Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Health and Human Services

Nursing

Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science


Academic Information

Available Emphasis Areas:

Our Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science plans prepare you to deliver primary care to underserved rural populations. You will also be eligible for state certification in Arizona, for application for prescribing and dispensing privileges in Arizona, and for application for national certification as a family nurse practitioner or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (across the lifespan).

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Health and Human Services

Nursing

Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science


Careers

What Can I do with a Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner?

Our nurse practitioner program is designed for registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree and a broad base of nursing experience interested in providing family primary care. We will educate you in the components of Advanced Practice Nursing as well as Family Practice Nursing; these components include knowledge and management of client and family care, professional relationships, and healthcare delivery systems.

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Health and Human Services

Nursing

Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Health and Human Services

Nursing

Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 48 - 51
Major GPA 3.0
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Arizona Endorsement

Prepares student for Arizona Endorsement.

Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Some online/blended coursework Required
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study
Licensure

This program may lead to licensure.

Purpose Statement

The philosophy of the School of Nursing at Northern Arizona University is based on an ethic of caring that embraces students, faculty, staff, and the university community and the global community within which we live and work. We also believe that caring is a conscious, intentional discipline that is part of nursing’s unique body of knowledge and is practiced in interdisciplinary contexts. Caring includes the creation and nurturing of an environment that recognizes that students, staff, and faculty have unique ways of viewing the world. This philosophy promotes excellence in nursing education and practice in an environment of constant change and emerging healthcare trends.

The faculty believes the transition to the role of competent professional nurse is a major developmental achievement. We believe that nursing is an art and science that is an integral component of healthcare. Applying the discipline of nursing to practice depends on a foundation of natural and human sciences, humanities and arts, the application of research, and the diverse backgrounds of learners. Societal influences in the evolving healthcare system challenge all involved in nursing education.

Education is a dynamic, life-long collaborative process by which an individual pursues life goals, broadens human potential, develops thinking, and clarifies values. The faculty believes that learning is the intentional acquisition, application, and integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Learning is shaped by the environment and developmental level of the learner and is ultimately the responsibility of the learner. Faculty plan, guide, and facilitate learning while supporting the learning needs of a diverse community of students. We believe that learning-centered experiences with rigorous expectations and actively engaged students results in higher-level thinkers and graduates prepared for real-world practice. We value incorporating rural and global healthcare into a variety of educational experiences. Thus, education not only expands the thinking of the learner but increases opportunities for application.

The faculty has developed a philosophy that values diverse persons, environment, health, and nursing, and their interrelatedness. The following meta-paradigm concepts guide the implementation of the organizing framework for the curriculum.

The Family Nurse Practitioner track was designed for nurses with a BSN degree and a broad base of experience who want to expand their skills to provide family primary care in rural settings.  The advanced practice nursing role as a primary care family nurse practitioner includes the components of knowledge and management of client and family care, professional relationships, and healthcare delivery systems. Upon completion of the Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science, FNP track, or the Post-Master’s FNP Certificate, the graduate qualifies for seeking both national and state certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track was designed for the BSN nurse with a broad base of experience who wants to expand their skills to provide advanced practice care to people experiencing acute and chronic mental health issues. The graduate of the Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science, PMHNP track will be prepared with the skills and knowledge to mitigate the disparities that many people with mental illness living in rural areas may face. The advanced practice nursing role as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner includes the components of knowledge and management of mental healthcare for the client and family, professional relationships, and healthcare delivery systems. Upon completion of the Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science degree, PMHNP track, the graduate qualifies for seeking both national and state certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan).

Student Learning Outcomes

Outcomes align with Standards from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
 
All Students with MS Nursing Degrees will be able to

Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science degree, Family Nurse Practitioner Track
This emphasis is designed for the registered nurse (RN) who has a broad base of experience and wants to expand his or her skills to provide family primary care in rural settings. The advanced practice nursing role as a primary care family nurse practitioner includes the components of knowledge and management of client and family care, professional relationships, and healthcare delivery systems. Upon completion of the MS-FNP Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science degree FNP track, or the Post-Master’s FNP Certificate, the graduate qualifies for seeking both national and state certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
 
Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track
This emphasis is designed for the registered nurse (RN) who has a broad base of experience and wants to expand their skills to provide advanced practice care to people experiencing acute and chronic mental health issues. The graduate of the Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science degree, PMHNP track will be prepared with the skills and knowledge to mitigate the disparities that many people with mental illness living in rural areas may face. The advanced practice nursing role as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner includes the components of knowledge and management of mental healthcare for the client and family, professional relationships, and healthcare delivery systems. Upon completion of the Nursing—Advanced Practice, Master of Science degree, PMHNP track, the graduate qualifies for seeking both national and state certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan).


In addition to the NAU MSN Program Outcomes & the PMH Registered Nurse’s Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance (ANA, APNA, & ISPN, 2022), the PMHNP graduate of NAU will:

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Health and Human Services

Nursing

Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Additional Information
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Health and Human Services

Nursing

Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science


Campus Availability

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