RN-MSN FNP Program
Why SHU?
The RN-MSN track provides an opportunity for associate degree and diploma-prepared nurses to obtain the MSN. The curriculum is characterized by flexibility, recognizing the diversity of the students who enroll. The RN-MSN applicant must be a graduate of a school accredited by the National League for Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It is recommended that students complete required non-nursing undergraduate course work prior to enrolling in the nursing courses. The nursing curriculum includes both undergraduate and graduate level courses to satisfy the requirements for the baccalaureate degree. The basis of the acceleration is the substitution of graduate nursing credits in place of the traditional baccalaureate nursing credits. Part-time and full-time study may be pursued.
What the degree prepares you for:
Our graduates are well prepared for the evolving role of Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon completion of the didactic and clinical curriculum graduates are prepared to diagnose and manage the most common acute and chronic health problems encountered in the primary care setting. In the advanced practice role, FNPs demonstrate autonomous and collaborative decision-making (with physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team), and are directly accountable for clinical judgment. The graduate will assume the responsibilities of prescriptive authority as delineated by the Connecticut Nurse Practice Act for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Recent graduates are employed in a wide variety of settings including physician offices, hospitals, clinics, sub-acute settings, public health departments, schools of nursing, etc.
Admission Criteria:
This program is designed for the academically talented student who has experience in nursing.
The criteria for admission include:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
- One (1) year of nursing experience preferred
- Statement of professional goals
- Interview with graduate nursing faculty
- Connecticut RN license (or for online students RN license in state of professional practice)
Prospective applicants must submit a completed application, résumé, two letters of recommendation, and send official copies of transcripts of all prior nursing and academic work.
Clinical Sites/Affiliations:
Precepted clinical experiences are individually arranged. Students may select clinical sites and preceptors for clinical supervision that are within their own geographic location. The FNP Program has contracts with many local agencies including several large federally qualified health centers where students may secure clinical placement. Clinical preceptors may be nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, physicians, or physician assistants. In the last semester of study students may select a specialty rotation in a clinical area of interest such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, dermatology, emergency medicine, etc…
Program Description & Fact Sheet
Graduate Catalog
Graduate Admissions