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Parish Nursing (PN) Post-Master’s Certificate

• About the Program
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*All stated financial information is subject to change. The At a Glance provides Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) to aid in program comparison only. For a detailed cost estimate or more information, contact APU's Graduate Student Financial Services.

Coursework

• Prerequisites
• Course Requirements
• Elective Courses
• Frequently Asked Questions

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).

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

For the Master of Science in Nursing with a Parish Nursing (PN) specialty, the following are required of graduate students.

Nurses who already have an MSN from APU or another institution may enroll in a Post-Master’s Credential program to obtain their PN specialty.

*Parish nursing students must take the constructive theology course series as offered by APU’s Graduate School of Theology; however, that series may be constituted. See course descriptions in Graduate School of Theology section of this catalog.

*Students must choose either the thesis or comprehensive exam option for one unit of credit to complete the program. For students choosing the thesis, the two-unit course GNRS 514 is a prerequisite to proposing a thesis.

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.

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.