Tennessee Tech University Online MSN Programs – FNP, PMHNP

What to Expect from the Tennessee Tech University Online FNP and PMHNP Programs

Admission Requirements: MSN applicants must have earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s may apply. These students take one additional course to complete their program.

All applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license in their state of residence. Application materials include an application and fee, official transcripts, proof of RN licensure, and three letters of recommendation, including one academic recommendation from a prior faculty member, one supervisor recommendation, and one personal recommendation.

Also required is a written document that includes a resume, future career goals, a discussion of the applicant’s prior work experience, and why the applicant is seeking graduate study. Students whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL test scores.

State Restrictions: Tennessee Tech accepts students from all NC-SARA-approved states. There may be some restrictions for certain states if the clinical hours or other components do not meet the requirements of that state. It is vital that prospective students check with the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, as well as their State Board of Nursing, to verify eligibility.

In addition, Tennessee Tech University allows for in-state tuition for students living in Tennessee as well as the following six counties in Kentucky: Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Monroe, Wayne, and Whitley. All other students pay non-resident tuition.

Study Plan: The MSN program is offered both part-time and full-time. Students can begin in the Fall or Spring. The typical time to completion is two to two and one-half years or seven to eight semesters. Most students take two courses per semester and have up to six years to complete their program. All coursework is online, and clinicals are completed at approved sites local to the student.

MSN Curriculum: The Tennessee Tech FNP program comprises 46 credits plus 540 clinical practice hours, while the PMHNP specialization comprises 45 credits plus 540 clinical hours. Core courses include Theoretical Foundations; Healthcare Policy; Advanced Role Development; Advanced Nursing Research; and Role Transition to Certification and Practice.

Advanced Practice Concentration courses include Advanced Health Assessment; Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan; Advanced Health Assessment Lab; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Advanced Pharmacology.

Family Nurse Practitioner specialty courses include Adult Health Primary Care I-II; Adult Health Primary Care Practicum I-II; Primary Care Pediatrics and Women’s Health; Primary Care Pediatrics and Women’s Health Practicum; and Final FNP Preceptorship.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty courses include Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing I-III and Practicum I-III; Practicum; and Final Psychiatric Nursing Preceptorship.

RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree take one additional course called Community Health. Therefore, their total credit load equals 49 to 50 credits plus 540 clinical hours, which is an accelerated pathway.

Online Experience: Tennessee Tech University utilizes iLearn through D2L Brightspace as its online Learning Management System (LMS). All instructors take an iLearn training workshop before they are allowed to produce course content. Through iLearn, students can access course materials and assignments, syllabi, discussion boards, email, assessments, course-related activities, and all technology related to the online learning environment.

Online students can get help and access resources through the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL). Faculty also receive guidance and course improvement, as well as other help, through CITL. Other Tennessee Tech student services include an online library and bookstore, health services, academic advising, faculty support, career counseling, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MSN program. Students complete clinicals in approved states, and all other coursework is online. Students may visit campus at any time and participate in graduation ceremonies on campus.