MSN-Nursing Family Practice

Interim Director: Carol A. (Heald) Amann, PhD, RN-BC, CDP, FNGNA

INTRODUCTION

Upon completion of program requirements, students are awarded the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The program integrates nursing leadership, research, and clinical practice. Graduates are able to respond to challenges facing nursing and the health care system through advanced clinical practice and scientific inquiry.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares students for the nurse practitioner role with experience to care for patients across the lifespan. Our faculty provide expertise and mentoring in assessment, diagnoses, and implementation of advanced practice care to individuals, families, and groups in the community setting. Ethical dilemmas and legal issues related to the advanced practice role are addressed. Preparation to serve as a primary care provider and leader in community practice is acquired from theoretical knowledge developed through online courses and clinical practice experience gained through hands-on training in diverse clinical settings. Students learn to conduct needs assessments to deliver a community-wide system of health care services.

ACCREDITATION

The master’s degree program in nursing and the post graduate APRN certificate program at Gannon University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM

Opportunities for part-time study are available to students in the program. Courses are scheduled three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer).

NOTE: Course offerings are contingent on sufficient enrollment.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Registered nurses (RNs) who have a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program are eligible to apply for admission to graduate study. Applicants must:

• submit a complete application for admission;

• submit official transcripts of all previous academic work;

• demonstrate completion of an introductory statistics course and a research course with a grade of at least a “B” or higher;

• provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s academic and professional expertise;

• provide evidence of the fulfillment of legal requirements for the practice of nursing in the United States; and

• complete a successful interview with the admissions committee for the family nurse practitioner program.

• GNURS590 Advanced Physical Assessment requires skills/competencies to be evaluated on campus, in-person as arranged.

RESEARCH REQUIREMENT

Each graduate student in nursing is required to prepare a research study or evidence-based practice project and submit a formal research report prior to graduation. This requirement includes six credits of study – three credits of GNURS 620, and three credits of GNURS 651 Research Seminar. Students are guided through the process by a doctoral-prepared nursing faculty member.

THE CURRICULUM PLAN

The graduate nursing program requires students to complete 42 credits. All students are required to complete six credits of core nursing knowledge courses – three credits of GNURS 620:Foundations of Research and Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing and three credits of GNURS 526: Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing.