Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

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

• Completion of the application for admission
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
• Provisional Admissions: South University College of Nursing and Public Health fosters diversity through a holistic provisional admission status for students with a GPA less than 3.0.
  • Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 -2.99 must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
  • Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 will be considered for provisional admission with submission of a current resume and a letter explaining challenges faced in previous academic experiences.
  • Students must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
  • Students who do not receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses will have the provisional admission rescinded. There is no appeal for rescinding provisional status.
• Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks for Campus-based students and 10 weeks for students in Online programs after the initial start date.
• 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 and clinical rotations, for entry and maintenance of admission to the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet their state/territory requirement for nursing licensure).

*Effective August 14, 2023 - Students beginning classes at Online Programs will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.

Course Requirements

Outcomes

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

Upon completion of the program, students will:

1. Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
2. Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
3. Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare systems improvement.
4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
5. Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with delivery of quality care associated with a speciality area of advanced nursing practice.

Comments and Concerns

All Fields Are Required

The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.