King University Online MSN and Certificate Programs – FNP, PMHNP
#18 Best NP School Overall
#13 Most Flexible NP School
The King University School of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with multiple specialization options. Students may train to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP), an adult-gerontology acute care NP (AGACNP), or a psychiatric mental health NP (PMHNP). King University also offers a post-master’s certificate program with FNP and PMHNP specializations.
King University is a Christian institution, preparing nurses to serve God, the Church, and the world with thoughtfulness, responsibility, and resourcefulness. Students are encouraged to understand Western and non-Western cultures, interact with people from various cultures and backgrounds, understand other belief systems, and be challenged by suffering and injustice.
The King University MSN-FNP degree program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice roles specializing in primary care. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, outcomes management, clinical research, and advanced clinical decision-making. Students also complete a practicum with a minimum of 600 clinical hours. Students may complete their clinical in various specializations, including pediatrics, women’s health, and geriatric and adult care.
The MSN-PMHNP program is a five-semester program designed to train students in the advanced nursing skills necessary to work in psychiatric mental health care. Students develop expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health and psychiatric disorders in a variety of healthcare settings. Students enhance their knowledge in the disciplines of psychopharmacology and psychotherapies. Graduates can take the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and may apply for an advanced practice nurse license.
The post-master’s certificate program features FNP and PMHNP specializations. Both certificate programs feature a 600-hour clinical learning requirement and provide the training necessary for its graduates to sit for the certification examination corresponding to their specialty.
King University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). King University is located in Bristol, Tennessee.
What to Expect from the King University Online MSN and Certificate Programs
Admissions Requirements: Applicants to the MSN program must submit several documents. These include a completed application, transcripts as evidence of graduation from an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (students who do not meet this requirement may be conditionally accepted), proof of satisfactory completion of undergraduate courses (a course grade of C or better) in statistics, nursing research/evidence-based practice, and health assessment, and proof of a current, unencumbered RN license with privileges to practice in any state where practicum hours will be completed. Applicants must also submit a personal essay, a current CV, and the names and emails of two recommenders.
Guaranteed admission may be offered to students who have completed a BSN degree from King University and those with no academic history at King University. Admission criteria for guaranteed admission include sufficient academic performance as evidenced by a minimum GPA of 3.5, letters of recommendation, and no history of academic sanction within a BSN program.
Certificate program applicants must have completed an MSN degree from an NLNAC or CCNE-accredited program.
State Restrictions: King University is an NC-SARA participant and accepts students from those states into their online programs. However, nurses outside of Tennessee and Virginia should check with the School of Nursing through King University and their state Board of Nursing to see if they qualify.
Study Plan: Both MSN programs may be completed in as little as five semesters. The MSN-FNP degree program is designed for practicing nurses who have busy schedules. The FNP track is the only MSN track offered using the HyFlex learning format. This format offers three study options. Students may attend class in person or online synchronously or asynchronously.
Though the HyFlex format does offer substantial flexibility, students must still complete a one-day in-person intensive at the beginning of each semester. Students who live far away can potentially be accommodated to complete the intensive virtual,ly but it is always preferred that students complete this intensive in person if possible. Students complete clinicals in approved states of study.
The certificate programs feature a curriculum design similar to the corresponding degree programs. The FNP certificate also features a Hyflex learning format. The PMHNP certificate is offered online with some online synchronous sessions offered by nursing faculty.
MSN-FNP Curriculum: The online MSN-FNP program comprises 45 credits plus at least 600 clinical hours. Core courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced physical assessment & health promotion; healthcare informatics; research designs in nursing; advanced pharmacology; care of women & families; theoretical basis of nursing practice; care of adults and geriatric populations; global health awareness; social, cultural & political perspectives on healthcare & delivery systems; care of pediatric populations; seminar and intensive practicum; practice management and advanced role development; and comprehensive competency demonstration.
MSN-PMHNP Curriculum: The online MSN-PMHNP program comprises 48 credits plus at least 600 clinical hours. Courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced physical assessment & health promotion; healthcare informatics; the theoretical basis of nursing practice; advanced pharmacology; social, cultural & political perspectives on healthcare & delivery systems; introduction to psychotherapies for the advanced practice nurse; research designs in nursing; advanced psychopharmacology; psych/behavioral health disorders and diagnosis; contemporary approaches to psychotherapy; global health awareness; psych/mh seminar & clinical I (300 clinical hours); integration and application of psychotherapies; psych/mh seminar & clinical II (300 clinical hours); practice management and advanced role development; and final comprehensive competency demonstration.
Certificate Program Curriculum: The FNP certificate program requires completion of 30 credits and at least 600 clinical hours. Courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced physical assessment & health promotion; advanced pharmacology; FNP I care of women & families (60 clinical hours); FNP II care of adults and geriatric populations (180 clinical hours); FNP III care of pediatric populations (120 clinical hours); FNP IV seminar and intensive practicum (240 clinical hours); practice management and advanced role development; and final comprehensive competency demonstration.
The PMHNP certificate program requires 33 credits and at least 600 clinical hours. Courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced physical assessment & health promotion; advanced pharmacology; introduction to psychotherapies for the advanced practice nurse; advanced psychopharmacology; psych/behavioral health disorders and diagnosis; contemporary approaches to psychotherapy; psych-mental health clinical I (300 clinical hours); integration and application of psychotherapies; psych-mental health clinical II (300 clinical hours); practice management and advanced role development; and final comprehensive competency demonstration.
Online Experience: King University utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). An online course orientation is offered. Courses are mostly asynchronous, with some synchronous activities included. Students can use web conferencing, discussion groups, chat, email, and other web services. Courses include lectures, assignments, assessments, and synchronous course times with faculty and peers. Student services include access to a writing center, math center, speaking center, 24/7 online tutoring, technical support, disability resources, library services, career development, academic advising, and faculty support.
On-Site Requirements: Though the King University MSN programs are offered online, intensives are required at the beginning of each semester. Students who live far away may be able to participate nonetheless using a virtual option. Students complete clinical requirements in a placement close to their place of residence. Please note that the FNP certificate program is offered in person at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.
Paying for the King University Online MSN and Certificate Programs
King University lists the tuition figures below. Certificate program students pay the same tuition rate as the degree program with the same specialization. Prospective students should contact the School of Nursing Admissions Department for current tuition costs.
King University offers unsubsidized federal graduate loans, according to the FAFSA. Nursing students may also check with their employers to see if a tuition reimbursement program or discounts are available.
Nursing students may also look into other opportunities for fundin,g such as outside scholarships and grants. Tennessee residents who enter the MSN-PMHNP program can apply for the Tennessee Behavioral Pathways scholarship. This scholarship can provide up to $30,000 in tuition aid over a two-year period. A link to more details is available on the King University website.
King University offers a number of online nurse practitioner programs at the MSN level and the Post-Master's Certificate level. Most are fully online, with the FNP being offered in HyFlex format, which allows the student to periodically adjust the learning format so that they can attend courses online sychronously, online asynchronously, or in-person at the Virginia campus.
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric NP
1350 King College Road
Bristol, Tennessee 37620
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AG-ACNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
0
45
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
45
$605.00
$27,225.00
$605.00
$27,225.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
0
45
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
45
$605.00
$27,225.00
$605.00
$27,225.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
0
48
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
48
$605.00
$29,040.00
$605.00
$29,040.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
0
33
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
33
$605.00
$19,965.00
$605.00
$19,965.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.