Coursework
Prerequisites
During the admission process for the Master of Science in Nursing program, a review of academic transcripts is performed to assess whether or not the applicant has completed the prerequisite courses listed below. Students must complete the following prerequisite courses as part of their MSN before continuing to advanced practice courses (e.g., take undergraduate health assessment before advanced health assessment; take applied statistics and a nursing research course before the advanced practice research course).
| Prerequisite Courses for MSN | 24 units | |
|---|---|---|
UNRS 220 Health Assessment | 3 | |
UNRS 367 Pathophysiology | 3 | |
UNRS 425 Nursing Research | 3 | |
GNRS 546 Theory and Practice in Health Care Systems in the Community | 6 | |
GNRS 547 Nursing Leadership in Acute Care Settings | 6 | |
PSYC 299 Applied Statistics | 3 | |
Note: Please click on the course numbers above for descriptions of these undergraduate courses listed. All prerequisite requirements must be completed before enrolling in graduate courses.
Course Requirements
The MSN with SNSC and FNP includes 16 clinical units equalling 720 clinical hours. Note: Units shown in parentheses are theory units/clinical units.
Nurses who already have an MSN from APU or another institution may enroll in Post-Master’s Credential programs to obtain the SNSC and/or FNP specialty.
| Advanced Core Courses | 10 units | |
|---|---|---|
GNRS 504 Bioethics and Health Policy | 3 | |
GNRS 506 Spiritual Care | 3 | |
GNRS 508A Research and Theory in Advanced Practice Nursing | 4 | |
| Advanced Practice Core Courses | 13 units | |
|---|---|---|
GNRS 510 Family Theory in Health Care | 2 | |
GNRS 512 Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion | 4 (3/1) | |
GNRS 513 Advanced Nursing Practice Role | 2 | |
GNRS 515 Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 | |
GNRS 594 Pharmacology in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 | |
| Advanced Practice Specialty Courses | 31 units | |
|---|---|---|
EDUC 571 Curriculum Foundations | 3 | |
GNRS 550A Theory and Practice in School Nursing | 6 (3/3) | |
GNRS 589 Adolescent Health Care | 2–4 | |
GNRS 590A Primary Health Care of the Young Family | 6 (3/3) | |
GNRS 591 Primary Health Care of the Childbearing Family | 4 (2/2) | |
GNRS 592A Primary Health Care of the Mature and Aging Family | 6 (3/3) | |
GNRS 592B Primary Health Care Clinical Practicum | 2 (0/2) | |
| Specialization Option Courses | No requirement | |
|---|---|---|
| Concluding Courses | 1–3 units | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||
GNRS 514 Research Proposal Writing(required for thesis) | 2 | ||||||||||
*Students must choose either the thesis or comprehensive exam option for 1 unit of credit to complete the program. For students choosing the thesis, the 2-unit course GNRS 514 is a prerequisite to proposing a thesis.
| Total | 52–54 units | |
|---|---|---|
Elective Courses
Students may select additional elective courses to support their programs of study as directed by faculty. To read more about the electives available, see the online course descriptions listing.
Combined Programs
The School of Nursing also offers these other unique combined programs:
- Adult CNS and Adult NP
- Parent-Child CNS and Pediatric NP
- School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) and Pediatric NP
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a semester?
15 weeks (12 in the summer)
How many evenings per week do I attend classes?
Students generally attend class one to two nights per week, depending on
the number of classes in which they are enrolled.
How soon can I finish this program?
Most students complete the program in two to three years depending on how many courses are taken each semester and which specialty is selected.
How are clinicals arranged?
The School of Nursing faculty and staff arrange clinical settings with some student
input as needed.
What kind of clinical settings are available?
The School of Nursing identifies appropriate clinical settings based on the student’s specialty. Settings may include hospitals, primary
care clinics, churches, and schools, to name a few.
How do I figure out my schedule?
Knowledgeable faculty advisors assist students with a comprehensive course planner to ensure course continuity throughout the program.
