Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements

Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs**

** South University, Online Program offerings may not be available to residents of all states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The criteria used in determining admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:

• Completion of the application for admission
• A baccalaureate degree in nursing (or be a pending graduate) from an accredited U.S. collegiate institution
• A CGPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 or at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter credits) undertaken of undergraduate nursing courses completed.
• Completion of a three semester credit hour undergraduate course (or equivalent) in statistics with a grade of C or better.
• Completion of an undergraduate nursing research course or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
• Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 10 weeks after the initial start date).
• A valid unencumbered single-state and/or a valid unencumbered Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) multistate license as a registered nurse in all U.S. states or territories in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program is required. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
• Meet the Core Performance Standards and essential function related to the profession of nursing as described in this catalog.
• An interview with the Chair/Program Director or designated faculty for campus based students.

Submission of the following:

• Three references using the Nursing Graduate School Appraisal Form. At least one of your references should hold a master's or higher degree in nursing.
• An essay (goal statement) of 1-2 pages (typed, double-spaced) explaining your career goals, reasons for your choice of specialization, and why you want to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.
• A resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences

Once all required admissions documents and information are submitted, the application will be reviewed and evaluated for an admission decision.

Provisional admission to the Master of Science in Nursing programs can be granted for any of the following:

• Final admission requires completion of the undergraduate statistics and undergraduate nursing research course with a grade of C or better.
• These courses can only be taken once.
• Failure to meet requirements of provisional admission will result in rescinding the provisional admission status. There is no appeal for rescinding provisional status.

International Applicants

Students enrolled in the RN to BSN degree program, the RN to MSN degree program or the MSN degree program must have a valid unencumbered license  as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.

Core Performance Standards

• Students must demonstrate essential functions related to the profession of nursing, including the ability to perform specific cognitive functions and psychomotor skills in order to work in the profession of nursing. Nursing students must possess the ability to perform all functions that are necessary components of the nursing program.
• Students must be able to reason, analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate in the context of their nursing activities within each course in the program.
• Students must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with faculty, other students, staff, and others relevant to their course of study.
• Expression of ideas and feelings must be clear and appropriate.
• Students must be able to maintain mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, students, faculty, staff, and other professionals.
• Students must possess good emotional health consistent with the use of intellectual abilities and be able to employ sound judgment.
• Students must demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive criticism and positive feedback.
• Students must possess the ability to reason morally and practice nursing in an ethical manner.
• Students must not have any impairment that would preclude continuous performance of all of the above activities, or any and all other activities that are integral to the success of a nursing student.

CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR NURSING

South University does not discriminate against any individual because of disability. Applicants must meet the requirements for core performance standards as printed below. Students with disabilities should consult with the Dean of Student Affairs, who coordinates disability services. To assist students in the determination of need for accommodations in admission and progression, the following Core Performance Standards are provided.  (Reprinted from the Southern Regional Educational Board Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing (SREB) website: http://www.sreb.org/publication/americans-disabilities-act:

 

Requirements	Standards	Examples
Critical thinking	Critical thinking ability for effective clinical reasoning and clinical judgment consistent with level of educational preparation	Identification of cause/effect relationships in clinical situations Use of the scientific method in the development of patient care plans Evaluation of the effectiveness of nursing interventions
Professional Relationships	Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interactions with a diverse population of individuals, families and groups	Establishment of rapport with patients/clients and colleagues Capacity to engage in successful conflict resolution Peer accountability
Communication	Communication adeptness sufficient for verbal and written professional interactions	Explanation of treatment procedures, initiation of health teaching. Documentation and interpretation of nursing actions and patient/client responses
Mobility	Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces	Movement about patient's room, work spaces and treatment areas Administration of rescue procedures-cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Motor skills	Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for providing safe, effective nursing care	Calibration and use of equipment Therapeutic positioning of patients
Hearing	Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and assessing health needs	Ability to hear monitoring device alarm and other emergency signals Ability to discern auscultatory sounds and cries for help
Visual	Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in patient care	Ability to observe patient's condition and responses to treatments
Tactile Sense	Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment	Ability to palpate in physical examinations and various therapeutic interventions

Course Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)**

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.

All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure).  An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.  Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.

The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.

Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates should be able to:

1. Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
2. Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
3. Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
5. Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
6. Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
7. Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
8. Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

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Nurse Practitioner SpecializationsActive-Visible2020-05-20 14:47:302020-05-20 14:47:30

Standardized Testing Policy

Standardized Testing Policy

All students enrolled in an MSN course will be required to utilize the standardized testing policy in place at the time of their course.

1. Standardized testing platform

1. The selected 3P exam: The minimum score for the exam is average/score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%.

1. The Pre-Predictor exam: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The Pre-Predictor exam is 5% of the MSN FNP (NSG6440) and MSN AGPCNP (NSG6430) course grade. A score of less than the minimum passing score is 0 points. Students who scored lower than the minimum passing score on the Pre-Predictor can complete a faculty driven remediation plan to receive 2% of the MSN FNP (NSG6440) and MSN AGPCNP (NSG6430) course grade.  
2. The University Predictor: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The University Predictor exam is worth 10% (100 points) of the final grade in MSN FNP (NSG6440) and AGPCNP (NSG6340).  Students who scored lower than the minimum passing score on the Predictor can complete a faculty driven remediation plan to receive 6% (60 points) of the final grade in MSN FNP (NSG6440) and AGPCNP (NSG6340). A score of less than the minimum passing score is 0 points.

1. Remediation
   1. Individualized and faculty driven remediation provides an opportunity for students to review study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the assessment and improve the opportunity to be successful on the second attempt of any exam.
   2. In addition to faculty driven remediation, self-review is required for all standardized testing assessments. Students are required to use their test results to complete remediation.
   3. Failure to comply with the standardized testing policy may result in a course failure.
   4. Retesting is required for any student who scores lower than the minimum passing score on the 3P exam. Retesting of the 3P exam will take place during the final week of NSG6023.
   5. A different test version will be used for retesting. Students who score the minimum passing score or higher on the 3P exam in NSG6023 will receive an 80% for the grade. Students who do not score the minimum passing score will be dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs.
   6. The Dean's or designee's approval is required for reordering of standardized testing products.  
2. Comprehensive Testing Program

Courses	Assignments/Resources
APRN Program of Study	Students are required to purchase a clinical guideline per the syllabus or established book list.
NSG5003 - Advanced Pathophysiology	Course Assignment: 10% of the course grade
NSG6005 Pharmacology (FNP and AGPCNP)	Course Assignment: 10% of the course grade
NSG6001 Advanced Nursing Practice I (FNP & AGPCNP) and practicum courses	Recommended: Students purchase a coding resource as outlined in the syllabus and master book list.
NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment (FNP, AGNP, & NE)	Recommended: Students purchase a Dermatology resource to supplement learning from Physical Assessment Course Assignment: 10% of the course grade
NSG6021	Concurrent course with NSG6020. The student must meet the benchmarked score on the 3-P exam to pass the course. If unsuccessful, the student will be enrolled into NSG6023. Course assignments per syllabus.
NSG6420 (FNP) or NSG6320 (AGNP) Practicum I-Family or Adult Health: Adults and Gerontology	Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade
NSG6430 (FNP) Practicum II Women's Health	Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade
NSG6330 AGNP Reproductive Health	Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade
NSG6435 (FNP) Practicum III: Family Health Pediatrics	Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade
NSG6340 (AGNP) Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care	Access to an online review course continues. Students must complete all assignments with a score of 80% or better. Students must complete all the online review materials and assignments to be eligible to take the Predictor exam. Completion of Online review materials and assignments: 15% Discussions: 5% Assigned Case Studies: 10% Exam #1: 10% Exam #2: 10% Final Exam: 25% Pre-Predictor: 5% Predictor Exam: 10 % SOAP Notes: 10%
NSG6440 (FNP) Practicum IV (IV: Family Health: Primary Care)	Access to an online review course continues. Students must complete all assignments with a score of 80% or better. Students must complete all the online review materials and assignments to be eligible to take the University Predictor exam. Completion of Online review materials and assignments: 15% Pre-Predictor: 5% University Predictor Exam: 10% Assigned Case Studies: 20% Remediation of Areas of <80% on Pre-Predictor: 10% Comprehensive Final Exam: 35% Class Discussion/Participation 5% (online) Case Studies/Participation 5% (campus-based)

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Outcomes

Graduates of the MSN in FNP will be able to:

1. Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
2. Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
3. Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
5. Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
6. Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
7. Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
8. Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

 

Graduates of MSN program will be able to:

1. Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
2. Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
3. Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
5. Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
6. Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
7. Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
8. Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

 

Comments and Concerns

Please fill out this form and email to mhsmith@southuniversity.edu with any Comments, Concerns and Complaints.