Expand your credentials and career.
Practicing nurses who have the right education and expertise have access to advanced career opportunities and expanded employment options.Nurse.com, "Unlock Doors of Opportunity with a Masters in Nursing," Feb. 7, 2018. Earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at USAHS and prepare for an innovative leadership role in today’s evolving and global healthcare system. You may choose to specialize as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse executive.
In our accelerated MSN pathway, you can stack up to three courses each term—and finish your degree in a faster timeframe. You can also take self-paced courses that award credit according to your mastery of skills and learning—not your time spent in the course.While USAHS does not offer Title IV for any term in which an accelerated learning course is taken without a full term “Anchor” course, other financing alternatives may be available. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information. Optional on-campus immersion sessions also accelerate course completion.
MSN Program at a Glance
Family Nurse Practitioner role specialty
Online coursework + two required on-campus clinical intensives
50 credit hours + 585 practicum contact hours
8 trimesters (2.7 years), although acceleration options are available Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.
Sept., Jan. & May start dates, plus midterm starts
Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive role specialties
Online coursework + optional on-campus immersions
36 credit hours + 225 practicum contact hours
6 trimesters (2 years), although acceleration options are available Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.
Sept., Jan. & May start dates, plus midterm starts
The Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing, and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP specialization) programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Video Highlights
How Our MSN Program Stands Apart
We offer popular role specialties.
The MSN curriculum features three role specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), for those who seek to expand their clinical practice; Nurse Educator, for those called to teach the next generation of nurses; and Nurse Executive, for those working toward leadership positions. Our faculty-practitioners are experts in these role specialties.
We offer acceleration options.
The MSN program offers an accelerated pathway for those who wish to earn their degree faster. You can stack up to three courses per term, take self-paced courses that award credit according to competency assessments, receive academic credit for your professional experience, and ask to transfer credits from another graduate program. While USAHS does not offer Title IV for any term in which an accelerated learning course is taken without a full term “Anchor” course, other financing alternatives may be available. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.
We’re flexible.
Flexibility is key to the USAHS experience. Alongside its accelerated pathway, the MSN program also offers a standard pathway to degree completion. Your faculty and advisors can help you choose a study plan that fits your busy life. Our nursing programs feature six start dates each year, including midterm starts.
We’re online + hands-on.
Our online coursework has both synchronous and asynchronous elements. We also offer optional on-campus immersions, a chance to enjoy face-to-face connections with faculty and fellow students. Students in the FNP track must complete two clinical intensives in our state-of-the-art Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice.
We offer a range of clinical practicum placements.
You will complete practicum hours by working onsite with a preceptor who meets accreditation and state licensure requirements. (Practicum placements are determined by USAHS based on the student’s academic needs and to provide the best educational experience. Students should plan on the need to travel and/or relocate for practica.)
MSN Requirements and Program Information
Nursing Role Specialties
Family Nurse Practitioner
Overview
Family Nurse Practitioners can play a vital role in our healthcare system as the need for primary patient care continues to increase.[1] Nurse practitioners are in high demand for primary care services resulting in large part from an aging and growing population.[1] According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent through 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.[2]
The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences helps prepare leaders in the advanced practice role of family nurse practitioner to promote preventative care and treat acute and chronic illnesses of individuals and families throughout their lives. USAHS is well positioned to provide the critically needed healthcare professionals a bridge to nursing excellence.
USAHS’ MSN-FNP program will help position you for roles in the following settings*:
Outpatient Clinics
Urgent Care
Veteran’s Health
Hospital Out-Patient Clinics
Why Choose USAHS for your MSN-FNP?
- Complete the majority of your FNP coursework in a virtual classroom designed to provide an exceptional student experience
- Learn from dedicated faculty who are experts in the field
- Enhance your clinical and interprofessional skills with two required hands-on clinical intensives offered at an approved USAHS health science-centered campus
- Optional participation in additional on-campus immersions give you the opportunity to engage face-to-face with fellow students and faculty, participate in group exercises and projects, learn from guest lecturers, and further enhance your clinical and interprofessional skills
- Personalized support from an FNP academic advisor for the entire program
- Interprofessional education where you’ll study in an interdisciplinary online environment and collaborate with faculty and peers in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other patient-centered professions who will be your colleagues in the workplace
- Learn from a university committed to health science graduate education
[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. Projecting the Supply and Demand for Primary Care Practitioners Through 2020. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/health-workforce-analysis/primary-care-2020
[2] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners (visited April 25, 2021).
*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Nurse Educator Role Specialty
Nurse educators play an important role as a bridge between the academic and clinical worlds. If you have a passion for teaching, knowledge and experience in nursing, and compassion for patient care, you might consider a rich and rewarding career in nursing education.
Key players in promoting quality and innovative education, nurse educators help to prepare future nurses for a diverse, developing healthcare environment. They serve as guides throughout the learning process, and are flexible, creative, strong communicators and skilled critical thinkers.
As a nurse educator, you will champion evidence-based practice, design curricula and educational experiences, and teach students, clinicians, and clients.
Potential Roles
The Nurse Educator role specialty will help prepare you for a role as an educator in either the academic or practice setting, as a certified or clinical nurse educator, staff development officer, instructional or administrative nurse faculty, dean of a college of nursing, researcher, or specialist in clinical education.
Nurse educators work to strengthen the nursing workforce, and teach future nurses, practicing nurses, nurses pursuing advanced degrees, and other healthcare providers and clients.
Career Settings
While nursing roles are population-focused, not setting-specific, nurse educators may work in the following academic and healthcare settings:
- Universities
- Hospital-based schools of nursing
- Technical schools
- Healthcare organizations
- Home care agencies
- Community health agencies
- Long-term care facilities
- Online, using distance learning technology
As they are highly sought-after, nurse educators have the opportunity to maintain dual roles as educators and direct patient care providers. An increasing number of nurse educators teach part-time and also work in a practice setting, allowing them to share their clinical expertise with students and clinicians.
Nurses who practice in academic settings must be forward-thinking, focused on the future of nursing, and able to adapt curriculum and teaching methods to respond to the rapidly changing field of healthcare.
The ability to anticipate changes and evolving role expectations is an important skill for nurse educators who work in a practice setting. In their role, they will advocate for resources and design and oversee learning experiences that help their team of nurses meet daily challenges.
Role Specialty Learning Outcomes
In addition to the program learning outcomes, the graduate of the MSN with a nurse educator role specialty will achieve the following role specialty learning outcomes:
- Develop curricula based on institutional mission, professional standards, educational theory and research, societal needs, and ongoing program evaluation.
- Design learning environments that provide challenges and opportunities for growth for the learner while ensuring safety, support, and resources for learning.
- Facilitate learning using a variety of teaching strategies based on theory, best evidence, teacher expertise, and appropriateness to the learner.
- Utilize formative assessment methods to provide valuable feedback to support learner development and growth.
- Design summative evaluations that are fair and objective to determine achievement of learning outcomes.
- Implement the role of an academic educator, a professional development specialist, or a patient educator in a professional, respectful, and ethical manner.
On-campus Immersions
Nurse Educator students may choose to participate in an optional on-campus immersion experience at an approved USAHS campus.
During the immersion, you will broaden your perspective through interprofessional learning activities, hone your oral presentation skills, network with alumni and healthcare professionals, meet one-on-one with your program director, and collaborate with peers from various programs.
Immersions are completed over two and half days equally 12 hours of time and are usually offered over a weekend. Students who attend the immersion experience complete the course requirements during the immersion offered in week 10, thus completing the course over 10 weeks rather than 15.
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Nursing Certifications
Graduates of our MSN with a nurse educator role specialty may pursue the following certifications:
- Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) by the National League for Nursing (NLN)
- Nursing Professional Development (RN-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students at USAHS may choose to pursue the Nurse Educator role specialty, and complete the required courses. Learn more about additional nursing role specialties at USAHS.
The Nurse Educator role specialty is available to MSN students only.
Nurse Executive Role Specialty
Every healthcare team needs an expert coach and architect of change to inspire collaboration and help shape the future of the organization. Nurse executives assume this role as they influence, design, develop, and direct the processes and systems for patient care delivery.
Natural leaders with management skills, nurse executives are critical thinkers, decision makers and strong communicators.
As a nurse executive, you will have the opportunity to innovate, impact healthcare policies, and improve patient care across the healthcare continuum. Creativity, accountability, effective communication, the facilitation of professional development, and financial stewardship are the cornerstones of nursing leadership.
Nurse executives serve as role models in supporting the mission and vision of their organization, valuing diversity, facilitating communication, and encouraging creativity. Their responsibilities also include providing professional development and learning opportunities for staff and continuing their own education through participation in nursing associations, and other growth opportunities.
The following principles guide nursing executive practice:
- Collaborating across roles
- Partnering with constituents, including patients and providers
- Serving as an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves
- Assuming collective accountability
- Connecting to networks of wellness, acute care, ambulatory, and long term care providers
- Delivering cost effective patient care
Overall, nurse executives are team leaders who facilitate collaboration, coordinate outcomes management, co-create effective solutions, successfully mentor their team, and enable the spirit of the community.
Potential Roles
The Nurse Executive role specialty will help prepare you for a senior leadership role in a variety of disciplines – as a manager, director, supervisor, chief nursing officer, and more. You will be responsible for advancing the nursing discipline, facilitating the design of patient care delivery, building relationships with staff and colleagues, fostering stewardship, and managing financial and economic operations.
Career Settings
While nursing roles are population-focused, not setting-specific, nurse executives may work in the following academic and healthcare settings:
- Hospitals
- Home health
- Clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Education
Specialty hospitals may prefer to work with nurses who have clinical experience in their specialty field.
Role Specialty Learning Outcomes
In addition to the program learning outcomes, the graduates with a nurse executive role specialty will achieve the following role specialty learning outcomes:
- Develop healthy workplace communities through effective communication, collaborative relationships, trust, conflict resolution, consensus building, and creation of a shared vision.
- Utilize systems thinking and knowledge of delivery models and healthcare economics, policy, and governance to facilitate organizational compliance, performance, and growth.
- Demonstrate leadership through modeling and emphasis on data-driven decision-making, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient safety.
- Lead planned change necessary for the achievement of institutional and departmental goals.
- Design strategies for the continuing development of staff for personal growth as well as improvement of patient and organizational outcomes.
- Implement the role of a nurse leader, nurse manager, or nurse executive in a professional, respectful, and ethical manner.
On-campus Immersions
Nurse executive students may choose to participate in an optional on-campus immersion experience at an approved USAHS campus.
During the immersion, you will broaden your perspective through interprofessional learning activities, hone your oral presentation skills, network with alumni and healthcare professionals, meet one-on-one with your program director, and collaborate with peers from various programs.
Immersions are completed in twelve hours, over two-and-a-half days. Additionally, course time will be shortened by approximately four weeks.
Nursing Certifications
Students may also pursue the following certifications:
- Nurse Executive-Advanced (NEA-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and BSN-entry DNP students at USAHS may choose to pursue the Nurse Executive role specialty, and complete the required courses. Learn more about additional nursing role specialties at USAHS.
X CloseMSN Curriculum
Curriculum
Students in the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program complete a total of 36 credit hours and 225 contact hours of practicum when they choose either the Nurse Educator, or Nurse Executive role specialty.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role specialty consists of 50 credit hours and 585 contact hours of practicum.
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Role Specialty | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | |
| IPE7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ | 3 |
| IPE7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare ▀ | 3 |
| Trimester 2 | |
| NUR7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 |
| IPE7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders▀ | 3 |
| Trimester 3 | |
| NUR7560 Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinning for Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Trimester 4 | |
| IPE7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀ | 3 |
| NUR7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis (3) (2.5 hours didactic and 0.5 hour intensive) REQUIRED INTENSIVE A | 3 |
| Trimester 5 | |
| IPE7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management | 3 |
| NUR 7570 Primary Healthcare of the Family I | 3 |
| Trimester 6 | |
| NUR7575 Primary Healthcare of the Family II (3) (2.5 hours didactic and 0.5 hour intensive) REQUIRED INTENSIVE B | 3 |
| NUR 7571 FNP Role Practicum I (180 contact hours) ♦ | 4 |
| Trimester 7 | |
| NUR 7585 Primary Healthcare of Family III | 3 |
| NUR 7572 FNP Role Practicum II (180 contact hours) ♦ | 4 |
| Trimester 8 | |
| NUR 7573 FNP Role Practicum III (225 contact hours) ♦ | 5 |
| NUR7574 MSN Capstone | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours for Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty | 50 |
| Nurse Educator Role Specialty | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | |
| IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ | 3 |
| IPE7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care ▀ | 3 |
| Trimester 2 | |
| IPE7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders ▀ | 3 |
| IPE7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀ | 3 |
| Trimester 3 | |
| NUR7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinning for Nursing Practice | 3 |
| IPE7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management | 3 |
| Trimester 4 | |
| NUR7100 Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Pharmacology for Nurse Educators | 3 |
| EDF 7175 Foundational Theories in Education | 3 |
| Trimester 5 | |
| EDF 7161 Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education | 3 |
| NUR 7400 MSN Role Practicum I (135 contact hours) ♦ | 3 |
| Trimester 6 | |
| EDF 7050 Teaching Methods in Higher Education | 3 |
| NUR 7450 Role Practicum II (2 practicum hours [90 contact hours] and 1 didactic hour for capstone) ♦ | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours for Nurse Educator Role Specialty | 36 |
| Nurse Executive Role Specialty | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | |
| IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ | 3 |
| IPE7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care ▀ | 3 |
| Trimester 2 | |
| IPE7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals ▀ | 3 |
| IPE7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀ | 3 |
| Trimester 3 | |
| NUR7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinning for Nursing Practice | 3 |
| IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management | 3 |
| Trimester 4 | |
| HSA 7200 B Foundations of Healthcare Administration B | 3 |
| HSA 7250 Human Resources Management & Organizational Development in Healthcare | 3 |
| Trimester 5 | |
| IPE 7133 Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration | 3 |
| NUR 7400 Role Practicum I (135 contact hours) ♦ | 3 |
| Trimester 6 | |
| HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance, and Economics for the Healthcare Leader | 3 |
| NUR 7450 Role Practicum II ) (2 practicum hours [90 contact hours] and 1 didactic hour for capstone) ♦ | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours for Nurse Executive Role Specialty | 36 |
♦ Course requires practicum hours.
▀ Course offers optional immersion.
X CloseMSN Admission Requirements
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, a candidate must submit:
- Application for Admission form
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. An official transcript is one sent directly to the Student Services office by the Registrar of the issuing institution or one forwarded in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
- Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the state of residence
- Professional resume or curriculum vita; an equivalent of one full-time year of experience as a registered nurse by the time you start your first practicum course
- Essay of approximately 500 words describing your short- and long-term career goals and how you plan to achieve them
- Comprehensive background check requiring fingerprints and drug screen is required during the admissions process. These screenings are completed at the applicant’s expense.
- Two professional references from a nurse educator, preceptor, or immediate supervisor; peers or personal relationships are not acceptable.
- An interview if requested
If you completed your education in a foreign country, please submit an original copy of a degree credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation must indicate previous education at the minimum level of a baccalaureate degree earned at an accredited college or university in the United States.
International Students Applying for Admission
Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. All instruction in the MSN program is conducted in English. To be considered, a candidate must submit:
Transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provide evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report if their education was completed in a language other than English or they reside in a non-English speaking country. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based testing), 210 (computer-based testing) or 83 (IBT – Internet based testing) is required.
X CloseHow to Apply
Applying to our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is easy, straightforward—and free!
Contact Your EA at Any Time in the Process
Ana Marshall
760-410-5389
[email protected]
Before You Apply
- Review admissions requirements for the MSN.
- Request transcripts from all the higher education institutions you’ve attended. We will calculate your cumulative GPA. Ask each institution to email the transcript to [email protected] (note the underscore). If they offer only paper copies, ask them to mail the transcript to:
Office of Admissions
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
1 University Blvd
St Augustine, FL 32086
- We will need to verify your nursing license. You can use the Nursys database’s free service to obtain a copy to upload.
- Update your professional resume. Be sure to describe the duties you performed in each position.
- Write your entrance essay. See these guidelines.
- Line up two professional references who are nurse educators or nurse supervisors. We do not accept peer or physician references.
Fill Out Your Application
- Begin the free online application on our website. Select your program, campus (“distance”), and start date, and create your account.
- Follow directions to upload your nursing license, resume, and essay.
- In the “Admissions Documents” section, input the names, job titles, and contact information for your references.
- Click “Submit for Review” and contact your enrollment advisor (EA) so they can review your application and move it forward to Admissions.
Special Considerations
Foreign applicants: If you earned your BSN degree outside the United States, contact your enrollment advisor for further instructions on how to start your NACES.
NursingCAS users: If you have started your application through NursingCAS, contact your enrollment advisor for further instructions.
Contact Your EA
Have questions or need help? Contact MSN advisor Ana Marshall at 760-410-5389 or [email protected].
For More Information
Sign up for a virtual information session to meet faculty and learn more about the MSN program.
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MSN Tuition & Cost of Attendance
MSN Tuition & Fees
Total program tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows.
| Educator and Executive Role Specialties | Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition | $25,750.00 |
| Program Fees | $2,004.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $1,000.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $28,754.00 |
FNP Tuition & Fees
Total program tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows.
| Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty | Tuition and Fee |
|---|---|
| School Expenses | |
| Tuition Approximately - 50 credit hour program | $39,552.00 |
| Program Fees | $2,672.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $2,550.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $44,774.00 |
For a breakdown of tuition, fees and estimated living expenses click here.
Financial Aid
There are a number of financial aid resources available to you to help you fund your MSN program. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.
Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone, or on campus. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.
Please visit our Financial Aid Contact page for more information.
*All costs are approximate and subject to change.
X CloseMSN Accreditation and State Approvals
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive Role Specialty
Accreditation & Disclosure on Licensure
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive role specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MSN program. (indicated in blue)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Educator Role Specialty
Accreditation & Disclosure on Licensure
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator role specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MSN program. (indicated in blue)
Higher Education State Approvals
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences holds licensure/authorization to operate a physical campus in three states — California, Florida and Texas. Please refer to the Licensure page for more detailed information. The University has additional state approvals and exemptions to provide distance education. Please visit the State Licensure page for more detailed information.
CCNE Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Non-Licensure Role Specialties
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) role specialties in Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive are designed to build on the skills of BSN-prepared licensed nurses by focusing on interprofessional approaches to patient care through role specialties in leadership, and education. Because these are post-licensure role specialties, they do not prepare graduates for initial or advanced licensure. It is the prospective student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to nursing practice in the state in which he or she intends to practice and/or resides as requirements vary widely. USAHS makes no representations or guarantee that completion of coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. For more information about the requirements to practice, students should contact the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Role Specialty
Accreditation & Disclosure on Licensure
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Master of Science in Nursing program with Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) role specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USAHS has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program does not meet state licensure requirements and/or where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program prepares students for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the MSN-FNP program satisfies the requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray. For more information, students should contact the appropriate state licensure board to ensure an understanding of state licensure requirements as regulations vary from state to state.
CCNE Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Note on Certification Exam
MSN-FNP graduates must hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a family nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN in order to be eligible for one of the national examinations to be certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, which is required in order to be licensed to practice as an FNP in most states. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Note on Licensure, Authorization, Endorsement, or Other State Credential Necessary to Practice as a Nurse Practitioner
Most states require that MSN-FNP program graduates pass the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam in order to apply for licensure or other credential to practice as a nurse practitioner in a state. Graduates must hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a family nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN in order to be eligible for the FNP national certification exam; national certification as an FNP is required for licensure to practice as an FNP in most states. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. While the MSN-FNP program is designed to lead to licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential necessary to practice as a nurse practitioner, it is the prospective student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to nursing practice in the state in which he or she intends to practice and/or resides as requirements vary widely. Prospective students are advised that relocation to another state may impact their ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate. USAHS makes no representations or guarantee that completion of coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential, including prescriptive authority, where requirements may vary between different states. For more information about the requirements to practice, students should contact the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency.
“Notice to State of Washington Students”: University of St. Augustine is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for MSN/Nurse Educator, MSN/Nurse Executive, and MSN/FNP program tracks. Learn more.
View our state licensure page.
X CloseProgram Data
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Click a program below to view the program data page:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
X CloseThe USAHS School of Nursing is proud to host Alpha Alpha Alpha—our very own chapter of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma).
Read MoreMSN Learning Outcomes
- Employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry to maintain continuing competence and professional growth.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare providers in the promotion of wellness and the management of acute and chronic disorders for optimization of patient outcomes.
- Apply leadership skills to improve outcomes for individuals, diverse populations, and organizations.
- Apply systems thinking and synthesize scientific data with concepts and models from nursing and other sciences to promote health, prevent illness, and maintain quality of life for individuals and populations.
- Practice critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making to ensure the delivery of nursing care that is of optimal quality and safety.
- Effectively and ethically use technology in the direct or indirect delivery and coordination of nursing care and collection of data for improvement of quality and safety.
- Deliver or direct nursing practice using advanced knowledge, professional skills, and decision-making based on theory and best scientific evidence.
- Exhibit professionalism and adherence to ethical standards of nursing practice; advocate for patients and promote policy development to ensure quality healthcare that is safe, equitable, and cost-effective.
Upcoming Nursing Events
ThursdayOctober 21, 2021
Nursing (MSN, DNP, FNP) Webinar
MondaySeptember 27, 2021
Austin On-Campus Information Session
WednesdaySeptember 29, 2021
