The MSN program prepares nurses with the complex practice skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for advanced nursing practice in the contemporary health care system. Graduate study in nursing is the basis for professional growth in advanced practice roles and the foundation for doctoral study in nursing.

The Master of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, Georgia 30326, Telephone 404-975-5000, Fax 404-975-5020).

The program is designed for individuals who hold the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students who have successfully completed the BSN can apply for the program. The total number of credits per semester may not exceed 15. A Graduate Information Guide (GIG) is available that explains policies and requirements unique to the graduate nursing program. All students on admission are required to attend orientation to the MSN program. All MSN students are required to earn a minimum of “B” in all courses before progression in the curriculum

MSN students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive exam during their final semester of study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner Post Masters Certificate, Nurse Educator, Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate, Nurse Administration, Nurse Administration Graduate Certificate, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post Masters Certificate programs must apply at https://admissions.astate.edu/apply/.

In addition to the general requirements for graduate degrees conferred by Graduate Programs, applicants to the MSN program must:

• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) to be considered for acceptance to the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administration option/certificate.
• Have a minimum undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.25 (4.0 scale) to be considered for acceptance to any Nurse Practitioner option.
• Have a minimum graduate Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.25 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing coursework to be considered for acceptance to any Post Masters Certificate (PMC).
• Hold a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. The unencumbered RN license must be active in the state where clinical practice is scheduled or a compact state.
• Individuals admitted pending NCLEX-RN examination results are required to withdraw from the program at the end of the first semester if the examination is not passed.  The individual may reapply for admission upon successful completion of the licensing examination.
• Provide verification documentation of 1,500 RN practice hours prior to admission to the FNP option

Evidence of the following is required before registering for each clinical course or practicum.

1. CPR certification (professional level) valid through the academic year.
2. TB skin test/chest x-ray valid through the academic year.
3. Evidence of Hepatitis B immunization or signed declination statement.
4. Evidence of Influenza vaccination.
5. Copy of professional liability insurance. Minimum 1,000,000/3,000,000.
6. Copy of unencumbered RN license valid in the state of practice.
7. Verified Credentials

Criminal Background Checks

Arkansas law requires that applicants for licensure, including advanced practice licensure, submit to criminal background checks. Students graduating and planning on applying for advanced practice licensure should submit applications four (4) to six (6) months in advance of graduation in order to allow time for processing.

Major in Nursing

• Nurse Educator
  
  In the Nurse Educator Concentration students are prepared in curriculum development, teaching/learning strategies and measurement/evaluation in education

Retention/Progression

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0, according to Graduate school requirements.  All MSN students are required to earn a minimum grade of “B” in all courses.  Progression in specialty courses requires a grade of “B” or better in all completed specialty courses to date. All policies as represented in the A-State Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School Policies remain in effect, including prerequisites and corequisites identified for each course.

Dismissal

Students will be dismissed from the program if:

• The student receives a final grade lower than a “B” twice in the same graduate-level nursing course
• The student receives a final grade lower than a “B” in any graduate-level nursing courses in two separate parts of the term (POT) in the same program.
• Please see the Graduate Information Guide for general dismissal policies and program option-specific related policies. 

English Proficiency Requirements

The School of Nursing requires a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure. All foreign born students and nurses must take one of the following tests:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5 and a spoken band score of 7.
3. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a score of 56.