UMass Lowell Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) Solomont School of Nursing, located in Lowell, Massachusetts, offers nursing professionals a fully online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program with tracks in family health nurse practitioner (FHNP) and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP).
UMass Lowell MSN students further develop their nursing skills through traditional coursework learning and practicum placements. The curriculum is designed to achieve several key learning outcomes. These learning outcomes include:
- Promoting the health of individuals, families and groups from diverse backgrounds
- Collaborating with clients, families, health professionals, and healthcare agencies in the treatment and management of a variety of health problems
- Providing leadership within the nursing profession
- Utilizing research and nursing theory in evidence-based nursing practice
MSN program graduates are well prepared to work in various practice settings such as primary care clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, schools, assisted living centers, long-term care centers, and more. Graduates may seek certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). UMass Lowell’s MSN NP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
What to Expect from the UMass Lowell Online MSN NP Programs
Admission Requirements: To be considered eligible for admission, applicants must demonstrate they hold a BSN degree from an accredited institution in which they maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, have satisfactorily completed an introductory course in statistics, and have sufficient computer literacy. A complete application for admission consists of the application itself, an application fee, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, a resume, proof of a current registered nursing license from the state when the applicant practices, and official transcripts. Transcripts are used to document possession of the necessary BSN degree. No GRE test scores are required.
State Restrictions: The UMass Lowell MSN NP programs only accept students from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Out-of-state applicants must obtain a Massachusetts nursing license before starting practicum courses.
Though UMass Lowell permits international students to complete some of its degree programs online while residing in their home countries, the online MSN NP programs do not currently offer this option to international students. In addition, F1 student visas are not granted for these MSN programs.
Study Plan: Students can complete their MSN program in as little as two years. Students may begin their program in the summer or spring. Priority application deadlines are March 1st for summer entry and November 1st for spring entry.
MSN Curriculum: UMass Lowell’s online MSN programs comprise 16 courses totaling 45 credit hours. All students complete a common set of 15 courses for a total of 42 hours. Only one course distinguishes the curricula of the two MSN tracks from one another. Required courses feature topics such as clinical pathophysiology, pharmacology, APRN care of adults, women’s health across the lifespan, theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice, and much more.
FHNP Specialization Course: FHNP track students complete the three-credit course APRN care of children and adolescents.
AGPCNP Specialization Course: AGPCNP track students complete the three-credit course APRN care of older adults.
Online Experience: UMass Lowell MSN NP programs are offered online. An online learning delivery model can prove especially effective for professionals in high stress jobs with variable schedules and those with significant existing family and other commitments. By offering these MSN programs online, UMass Lowell can expand its reach, making nursing education accessible to a larger pool of qualified individuals.
On-Site Requirements: The MSN programs also feature four half-day on-campus learning activities in which students engage face-to-face with both peers and faculty. These on-site experiences take place in UMass Lowell’s state-of-the-art nursing facility.
Paying for the UMass Lowell Online MSN NP Programs
The tuition numbers of the UMass Lowell online MSN NP degree program are listed in the tables below. UMass Lowell prides itself on its affordability. Tuition at UMass Lowell is often 50 percent of the cost of private colleges. Online tuition rates are among the lowest in the nation. Tuition numbers are frequently subject to annual changes. Prospective students should closely review tuition information and contact UMass Lowell with any unresolved questions.
To apply for UMass Lowell’s financial aid, students should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA helps UMass Lowell determine financial need and what need-based scholarships a student may qualify for. A student’s decision to complete a degree online does not impact their scholarship eligibility. When students apply via the RiverHawk Scholarship Portal, they will be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships for which they are qualified. It is unnecessary to submit the FAFSA to be eligible for consideration for scholarships on the RiverHawk Scholarship Portal.
MSN – Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP
MSN – Family Health Nurse Practitioner
113 Wilder Street, Suite 200
Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AG-PCNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Spring, Summer
No
3
45
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Program Tuition
45
$640.00
$28,800.00
$640.00
$28,800.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Spring, Summer
No
3
45
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Program Tuition
45
$640.00
$28,800.00
$640.00
$28,800.00
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].