Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Curriculum

MSN-FNP Curriculum

NURS 4610

Three P’s: Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, and Pharmacology

This refresher course is designed for the registered nurse to review the concepts of pathophysiology, physical assessment, and pharmacology. It helps to obtain a foundational synthesis of advanced nursing practice principles using a real-world holistic approach to nursing. It is an optional course for students who may have been out of school for an extended amount of time. It is mandatory for any student that may be deemed high risk. They must successfully pass this course to begin the MSN program. This course would be available the semester before the program begins.

NURS 5311

Professional Transitions: Advanced Practice Nursing

3 credits

This course is designed to help the registered nurse with a BSN degree transition to graduate studies to maximize their performance and opportunities for success. The course will cover such topics as the standards for scholarly writing, using evidence, study habits, and managing a graduate-level workload. The role of the Master’s-prepared nurse as a clinical scholar, clinical expert and as leader in evidence-based practice and transformation of health care will be emphasized.

NURS 5312

Theory in Advanced Practice Nursing

3 credits

This course focuses on nursing theories and other theories that are applied to nursing frameworks. Students will focus on the contribution of theories from nursing and other disciplines to informed nursing practice. Students will understand the use of relevant theories and strategies for application to their own practice as a master’s prepared nurse, at the organization level, and for overall health care system.

NURS 5313

Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice

3 credits

This course provides the integration of research and evidence-based practice. Content related to problem identification, finding literature, qualitative and quantitative approaches to research, and the application to evidence-based practice is presented. Students will have the chance to practice and develop evidence-based projects in nursing to improve health quality and patient safety.

NURS 5314

Epidemiology and Population-Based Health Care

3 credits

This course incorporates 50 hours of laboratory/simulation experience, allowing students to practice performing physical examinations. This course includes the mandatory immersion experience, which includes suturing, pelvic exams, breast exams, prostate exams, advanced musculoskeletal exams, EKGs, and other subjects as needed.

NURS 5321

Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

3 credits

This course provides advanced knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology in humans. Students will gain a better understanding of the normal anatomy and physiology of the human organ, and they can relate this knowledge to identify the changes in normal function that result in symptoms indicating illnesses.

In addition, this course covers the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, lymphatics, musculoskeletal, integumentary, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, and neurological systems.

NURS 5322

Advanced Health Assessments

3 credits | 50 hours labs/simulations

This course focuses on the advanced practice of collecting patient’s data through the interview and performing physical examinations. Students learn to identify potential health issues through interpretation of the history, health assessment, and laboratory data. It has pathophysiology threaded through out.

This course incorporates 50 hours of laboratory/simulation experience, allowing students to practice performing physical examinations. This course includes the mandatory immersion experience, which includes suturing, pelvic exams, breast exams, prostate exams, advanced musculoskeletal exams, EKGs, and other subjects as needed.

NURS 5323

Advanced Practice Pharmacology

3 credits

This course emphasizes the principles of pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics, including the side effects, idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and allergy reactions. Students will learn to assess, evaluate, and manage a patient’s health problems and apply the principle of therapeutic decision-making and prescribing.

NURS 5331

Advanced Primary Care FNP 1

3 credits

This course focuses on providing primary care to children, adults, and older adults using a lifespan approach, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. The theoretical model for primary care delivery and advanced health assessments will be covered. Advanced health assessments, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and management of acute and chronic health conditions are emphasized. Knowledge of social determinants of health, health disparities, palliative care, and ethics provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive plan of care.

NURS 5332

Advanced Primary Care FNP 2

3 credits

This course continues to highlight primary care to children, adults, and older adults using a lifespan approach. Advanced health assessments, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and management of acute and chronic health conditions are emphasized. Knowledge of social determinants of health, health disparities, palliative care, and ethics provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive plan of care.

NURS 5333

Advanced Primary Care FNP 3

3 credits

This online course continues to highlight primary care to children, adults, and older adults using a lifespan approach. Advanced health assessments, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and management of acute and chronic health conditions are addressed. Content related to reproductive systems, the unique needs of vulnerable populations, and the plan of care for the patients and family is covered.

NURS 5634

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 1

6 credits | 180 clinical hours

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 1, 2, 3, & 4 provide the opportunity to integrate the knowledge from previous courses and apply it to the clinical settings. The student applies health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management strategies for patients. Throughout the weekly clinical practice, FNP students will advance their knowledge and achieve skills needed for primary care. The students will spend 1-2 days per week at clinical placement under preceptor supervision. During clinical, students can utilize and improve their skills and progression in their role as FNP students.

NURS 5635

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 2

6 credits | 180 clinical hours

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 1, 2, 3, & 4 provide the opportunity to integrate the knowledge from previous courses and apply it to the clinical settings. The student applies health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management strategies for patients. Throughout the weekly clinical practice. FNP students will advance their knowledge and achieve skills needed for primary care. The students will spend 1-2 days per week at clinical placement under preceptor supervision. During clinical, students can use their skills and progression as an FNP student.

NURS 5636

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 3

6 credits | 180 clinical hours

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 1, 2, 3, & 4 provide the opportunity to integrate the knowledge from previous courses and apply it to the clinical settings. The student applies health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management strategies for patients. Throughout the weekly clinical practice. FNP students will advance their knowledge and achieve skills needed for primary care. The students will spend 1-2 days per week at clinical placement under preceptor supervision. During clinical, students can use their skills and progression as an FNP student.

NURS 5637

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 4

6 credits | 210 clinical hours

Advanced Primary Care FNP Clinical 1, 2, 3, & 4 provide the opportunity to integrate the knowledge from previous courses and apply it to the clinical settings. The student applies health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management strategies for patients. Throughout the weekly clinical practice. FNP students will advance their knowledge and achieve skills needed for primary care. The students will spend 1-2 days per week at clinical placement under supervision from the preceptors. During clinical, students can utilize their skills and progression as an NP student.

MSN-PMHNP Curriculum

  • NURS 5347

    Advanced Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan

    3 credits

  • Advanced psychopharmacology studies the principles essential for the treatment of psychiatric and mental health conditions across the lifespan. Students will explore the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of action of psychotropic medications, as well as the role of psychogenomics in individualized treatment planning. Emphasis is placed on the safe and effective prescribing of medications, consideration of comorbid conditions, monitoring for adverse effects, and patient education. This course prepares students to apply evidence-based strategies in clinical decision-making to optimize mental health outcomes in diverse populations.

  • NURS 5348

    PMHNP I: Assessment, Diagnostics, Evaluation and Psychotherapies

    3 credits

  • PMHNP I provides an exploration of the examination, diagnosis, and evaluation of mental health conditions, emphasizing the integration of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches. Students will develop proficiency in the use of assessment tools, diagnostic criteria, and diagnostic tests to accurately identify mental health conditions. The course focuses on synthesizing clinical data to develop comprehensive, individualized care plans that address the unique needs of patients in diverse mental health settings. Emphasis is placed on fostering critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration to optimize mental health outcomes.

  • NURS 5349

    PMHNP II: Psychogenetics and Patient Management

    3 credits

  • This course explores essential topics in mental health care, including psychotherapy techniques, diagnostic tools, and treatment strategies for conditions like ADHD, substance addiction, sleep disorders, and personality disorders. It also emphasizes prevention, age-specific care, and fostering mental wellness, equipping students with the skills to support diverse patient needs effectively.

  • NURS 5350

    PMHNP III: Family-Focused Mental Health Interventions

    3 credits

  • This clinical course focuses on providing family-oriented mental health care. Students will implement nursing interventions that address families’ mental health needs, including psychoeducation and illness prevention strategies. Key topics include informed consent, confidentiality, and the legal and ethical aspects of family-focused mental health care. The course emphasizes strengthening family support systems and promoting holistic mental health within family units. Students will spend approximately 25-26 hours per week of direct, supervised patient care, preparing students for advanced practice in diverse mental health settings.

  • NURS 5647

    PMHNP Clinical I: Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis in Clinical Practice

    6 credit hours / 180 clinical hours

  • This clinical course focuses on the practical application of mental health assessments, diagnostic tools, and evaluation techniques in a clinical setting. Students will develop proficiency in conducting comprehensive mental health evaluations, applying DSM criteria, and utilizing diagnostic tests. Emphasis is placed on creating detailed care plans tailored to individual patient needs and integrates psychotherapeutic approaches into clinical practice. Additionally, students will also refine their skills to integrate psychotherapeutic approaches into their assessments and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

    Students will spend time at clinical with direct, supervised patient care, preparing students for advanced practice in diverse mental health settings.

  • NURS 5648

    PMHNP Clinical II: Psychotherapeutic Techniques and Management of Specific Disorders

    6 credit hours / 180 clinical hours

  • This clinical course focuses on the practical application of psychotherapeutic techniques and treatment strategies for managing various mental health conditions. Students will gain clinical experience in diagnosing and managing conditions such as ADHD, substance use disorders, sleep disorders, and personality disorders. The course also emphasizes prevention strategies, age-specific care considerations, and promoting mental wellness across diverse populations.

    Students will spend time at clinical with direct, supervised patient care, preparing students for advanced practice in diverse mental health settings.

  • NURS 5649

    PMHNP Clinical III: Family-Focused Mental Health Interventions

    6 credit hours / 180 clinical hours

  • This clinical course focuses on providing family-oriented mental health care. Students will implement nursing interventions that address families’ mental health needs, including psychoeducation and illness prevention strategies. Key topics include informed consent, confidentiality, and the legal and ethical aspects of family-focused mental health care. The course emphasizes strengthening family support systems and promoting holistic mental health within family units.

    Students will spend time at clinical each with direct, supervised patient care, preparing students for advanced practice in diverse mental health settings.

  • NURS 5650

    PMHNP Clinical IV: Advanced Mental Health Promotion and Ethical Practice

    15 week course*

    6 credit hours / 220 clinical hours

  • This clinical course focuses on advanced nursing interventions, mental health promotion, and ethical decision-making in practice. Students will strengthen their skills in promoting mental health and preventing illness within diverse communities, emphasizing patient rights, confidentiality, and equitable care. Through advanced clinical cases, students will enhance their ability to deliver psychoeducation, address ethical dilemmas, and implement culturally sensitive interventions.

    The course includes direct, supervised patient care per week, supervised patient care, preparing students for advanced practice in diverse mental health settings.

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