
Family Nurse Practitioner
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RN to Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner

Our RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program is designed to take your nursing skills further, preparing you with current healthcare and professional standards to treat patients and families throughout their lifespan. We put a strong emphasis on health promotion and the positive health behaviors for all developmental stages. This well-rounded education ensures you’re armed with the skill set you need to provide the best care possible to your patients.
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to the RN to Master of Science in Nursing** Degree Program
** 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.
- An associate's degree in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution, or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative CGPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- 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
- Submission of the following:
- Three references using the Nursing Graduate School Appraisal Form. At least one of your references should hold a master's in Nursing 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 admission decision.
Provisional admission status is not available for the RN to Master of Science in Nursing degree program. Students not meeting admission requirements for the RN to Master of Science in Nursing program may be considered for the RN to BSN degree program and apply to the MSN degree program when the admission requirements for the MSN degree program are met.
Course Requirements
RN to Master of Science in Nursing
Area I: General Education: 76 Credits
A transcript evaluation is completed for each student to transfer in up to 90 general education credits. For students to receive block transfer credit for General Education courses, they must meet the standard outlined in the General Education Transfer Credit policy.
Professional Development
- AHS1001 Medical Terminology 4 credit hours
- ITS1000 Computer and Internet Literacy 4 credit hours
Basic Communications
- ENG1100 Composition I 4 credit hours
- ENG1200 Composition II 4 credit hours
- ENG1300 Composition III 4 credit hours
- SPC1026 Public Speaking 4 credit hours
Mathematics and Statistics
- MAT1001 College Algebra I 4 credit hours
- MAT1500 College Mathematics 4 credit hours
- MAT2058 Statistics 4 credit hours
Natural Sciences
- BIO1011 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credit hours
(must be taken concurrently with BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab) - BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 2 credit hours
- BIO1013 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credit hours
(must be taken concurrently with BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab) - BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 2 credit hours
Arts and Humanities (chose two)
- ENG2002 World Literature I: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages 4 credit hours
- ENG2003 World Literature II: From Enlightenment to Modernity 4 credit hours
- ENG2011 Introduction to American Literature: 1865 to present 4 credit hours
- HIS1101 U.S. History I: Colonial to 1865 4 credit hours
- HIS1102 U.S. History II: 1865 to Present 4 credit hours
- HUM1001 History of Art through the Middle Ages 4 credit hours
- HUM1002 History of Art from the Middle Ages to Modern Times 4 credit hours
- HUM2101 World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 C.E. 4 credit hours
- HUM2102 World Civilization II: 1500 to Present 4 credit hours
- PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy 4 credit hours
- REL1001 World Religions 4 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences
- PSY1001 General Psychology 4 credit hours
- PSY2022 Human Growth and Development 4 credit hours
- SOC1001 Introduction to Sociology 4 credit hours
General Education Elective (Choose Two)
- BIO1020 Biology I 4 credit hours
- BIO1021 Biology II 4 credit hours
- ECO2071 Principles of Microeconomics 4 credit hours
- ECO2072 Principles of Macroeconomics 4 credit hours
- ENG2002 World Literature I: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages 4 credit hours
- ENG2003 World Literature II: From Enlightenment to Modernity 4 credit hours
- ENG2011 Introduction to American Literature: 1865 to present 4 credit hours
- HIS1101 U.S. History I: Colonial to 1865 4 credit hours
- HIS1102 U.S. History II: 1865 to Present 4 credit hours
- HUM1001 History of Art through the Middle Ages 4 credit hours
- HUM1002 History of Art from the Middle Ages to Modern Times 4 credit hours
- HUM2101 World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 C.E. 4 credit hours
- HUM2102 World Civilization II: 1500 to Present 4 credit hours
- MAT1500 College Mathematics 4 credit hours
- PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy 4 credit hours
- POL2076 American Government 4 credit hours
- REL1001 World Religions 4 credit hours
- SOC1001 Introduction to Sociology 4 credit hours
- UVC1000 Strategies for Success 4 credit hours
Area II Foundation Requirements: 14 Credits
- BIO2070 Microbiology 4 credit hours
(must be taken concurrently with BIO2071 or BIO2073) - BIO2071 Microbiology Lab 2 credit hours (online)
OR - BIO2073 Microbiology Laboratory 2 credit hours (campuses)
(required for BSN; RN to BSN students ONLY can take either) - CHM1010 General Chemistry 4 credit hours
- NTR2050 Nutrition 4 credit hours
Undergraduate Nursing (45 transfer credits + 36 credits from South University)
- NSG3007 Foundations for Professional Nursing 4 credit hours
- NSG3029 Foundations of Nursing Research 4 credit hours
- NSG3039 Information Management and Technology 4 credit hours
- NSG4028 Concepts of Teaching and Learning 4 credit hours
- NSG4029 Leadership in a Diverse Society 4 credit hours
- NSG4055 Illness and Disease Management Across the Life Span 4 credit hours
- NSG4067 Gerontological Nursing 4 credit hours
- NSG4068 Trends in Healthcare Policy 4 credit hours
- NSG4074 Health Promotion and Clinical Prevention 4 credit hours
Graduate Nursing (Students must complete core credits and one specialization)
MSN Core: 20 Credits
- NSG5000 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse: Transformational Leadership in Advanced Practice 4 credit hours
- NSG5002 Advanced Theoretical Perspectives for Nursing 4 credit hours
- NSG5003 Advanced Pathophysiology 4 credit hours
- NSG6002 Health Policy and Health Promotion in Advanced Nursing Practice 4 credit hours
- NSG6101 Nursing Research Methods 4 credit hours
Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner: 42 Credits for Specialization, 233 Total Credits for Program
- NSG6001 Advanced Nursing Practice I 4 credit hours
- NSG6005 Advanced Pharmacology 4 credit hours
- NSG6006 Pre-Specialty Evaluation 0 credit hours
- NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment 6 credit hours
- NSG6021 Pre-Clinical Evaluation 0 credit hours *
- NSG6420 Practicum I: Family Health - Adult and Gerontology 6 credit hours
- NSG6430 Practicum II: Family Health- Women’s Health 6 credit hours
- NSG6435 Practicum III: Family Health - Pediatrics 6 credit hours
- NSG6440 Practicum IV: Family Health - Primary Care 6 credit hours
- NSG6999 Graduate Project in Nursing 4 credit hours
*If the student receives a failing grade in NSG2021, the student must enroll in and successfully pass the following four (4)-credit course NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement
For the most up to date information on course requirements, please visit the academic catalog.
Outcomes
Students completing the Nurse Practitioner specialization demonstrate acquisition of the following competencies and proficiencies:
1. Integrate specialty standards of advanced practice nursing to deliver culturally competent, quality healthcare services to individuals, families, populations and systems.
2. Exercise effective leadership, critical thinking and communication skills in the development and implementation of advanced nursing practice services in primary care.
3. Integrate professional nursing standards, values and accountability into role and self development as an advanced practice nurse.
4. Utilize information technology and an evidence-based research approach in the development of nursing knowledge and design of healthcare services for clients, populations and systems.
5. Ensure advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in the implementation and evaluation of evidenced based care to diverse individuals and populations.
Comments and Concerns
Please fill out this form and email to mhsmith@southuniversity.edu with any Comments, Concerns and Complaints.Learn More About the South University Program That's Right For You.
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