Missouri State University

Graduate College

2012-13 Graduate Catalog

Preliminary Edition
published April 2012

Department of Nursing

Professional Building, Room 300, Phone: (417) 836-5310, Fax: (417) 836-5484
Email: Nursing@missouristate.edu
Website: http://www.missouristate.edu/nursing
Department Head: Kathryn L. Hope

Faculty

Professor:  Kathryn L. Hope, Rose Utley

Associate Professor:  Susan  S. Sims-Giddens

Assistant Professor:  Susan Berg, Donna S. Gloe

Clinical Assistant Professor:  Maria Kenneally, Debra L. Savinske

Instructor:  Jan Atwell, Carolyn Graves

Adjunct Faculty:  GeorgAnn M. Greissinger, Dan Johnson, Janice Jones, Malinda K. Kendrick, Katrina M. Kovarik-Stevens, Ashley Kubik, John James Lorette, Jr., Angela K. Powers, Gale Roberts, Donna Christine Wilson

Emeritus Faculty:  Elizabeth M. Fahey

Programs

Doctorate of Nursing Practice

Program Description

The DNP program in the Department of Nursing is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses at the highest clinical level.  The DNP program will graduate community leaders who have the knowledge and skills to address the health disparities of vulnerable and rural populations.  The program will prepare graduates to function in a variety of community and acute care health settings as primary care providers, leaders, managers, and consultants.

The Post-Master's DNP Certificate Program is a 29 credit hour online program for nurses with previous advanced practice preparation (Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Anesthetists).  The online program can be completed with full-time study in 14 months (or four (4) semesters), or party-time study.

The BSN to DPN program is an 82 credit hour program that will prepare graduates to practice in the family nurse practitioner role.  The program will consist of courses in online and on-campus formats.  The program will be available to students from Missouri.  The program can be completed in three (3) years of full-time study.  Part-time study is not an option for the BSN - DNP.

DNP Program Requirements

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning December 1 for the summer admission and applications will be taken until the class is filled.

The applicant must:

  1. Meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate College at Missouri State University, including complete, official transcripts of all college programs and course work.
  2. Complete an application to the DNP program.
  3. Submit a $50 nonrefundable application fee to the Department of Nursing.  This fee is in addition to the regular MSU Graduate Application Fee.
  4. Graduate from an Advanced Practice Nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC).  (Post Master's only).
  5. Graduate from a Bachelor of Science (BNS) program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC).  Graduates from international nursing programs will be considered on an individual basis.  (BSN - DNP only).
  6. Submit evidence of current certification in an area of Advanced Nursing Practice: nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist.  (Post Master's only).
  7. Complete a minimum of clinical practice experience that equates with one year of full-time experience.  (Post Master's only).
  8. Hold a current unencumbered RN license from a state within the United States, and any state in which clinical practicums will occur.
  9. Have a cumulative GPA of all previous graduate-level education course work of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) or above.  Students who have less than a 3.25 cumulative GPA must submit verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE).  See current Graduate Catalog Admission section for minimum GRE requirements.
  10. Submit evidence of current health insurance.
  11. Submit evidence of current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Professionals approved by the American Heart Association.
  12. Complete all prerequisite courses; healthcare infomatics, and a graduate course in statistics with a grade of "C" or higher before the program begins.
  13. Meet technical standards of the program in order to successfully undertake the course of study (available by request from the program).
  14. Submit evidence of current immunizations or immune status (MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, Hepatitis B series) and a PPD (or chest X-ray or documentation of appropriate follow up for PPD positive individuals).
  15. Submit an essay (see application packet online).

16.   Submit a current resume or a curriculum vita, including all previous leadership activities or experiences.

17.   Three recommendation from healthcare professionals with a master's degree or higher that can address the applicant's potential as a clinician, leader and scholar using the standardized DNP reference form.

18.   Be prepared to meet the requirements of an online program.

 Admission Process

For applicants with complete admission packet

  1. Applicant's who demonstrate a match between their project goals and the areas of expertise of the faculty will be given priority in the admission process.
  2. Competitive applicants will be invited to interview with the DNP Admission Committee.  An interview is required to determine the fit between the candidate's goals, and the DNP program and faculty.
  3. Applicant's must apply and pay for the state/federal Background Check and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as an advanced practice nurse or completion of clinical experiences in clinical settings.
  4. Pay for and complete a urine drug screen without disqualifying offenses.
 Selection Factors

 

Additional Requirements of the Program

Students will be required to initiate and pay for any additional security checks and drug screenings required for placement into agencies for clinical experiences.  Some agencies require annual screening and affidavits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETENTION POLICIES

To remain in the DNP program, the student must:

  1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of "B" (3.00) and no hours of graduate work below a grade of "C".  Receive a "pass" in all clinical evaluations.
  2. Not repeat more than one course.
  3. Complete all requirements for the program by the (a) 5th year after admission into the BSN-DNP program, or (b) 3rd year after admission into the Post-Master's program.
  4. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
  5. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge throughout the program.
  6. Maintain current BLS certification, RN licensure, and health insurance throughout the program.
  7. The student must notify the Department of Nursing within 5 days in the event of any legal infractions or any actions taken against their nursing license, or any investigation of such incidences.
  8. While the student's grades are important, retention in the DNP program is based on a composite picture of the student's ability to perform at a satisfactory level in the academic and clinical component of the educational program.

The Department of Nursing reserves the right to refuse enrollment or program continuation to any student.  This refusal will be determined by the judgment of the DNP Admission, Progression, and Graduation (APG) Committee and the Department Head of Nursing and based on the student's ability to successfully complete academic or clinical assignments or function effectively in the roles required in the DNP program.  This includes the demonstration of characteristics associated with a professional nurse, including behaviors involving professionalism, ethics and integrity.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Missouri State University DNP is a hybrid program using a combination of online and on-campus modalities.  Didactic online content is delivered using asynchronous and synchronous formats.  Applicants to the DNP program must be computer literate and be comfortable using word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation graphics software.  Students are expected to manage files, navigate the internet and access resources, and use a headset, computer camera, scanner and fax machine.  Students who have deficiencies in these areas are encouraged to seek training before the start of the program.

The Department of Nursing uses a Blackboard course management system for all courses.  Additionally, the Adobe Macromedia software is used for synchronous course offerings and other experiences.  Vidoconferencing may be used with Adobe Macromedia or Skype software.  Requirements of the program include access to broadband (Cable or DSL) connections, a web camera and microphone headset, and a laptop computer with wireless capabilities to meet the minimal hardware requirements.  Our multimedia content is optimized for Internet Explorer and Firefox.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

Clinical experiences for DNP students are individually arranged with preceptors, who have the appropriate educational and experiential qualifications.  Students can complete their clinical experiences in a local community if appropriate sites and preceptors are available.  However, students may have to travel to a clinical site.  All preceptors must be approved by the DNP Program and a contract must be established with the clinical site before any clinical experiences occur.

Post Master's DNP:  Some clinical courses require an on-campus, intensive learning experience.  The date and times for these on-campus visits will be published prior to the academic year annually.

Course Requirements:  Post Master's DNP (29 hrs)

 

Summer 1

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 800 DNP Leadership I Concepts for EBP   3 hrs
NUR 802 Emerging Science of Advanced Practice 2 hrs
 

Fall 1

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 830  DNP Leadership II 3 hrs 
NUR 820 Social Justice and Disparities in Health 3 hrs
NUR 824 Health Policy to Improve Disparities in Health and Healthcare 2 hrs
NUR 991 Transforming Practice I  2 hrs

 

Spring 1

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 860 DNP Leadership III   4 hrs
NUR 840 Technology for Transforming Nursing and Health Systems 2 hrs
NUR 992 Transforming Practice II 4 hrs
 

Summer 2

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 993  Transforming Practice III 4 hrs 

 

Course Requirements:  BSN-DNP (82 hrs)

 

Summer Year 1

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 711 Roles and Leadership   2 hrs
NUR 707 Advanced Health Assessment/Health Promotion 2 hrs
 

Fall Year 1

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 700  Epidemiology 3 hrs 
NUR 701 Nursing Science 3 hrs
NUR 761 Advanced Pharmacology                            3 hrs
NUR 734 Clinical Reasoning  5 hrs

 

Spring Year 1

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 765 Applications of Pathophysiology   2 hrs
NUR 772 Advanced Nursing Research                        3 hrs
NUR 788 Health Policy/Issues 3 hrs
NUR 703 Population Health 3 hrs
NUR 704 Cultural Immersion 1 hr
 

Summer Year 2

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 800 DNP Leadership I Concepts for EBP   3 hrs
NUR 802 Emerging Science of Advanced Practice 2 hrs
 

Fall Year 2

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 830  DNP Leadership II Impacting Disparities in Health and Healthcare 3 hrs 
NUR 730 Family Practice I 6 hrs
NUR 820 Social Justice and Disparities in Health and Healthcare 3 hrs

 

Spring Year 2

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 860 DNP Leadership III Transforming Systems  4 hrs
NUR 840 Technology for Transforming Nursing and Health Systems 2 hrs
NUR 750 Family Practice II 6 hrs
 

Summer Year 3

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 991 Transforming Practice I                                    2 hrs
 

Fall Year 3

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 770 Family Practice III 6 hrs 
NUR 992 Transforming Practice II 4 hrs
NUR 824 Health Policy to Improve Disparities in Health and Healthcare   2 hrs

 

Spring Year 3

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 790 Advanced Practice Practicum   5 hrs
NUR 993 Transforming Practice III                                         4 hrs
 

Master of Science in Nursing

Susan Berg, Family Nurse Practitioner Program Director
Professional Building, Room 311, Phone 836-3214
Susanberg@missouristate.edu

Susan Sims-Giddens, Nurse Educator Program Director
Professional Building, Room 305, Phone 836-5398
SusanSims-giddens@missouristate.edu

Program Description

The Department of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in the following roles:  nurse educator or family nurse practitioner.  The Nurse Educator is prepared to teach in a variety of academic and continuing education settings to diverse learners.  The Family Nurse Practitioner is prepared to assess, diagnose, treat, educate, and follow patients through the lifespan as a health care provider.

Admission Process

Admission to the graduate nursing specializations is a two step process.

  1. The applicant first applies to the Graduate College as a MSN Major.  See admission requirements below.
  2. Once accepted into the MSN program, an application to the specialization is submitted to the Nursing Department.  See Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner specialization admission criteria below.
  3. Students may take up to 9 credit hours of course work towards their specialization before full admission to the specialization.  Students may take:  
    1. NUR 635 Healthcare Informatics
    2. NUR 640 Advanced Human Pathophysiology
    3. NUR 700 Epidemiology
    4. NUR 703 Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective 
    5. NUR 711 Advanced Roles and Leadership in Nursing
    6. NUR 765 Applications of Advanced Pathophysiology
    7. PSY 627 Advanced Psychological Statistical Methods

Because of the limited resources, admission to the MSN program and the specializations are competitive and selective.  Admission to the MSN program does not guarantee admission to the specialization.

Additional Requirements

Admission to the MSN Program

  1. Acceptance into the Graduate College at Missouri State University.
  2. Submit an application to the MSN Program.
  3. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 hours of college course work attempted.
  4. If the student's cumulative GPA is less than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined test scores for verbal, quantitative, and writing sections, with a section score of at least 400 on verbal and 400 on the quantitative is required.  The analytical section of the GRE will be evaluated on an individual basis.
  5. Completion of a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accreditation agencies.
  6. Successful completion with a grade of "C" or higher in undergraduate statistics, nursing research, and health assessment courses.  Students who don't have these courses must take them prior to submitting an application.
  7. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) without disqualification and eligible for licensure in Missouri.
  8. Applicants who: (a) have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a non-accredited program, or (b) have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a foreign country, will be considered on an individual basis.
  9. Applicants who are RNs and have a non-nursing degree or a degree without upper division nursing courses will be evaluated on an individual basis prior to applying to the MSN program.

Admission to the MSN Specializations

Evidence of:

  1. Admission to the MSN program.
  2. A one-page essay that addresses the applicant's professional career goals and how the MSN program will help accomplish these goals.
  3. Current immunization (MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, complete Hepatitis B series) and a PPD (or evidence of appropriate medical follow-up for PPD positive individuals).
  4. Current health insurance and nursing liability insurance for nurse educators or FNP student liability insurance for family nurse practitioner applicants.
  5. Successful completion of prerequisites with a grade of "C-" or higher to include a graduate level or multivariate course in statistics, a course in nursing or healthcare informatics, and for family nurse practitioner students only, advanced human pathophysiology.
  6. Current infant, child and adult CPR certification.
  7. Drug screening test and a criminal record check* provided by the Department of Nursing and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse.

*Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by the Department of Nursing Graduate Admission, Promotion and Graduation Committee.  This may result in dismissal from the MSNA program and specialization.

Students with complete application materials for full admission will be reviewed by a departmental selection committee.  Selection of students for the MSN program is on a competitive basis.

A.  Nurse Educator Specialization

Students accepted into the MSN Program and with a completed application to the Nurse Educator specialization will be considered for admission.  Acceptance into the Nurse Educator specialization is ongoing and applications will be taken until the class is filled.  A formal interview is required.

B.  Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization

Students accepted into the MSN Program and with a completed application to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization will be reviewed beginning February 1 for the summer admission of the same year, and will continue until the class is filled.  Because of resource constraints, only a limited number of students will be admitted to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization.

Selection Factors

Admission into the Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization is highly competitive.  A limited number of students will be selected to enrolling the program each February.  While applicants must complete all prerequisite requirements to be considered for a position in the class, completion of all admission requirements does not assure acceptance into the program.  In making class selections, the admission committee will consider the following characteristics of competitive applicants:

Academic potential to successfully complete the program 

  • understanding and commitment to the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner
  • personal maturity
  • motivation
  • interpersonal skills
  • quality and duration of health care experience
  • capacity for performance of the technical functions, and
  • tasks required of the Family Nurse Practitioner
Additional Requirements of the Program

Students will be required to initiate and pay for any additional security checks and drug screenings required for clinical agencies.

Probational Admission to the Program

  1. Probational admission may be granted to the applicant with a GPA below 3.00, or academic deficiencies.
  2. During the probationary period, the student shall receive no course grade lower than a "B-" for the first nine hours of graduate course work attempted.
  3. Students on probationary status will be evaluated each semester by the Nursing Admission, Promotion, and Graduation Committee (APG), and a decision will be made on the student's status and a letter will be sent to the student regarding dismissal or continuation in the program.
Retention Requirements

After admission into the MSN program and continuing through full admission into the specializations, the students must achieve the following for retention in the program:

  1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B-”, and no hours of graduate work below a grade of “C”.  Receive a “pass” in all clinical evaluations.
  2. No more than one course may be repeated.
  3. Nurse Educator students must complete all requirements for the degree by their 5th academic year after admission into the MSN specialization.
  4. FNP students must complete all requirements for the program by the 4th year after admission into the FNP specialization.
  5. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
  6. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge in the area of specialization.
Degree Requirements (Minimum of 34 or 52 hours)

Academic Advisor.  After admission to the graduate program, the student will be assigned an academic advisor who will supervise the student’s graduate program and chair the candidate’s graduate committee.

Core Courses (Required for all options)
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 701 Nursing Science   3 hrs
NUR 707 Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion Throughout the Lifespan 2 hrs
NUR 772 Advanced Research Methods in Nursing 3 hrs
NUR 788 Health Policies and Issues 3 hrs
NUR 797 Non-thesis Project  OR 3 hrs
NUR 799 Thesis 6 hrs
  Total 14 or 17 hrs
Nurse Educator Option
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
  Core Course Requirements 14 or 17 hrs 
NUR 700 Epidemiology 3 hrs
NUR 703 Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective 3 hrs
NUR 780 Teaching/Learning for Health Care Education  3 hrs
NUR 781 Nursing Education Practicum 2 hrs
NUR 782 Curriculum Design and Program Development  3 hrs
NUR 783 Nursing Education Practicum II  2 hrs
NUR 784 Technology in Health Care Education 2 hrs
NUR 786 Issues in Healthcare Education 2 hrs
  Total 34 or 37 hrs

Students should contact the Department of Nursing for information on optional clinical focus requirements.

Family Nurse Practitioner
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
  Core Course Requirements  14 or 17 hrs
NUR 700 Epidemiology  3 hrs
NUR 711 Advanced Roles and Leadership in Nursing 2 hrs
NUR 715 Primary Care of the Adult 6 hrs
NUR 725 Primary Care of Women 4 hrs
NUR 728 Primary Care of Children and Adolescent 4 hrs
NUR 703 Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective 3 hrs
NUR 704 Population Health Practicum 1 hr
NUR 734 Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning 5 hrs
NUR 761 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3 hrs
NUR 765 Applications of Advanced Pathophysiology 2 hrs
NUR 790 Family Nurse Practitioner Advanced Practicum 5 hrs
  Total 52 or 55 hrs

Research Requirement.  Completion of a thesis or a non-thesis approved by the advisor or Thesis committee.

Non-thesis Project Option.  Three credit hours in NUR 797 Non-thesis Project will count toward a degree.  A formal oral presentation of the project is required.  The seminar paper must be approved by the student’s Advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College before the degree is granted.

Thesis Option.  Six credit hours in NUR 799 Thesis will count toward the degree.  A formal oral presentation and defense of the thesis is required.  The thesis must be approved by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Dean of the Graduate College before the degree is granted.

Research Experience.  (Maximum of 6 hours) NUR 798 Research (1-6 hrs) will not count toward the degree requirements.

Comprehensive Examination.   A comprehensive examination administered during the student’s final semester of course work must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted. 

Accelerated RN to Masters in Nursing Option for Nurse Educator

Entrance Requirements

Students must apply to the Accelerated RN to MSN Option when they first apply for admission to the BSN completion program and prior to enrolling in nursing or supporting courses required in the BSN. Students may not enter the RN-MSN option after they begin taking courses for the BSN completion program. After successful completion of BSN requirements, all students in this Nurse Educator option will receive the BSN and may be granted full admission to the Graduate College.

Admission requirements include:

  1. Junior standing;
  2. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in good standing and eligible for licensure in Missouri;
  3. Meet all admission requirements for the BSN completion program;
  4. A pre-admission interview;
  5. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined test scores for verbal, quantitative, and writing sections, with a section score of at least 400 on verbal and 400 on quantitative.  The analytical writing section of the GRE will be evaluated on an individual basis;
  6. 2 letters of recommendation (faculty or employer preferred);
  7. A written statement of goals;
  8. The equivalent of at least one (1) year of full-time experience in direct patient care as a registered nurse;
  9. An overall GPA of 3.25 or higher;
  10. Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.  No online courses are accepted.
Additional Requirements of the Program
  1. Students will be required to initiate and pay for any security checks and drug screenings required for clinical agencies.
  2. Apply for criminal record check and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse.
  3. Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by a Department of Nursing Graduate Faculty Committee.  This may result in dismissal from the RN-MSN program.
Retention and Progression

In order to remain in the accelerated master’s program and progress to the MSN program, students must:

  1. Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher;
  2. Earn a grade of “B” or higher in all undergraduate nursing courses attempted;
  3. Earn a grade of “B” or higher in all graduate courses attempted.

Students not meeting the criteria for progression in the RN-MSN, Nurse Educator option, may complete the requirements for the BSN degree, but will be removed from the accelerated option.  In the final year of the BSN program, the student must make application to the nurse educator option.  

Credit Course Options

The accelerated RN to master’s option allows several courses to be taken to meet undergraduate (RN) requirements and pre-requisites to the graduate program.

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
  Graduate Statistics (600-level or higher) 3 hrs
NUR 515 Healthcare Informatics 3 hrs

Before enrolling in a course to be counted toward both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the course toward the masters degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive prior approval from the graduate advisor, Department Head of Nursing, and the Dean of the Graduate College.  Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the semester.

Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program

The Post-master’s FNP Certificate Program is a series of courses totaling a minimum of 37 credit hours and 672 clinical hours.  Completion of the certificate program will prepare students to take the national family nurse practitioner certification exam(s).

Admission Requirements
  1. Admission to the Graduate College at Missouri State University.
  2. Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing graduate program, that includes, at a minimum, graduate courses in nursing theory and research.
  3. Graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher.
  4. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in good standing, and eligible for licensure in the State of Missouri.
  5. Evidence of current liability insurance as an advanced practice nursing student.
  6. Evidence of current health insurance.
  7. Evidence of immunization or vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases.
  8. Provide documentation of negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up.
  9. A graduate course in advanced pharmacology taken within 3 years.  Students who do not have a graduate course in advanced pharmacology may take NUR 761 Advanced Pharmacology in their first semester of the certificate program to satisfy this requirement.
  10. A course in pathophysiology. 
  11. A graduate course that covers content in health policy and issues with a grade of “B” or higher.  Students who do not meet this requirement will be required to enroll in NUR 788, Health Policy/Issues.
  12. Interview with a departmental selection committee.
  13. Current infant, child and adult CPR certification.
  14. Submit drug screening test and a criminal record check* and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse. 

* Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by the Department of Nursing Graduate Admission, Promotion and Graduation.  This may result in dismissal from the MSN program.

Because of resource constraints, only a limited number of students will be admitted to the Post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program.  Complete applications are reviewed beginning February 1 of each year for admission the following summer semester.  Admission is on a space available basis.

Selection Factors

Admission into the Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization is highly competitive.  A limited number of students will be selected to enrolling the program each February.  While applicants must complete all prerequisite requirements to be considered for a position in the class, completion of all admission requirements does not assure acceptance into the program.  In making class selections, the admission committee will consider the following characteristics of competitive applicants:

Academic potential to successfully complete the program  

  •  
    • understanding and commitment to the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner
    • personal maturity
    • motivation
    • interpersonal skills
    • quality and duration of health care experience
    • capacity for performance of the technical functions, and
    • tasks required of the Family Nurse Practitioner
Additional Requirements of the Program

Students will be required to initiate and pay for any additional security checks and drug screenings required for clinical agencies.

Required Courses (37 hrs)
 Course CodeCourse Title Credit Hours 
NUR 700 Epidemiology 3 hrs
NUR 707 Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion Throughout the Lifespan* 2 hrs
NUR 711 Advanced Roles and Leadership in Nursing 2 hrs
NUR 715 Primary Care of the Adult 6 hrs
NUR 725 Primary Care of Women 4 hrs
NUR 728 Primary Care of Children and Adolescents 4 hrs
NUR 703 Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective 3 hrs
NUR 704 Population Health Practicum 1 hr
NUR 734 Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning 5 hrs
NUR 765 Applications of Advanced Pathophysiology 2 hrs
NUR 790 Family Nurse Practitioner Advanced Practicum   5 hrs

*this course may be transferred in if taken within 3 years.

Retention Requirements

After admission into the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, the students must achieve the following for retention in the program:

  1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B”, and no hours of graduate work below a grade of “C”.  Receive a “pass” in all clinical evaluations.
  2. No more than one course may be repeated.
  3. Complete all requirements within two years after admission into the FNP option.
  4. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
  5. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge in the area of option.
  6. Receive satisfactory final clinical evaluations.
  7. Maintain current infant, child, and adult CPR certification, immunizations, negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up, and nursing liability insurance.
  8. Students must maintain an active RN license, in good standing, in the state or states in which the student does clinical or practicum experiences.

Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Program

In addition to the Master of Science in Nursing degree described previously, the Department offers a Post-master’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program for nurses who have a Master’s Degree in Nursing in another specialty.  The Certificate Program consists of five courses, totaling a minimum of 12 credit hours and 192 clinical hours that can be completed in 2 semesters.

Admission Requirements
  1. Admission to the Graduate College at Missouri State University.
  2. Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing graduate program, that includes, at a minimum, graduate courses in nursing theory and research.
  3. Completion of a graduate clinical course with a grade of “B” or higher.  Students with no graduate clinical courses may satisfy this requirement by enrolling in NUR 620 and NUR 621 during their Certificate Program.
  4. Completion of a graduate health assessment course with a grade of “B” or higher.  Students with no graduate health assessment course may satisfy this requirement by enrolling in NUR 707.
  5. Graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher.
  6. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in good standing, and eligible for licensure in the State of Missouri.
  7. Evidence of current liability insurance.
  8. Evidence of current health insurance.
  9. Admission interview
  10. Evidence of immunization or vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases.
  11. Provide documentation of negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up.
  12. Current infant, child and adult CPR certification.
  13. Submit drug screening test and a criminal record check* and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse.

* Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by the Department of Nursing Graduate Admission, Promotion and Graduation.  This may result in dismissal from the MSN program.

Because of course constraints, only a limited number of students will be admitted to the Post-master’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program.  Complete applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Admission is on a space available basis.  Students may pursue either part-time or full-time study; however, all course work in the Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program must be completed within 5 years.

Additional Requirements of the Program

Students will be required to initiate and pay for any security checks and drug screenings required for clinical agencies.

Required Courses (12 hours)

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
NUR 780 Teaching/Learning for Health Care Educators 3 hrs
NUR 781 Nursing Education Practicum 2 hrs
NUR 782 Curriculum Design and Program Development 3 hrs
NUR 783 Nursing Education Practicum II 2 hrs
NUR 786 Issues in Healthcare Education 2 hrs
Retention Requirements

After admission into the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Educator Certificate Program, the students must achieve the following for retention in the program:

  1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B”, and no hours of graduate work below a grade of “C”.  Receive a “pass” in all clinical evaluations.
  2. No more than one course may be repeated.
  3. Complete all requirements within five years after admission into the nurse educator option.
  4. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
  5. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge in the area of option.
  6. Receive satisfactory final clinical evaluations.
  7. Maintain current infant, child, and adult CPR certification, immunizations, negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up, and nursing liability insurance.
  8. Students must maintain an active RN license, in good standing, in the state or states in which the student does clinical or practicum experiences.

Healthcare Management Courses

HCM 604 Health Care Economics

Recommended Prerequisite: ECO 165 or AGB 144. A basic study of the major economic issues facing the health care industry. Emphasis will be placed on the major elements of economic theory from a micro-economic perspective and how these theories are applied in the area of health care. Identical with ECO 604. May not receive credit for both HCM 604 and ECO 604. May be taught concurrently with HCM 504. Cannot receive credit for both HCM 504 and HCM 604. 3(3-0), F

Nursing Courses

NUR 631 Gerontological Health Care

This course will address health issues of older adults, including the normal biological and psychosocial aging process, common health problems, and access to and use of health services. It includes international models of aging and geriatric care. The focus is on healthy aging and adaptation to chronic health conditions. This course has a community experience component. May be taught concurrently with NUR 501. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 501 and NUR 631. 3(3-0), F,S

NUR 632 Rural Health

This course offers a study of health care delivery in rural communities. It includes theoretical foundations, cultural considerations, and specific characteristics of rural environments and people. Local and international perspectives will be explored. This course has a community experience component. Identical with SWK 602. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 632 and SWK 602. May be taught concurrently with NUR 502. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 502 and NUS 632. 3(3-0), F,S

NUR 633 Transcultural Healthcare

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Exploration of health beliefs, values, and practices of other cultures. This is a short-term study away course. May be taught concurrently with NUR 503. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 503 and NUR 633. 3(3-0), S

NUR 635 Healthcare Informatics

Integration of health, computer and information sciences in managing information to support healthcare and research. Development of skill in managing information and using information systems relevant to health care. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 515 and NUR 635. 3(3-0) S,Su

NUR 640 Advanced Human Pathophysiology

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization or instructor permission. Exploration of pathophysiology with focus on health care problems relevant to nursing. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 565 and NUR 640. 3(3-0), F,S

NUR 695 Independent Study in Nursing

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Special topics for individual students may be offered as specific topics of interest or as needs arise which are not covered by courses or content in the program. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 credit hours as topics change. May be taught concurrently with NUR 596. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 596 and NUR 695. 1-6, F,S,Su

NUR 696 Special Topics in Nursing

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Special topics for groups of students may be offered as specific topics of interest or as needs arise which are not covered by courses or content in the program. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 credit hours as topics change. May be taught concurrently with NUR 597. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 597 and NUR 696. 1-3(1-3) D

NUR 700 Epidemiology

Prerequisite: admission to the graduate programs in Nursing. This course is an introduction to the epidemiological methods and procedures utilized in the study of the origin, distribution, and control of disease. It will include the study of infectious and non-infectious disease etiology, including vector control, host defenses and resistance, and investigation of disease outbreaks. Students will learn to use basic epidemiological concepts and methods for program planning, evaluation, and research. Basic statistical measures used in the analysis of clinical and epidemiological evaluations, including measures of disease frequency and measures of absolute and relative effects, will be covered. Identical with PBH 720. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 700 and PBH 720. 3(3-0) F,S

NUR 701 Nursing Science

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization or instructor permission. This course is designed to address how nursing science has evolved and the state of the art of nursing science. Emphasis will be placed on analysis and critique of existing nursing models and theories. 3(3-0), F

NUR 703 Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization or instructor permission. Fosters development of advanced knowledge of health concepts from a local, state, national, and global perspective. The phenomena of cultural competence, health disparities, and vulnerable/underserved populations will be explored. The course is a pre/corequisite for NUR 704, a cultural immersion course required for family nurse practitioner students. 3(3-0), F

NUR 704 Population Health Practicum

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. This course is a clinical component of NUR 703. The clinical experience will include 48 hours of immersion into a vulnerable, undeserved or culturally diverse population. 1(0-3), F,S,Su

NUR 707 Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion Throughout the Lifespan

Prerequisite: admission to the graduate programs in Nursing. Exploration of advanced health assessment and health promotion strategies for individuals, families, and communities. Includes consideration of diverse populations, cultural competence for providers, exploration of the meanings of health and illness, the use of complementary and alternative therapies, and the impact of spirituality. 2(2-0) Su

NUR 711 Advanced Roles and Leadership in Nursing

Prerequisite: admission to the graduate programs in Nursing. Examination of advanced nursing roles with emphasis on role theory, leadership, and advanced competencies. 2(2-0) Su

NUR 715 Primary Care of the Adult

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Emphasis on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention as well as on diagnosis and management of health problems. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. Supplemental course fee. 6(4-6), S

NUR 725 Primary Care of Women

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Development of the family nurse practitioner's knowledge and skills with emphasis on women's health. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. Supplemental course fee. 4(2-6), F

NUR 728 Primary Care of Children and Adolescents

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Content and practicum in primary care of children and adolescents. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. Supplemental course fee. 4(2-6), Su

NUR 730 Family Practice I

Prerequisite: admission to the BSN-DNP Program. Emphasis on evidence-based clinical practice to promote health and prevent chronic disease. Didactic and clinical experiences include assessment, diagnosis and management of acute health problems in the geriatric, adult and pediatric population. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. 6(4-6) F

NUR 734 Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Advanced critical thinking, communication and diagnostic skills needed to obtain comprehensive and focused history and physical exams, analyze assessment data, generate differential diagnoses, evaluate and utilize screening and diagnostic modalities appropriately. An evidence-based practice framework will be utilized. Supplemental course fee. 5(3-6), F

NUR 750 Family Practice II

Prerequisite: admission to the BSN-DNP Program. Emphasis on evidence-based clinical practice to promote health and prevent chronic disease. Didactic and clinical experiences include assessment, diagnosis and management of chronic health problems in the geriatric, adult and pediatric population. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. 6(4-6) S

NUR 761 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. An in-depth analysis of pharmacotherapeutics and clinical pharmacotherapeutics for nurses in advances practice including regulatory consideration in drug management. Identical to PAS 781. Cannot receive credit for both NUR 761 and PAS 781. 3(3-0), F

NUR 765 Applications of Advanced Pathophysiology

Prerequisite: admission to the graduate programs in Nursing. Clinical application of advanced pathophysiology for advanced nursing roles. 2(1-2), S

NUR 770 Family Practice III

Prerequisite: admission to the BSN-DNP Program. This course covers special clinical topics in nurse practitioner practice including, but not exclusive to procedures, emergencies/trauma, wilderness medicine, pain management, and generic disorders. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. 6(4-6) F

NUR 772 Advanced Research Methods in Nursing

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization or instructor permission. Critical analysis of the researcher role, the research process, and research ethics within a nursing framework. Application of learned principles will result in the development of the research proposal. 3(3-0), S

NUR 780 Teaching/Learning for Health Care Educators

Prerequisite: admission to the Nurse Educator specialization. Designed to examine works of major learning theorists and investigate research related to teaching methods and learning. Identification of teaching/learning strategies used in health care education and practice. 3(3-0), F,S

NUR 781 Nursing Education Practicum

Prerequisite: admission to the Nurse Educator specialization. Clinical experience in a nurse educator role in a basic education program. Application of educational theories and principles in a clinical teaching setting. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. 2(0-6), F,S

NUR 782 Curriculum Design and Program Development

Prerequisite: admission to the Nurse Educator specialization. Basic components and processes of curriculum development. Various perspectives of curriculum design will be discussed. Curriculums for formal educational programs, staff development, and continuing education will be compared. 3(3-0), F,S

NUR 783 Nursing Education Practicum II

Prerequisite: admission to the Nurse Educator specialization. Clinical experience in a nurse educator role in a healthcare or community setting with emphasis on application of educational theories and principles. Includes clinical experiences of not less than 96 hours. 2(0-6), F,S

NUR 784 Technology in Health Care Education

Prerequisite: permission. This course explores various technology-based health education resources, such as blogs, wikis, YouTube/SchoolTube, Podcasts, Webinars, and social networking tools utilized to support the teaching and learning process. Strategies to assess learners, to develop learner evaluation plans, and to measure learning outcomes will be discussed. 2(2-0) F

NUR 786 Issues in Healthcare Education

Prerequisite: admission to the Nurse Educator specialization. Exploration of current issues in academic and healthcare education. Issues occurring in the university, community college, acute care, and community education settings will be included. 2(2-0), D

NUR 788 Health Policies and Issues

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization or instructor permission. Exploration of current issues in health care, such as access to health care, reimbursement, health care reform, case management, and health policy development. Health care trends related to special populations and ethical issues will be emphasized. 3(3-0), F,S

NUR 790 Family Nurse Practitioner Advanced Practicum

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Development of the role of a family nurse practitioner in a supervised setting. Included clinical experiences of not less than 240 hours. Supplemental course fee. 5(0-15), F,S,Su

NUR 797 Non-thesis Project

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization. Active participation in the on-going research and/or nursing evaluation activities of nursing faculty. Culminates in a presentation of an extensive scholarly paper. Must be repeated for a minimum of 3 credit hours. 1-3, F,S,Su

NUR 798 Research

Prerequisite: permission of research advisor. Application of the research process in the supervised study of a selected problem. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours. 1-6, F,S

NUR 799 Thesis

Prerequisite: admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization. Demonstration of the capacity for research and independent thought culminating in a thesis. Must be repeated for a minimum of 6 credit hours. 1-6, F,S,Su

NUR 800 DNP Leadership I: Concepts for Evidence-Based Practice

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. This course explores foundational concepts for the development of the DNP nurse leader. Concepts include transforming health care through evidence-based practice, quality improvement, leadership in healthcare systems, project planning, evaluation of evidence, and consideration of disparities in health and healthcare. The DNP project explored in this course will be designed, implemented, and evaluated in future courses. 3(2-3) Su

NUR 802 Emerging Science of Advanced Practice

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. In this course, concepts, theories, and philosophical perspectives relevant to nursing science, research, and advanced nursing practice are examined. Emphasis is placed on exploring, analyzing, and applying concepts, theories, philosophies, and research applicable to the discipline of nursing in general, and to the student's area of advanced practice and research. 2(2-0) Su

NUR 820 Social Justice and Disparities in Health and Healthcare

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. This course fosters development of advanced knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistical methods, cultural competence, health and healthcare disparity, and social justice concepts. The role of the advanced practice nurse in relation to cultural competence, health and healthcare disparity, and population health is analyzed. 3(3-0) F

NUR 824 Health Policy to Improve Health Disparities

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. This course will analyze the development and implementation of health care policy and promote the role of the advanced practice nurse in policy making as an advocate for issues related to social justice, vulnerable populations, and health disparities. 2(2-0) F

NUR 830 DNP Leadership II: Impacting Disparities in Health and Healthcare

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. This course builds upon the foundations in the introductory leadership course, NUR 800, DNP Leadership I: Concepts for Evidence-Based Practice. The focus of this course includes the topics of leadership theory, change, problem solving, decision making, translational research, quality improvement, budgeting, to address disparities in health and healthcare. 3(3-0) F

NUR 840 Technology for Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Systems

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. This course is designed to provide an overview of nursing and healthcare information technology for the advanced practice nurse. The purpose of this course is to explore information system concepts and leverage technologies that can be used to improve quality, enhance patient safety, and transform the health of individuals, families, communities and populations. 2(2-0) S

NUR 860 DNP Leadership III: Transforming Systems

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. This course builds on previous DNP Leadership courses and concepts, with an emphasis on DNP Leadership for transforming health and healthcare delivery at the systems level to address health and health care disparities. Concepts addressed include strategic planning; resource management; leading and managing change and innovation in traditional and community environments; entrepreneurship, healthcare economics; influencing organizational culture and behavior; program/impact evaluation; and advanced leadership roles, such as consultant, entrepreneur, and mentor. 4(4-0) S

NUR 991 Transforming Practice I

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. This course is the preliminary DNP degree project course. The DNP degree project course focus is on the concepts and skills necessary to create and implement projects and evaluate outcomes for change in clinical practice. Skills learned and applied in this preliminary course include developing a needs assessment, project planning, budgeting, managing risk and navigating project barriers. This course has no less than 96 hours of clinical. 2(0-6) F,Su

NUR 992 Transforming Practice II

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. During this course, the DNP student will implement an evidence-based project to transform practice within a healthcare system. The project will consider disparities in health and healthcare, and data will be collected for project evaluation. The DNP student will complete a minimum of 192 clinical hours. 4(0-12) F,S

NUR 993 Transforming Practice III

Prerequisite: admission to the DNP Program. During this course, the DNP student will conclude and evaluate the project implemented in NUR 992 and will disseminate results of the project through an abstract to a regional or national conference and an article to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. The DNP student will complete a minimum of 192 clinical hours. 4(0-12) S,Su