University of Saint Mary Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

What to Expect from USM MSN and Certificate Programs

Admission Requirements: The University of Saint Mary MSN degree program is competitive. Applicants must apply through the NursingCAS system. To be determined eligible for admission applicants must submit the following:

• Proof of award of a bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited nursing program as evidenced by official transcripts; students must have had a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate nursing study
• Verification of current unrestricted RN license in the state where the applicant intends to complete the required clinical practicum
• Two professional or academic letters of recommendation
• Current curriculum vitae
• Written response to three questions focused on dedication to the nursing profession and motivation
• At least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse. Applicants may seek admission before completion of one year of experience but must have fulfilled this requirement before enrollment in practicum courses
• Personal interview with the Program Admissions Committee

Admission requirements for post-master’s certificate programs are similar. Applicants must have a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and meet the admission standards for the corresponding MSN degree program. Applicants must also provide verification of current unrestricted RN license in both the state of Kansas and the state of intended clinical practicum.

State Restrictions: USM offers admission to a variety of applicants, including transfer, online, and international students. Regarding transfer applicants, USM has a number of transfer partnerships with local community colleges and a universal transfer agreement with community colleges throughout Kansas. 

USM seeks to be a welcoming university for international students. International applicants are encouraged to begin the application process at least 90 days before intended enrollment. International applicants must submit a completed application, a non-refundable application fee, official verification of satisfactory English proficiency as demonstrated on an exam when necessary, and transcripts of all coursework not completed at an accredited US institution that have been evaluated by a transcript evaluation service. 

International students must provide additional documentation including documents related to their financial resources and health insurance no less than 30 days before the start of their preferred term. Prospective international applicants are recommended to thoroughly review all application information listed on the USM website.

Study Plan: Both MSN degree specializations can be completed in twelve terms over as little as two years. Students must complete a minimum of 700 clinical hours in order to graduate. 

MSN Curriculum: Students of both MSN degree options complete three nursing courses in the topics of foundations of advanced practice nursing, research, and healthcare policy and ethics. These three core courses total nine credit hours.

FNP Specialization Courses: The MSN-FNP program is a 50-credit-hour program. Courses focus on quality and safety, pathophysiology, patient assessment, healthcare informatics, pharmacotherapeutics, primary care for various populations (three separate courses), and evidence-based project work that totals three credit hours. The FNP program emphasizes preparedness, standardized patient experiences, and simulation-based learning. FNP students can be ready to sit for national certification in as little as two years. 

PMHNP Specialization Courses: The MSN-PMHNP program is a 53-credit-hour program. It uses a cohort learning model and thus requires students to complete courses in a certain order. Students complete two on-site intensives during their program. These intensives feature skills practice, preparation for oral boards, and poster presentations. The PMHNP degree curriculum features a holistic approach to mental health care.

Certificate Program Courses: Both certificate programs offer students the option to complete an accelerated schedule if they already are a certified nurse practitioner in one of several areas. The PMHNP certificate requires completion of 27 to 38 credits and features the core courses of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN, and psychopharmacology and neurobiology. 

The FNP certificate requires 24 to 32 credit-hours and includes core courses such as advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, as well as a series of primary care clinical courses designed to provide training in the large variety of patient populations an FNP may encounter in nursing practice. Both certificate programs ultimately require completion of 780 clinical training hours.

Online Experience: The University of Saint Mary MSN degree program features an online learning delivery model designed to accommodate the needs of working nursing professionals.

On-Site Requirements: Students complete a majority of their coursework online. The MSN program nonetheless also requires completion of an on-site clinical internship. USM staff will assist with securing clinical practicum placements.