The M.S.N. 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 B.S.N. 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.”Students selecting thesis must be continuously enrolled in thesis credits until graduation. Students considering doctoral education are strongly encouraged to select the thesis option.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission into the Master of Science in Nursing program must meet the admission requirements of Graduate Admissions and the specific program requirements. Completed Graduate Admissions application forms and School of Nursing application forms must be received in Graduate Admissions by the deadline specific to each program for applicants seeking admission for full- or part-time study. Visit the A-State Graduate Admissions website http://www.astate.edu/info/admissions/graduate, for admission requirements and application deadlines.

Applicants to the (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner option) MSN program complete the application process to the School of Nursing, including submission of the MSN application form and a personal interview. All students on admission are required to attend orientation to the MSN program. The MSN application form and admission requirements may be found on the School of Nursing website, http://www.astate.edu/college/conhp/departments/nursing/. Students are offered admission to their selected specialty only. Should the student desire to change specialty focus, the procedure and requirements may be found on the website.

Applicants to the (Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administration) must apply at https://admissions.astate.edu/apply/.

In addition to the general requirements for graduate degrees conferred by Graduate Programs, applicants to the M.S.N. 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) overall to be considered for acceptance to the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administration option/certificate.
• Have a minimum overall Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.25 (4.0 scale) to be considered for acceptance to the Family Nurse Practitioner or the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner option/certificate
• 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 Nurse Anesthesia

The MSN in Nurse Anesthesia program prepares registered nurses for entry into nurse anesthesia practice. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification and Re-certification of Nurse Anesthetists. Satisfactory performance is necessary in order to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.