2021 NSU Fact Book

2021 FACT BOOK 85 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (B.S.N.) DEGREE OPTIONS The most common option for students who are seeking a B.S.N. is the transfer option. This choice is for students who have their general education and prerequisite course requirements completed. Once interviewed and accepted, students complete the B.S.N. program in 27 months. The B.S.N. program is offered on NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie, Miami, and Fort Myers campuses. The newest and emerging option is for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. These students apply to the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (AB.S.N.) program. Students in this track complete the B.S.N. coursework in four semesters of didactic and clinical hours after general education and prerequisite courses have been completed. The AB.S.N. program is offered on the Fort Myers campus. MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (M.S.N.) DEGREE OPTIONS The online Master of Science in Nursing Traditional Program offers three unique concentrations to earn the M.S.N.. The master’s degree in nursing prepares the experienced nurse to advance in executive nurse leadership, nursing education, or nursing informatics. Our M.S.N. concentrations offer in-depth education by faculty members who are experts in these fields. The M.S.N., Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (A.P.R.N.) Program provides the opportunity for an R.N. with a baccalaureate degree (B.S.N.) to prepare for advanced-level nursing practice related to the primary care of families and individuals through- out the life cycle in primary care settings. The program provides preparation for the family nurse practitioner (FNP), the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP), and the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). The FNP program is offered on NSU’s Palm Beach and Tampa Bay Regional campuses. The AGACNP is offered on the Palm Beach Campus and the PMHNP is offered on both the Miramar and Tampa Bay Regional campuses. Course delivery in the A.P.R.N. program follows a hybrid format, blending the use of the online and classroom environments. Graduates of the FNP, AGACNP, and PMHNP programs receive an M.S.N. degree. Three certificates are also available. These certificates are for nurses who already have an M.S.N. degree and want to pursue a Postgradu- ate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult- Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. DOCTORAL DEGREE OPTIONS The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) is a practice- focused terminal degree that prepares graduates to practice at the highest level in a specialty practice or executive leadership role. The D.N.P. curriculum builds on current M.S.N. programs by supporting evidence- based practice, quality improvement, and systems’ thinking. Graduates of this program are prepared to lead and engage in practical, clinically focused scholarship and research utilization. Additionally, for R.N.s with a B.S.N. degree who wish to pursue the clinical doctorate, multiple pathways are available to pursue a D.N.P. Once enrolled, students are eligible to complete components of both the M.S.N. and D.N.P. through one, streamlined track. Upon completing the entire curriculum, graduates are awarded both M.S.N. and D.N.P. degrees. Students who wish to pursue a B.S.N. to D.N.P. degree in a traditional role are able to complete the program totally online. Traditional roles include Executive Nurse Leader, Nursing Informatics, or Nurse Educator. Students who wish to pursue the A.P.R.N. role complete the clinical courses in hybrid format and must live within 150 miles of their campus. A.P.R.N. concentrations include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. NSU offers two pathways to the Ph.D. in Nursing degree. Students may apply to either the Ph.D. program or the D.N.P. to Ph.D. program, which is designed for the student already prepared with a D.N.P. degree who wishes to advance to a Ph.D. degree.