This program stays focused on the skills necessary for nurses to be successful in the continually changing health care environment; enhanced critical thinking, assessment, problem solving, and communication skills. Students working on this Masters degree may choose from several areas of concentration which include core, cognate, and focused theoretical courses in their selected area of study. These students will acquire the research and practice foundation for doctoral study. Research is used to provide a foundation for the improvement of health-care techniques. Also, education in many programs includes courses in statistics, health promotion, nutrition, mental health, and the prevention of family and social violence.

This major will prepare you for:

Graduates are eligible to apply for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification. This program will prepare nurse experts in advanced practice and/or management for leadership in patient centered health care delivery. It will also ready them to practice with confidence in an advanced nursing role in a variety of settings, provide competent and comprehensive care including expert physical assessment. Family Nurse Practitioner graduates are prepared to work in primary care practices, long term care, community-based clinics, and public health departments.

Grad uates seeking more independent roles in nursing such as the nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse educator will also have several opportunities. Nurse Practitioners are often allowed to admit and follow their patients into the hospital.