and nursing and health systems management. BSN prepared nurses with a 3.0 grade point average who have satisfactory GRE, GMAT or MAT exam scores and three reference letters may qualify for the program. Applicants may apply for a waiver for the graduate level entrance exams. Nurses with a MSN may earn a second masters degree or post-MSN certificate. Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks available are the following:
NP Neonatal Care
NP Pediatric Primary Care
Dual Option NP Pediatric Acute and Primary Care
NP Adult Primary Care
NP Adult/Women’s Health Primary Care
NP Adult with Secondary specialization in Occupational Health
NP Family Primary Care
NP Psychiatric-Mental Health Primary Care
NP Pediatric Acute and Continuing Care
NP Adult Acute and Continuing Care
NP Adult Acute and Continuing Care with Secondary specialization in RN First Assistant
Other MSN tracks include CRNA-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, MSN and Masters in Public Health (MPH) Coordinated Degree Program, Nursing and Health Systems Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Educator, Clinical Research Management, and Clinical Nurse Leader.
An Accelerated Masters in Nursing Pathway (AMNP) is another option for those with a bachelors degree in another field who want to enter nursing. After completing prerequisite courses, students complete their chosen MSN track that is completed in 12 months. Phase I of nursing courses that leads to licensure requires 40 hours of academic time each week. Phase II to complete the MSN takes four more semesters to finish. Admission requirements are the same as for BSN applicants.
The UAB School of Nursing also offers a Peace Corps Fellows Program to train those returning from service to become nurses. Students serve internships in underserved communities in the US. Up to two students are chosen as fellows each month and they receive scholarships. Applicants may apply for a second bachelor’s degree or to the Accelerated Masters in Nursing Pathway.
Programs are offered on a part-time or full-time basis with all core courses and selected specialty courses available via distance education. Clinical experiences are designed on an individual basis, and students must have a RN license in the state where they plan to complete clinical practice before enrolling in advanced practice courses. Priority admission is given to residents of Alabama and to those residing in Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
UABs School of Nursing offers 59 scholarship programs of $5.2 million annually. Some of these are grade based. Additional scholarships for nurses are available from the Army ROTC, the State of Alabama, and other sources. Traineeship grants are also available to masters students in primary care specialties, and federal financial aid is available. Applicants should apply online or write to The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0113.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville: RN to MSN Program Review
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35899
Known as UAHuntsville or UAH, The University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of the three members of the University of Alabama System. UAH was established in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama, and today nursing is the largest single major. The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing with five tracks in advanced nursing. These are Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Leadership in Health Care Systems.
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) masters of science in nursing program prepares nurses to serve as care providers, consultants, educators, researchers, and case managers. Graduates may sit for national certification as ACNP and as Adult Nurse Practitioner. Four semesters of study include 42 credits and 588 clinical hours to complete the program. Another MSN track offered at the University is Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, a program that prepares Registered Nurses to serve as expert clinicians and client advocates. Four semesters are required to finish 42 credits and 504 clinical hours.
The Clinical Nurse Leader track prepares nurses to oversee groups of patients and to work as a leader on a nursing team. Four semesters are required for this MSN track, consisting of 42 credits and 504 clinical hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares students to provide primary care to family members of all ages. The 42 hours and 588 clinical hours can be completed in four semesters. Nurses who want to work in administration and management in various healthcare settings have the option of completing the four semesters of 39 credits and 336 clinical hours required for this masters track.
Admission to the MSN program is competitive. Applicants must apply to the School of Graduate Studies plus to the College of Nursing. Interested nurses must have a grade point average of 3.0 in their bachelor’s degree in nursing coursework and acceptable scores on the GRE or MAT. Nurses with a 3.2 or higher on undergraduate work do not need to take these tests. Three recommendations, a statistics course, and current licensure in the state where clinical experience will take place are required.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville also offers a RN to MSN program of seven semesters that takes two and one-half years to complete. Bachelors degree courses are taken the first year, and a grade point average of 3.0 is necessary to progress to MSN courses. Currently licensed nurses with an associates degree who do not earn this grade point average are placed in the University’s RN to BSN program. Three recommendations and MAT score of 410 or GRE scores of 150 Verbal, 150 Quantitative, and 3.0 Analytical Writing are required.
Students have various options to pay for tuition, including nursing scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid.
Troy University: RN to MSN Program Review
Troy University
Troy, Alabama 36082
Troy University is located in Troy, Alabama and also has three other campuses in Alabama and in other locations in the United States and internationally. The University has an online program as well as classes taught on campuses. It was first established in 1887 as a normal school. Troy has received many positive rankings, including Best Grad School national rankings by US News & World Report.
Troy’s School of Nursing offers a Masters of Nursing (MSN) in three tracks, which are Informatics, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Family Nurse Practitioner. The masters program for nurses is offered online at the Montgomery, Phenix City, and Troy campuses as online courses. Nurses who already have a masters degree can receive certificates in these three tracks. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) trained Registered Nurses must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in nursing courses and a score of 396 or better on the Millers Analogy Test (MAT) or 850 on Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal and quantitative sections.
A health assessment course and two professional references are required, and the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track also requires at least one year’s experience as a RN. Conditional admission is sometimes granted to applicants with a 2.5 GPA or for lower than expected GRE or MAT scores. Conditionally admitted students must have a 3.0 GPA after completing 9 credits at Troy or be dropped from the program.
Students who choose the Clinical Nurse Specialist Track must also choose their clinical major, which can be either Adult Health Nursing or Maternal Infant Health Nursing. They must also choose a functional minor or either educator or administrator. Thirty-nine credits are need for completion of the program. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) masters degree track requires 47 credits, and in the nursing informatics specialist track, 34 credits must be completed.
MSN nurse applicants who want to complete a certificate must have two professional references and at least one year’s experience as a RN.
University of Mobile: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Mobile
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, Alabama 36613
The University of Mobile (UM) is a Christian university located in the city of Mobile at 5735 College Parkway. It was established in 1961 and has grown steadily since that time. UM is one of only four schools in the state and the only private university in the state listed as one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys.” Almost all students at the University receive some type of financial aid, and it is available for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the college. Nursing scholarships are also available.
The MSN program offered by The University of Mobile offers a major in Nursing Education/Administration. Convenient class times are arranged for students who need to continue working as they complete their masters degree. After finishing the program, graduates are qualified to work as either Nurse Administrators in leadership positions in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, or they may work as Nurse Educators, teaching in hospitals or college settings.
Applicants must be admitted to the graduate school, but admission does not guarantee that the nurse is automatically admitted to the masters degree in nursing program. BSN trained nurses with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and GRE score of at least 1500 or MAT score of 50th percentile or better are unconditionally admitted to the nursing program. Conditional admission may be granted to applicants with GPAs as low as 2.75 or MAT score of 35 or better or GRE score of 1300 or higher.
The masters program in nursing consists of 39 semester hours that end with a research project or thesis. A variety of scholarships are available for Registered Nurses who want to complete their MSN. There are also grants and federal financial aid available to students.
University of North Alabama: RN to MSN Program Review
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL 35632
The University of North Alabama (UNA) in the city of Florence is the state’s oldest four-year university. Established in 1830, UNA has some of the lowest tuition in the state and in the US. Nursing students pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing may qualify for nursing scholarships and federal financial aid, as well as grants and other tuition assistance.
The Master of Science in Nursing Online Program is entirely online. Qualified Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing may choose from two different tracks. These are Nursing in Teaching-Learning Environments or Nursing Leadership in Organizational Environments. The Leadership track prepares nurses to lead healthcare teams in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and students currently in management or executive positions are preferred. They learn about budgeting and economics, politics and legislation in healthcare, and leadership and management.
Students who choose the Teaching-Learning track are prepared to teach nursing students, healthcare colleagues, and patients in various settings. This program allows students to choose a clinical area of interest to focus on during the MSN coursework. These could be women’s health, adult health, pediatrics, or others. Each option includes two clinical courses, and clinical experiences can take place near the student’s home area. UNA works in partnership with Jacksonville State University, and some courses are taught through this university’s online nursing program. Both tracks consist of five semesters of full-time study, and both end with a capstone project.
Unconditional admission is granted to currently licensed Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. Scores of 1000 or better on the GRE or at least 410 on the MAT are required. One year’s work experience is required for the Teaching-Learning Environments track. Three references and a written goal statement are also required. Conditionally admitted students must have three years of full-time experience and may be required to take the GRE or MAT exam, and are admitted to the masters nursing program on an individual basis.
A RN to MSN program is also offered at the University of North Alabama. Both a bachelors in nursing degree and masters in nursing degree are awarded at the completion of this online program. Clinicals are arranged near the student’s home, and this program reduces the length of time needed for the masters degree by one semester or 9 credits. Students take the first 12 credits of undergraduate nursing courses at UNA and must have at least a 3.0 GPA in these.
University of South Alabama: RN to MSN Program Review
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002
The University of South Alabama (US), located in Mobile, is the only university on the upper Gulf Coast. It is one of the fastest growing universities in the state and has students from over 90 different countries. Graduate students at USA qualify to apply for university or national scholarships and federal student loans. The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with 13 specialty tracks in advanced nursing. The masters program is unique because it is flexible and innovative, not requiring GRE or MAT test scores or reference letters for admission to the nursing program. Courses are completed online with clinical experience in the student’s home community.
USA offers 13 tracks within the MSN program, including 8 Nurse Practitioner (NP) options. These include the following:
Adult-Gerontological Acute NP
Adult-Gerontological NP (Primary Care)
Advanced Emergency Nursing (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Dual Role) Family NP
Family Psychiatric NP
Neonatal NP
Pediatric Primary Care NP
Women’s Health NP
Five other options that are not NP programs are the following:
Nurse Educator
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Executive Nursing Administration
Public Health Nursing Administration
Nurse Educator
Nursing Informatics
There are several entry points to the MSN program, each with unique admission requirements. Those with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 and two years’ experience for NP tracks. Post-MSN certificates are offered as well as an Accelerated BSN/MSN for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field with a 3.0. MSN programs for nurses with associate degrees or diplomas, with or without a bachelor’s degree in another field are offered. Both a BSN and MSN can result from the RN to BSN/MSN program that includes four graduate level bridge courses.