Kim Dinsey-Read, PhD, MSN, MBA, RN, School of Nursing Director
Anne Sahingoz, DNP, MSN.Ed., BSN, ADN, Graduate Program Director
Nurse practitioner advancement options are offered to provide opportunities for nurse practitioners to gain the additional specialty focus in Psych-Mental Health Nursing.
The MSN Program at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) provides an accelerated online format with 7-weeks terms for all classes. Despite the condensed timeframe, these accelerated courses maintain the same comprehensive content as their 16-week counterparts. While we recognize the demanding nature of balancing full-time work and family obligations, it’s imperative for students to prioritize effective time management. We are unable to adjust the academic standards or expectations of the program to accommodate work or family responsibilities. The demanding nature of the MSN program necessitates undivided attention for successful progression. We strongly advise students to carefully assess the study hours required in relation to their existing responsibilities.
Student Advising
Students are expected to maintain close contact with their advisor throughout the program of study. Prior consent of the advisor must be obtained before any deviation is made from full program advising. Students are cautioned not to rely on the advice of other students regarding applicability of courses.
The MSN program reserves the right to determine the applicability of graduate transfer credit. A maximum of 40% of your program may consist of transfer work that can be applied toward the program of study.
The MSN program is a year-round program (including summers) designed to be completed in a particular sequence, and may be lockstep fashion and in part-time progression. Please consider managing work and family while completing a rigorous academic program.
MSN students must achieve a “C” or better in non-nursing courses (specifically BIO 669 and PSY 550 ) and a “B” or better in all MSN nursing courses in the MSN graduate program (including MSN/CHP/DNP). The “B-” is not considered a passing grade in an MSN graduate nursing course. If a grade of “B-” or less is earned the student is required to retake the course.
NP Advancement Admission Requirements
Prior to applying, please check the program map (https://onlinedegrees.nku.edu/map.aspx) to ensure our program is available in your state.
To be considered for admission to the NP Advancement Program, the university requires all applicants to fulfill the following requirements:
- Submit a complete application for graduate admission to Northern Kentucky University.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Please note that the transcripts sent should reflect all previous conferred degrees (BSN, MSN, previous NP) and any additional courses that you plan to transfer.
- Master of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program of nursing. Students who have earned an MSN degree from a non-US institution will be considered for an exception to the requirement that the MSN come from ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program of nursing, where applicable.
- Applicants should have a Master of Science in Nursing program GPA of at least a 3.0.
- Verification of your unencumbered NP nursing license and National NP certification. Proof of licensure and certification should include expiration date.
- Proof of 1,000 clinical hours of practice over the previous year for all post-MSN certificates Download the Employment Verification Form on the Office of Graduate Education
Courses transferred into Northern Kentucky University may or may not be accepted for board certification requirements with ANCC, AACN, or AANP. Faculty review transfer credit courses as outlined by the ANCC, AACN, and AANP guidelines. ANCC, AACN, and AANP determine eligibility of course work for board certification and this is not determined by Northern Kentucky University. Courses accepted by Northern Kentucky University for transfer credit from another University are not a guarantee to be accepted by ANCC, AACN, or AANP.
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