A master’s degree in nursing from USAHS opens the door to advanced career opportunities and expanded employment options. Our highly personalized and immersive academic experiences include the very latest educational technologies and simulations. You’ll be guided by a supportive community of nursing faculty committed to your success. Earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at USAHS will prepare you for an innovative leadership role in today’s global healthcare system.
Learn more about how our MSN program is designed with your needs in mind.
Requirements: ADN from an accredited nursing program. One full-time year of experience as a registered nurse is required.
Format: Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
Start Dates: Jan., May, Sept.
Duration: 3.3-3.7 years* (10-11 trimesters), although acceleration options are available
Role Specialties**: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner***
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
Format: Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
Start Dates: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts
Duration: 2-3 years* (6-9 trimesters), although acceleration options are available
Role Specialties**: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive, Nurse Educator
*Please note, the MSN Nurse Educator and MSN Nurse Executive role specialties typically take 2 years and 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 3-year graduate data (2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023); however, time to completion may vary by student depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. **Sometimes our available role specialties change. Please call for availability.
Limited Time Grant:
All new students admitted into our RN to MSN programs who are ADN-prepared are eligible for a $1,500 RN to MSN first trimester tuition grant in addition to the RN to MSN PMHNP $2,500 grant and the RN to MSN FNP $7,500 grant!**
See terms **The grant is calculated and applied on a per-credit basis. The total grant amount assumes the completion of the full number of credits in the program. Any transfer credits will reduce the amount of the grant awarded. This offer is not a guarantee that all candidates eligible for the offer will be granted acceptance or admission into USAHS. All prospective students will be subject to the same standard admission and registration process when applying to USAHS. The Grant is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees. This offer is only valid for eligible new students who enroll and start classes in the above programs at USAHS in January 2025. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.
Facts and Figures
95%
First-Time FNP Certification Pass Rate Based on 2022 USAHS MSN-FNP, DNP-FNP and PGC (FNP)graduates who took the ANCC or AANP certification exam. The 2022 AANP national first-time certification exam pass rate was 75%.
1-ON-1
Faculty Support and Mentorship Tailored to Your Needs
100%
Clinical Placements in 2022 Future clinical education placement experience will vary based on individual student specialty and academic needs, as well as site availability for assignments from term to term.
40+
Years in Graduate Health Sciences Education
Nursing Program Grants
USAHS supports your journey to a MS in nursing with Special Tuition Grant savings.The grant is calculated and applied on a per-credit basis. The total grant amount assumes the completion of the full number of credits in the program. Any transfer credits will reduce the amount of the grant awarded. This offer is not a guarantee that all candidates eligible for the offer will be granted acceptance or admission into USAHS. All prospective students will be subject to the same standard admission and registration process when applying to USAHS. The Grant is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees. This offer is only valid for eligible new students who enroll and start classes in the above programs at USAHS in Summer 2025. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.
Nurse Practitioner Advance Grant Tuition Savings
MSNPMHNP: BSN or RN entry $2,500 MSNFNP: BSN or RN entry: $7,500 DNPFNP: BSN entry $15,000 RN to MSN: $1,500 Stackable First Trimester Tuition **$1500 will be applied to the RN to MSN first trimester tuition costs. Offer valid through 2025.
Criteria Available to all eligible students No application is needed
Prior to starting the MSN program, you’ll choose which of our five nursing role specialties you wish to follow. The first three clinical role specialties are available for the RN to master’s in nursing and BSN-entry pathways, and the two non-clinical role specialties are available for BSN-entry only.
You can earn your MSN degree in nursing and choose to become an expert in family, mental health or adult gerontology. And those entering the programs with a BSN have the additional choices of nurse executive or nurse educator role specialties. As an MSN student at USAHS, you’ll be well on your way to an exciting career in a clinic or boardroom!
Earn your family nurse practitioner (FNP) credential and increase your responsibilities, versatility and positive impact on patients. As an FNP, you can serve as a provider across a wide range of healthcare settings, from hospitals to private practice. With an MS in nursing, you will work with people of all ages to diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medication, order tests and promote preventive care. Our FNP role specialty includes one required on-campus clinical intensive and 585 practicum hours to prepare you for the FNP certification exam.
In our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role specialty, you’ll prepare to provide a full range of specialized services that constitute mental health and psychiatric care and treatment. By studying for a master’s degree in nursing, you will learn to assess and diagnose patients, prescribe medications and provide therapeutic interventions. You may also oversee case management, undertake policy development for programs and engage in comprehensive advocacy education and research. The Master of Science in Nursing curriculum includes one required virtual clinical intensive and 630 practicum hours.
Given the aging baby boomer population and national shortages of nurses and physicians, adult gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) are needed now more than ever. In our AGNP role specialty, you will prepare to assess and diagnose patients and manage their care from young adulthood to old age. By working towards your master’s degree in nursing, you will learn best practices for prescribing medication and other treatments related to complex chronic conditions, as well as strategies for preventing illness and promoting wellness throughout adulthood. You’ll explore strategies for addressing the cultural, psychological and social aspects of aging. Our AGNP curriculum includes one required on-campus clinical intensive and 630 practicum hours.
Nurse executives design, implement and direct systems for patient care delivery. In our Nurse Executive role specialty, you’ll learn strategies for managing and leading teams, influencing operational and clinical processes, and impacting patient outcomes at your organization. Through our MS in nursing programs, you’ll prepare for a role as a manager, director, supervisor, chief nursing officer and more. This specialty includes optional on-campus or virtual immersions and 225 practicum hours. A certification option is available.
If you’re passionate about conveying your nursing knowledge and clinical experience to the next generation of nurses, consider a career in nursing education. In our Nurse Educator role specialty, you will learn strategies for curriculum design and delivery. By studying for your master’s degree in nursing, you’ll prepare for a range of teaching and training roles across academic, clinical, and public health settings. Our Nurse Educator role specialty includes optional on-campus or virtual immersions and 225 practicum hours. Certifications are available.
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MSN Curriculum
Students in the master’s in nursing online 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.
If you’re a student in the online RN to MSN program, you’ll complete a total of 59 credit hours and 585 practicum hours in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role specialty; 64 credit hours and 630 practicum hours in the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role specialty; or 64 credit hours and 630 practicum hours in the Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) role specialty.
The RN to MSN curriculum for the ADN-prepared nurse bridges into the Master of Science in Nursing curriculum for NP role specialties through four courses, introducing the student to core concepts and graduate education.
If you’re a student in the online BSN-entry Master of Science in Nursing program, you’ll complete a total of 50 credit hours and 585 practicum hours in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role specialty; 55 credit hours and 630 practicum hours in the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role specialty; or 55 credit hours and 630 practicum hours in the Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) role specialty.
Those choosing either the Nurse Executive or Nurse Educator role specialty will complete a total of 36 credit hours and 225 contact hours of practicum.
RN to MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (ADN or ASN entry)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Role Specialty
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
NUR 6001 Clinical Leadership
3
NUR 6005 Patient Safety, Quality and Just Culture
3
Trimester 2
NUR 6009 Ethical, Legal and Health Policy
3
NUR 6013 Scholarly Inquiry
3
Trimester 3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care
3
Trimester 4
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
Trimester 5
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health
3
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
Trimester 6
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology
3
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
3
Trimester 7
NUR 7570 Primary Healthcare of the Family I REQUIRED INTENSIVE
3
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
3
Trimester 8
NUR 7575 Primary Healthcare of the Family II
3
NUR 7571 FNP Role Practicum I (180 contact hours)♦
4
Trimester 9
NUR 7572 FNP Role Practicum II (180 contact hours)♦
4
NUR 7585 Primary Healthcare of the Family III
3
Trimester 10
NUR 7573 FNP Role Practicum III (225 contact hours)♦
5
NUR 7574 MSN Capstone 1
1
Total Credit Hours for Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty
59
BSN to MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (BSN entry)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Role Specialty
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B)
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care (B)
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
3
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology
3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
Trimester 4
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health IPE 7421B Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health (B)
3
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
3
Trimester 5
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
NUR 7570 Primary Healthcare of the Family I REQUIRED INTENSIVE
3
Trimester 6
NUR 7575 Primary Healthcare of the Family II
3
NUR 7571 FNP Role Practicum I (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 7
NUR 7585 Primary Healthcare of the 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
NUR 7574 MSN Capstone
1
Total Credit Hours for Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty
50
RN to MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (ADN or ASN entry)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
NUR 6001 Clinical Leadership
3
NUR 6005 Patient Safety, Quality and Just Culture
3
Trimester 2
NUR 6009 Ethical, Legal and Health Policy
3
NUR 6013 Scholarly Inquiry
3
Trimester 3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care
3
Trimester 4
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
Trimester 5
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology
3
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
3
Trimester 6
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
3
NUR 7310 Advanced Neurobiology and Psychopathophysiology
3
Trimester 7
NUR 7315 Advanced Psychopharmacology
3
NUR 7330 Psychotherapy for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice
3
Trimester 8
NUR 7350 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of Child/Adolescent with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions
3
NUR 7541 PMHNP Role Practicum I Child & Adolescent Populations (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 9
NUR 7375 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of the Adult and Older Adult with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions
3
NUR 7542 PMHNP Role Practicum II Adult and Older Adult Populations (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 10
NUR 7327 APRN Transition to Practice
2
NUR 7543 PMHNP Role Practicum III Diverse/Special Populations (225 contact hours) ♦
5
Trimester 11
NUR 7577 PMHNP MSN Community Engagement Capstone Project (3 didactic, 45 contact hours)
4
Total credit hours for the PMHNP role specialty
64
BSN to MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (BSN entry)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B) ▀
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care or IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care (B) ▀
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
3
Trimester 4
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology
3
NUR 7310 Advanced Neurobiology and Psychopathophysiology
3
Trimester 5
NUR 7315 Advanced Psychopharmacology
3
NUR 7330 Psychotherapy for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice
3
Trimester 6
NUR 7350 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of Child/Adolescent with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions
3
NUR 7541 PMHNP Role Practicum I Child & Adolescent Populations (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 7
NUR 7375 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of the Adult and Older Adult with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions
3
NUR 7542 PMHNP Role Practicum II Adult and Older Adult Populations (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 8
NUR 7327 APRN Transition to Practice
2
NUR 7543 PMHNP Role Practicum III Diverse/Special Populations (225 contact hours) ♦
5
Trimester 9
NUR 7577 PMHNP MSN Community Engagement Capstone Project (3 didactic, 45 contact hours
4
Total credit hours for the PMHNP role specialty
55
RN to MSN – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (ADN or ASN entry)
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (not currently enrolling students)
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
NUR 6001 Clinical Leadership
3
NUR 6005 Patient Safety, Quality and Just Culture
3
Trimester 2
NUR 6009 Ethical, Legal and Health Policy
3
NUR 6013 Scholarly Inquiry
3
Trimester 3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care
3
Trimester 4
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
Trimester 5
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health
3
Trimester 6
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology
3
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
3
Trimester 7
NUR 7210 Adult Gerontology Primary Healthcare Part I
4
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
3
Trimester 8
NUR 7235 Adult Gerontology Primary Healthcare Part II
4
NUR 7551 AGNP Role Practicum I (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 9
NUR 7250 Adult Gerontology Primary Healthcare Part III
4
NUR 7552 AGNP Role Practicum II (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 10
NUR 7553 AGNP Role Practicum III (225 contact hours) ♦
5
NUR 7576 MSN-AGNP Capstone (45 contact hours)
4
Total credit hours for the AGNP role specialty
64
BSN to MSN – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (BSN entry)
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (not currently enrolling students)
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B) ▀
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care or IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care (B) ▀
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology
3
Trimester 4
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health or IPE 7421B Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health (B) ▀
3
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
3
Trimester 5
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
NUR 7210 Adult Gerontology Primary Healthcare Part I
4
Trimester 6
NUR 7235 Adult Gerontology Primary Healthcare Part II
3
NUR 7551 AGNP Role Practicum I (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 7
NUR 7250 Adult Gerontology Primary Healthcare Part III
3
NUR 7552 AGNP Role Practicum II (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 8
NUR 7553 AGNP Role Practicum III (225 contact hours) ♦
5
NUR 7576 MSN-AGNP Capstone (45 contact hours)
4
Total credit hours for the AGNP role specialty
55
MSN – Nurse Executive Role Specialty (BSN entry)
Nurse Executive Role Specialty
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ or IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B)
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care ▀ or IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care (B)
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
Trimester 4
HSA 7200 B Foundations of Healthcare Administration or HSA 7200B 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 MSN Role Practicum I (135 contact hours) ♦
3
Trimester 6
HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance, and Economics for the Healthcare Leader
3
NUR 7450 MSN 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
MSN – Nurse Educator Role Specialty (BSN entry)
Nurse Educator Role Specialty
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ or IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B)
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care ▀ or IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care (B)
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
Trimester 4
NUR 7100 Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Pharmacology for Nurse Educators
3
EDF 7175 Foundational Theories in Education or EDF 7175B Foundational Theories in Education (B)
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 or EDF 7050B Teaching Methods in Higher Education (B)
3
NUR 7450 MSN 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
♦ Course requires practicum hours.
▀ Course offers optional immersion.
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MSN Accreditation and State Approvals/Post-Graduation Licensure
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive Role Specialty
State Approvals
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, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program 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. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The MSN Nurse Executive role specialty program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MSN Nurse Executive program (indicated in blue).
It remains students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator Role Specialty (not currently enrolling students)
State Approvals
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, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program 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. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The MSN Nurse Educator role specialty program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MSN Nurse Educator program (indicated in blue).
It remains students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside.
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 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 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 they intend to practice and/or reside as requirements vary widely. USAHS makes no representations or guarantees 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 (BSN-Entry)
State Approvals
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, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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.
Post-Graduation Licensure
For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the MSN-FNP program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.
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 or the Republic of Palau.
It remains the students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing, certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside. 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.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Role Specialty
State Approvals
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the RN to Master of Science in Nursing program with Family Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN-FNP) role specialty for residents in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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 to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states.
Post-Graduation Licensure
For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the RN to MSN-FNP program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.
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 or the Republic of Palau.
It remains students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing, certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside. 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.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Role Specialty (BSN-Entry)
State Approvals
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Master of Science in Nursing program with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) role specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MSN-PMHNP program. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the MSN-PMHNP program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.
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, or the Republic of Palau.
It remains students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing, certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside. 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.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Role Specialty
State Approvals
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the RN to Master of Science in Nursing program with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN-PMHNP) role specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the RN to MSN-PMHNP program. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the RN to MSN-PMHNP program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.
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 or the Republic of Palau.
It remains students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing, certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside. 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.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Role Specialty (BSN-Entry) (not currently enrolling students)
State Approvals
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Master of Science in Nursing program with Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGNP) role specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MSN-AGNP program. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the MSN-AGNP program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.
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 or the Republic of Palau.
It remains students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing, certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside. 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.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Role Specialty (not currently enrolling students)
State Approvals
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the RN to Master of Science in Nursing program with Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN-AGNP) role specialty for residents in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the RN to MSN-AGNP program. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the RN to MSN-AGNP program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.
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 or the Republic of Palau.
It remains students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing, certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which they reside. 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 Exams
Nurse Practitioner graduates must hold a master’s, postgraduate or doctoral degree from a nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN to be eligible to take the necessary role specialty national examination to be certified as a nurse practitioner, which most states require in order to be licensed to practice as an NP. Graduates should take the exam that aligns with their role specialty: FNP-BC or FNP; PMHNP-BC or PMH-BC; or AGPCNP-BC or A-GNP. 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 graduates pass a 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 nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN in order to be eligible for an NP national certification exam; national certification as an NP is required for licensure to practice as an NP in most states. Graduates should take the exam that aligns with their role specialty (FNP-BC or FNP; PMHNP-BC or PMH-BC; or AGPCNP-BC or A-GNP). 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 (RN- and BSN-entry), MSN-PMHNP (RN- and BSN-entry) and MSN-AGNP (RN- and BSN-entry) programs are designed to lead to licensure, authorization, endorsement or other state credential necessary to practice as a nurse practitioner, it is prospective students’ responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to nursing practice in the state in which they intend to practice and/or reside, 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. Additionally, current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for practicum experiences. 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”: 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, MSN/FNP, MSN-entry DNP, DNP/FNP, and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP) program tracks. Learn more.
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, graduates will be able to:
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.
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Master’s of Science in Nursing Program Role Specialties At a Glance
Are you an RN looking to further your professional development? The curriculum of our RN to MSN degree in nursing for the ADN-prepared nurse bridges into the MSN for NP role specialties with four courses over two trimesters that introduce the core concepts and graduate education. You’ll then continue on with the role specialty curriculum. You’ll choose one of the MS in nursing degree program’s three clinical role specialties.
Family Nurse Practitioner role specialty
Expand your clinical practice beyond hospital settings to focus on family healthcare across the lifespan
Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
59 credit hours + 585 practicum contact hours
10 trimesters* (3.3 years), although acceleration options are available for this master’s in nursing
Do you have your BSN and are you looking to further your professional development? Earn your Master of Science in Nursing at USAHS to prepare for an innovative leadership role and the demands of higher-level positions in the field you love. Choose one of the MS in nursing program’s clinical or non-clinical role specialties.
Family Nurse Practitioner role specialty
Expand your clinical practice beyond hospital settings to focus on family healthcare across the lifespan
Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
50 credit hours + 585 practicum contact hours
8 trimesters* (2.7 years), although acceleration options are available for this master’s degree in nursing
Sept., Jan. & May start dates, plus midterm starts
As a student in one of our master’s in nursing programs, you’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty support and mentorship, learning alongside like-minded students with a faculty focused on a personalized approach to learning and dedicated to your success.
Clinical Placement Assistance
Our Master of Science in Nursing programs feature personalized clinical placement concierge support. We partner with you early in your journey to identify and secure your practica placement based on your specific goals.
USAHS prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation and applied learning methods, such as case-based teaching and realistic, immersive virtual simulations. Our MS in nursing programs are taught primarily online, with one required on-campus clinical intensive for some role specialties.
The MSN program offers individualized study plans for those who wish to earn their degree faster. You can take self-paced courses that award credit according to competency assessments 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.
Our master’s in nursing programs offer online, individualized study plans. You can choose to earn your degree faster or choose a less intensive pathway to balance other obligations. We can help you choose a plan of study and start date that works for you.
We offer three NP clinical role specialties through our MS in nursing programs—Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner—plus two non-clinical role specialties (BSN-entry only): Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive
Our strong alumni association provides many opportunities for existing students, including professional development, career advancement and social connection. We are proud of our graduates and welcome them back for continued education and lifelong learning opportunities.
“The MSN program gave me the push I needed in various aspects of my life. It improved my confidence and helped me truly believe in myself. To network and be around other nurses who are looking to improve the nursing profession is inspiring, and I’m truly honored to be a part of it.”
Tina B.
MSN student
Getting Started
Ready to begin your journey toward fulfilling your MSN degree in nursing? It’s easy to get started right away!
Gather More Information
Our webinars and virtual campus tours provide a wealth of information to help ensure you make the right choice.
