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Nursing


	Description

	Degrees Offered

	Admission

	Master of Science in Nursing

		Adult Nurse Practitioner Track

		Clinical Nurse Practitioner Track

		Family Nurse Practitioner Track

		Leadership and Management Track

		Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track

	Contact Info

Description

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are designed to build upon the student’s baccalaureate nursing education and professional experience. The Master of Science program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

This program prepares students to:

Analyze social, economic, ethical, cultural, legal, and political issues influencing nursing practice and health care in a global context.
Collaborate with leaders in nursing and other disciplines to improve the quality of professional nursing practice and the health care system.
Develop and implement leadership, management, and teaching strategies for the improvement of health and health care.
Develop practice models of evidence-based nursing practice incorporating nursing research.
Influence health and public policy to improve health of communities.
Participate in lifelong learning activities.
Participate in research and disseminate research findings through presentation and publication.
Synthesize advanced knowledge from the sciences, the humanities, and nursing theories to support advanced nursing practice.
Plan, evaluate and implement the delivery of health care using critical thinking skills.
Practice in an advanced nursing role.
Synthesize advanced knowledge from the sciences, the humanities, and nursing theories for advanced practice nursing.

The school also offers an RN to MSN plan of study, an accelerated program for RNs (registered nurses) who do not hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This program is designed for students who have met general education requirements, who have demonstrated above-average performance in prior undergraduate course work, and who have the potential for success in graduate school.

A similar program, the Nurse Practitioner to MSN plan of study, is designed for RNs who are licensed in Florida with active status as an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) but have not completed a master’s degree in nursing.

The goals of the programs are to prepare advanced nurse practitioners and nursing leaders and managers to assume leadership positions in a variety of health care settings. Graduates of the programs are eligible to sit for specialty certification examinations, and nurse practitioner graduates are eligible for licensure as an ARNP in Florida.

Degrees Offered

Adult Nurse Practitioner Track
Clinical Nurse Practitioner Track
Family Nurse Practitioner Track
Leadership and Management Track
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track

Admission

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Graduate Catalog. Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Please be sure to submit all requested material by the established deadline(s).

Students are admitted to the programs in fall and spring semesters. To study full time, nurse practitioner and leadership/management students should apply for fall admission; clinical nurse specialist students should apply for spring admission. Part-time plans of study are available for both fall and spring admission cycles.

In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:

A bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
An overall grade point average of 3.0 for upper-division undergraduate work (usually the last 60 attempted semester hours) and a combined Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative exams; or, an overall grade point average of 2.8 for upper-division undergraduate work and a combined GRE score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative exams
Copy of Florida registered nurse license
Completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and health assessment (If health assessment content was integrated into other nursing course work, written documentation must be obtained from the school or college of nursing.)
A personal statement describing interest in the field and career goals
A resume (no longer than 2 pages)
Three references; at least one should be from a faculty member who is familiar with the student’s abilities and potential for success in the program
For applicants from countries where English is not the official language, or for an applicant whose bachelor’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, an official score of at least 220 (computer-based test; or equivalent score on the paper-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required or a passing score on the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)

Admission to the program is competitive, based on evaluation of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations, and the match of UCF’s programs with career goals. The School of Nursing accepts the most qualified students. Since enrollment is limited, not all students who apply may be accepted, even if minimum requirements are met.

Students may take classes as a non-degree-seeking, post-baccalaureate student on a space-available basis. Deadlines for application for this status are earlier than those posted by the university. Students must designate on their application that they are applying to the School of Nursing in order to facilitate processing of files. Students will be notified in writing from the School of Nursing regarding acceptance as a non-degree-seeking student. Students who are accepted will be issued override forms for available courses. Successful completion of post-baccalaureate courses does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.

Admissions Requirements: ARNP to MSN Plan

The ARNP to MSN plan is designed for RNs who are licensed in the state of Florida with active status as an ARNP but have not completed a master’s degree in nursing.

For an RN to ARNP with a BSN, admissions requirements include:

Documentation of completion of a certificate program for nurse practitioners
Other requirements are the same as the MSN program

For an RN to ARNP without a BSN, admissions requirements include:

Documentation of completion of a certificate program for nurse practitioners
Other requirements are the same as the RN to MSN program

Application Due Dates

All students applying for fellowships or assistantships must apply by the Fall Priority deadline date.

U.S. Applicants

Program(s) Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer

Master of Science in Nursing Feb 1 Jun 15 Oct 15

Adult Nurse Practitioner Track Feb 1 Jun 15 Oct 15

Clinical Nurse Practitioner Track Feb 1 Jun 15 Oct 15

Family Nurse Practitioner Track Feb 1 Jun 15 Oct 15

Leadership and Management Track Feb 1 Jun 15 Oct 15

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track Feb 1 Jun 15 Oct 15

International Applicants

Program(s)

Fall Priority

Fall

Spring

Summer

Master of Science in Nursing

Feb 1

Adult Nurse Practitioner Track

Feb 1

Clinical Nurse Practitioner Track

Feb 1

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Feb 1

Leadership and Management Track

Feb 1

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track

Feb 1

Master of Science in Nursing

Degree Requirements

Nursing Leadership and Management—43 Credit Hours
Adult or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—47 Credit Hours
Clinical Nurse Specialist—46 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner—49 Credit Hours

Graduate students must complete a minimum of 43-49 credit hours of graduate-level course work, depending on major. Either a thesis or research scholarly work is required.

Required Courses for All Students—14-17 Credit Hours

NGR 5744 Health Care Systems, Policy and Health Professionals (1 credit hour)
NGR 5746 Cultural and Legal Issues in APN (1 credit hour)
NGR 5745 Professional Role Obligations & Activities in APN (1 credit hour)
NGR 5800 Nursing Theory/Research I (4 credit hours)
NGR 5801 Nursing Research II/Statistics (4 credit hours)
NGR 6971/6813 Thesis or Research Scholarly Work (3-6 credit hours)

Core Requirements for Nurse Practitioner Tracks—17-20 Credit Hours

NGR 5003 Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credit hours)
NGR 5004L Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical (2 credit hours)
NGR 5141 Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours)
NGR 6192 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours)
NGR 6941 Advanced Practice Practicum (6 credit hours)
Nursing Graduate Elective (0-3 credit hours)

Requirements for Adult Nurse Practitioner Track—13 Credit Hours

NGR 6240 Adult I for APNs (3 credit hours)
NGR 6240L Adult I Clinical for APNs (3 credit hours)
NGR 6242 Adult II for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6242L Adult II Clinical for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6334 Women’s Health for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6482L Women’s Health for APNs Clinical (1 credit hour)

Requirements for Clinical Nurse Specialist Track—29-32 Credit Hours

NGR 5003 Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credit hours)
NGR 5004L Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical (2 credit hours)
NGR 5141 Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours)
NGR 5720 Organizational Dynamics (3 credit hours)
NGR 5871 Health Care Informatics (3 credit hours)
NGR 6192 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours)
NGR 6752 Clinical Nurse Specialist I (3 credit hours)
NGR 6752L Clinical Nurse Specialist I Practicum (2 credit hours)
NGR 6753 Clinical Nurse Specialist II (2 credit hours)
NGR 6753L Clinical Nurse Specialist II Practicum (2 credit hours)
NGR 6722 Financial Management and Resource Development (3 credit hours)
Elective (0-3 credit hours)

Requirements for Family Nurse Practitioner Track—15 Credit Hours

NGR 6240 Adult I for APNs (3 credit hours)
NGR 6240L Adult I Clinical for APNs (3 credit hours)
NGR 6242 Adult II for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6331 Pediatrics I for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6331L Pediatrics I Clinical for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6334 Women’s Health for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6482L Women’s Health for APNs Clinical (1 credit hour)

Requirements for Nursing Leadership and Management Track—26-29 Credit Hours

NGR 5720 Organizational Dynamics (3 credit hours)
NGR 5871 Health Care Informatics (3 credit hours)
NGR 6722 Financial Management and Resource Development (3 credit hours)
NGR 6723 Nursing Leadership and Management I (3 credit hours)
NGR 6723L Nursing Leadership Role Specialization Practicum I (2 credit hours)
NGR 6724 Nursing Leadership and Management II (3 credit hours)
NGR 6724L Nursing Leadership Role Specialization Practicum II (3 credit hours)
Electives (6-9 credit hours)

Requirements for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track—13 Credit Hours

NGR 6331 Pediatrics I for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6331L Pediatrics I Clinical for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6332 Pediatrics II for APNs (3 credit hours)
NGR 6332L Pediatrics II Clinical for APNs (3 credit hours)
NGR 6335 Focused Pediatrics for APNs (2 credit hours)
NGR 6335L Focused Pediatrics Clinical for APNs (1 credit hours)

RN to MSN Plan

The RN to MSN plan is an accelerated program for RNs who do not hold a baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BSN). This program is designed for students who have met general education requirements, and who have demonstrated above-average performance in prior undergraduate course work (minimum of 3.0 grade point average), and have the potential for success in graduate school. Students will meet both BSN and MSN objectives.

Available for all tracks in the graduate program: Nursing Leadership and Management, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Up to 15 credit hours can be applied toward meeting requirements of both BSN and MSN programs.

Admission Requirements—Limited Access

Students must first be accepted by UCF Undergraduate Admissions. Acceptance to the university does not constitute admission to the accelerated RN-MSN program. Separate application to this limited-access program must be made. Application forms and information are available from the School of Nursing or at http://www.cohpa.ucf.edu/nursing. All applicants must meet the following criteria:

Graduate of a state-approved or accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program
Licensure as an RN
Completion of UCF general education requirements or AA degree from a state of Florida school, including CLAST
Completion of prerequisites for the RN-BSN
Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
Letter of intent to pursue accelerated master’s
Three professional references from people who can judge abilities for graduate school
Resume
Interview with School of Nursing to assess interest, motivation, and ability to succeed in graduate school

Interim Requirements

Completion of the GRE by the end of the second semester in the program
A minimum combined GRE score of 900 on the verbal/quantitative exams

Admission Requirements for Graduate Nursing Phase

(To be met during the semester the BSN is awarded)

A separate application must be made to UCF Graduate Studies
Completion of requirements/credits for the baccalaureate degree in nursing, including health assessment course
Completion of all UCF School of Nursing course work to date with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
Must meet university requirements for undergraduate degree completion (refer to the UCF undergraduate catalog)
Updated resume

RN to MSN Program of Study

Courses Taken Toward BSN

NUR 3065 Health Assessment (3 credit hours)
NUR 3809 Transitional Concepts in Nursing I (3 credit hours)
NUR 4636 Community as the Continuum of Care (3 credit hours)
NUR 4636L Clinical for Community as a Continuum of Care (2 credit hours)
NUR 4827 Leadership and Management Principles (3 credit hours)
NUR 4836 Professional Development Seminar in Nursing (3 credit hours) (for NUR 4084)
NUR 4837 Health Care Issues, Policy, and Economics (3 credit hours)

Validated credit for previous nursing courses—28 Credit Hours

Courses Shared BSN/MSN

An individualized plan of study is developed for each student admitted to the RN to MSN option.
Students may take NGR 5800 Nursing Theory/Research I instead of NUR 3165 Critical Inquiry, if they have taken NUR 4836. The credits for this course are applied to both the BSN and MSN programs.
Students pursuing the MSN in the Nursing Leadership and Management Track may take the following courses:

NUR 4838L Directed Practice in Nursing Administration (for NUR 4945L Directed Nursing Practice)
NGR 5720 Organizational Dynamics (for NUR 4827 Leadership and Management Principles)
NGR 5871 Health Care Informatics (for nursing elective)
NGR/HSA graduate elective in area of concentration (e.g., nursing, health services administration for nursing elective)

Students pursuing the MSN in the Family/Adult/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist tracks may take the following courses:

NGR 5004L Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning (for NUR 4945L Directed Nursing Practice and undergraduate nursing elective)
NGR 5141 Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Nursing Practice (for undergraduate nursing elective)
NGR/HSA XXXX—Graduate elective in area of concentration (e.g., nursing, health services administration)

Courses Taken Toward MSN

Students will follow the degree requirements of the selected MSN track. The baccalaureate degree will be awarded when program requirements for the BSN are met and students have completed a minimum of 120 hours of credit. Students must apply to UCF Graduate Studies for admission to the MSN program. The MSN will be awarded on completion of the total program of study. Students who do not meet ongoing program requirements or decide not to continue in the program may withdraw from the RN to MSN plan and complete course work for the BSN degree.

Nurse Practitioner to MSN Plan

The Nurse Practitioner to MSN plan is designed for RNs who are licensed in the state of Florida with active status as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner but have not completed a master’s degree in nursing. This plan is offered to experienced NPs who wish to remain in their specialty area. If NPs desire to change or add a specialty (e.g., from adult to family), an individualized plan of study can be developed to meet certification requirements.

There are two options in the NP to MSN plan. Option 1 is for RNs who already have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Option 2 is for those RNs who do not have a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Option 1—Active RN/ARNP license in Florida with baccalaureate in nursing

Admission and Graduate Requirements

Documentation of completion of a certificate program for nurse practitioners.
Other requirements are the same as the Master of Science in Nursing program.

Degree Requirements

NP to MSN students with a BSN must complete a minimum of 31 credit hours of graduate-level course work. Either a thesis or research scholarly work is required.

Required Courses

NGR 5003 Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credit hours)
NGR 5004L Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical (2 credit hours)
NGR 5141 Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours)
NGR 5744 Health Care Systems, Policies & Health Professions (1 credit hour)
NGR 5746 Cultural, Legal, Ethical, and Political Issues of Advanced Practice Nursing (1 credit hour)
NGR 5745 Professional Obligations & Activities of Advanced Practice Nursing(1 credit hour)
NGR 5800 Nursing Theory/Research I (4 credit hours)
NGR 5801 Nursing Research II/Statistics (4 credit hours)
NGR 6192 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours). May be waived for elective credits if recent (within last 3 years) pharmacology course taken.
NGR 6813 Research Scholarly Work (3 credit hours) or NGR 6971 Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
NGR 6941 Advanced Practice Practicum (3 credit hours)
Graduate Elective (0-3 credit hours)

Option 2—Active RN/ARNP license in Florida without baccalaureate in nursing

Admission and Graduation Requirements

Documentation of completion of a certificate program for nurse practitioners.
Other requirements are the same as the RN to MSN track.

Degree Requirements

NP to MSN students without a BSN must complete requirements for both the BSN and MSN. Twelve to fifteen credits will be applied toward meeting requirements of both degrees. Either a thesis or research scholarly work is required.

Courses Taken Toward BSN

NUR 3809 Transitional Concepts in Nursing I (3 credit hours)
NUR 4636 Community as the Continuum of Care (3 credit hours)
NUR 4636L Clinical Practice in the Community (2 credit hours)
NUR 4827 Leadership and Management Principles (3 credit hours)
NUR 4836 Professional Development Seminar in Nursing (3 credit hours)
NUR 4837 Healthcare Issues, Policy, and Economics (3 credit hours)
Validated credit from previous RN and NP courses (28 hours)

Courses Shared BSN/MSN

NGR 5003 Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credit hours)
NGR 5004L Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical (2 credit hours)
NGR 5141 Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours)
NGR 5800 Nursing Theory/Research I (4 credit hours)
NGR Elective (3 credit hours)

Courses Taken Toward MSN

NGR 5744 Health Care Systems, Policies, & Health Professions (1 credit hour)
NGR 5745 Professional Obligations and Activities of Advanced Practice Nursing (1 credit hour)
NGR 5746 Cultural, Legal, Ethical, and Political Issues of Advanced Practice Nursing(1 credit hour)
NGR 5801 Nursing Research II/Statistics (4 credit hours)
NGR 6192 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credit hours) May be waived for elective credits if recent (within last 3 years) pharmacology course taken.
NGR 6813 Research Scholarly Work (3 credit hours) or NGR 6971 Thesis (6 credit hours)
NGR 6941 Advanced Practice Practicum (variable 1-6)
Graduate Elective (0-3 credit hours)

Financial Support

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Key points about financial support:

If you're interested in financial assistance, you're strongly encouraged to apply for admission early. A complete application for admission, including all supporting documents, must be received by the priority date listed for your program under "Admissions."
You must be admitted to a graduate program before the university can consider awarding financial assistance to you.
If you want to be considered for loans and other need-based financial assistance, review the UCF Student Financial Assistance website at http://finaid.ucf.edu and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, which is available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Apply early and allow up to six weeks for the FAFSA form to be processed.
UCF Graduate Studies awards university graduate fellowships, with most decisions based on nominations from the colleges and programs. All admitted graduate students are automatically considered in this nomination process. To be eligible for a fellowship, students must be accepted as a graduate student in a degree program and be enrolled full-time. To receive need-based fellowship awards, the student must have demonstrated need as determined by FAFSA. Merit fellowship awards are not affected by FAFSA determination of need.
Please note that select fellowships do require students to fill out a fellowship application (either a university fellowship application, an external fellowship application, or a college or school fellowship application).
For information on assistantships (including teaching, research, and general graduate assistantships) or tuition support, contact the graduate program coordinator of your major.