Nursing (MSN)

Flexible Online MSN Options

If you are looking to advance your career in nursing, we have an option for you. The MSN is a valuable, respected degree. Advanced practice nurses are often called on to assume leadership roles in the profession and health care delivery. As a working nursing professional with multiple commitments, you need a program that is flexible. USF offers online courses with built-in learning support. As a master’s graduate of the Leach College of Nursing, you can be an advanced nurse who functions as a family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse, nurse educator, or nurse administrator. Graduate students of the FNP or PMHNP are eligible to sit for exams through AANP or ANCC.

Pass rates of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification (AANP) – FNP and the American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification (ANCC) – FNP/PMHNP are available here.

Delivery Format

Online, In Person

Program Cost

$799/credit hour

Program Length

24-48 Months

MSN Program Overview

Classes run in sixteen-week cycles, with new cohorts every semester, and are mostly offered online. We offer a few different concentrations:

Nursing Administration prepares R.N.s to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies. Your coursework prepares you for evidence-based practice in advanced roles such as health care administration, resource and financial management, health care law, personnel management, and managed care operations.
Nursing Education further develops nurses seeking or currently working in staff development, patient education, or academic nursing faculty roles. After two years in an academic setting, students who complete this certificate are eligible to sit for the NLN certification examination for nurse educators.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health needs. Many PMHNPs provide psychosocial assessments, plan therapy, and prescribe medications for patients who have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems.
Family Nurse Practitioners manage the care and well-being of many different conditions across the lifespan. FNPs complete assessments, interpret diagnostics and initiate/manage treatment plans for their patients.

Concentrations & Curriculum

Tailor your degree to fit your career goals! The MSN program at the University of St. Francis includes a competitive curriculum with several concentrations to choose from, including:

Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Administrator
Nursing Educator
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN to BSN to MSN option is available.

RELATED PROGRAMS
Bridge Program: RN to BSN to MSN
Graduate Certificate: Teaching in Nursing
Post-Master’s Certificates:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

What You’ll Learn

As a graduate, you will incorporate your education and research into a practice that is reflective of the dynamic needs of a diverse population.

Through the advanced role you will be instrumental in ensuring health promotion, health maintenance, and health restoration in your community of practice.

Through scientific inquiry and collaborative relationships, the advanced practice nurse continually augments and refines the science of nursing.

Accredited

The University of St. Francis is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org). Leach College of Nursing programs are further accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation).

Respected

Our programs are top-ranked! U.S. News & World Report has placed the University of St. Francis on several of its annual listings, year after year, including its “Best National Universities,” “Best Value Schools” and “Best Online Programs” lists.

“What I learned in the Leach College of Nursing MSN program has made me a better nurse. Thank you to the University of St. Francis for giving me the formation to become a competent and caring clinician and a leader in my workplace.”

MSN Program Graduate

More Details

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Online Learning & You

The University of St. Francis offers more than 120 online courses and serves more than 1,500 student registrations per semester.

Curious to know more about online learning and what it entails? USF prides itself on delivering a practical, real-world curriculum and faculty expertise in a medium proven to be conducive to the needs of working adults. Explore USF’s online learning environment here!

Finance Your Education

Continuing and adult students are eligible for some aid and scholarships. Review our scholarships page to see what’s available to make financing your education easier.

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Graduate students are invited to participate in student life, even if you’re an adult or studying from afar! Learn about the resources USF provides to all students to prepare them for success.