University Of Mississippi Medical Center
Location: Jackson, MississippiTuition: $6,342 in state, $16,326 out of state
The University of Mississippis online Masters of Science in Nursing offers low costs and flexibility in scheduling. Courses are offered primarily online and the university offers eight specializations: Nursing and Health Care Administrator, Nurse Educator, Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Acute/Primary Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
What Are The Admissions And Certification Requirements
Admissions requirements for most acute care nurse practitioner programs include:
- Must possess a BSN from an accredited school
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Possess a valid, unencumbered RN license from the U.S.
- Personal goal statement
- Provide a current copy of a resume or CV
- Professional letters of recommendation
Certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is through examination via the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner credential is offered through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Eligibility requirements for these exams include:
- Current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license
- Successful completion of an accredited, graduate-level acute care nurse practitioner program
Types Of Nursing Programs Available In Iowa
Whether youre just beginning your nursing education or going back to school for additional credentials, theres a nursing program to meet your educational needs. Youll find many types of nursing programs in Iowa to choose from, including online, in-person, hybrid, and accelerated degrees. Heres a look at some of the most common options available in the state today.
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Allen College School Of Nursing
Allen College School of Nursing offers CCNE accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing , Master of Science in Nursing , Doctor of Nursing Practice , and Post-Master’s Certificate programs as well as Nurse Practitioner programs.
In 1925, the Allen Memorial Hospital and the Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing were opened. In 1989 the school became the Allen College of Nursing and was renamed Allen College in 1997. It is a private, non-profit entity.
University Of St Francis
Location: Joliet, IllinoisTuition: $13,155
USFs Masters in Nursing offers specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and an RN-BS-MSN program for students who dont hold a bachelors in nursing. Each program is available completely online, though students who enroll in the MSN Education or FNP programs must reside in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, or Wisconsin.
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Allen College Offers New Program For Nurses: Allen College Provides Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Citations:
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Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
Pre-licensure Tracks
Traditional Option – This option is available to students who would lie to complete the BSN program in the traditional route in five semesters, or 2.5 years, while attending full time. The curriculum consists of general education courses as well as nursing courses.
Accelerated Option – There are two accelerated paths available:
Accelerated Face-to-Face Option – This option is for those enrolled for admission to Allen College in the Summer or fall. The courses are face-to-face in Waterloo, Iowa.
Accelerated Hybrid Option – This option is a 15-month program the coursework is completed at the Allen College Campus in the first Summer of enrollment in a hybrid format. After the first Summer, students will meet face-to-face periodically in Des Moines, Iowa, but the majority of the coursework will be completed online. Clinicals will be completed during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters in the Des Moines area.
LPN – BSN Option – The LPN to BSN option is available for LPNs to earn their BSN by choosing an Accelerated Option or the Five Semester – Upper Division “Traditional” Option.
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Doctor Of Nursing Practice
1000 documented post-baccalaureate clinical/practicum hours are required. A minimum 400 clinical hours will be completed as part of the Clinical Scholarship courses.
For post-baccalaureate students, there is an Early Entry DNP option which provides a means for post-baccalaureate students to enter the graduate nursing program and obtain an MSN degree with seamless progression into the DNP program.
Admission Criteria
- A master’s degree with a major in nursing from a school accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting organization
- A minimum graduate GPA of 3.25 on a 4.00 scale
- Evidence of advanced practice national certification, if applicable
- Current, active, and unencumbered nursing license
- Completion of a statistics course
- Completion of 600 contact hours of clinical experience in a MSN program
California State University Dominguez Hills
Location: Carson, CaliforniaTuition: $7,366 in state, $18,256 out of state
CSU Dominguez Hills offers an online Masters in Nursing program with specializations in Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Each track offers the same core curriculum before students move into track-specific electives. Clinical hours are required for graduation.
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Medical University Of South Carolina
Location: Charleston, South CarolinaTuition: $17,714 in state, $24,146 out of state
The Medical University of South Carolina offers an online Masters in Nursing program that has classes online, tough requires a few visits to campus. Specializations in the program include adult-gerontology, family, and pediatric practice tracks. Graduates can be certified as a nurse practitioner. Students can expect to develop leadership skills, integrate scientific findings into the improvement of care, and collaborate with other health professionals to improve, manage, and coordinate patient care.
Inside Look At Online Nursing Programs In Iowa
Online nursing programs in Iowa exist at all degree levels, and distance learning follows the same quality curricula as in-person nursing programs in Iowa but with the convenience of learning from home. While most programs still require in-person clinical training at an approved healthcare facility, most online programs offer fully-online didactic learning.
Remote learners enjoy flexible scheduling, self-paced classes, and often lower tuition rates. Most remote nursing students also have no on-campus obligations. Online nursing programs in Iowa are a good fit for motivated students who are self-starters and good at working independently. Some synchronous programs offer a solid structure, but the more flexible asynchronous programs can present challenges for students who thrive in highly structured learning environments.
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Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Degree Levels Offered
Those interested in an acute care nurse practitioner career have two educational pathways to choose from: the MSN or the DNP. Both usually offer the option of choosing between an adult gerontology or a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner pathway. Each degree level has its own pros and cons, so students must consider their own long-term goals to determine which is right for them.
Putting The Hire In Higher Education
While the nursing program is only a few years old, a Central education has left earlier graduates well-equipped for a nursing career.
- Gabrielle Eckermann 14, Pediatric Nurse Coordinator, University of Iowa Stead Family Childrens Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa
- Kylie Gerstein 18, Registered Nurse, Waverly Health Center, Waverly, Iowa
- Regan Nelson 18, Registered Nurse, St. Lukes Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
- Shannon Stuart 17, Registered Nurse, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Keegan Overbey 14, ICU Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
- Ashley Rosas 14, Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Vera French Community Mental Health Center, Davenport, Iowa
- SCATE
- Tri-Beta
- Health Professions Club
- University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
- Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, Mich.
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore
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Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Adult gerontology NPs care for patients from early teenage years through old age. There are two main adult gerontology pathways: adult gerontology acute care NP, and adult gerontology primary care NP. The acute care NP works in emergency, surgery, and other acute settings, while the primary care NP works mainly in an ambulatory setting. Adult gerontology NPs can prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and evaluate the overall effectiveness of a patient’s treatment plan. Education is another main task, as this type of NP communicates with patients and their families regarding self-management of conditions and preventative health techniques.
Find out more about adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs.
The Top 25 Online Masters In Nursing Programs
An online masters in nursing provides opportunities for nurses who want to further their education and also advance their careers in the healthcare field. An online masters in nursing program offers more flexibility than traditional on-campus classes, meaning nurses can keep their current jobs while studying for their masters of science in nursing.
Those who pursue a masters in nursing generally already have a bachelors in nursing. The masters of science in nursing degree builds on concepts and training learned in the bachelors program. Still, students who havent received a bachelors have some options they can find bridge programs that take them from RN to MSN .
Masters in Nursing programs are for students whose career goals are geared towards individual, community, and industry needs. Most MSN programs, even online, offer concentrations like Executive Nurse Leader , Nurse Educator, and others.
Featured Programs
Here are the top 25 online Masters in Nursing programs, based on tuition, program quality, classes offered, and faculty.
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What Nurse Practitioner Makes The Most Money
NP salaries depend on local demand and cost of living, specialty, and employer, along with individual factors like professional experience. The BLS reports that NPs in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Ohio make the most money. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners , adult mental health NPs earn the highest wages, drawing a median annual salary of $125,000. The AANP also reports that Veterans Affairs facilities offer the highest median salary of all employers.
Master Of Science In Nursing
MSN Tracks
Leadership in Health Care Delivery
Nursing Education
Leadership in Health Information Technology
Nurse Practitioner
- Adult – Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult – Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Combined Programs
Community/Public Health Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner
For those who already hold a Master’s Degree with a major in nursing, Post-master’s certificate programs of study are available in all tracks of the MSN program.
RN Applicants with a BSN – Admission Requirements
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 college credit hours completed
- A bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing from a school accredited by a regional accrediting organization
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in Iowa
RN Applicants with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree – Admission Requirements
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 college credit hours completed
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in Iowa
- 3-credit undergraduate Statistics course
- 3 credit undergraduate Nursing Research course
- 3 credit undergraduate Community Health course
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Heartland Global Health Consortium
Central College is a founding member of the Heartland Global Health Consortium whose mission is to establish and expand multidisciplinary educational, research and service opportunities to inspire and equip students to become leaders in global public health. The consortium provides additional opportunities for students to participate in educational, global research and global medical service experiences.
University Of Texas Medical Branch
Location: Galveston, TexasTuition: $8,482 in state, $17,109 out of state
The University of Texas Medical Branchs online Masters of Science in Nursing degree program offers six specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Executive Nurse Leader, and Nurse Educator. All programs are offered online and share seven core courses. Students at the school develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and fellow students from nursing and other disciplines.
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A Real World Approach To Nursing
Jodi Allen, family nurse practitioner coordinator and assistant professor in the Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing, lets out a sigh when thinking about all thats transpired under her watch from Spring 2020 to Fall 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic arguably threw no group into a lurch more than healthcare workers. For Allen and her students, real-world skill application and pivoting in a health crisis came right at them.
In the beginning it was daunting, Allen said, but thats the great thing about being a nurse you know a lot about a lot, even if you dont know enough about something, well figure out the rest as we go.
How Do I Know An Online Nurse Practitioner Program Is Accredited
Online and on-campus programs both undergo the same scrutiny to earn accreditation. Each nursing program’s homepage typically lists its accreditation status. You can also verify a program’s status by reviewing the directories listed above.
All schools listed on this page, and on NurseJournal.org, hold accreditation.
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Nursing 3+: Biology Track
Nursing is a rewarding career path, offering the chance to make an impact on the lives of patients.
Through UNIs unique Nursing 3+1 Biology program, you can earn two degrees in four years saving you money, and fast-tracking your career.
For the first three years, students will study biology at the University of Northern Iowa, before transferring to Allen College in Waterloo, where they will complete an accelerated 16-month BSN program. By the end, students will be awarded a BA Biology degree from UNI and a BSN from Allen College. Having a degree in biology allows students opportunities outside of nursing in healthcare or other fields.
It is important to note that Nursing 3+1 is not an academic major rather, a suggested program of study that prepares students with all the prerequisites needed to complete a BSN. Students wishing to join this program would declare a BA Biology major.
Applying To An Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Admissions qualifications and materials depend on the NP program and the applicant’s educational background. While the following list does not represent every NP program’s admission process, we have outlined a few common requirements below.
- Admission Requirements: Online NP programs commonly expect applicants to hold a current RN license, clinical nursing experience, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college. Many schools also request GRE or GMAT scores, references, transcripts, and a personal essay.
- Program Length: Most programs take about 2-3 years to complete.
- Clinical Requirements: On average, NP programs require about 500 clinical hours.
- GPA Requirement: Candidates typically need a minimum 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies.
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How To Become An Rn In Iowa: Licensing Information And Requirements
Those looking to become RNs in Iowa need to apply for licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing. The states nursing board ensures that all the state laws related to nursing practice, education, and licensure are upheld. Its important to understand Iowas specific licensure requirements before you begin your degree.
Complete State-Approved RN Degree
Complete a degree program from an accredited institution that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Choose an ASN or BSN program offered through any Iowa state-approved nursing school. Depending on the program, youll finish in about 2-4 years.
Submit Application for Licensure to the State
Next, submit an application for licensure using the Boards online application and by paying $143. All applications expire one year after theyre started online. The Board conducts a criminal history check and reviews any records of prior disciplinary action before the application proceeds. After step three below, youll only have 90 days to pass the exam before your application for licensure expires.
Submit NCLEX-RN Exam Application and Schedule Time
As your third step, complete the NCLEX candidate bulletin through NCSBN. The NCLEX-RN exam is a nationwide test, so a passing score is valid in all 50 states. You must pay a $200 fee every time you sit for the exam. Youll know youre eligible to sit for the exam in Iowa when you receive an Authorization to Test email. You can then schedule your exam at a local testing center.
Allen College Nursing Programs
With more than 90 years of educational service, Allen College is a health-care focused private institution in Waterloo. The college started in 1925 as a hospital-based School of Nursing which offers diploma programs. Presently, it offers a wide range of healthcare programsbaccalaureate, masters, and doctoral. Moreover, in terms of accreditation, the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission . Its baccalaureate, masters and doctor of nursing practice degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education as well.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Students seeking a BSN degree at Allen College can do so through any of these three trackstraditional, accelerated, and RN to BSN. The traditional BSN option requires 4-year completion with the first the first 1.5 years for the prescribed general educational credits from another college, while the remaining 2.5 years for the nursing coursework at Allen College. Meanwhile, the Accelerated BSN option has rigorous coursework which can be completed in 15-16 months or 4 consecutive semesters. Completion of the traditional and accelerated options provide eligibility to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Lastly, the RN to BSN option can be completed in one or two years for an accelerated plan or part-time plan, respectively. Nursing courses in this option are delivered in an online format.
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