Millersville University Nursing School Review
From its location in the middle of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Millersville University (founded in 1855) offers the attractions of a scenic, rural campus and, at the same time, the opportunities of a metropolitan area (It is only an hour from Baltimore and Philadelphia.) Over 8000 students are enrolled at this college, which is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The vast majority of the students (over 7000) are undergraduates.
Through the School of Science and Mathematics, both undergraduate and graduate students at Millersville University (MU) can pursue nursing education. The college’s nursing programs have accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Here is a review of the available programs:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN
Millersville University does not offer a traditional, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to students with no experience or education in the nursing field. However, a Registered Nurse (RN) who holds an associate degree or diploma in nursing may enroll in the RN to BSN program. In order to be eligible for the program, the RN must already have junior standing, which means that he must already have earned at least sixty credits. He will receive thirty credits for nursing coursework completed as part of the associate degree or diploma, so he must complete at least thirty more credits worth of general education classes (if he hasn’t already, as part of his previous education) in order to begin the RN to BSN program. Once enrolled, he will complete thirty-one credits of upper-level nursing courses in addition to any missing general education classes. In total, he needs 120 credits to earn the BSN degree. Some classes in the program are offered online; the rest are offered in a hybrid format (partly online and partly on-site). The classes are designed to accommodate working RNs.
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
An RN who holds a BSN degree is eligible to apply to Millersville University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, working toward certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). As an FNP, she will be qualified to provide primary care to patients of all ages. The program consists of forty-two credits total, and includes over 600 hours of clinical practice. It is designed for working RNs; the suggested course sequence takes three years (including one summer semester) on a part-time basis. The program begins in the fall only. Graduates may take the certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator
To learn the skills needed to train future nurses, an RN may enroll in the MSN program, specializing in nursing education. The nurse educator track of the MSN program requires thirty-five credit hours total, and includes over 100 hours of hands-on teaching practice. The program schedule is flexible, and many of the classes are offered online.
Post-master’s Certification
A nurse who has already earned an MSN degree may prepare for certification tests in a different area of specialization through a post-master’s certificate program. Millersville University offers two post-master’s options: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. To become an FNP, a master’s-prepared nurse needs to take thirty credits of classes, and complete over 600 hours of clinical practice. To become a Nurse Educator, she only needs to take thirty-three credits, which includes over 100 hours of teaching practice.
School Nurse Certification Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Education approves Millersville University’s School Nurse Certification Program, which is open to RNs who have a BSN degree. As part of the certificate program, they will complete three graduate-level courses in nursing and psychology, as well as hands-on practice. Completion of the School Nurse Certification program will allow an RN to work in Pennsylvania schools.
School Health Supervisory Certification Program
A nurse who wishes to take a leadership, supervisory role in a school may opt to complete the School Health Supervisory Certification Program. The program is open to RNs who hold a master’s degree. Once enrolled, a student must complete fifteen credits, which includes hands-on practice. Graduates are prepared to receive a Pennsylvania Single Area Supervisory Certificate.
Contact:
Millersville University
1 South George Street,
Millersville, PA 17551