msn to phd nursing programs

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Know How to Go from an MSN to a PhD

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With many nursing schools nationwide facing a faculty shortage, the demand for qualified nursing educators continues to grow.

In addition to the personal satisfaction of educating a new generation of nurses, nursing educators and scholars play a vital role in groundbreaking scientific research to fight disease and improve patient outcomes.

While the master’s degree in nursing is typically the minimum education required for a nursing educator, the PhD in nursing is gaining momentum as the preferred standard for nurses looking to advance their career in higher education and research. Moving from an MSN to PhD in nursing can have several benefits for nurses who want to make the transition from the bedside to the classroom.

Why get a PhD in Nursing?

If you already have a master’s degree in nursing, you may wonder, “Why do I need a PhD?” The answer is: If you’re looking to become a nurse educator or researcher, your chances of landing one of those coveted roles greatly improves with a doctorate in nursing education.

One reason to choose the MSN to PhD path is that most nursing schools are looking for PhD-trained nurses when hiring faculty.

A survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found a nursing faculty vacancy rate of almost 8% at nursing schools nationwide. But even with the current faculty shortage, the AACN survey found 56% of the vacancies were for faculty positions requiring a doctoral degree, and another 34% were for positions that preferred PhD candidates. A PhD in nursing certainly gives faculty candidates a leg up over the competition when applying for nursing faculty positions.

Transitioning from an MSN to PhD in nursing also can bolster one’s research credentials. Nursing graduates with a PhD in nursing are better prepared to conduct important nursing and other healthcare research related to disease prevention and treatment and methods for improving patient care.

“When nurses do research on their doctorate, many people tend to think that it primarily focuses on nurses and nursing care,” according to the AACN . “In reality, nurses carry out clinical research in a variety of areas, such as diabetes care, cancer care and eating disorders.”

Nursing educators with doctoral degrees have opportunities to publish the findings of their research in scholarly journals, write grant proposals and might be asked to speak as experts at healthcare meetings or conferences.

And while a career in higher education might be the most common career path for those with a PhD in nursing, it’s not the only option. A research-focused doctoral degree in nursing can pave the way for nurses to conduct clinical research in hospitals, research laboratories or in public health and public policy, as well as to move up into executive and leadership positions in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Other benefits of a PhD in Nursing

Getting a doctorate in nursing education can have other less tangible but equally important benefits for those looking to pursue careers as nurse educators. The National League for Nursing listed some of the top reasons to consider a career as a nurse educator, including:

• Working in an intellectually stimulating environment.
• Having greater autonomy and flexibility.
• Being able to teach from virtually anywhere, using technology.
• Conducting important research that advances the field.
• Shaping the future of healthcare.
• Educating and mentoring a new generation of nursing professionals.
• Teaching a love of nursing to others.

And while a career in academia can be challenging, the working conditions may be appealing for nurses who are looking for a change of pace from their roles in direct patient care settings. Many nursing faculty work nine months a year with summers off, and nurse educators typically do not have to work long 12-hour shifts or overnight hours like clinical nurses often do.

Finding the right PhD program

Many MSN to PhD programs are available for master’s educated nurses, and there are several factors to consider in choosing the right program.

Selecting a doctoral program comes down to personal choice, but important things to consider include the quality and accessibility of faculty and the program’s commitment to research.

In choosing a PhD program, students can consider several questions that could tip the balance toward the perfect program. For instance, students may want to consider whether they have opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member on an independent study or individually designed project and whether they can publish alongside faculty. Also, can students participate in research projects or other professional initiatives.

Students also need to decide whether they want to pursue their degree in a traditional on-campus environment or online.

Online MSN to PhD programs can be an attractive option for master’s trained nurses who want to continue working while pursuing their doctoral studies. Many MSN to PhD programs can be completed in as little as two to three years of coursework, but a dissertation or research project also is required, which usually takes at least another year. Students should carefully review the requirements of the programs they’re considering — including number of required credit hours and cost — when making a decision about a doctoral program.

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Msn to phd pathway.

Shaping future generations of nurse scientists!

Our MSN to PhD pathway is designed for nurses with a Master's of Science degree in Nursing. Focused on health promotion, human response, and healing, students have the opportunity to study in the areas of biobehavioral research, vulnerable populations, and contemporary pedagogies. These areas of inquiry provide the structure for students to develop a plan of study to gain in-depth knowledge in a specific area of research.

Licensure Requirements

Required: Current (active), valid, unencumbered license or multi-state privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the state(s) in which the student participates in any clinical learning experiences.

Degree Requirements

A Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a nationally accredited institution is required for applicants.

Required Application Documents

Required: a resume, all official transcripts, three (3) letters of reference & a personal statement (see personal statement guidelines ).

Other Requirements

For Graduates of Foreign Universities: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) scores.

 Semester

3 Courses (9 Hours)

 Curriculum Close

2 Courses (3 Hours)

3 Courses (15 Hours)

1 Course (6 Hours)

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Home / MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Is an msn to ph.d. in nursing program right for me, are online msn to ph.d. programs in nursing available, what is the msn to ph.d. curriculum like, how much will i make with a ph.d. in nursing.

Advanced-level nurses sometimes wish to level up to a doctorate in nursing to enhance their skills and knowledge. For those who already hold MSN degrees and want to obtain nursing roles involving research and academia, a Ph.D. in Nursing program can be an advantageous degree choice. Luckily, MSN to Ph.D. bridge programs exist to make it more streamlined for nurses to advance their education.

There are a multitude of pathways for nurses looking to move from a clinical background to a role that is more focused on medical research, education, leadership, and policy development. Among these, the MSN to Ph.D. option is becoming increasingly popular. These programs are easily accessible, allowing students to save time, energy, and money while also increasing their earning potential, and, more importantly, giving them a more comprehensive background in the field.

There are many MSN to Ph.D. bridge programs available, and some institutions even offer dual-degree options to prepare students for various research and educational roles within the nursing field.

OTHER NURSING PH.D. BRIDGE PROGRAMS:

• BSN to Ph.D.
• DNP to Ph.D.

Varieties of MSN to Ph.D. Bridge Programs Available

The workforce that nursing Ph.D. graduates will enter is broad, and there are many roles available for those looking for a focus on research and education. Prospective students can look for Ph.D. bridge programs that align with their interests. To help narrow down your search, let’s take a look at a few of the many types of MSN to Ph.D. program specialties available in 2023:

• Nursing Research
• Public Health Nursing
• Nurse Administration
• Nursing Education

Prerequisites for an MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Bridge Program

Prospective candidates for MSN to Ph.D. bridge programs generally need to meet certain prerequisites, although specific requirements may vary by institution. The typical prerequisites include:

• Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited university
• Passing score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other test(s) as determined by the program
• Current, unencumbered nursing license
• Some programs may require an in-person or video interview with the program candidate
• Most programs will require an essay or personal statement describing the student’s career goals

Are Clinical Hours Required for the MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Program?

Because an MSN to Ph.D. program focuses more on the educational and research aspects of nursing, clinical hours are rarely required. As you might have guessed, this doesn’t mean less work for prospective students. Instead of clinical hours, students in MSN to Ph.D. programs typically engage in research projects, seminars, and teaching experiences, and coursework will relate to theory, concepts, and methodologies relating to nursing.

To cater to the needs of working nurses and individuals who prefer the flexibility of online education, numerous universities and nursing schools offer online MSN to Ph.D. programs. These online programs typically enable students to complete coursework, engage in research, and collaborate with faculty and peers through virtual platforms. While the didactic portion of the program is often accessible online, some programs may necessitate occasional on-campus attendance for specific activities such as seminars, presentations, or comprehensive exams.

While getting your Ph.D. online can be a more affordable, and more convenient option for many, consider your specific needs when applying to these programs, as well as the program’s specific requirements to see if any portion of the curriculum must be completed in-person.

How Long Do MSN to Ph.D. Programs Take to Complete?

The curriculum for your MSN to Ph.D. program can take as few as two to three years to complete, but dissertations and research projects can add more time. Four to five years total is a common timeline for completion, but this will vary from program to program and whether you will be a full-time or part-time student.

Be sure to check all credit and project/dissertation requirements for your chosen MSN to Ph.D. program so that you have an accurate picture of how long it may take to complete the Ph.D.

How Much Will Tuition Cost for an MSN to Ph.D. Program?

Tuition costs for MSN to Ph.D. programs can vary significantly between institutions and states. These costs typically include tuition fees, mandatory fees, and course materials like textbooks. Online programs offer the advantage of not incurring travel or parking expenses. Tuition fees are usually based on the number of credit hours and the student’s residency status. Here are some examples of tuition and fees for MSN to Ph.D. programs as of 2023:

University of Tyler

In-State Tuition: $7,173

Out of State Tuition: $16,582

Program Duration: 81 Credits

University of Florida

In-State Tuition: $12,740

Out of State Tuition: $30,134

Program Duration: 68 Credits

The curriculum for an MSN to Ph.D. program in nursing is carefully designed to provide registered nurses with advanced education in nursing research, theory, and scholarship. The curriculum is research-intensive, preparing students for careers in academia, research, leadership, and policy development within the nursing field. While specific courses and requirements can vary between institutions and programs, here is a general overview of what you might find in an MSN to Ph.D. curriculum:

• Core Nursing Courses
• Research Methodology
• Nursing Theory
• Specialized Courses

Are Any Ph.D. Exams Required Before I Start My Career?

Every MSN to Ph.D. program will have its specific requirements for examinations. Here are a few of the typical examinations that you may come across:

• Qualifying Examinations: Qualifying exams assess your readiness for the dissertation phase and may cover your research proposal and research methods. The format and requirements for these exams are often determined by the university or program.
• Nursing Certification Exams: Some MSN to Ph.D. programs offer or require advanced nursing certification in specialties. These certifications typically involve national board exams administered by organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Where Can I Work With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Moving from a clinical setting to a setting that is focused more on research, theory, and education, there will be a whole new collection of positions available to you once you’ve completed your MSN to Ph.D. program. Here are some of the places where you can work with an MSN to PhD in Nursing:

• Academic Institutions: Many graduates of MSN to Ph.D. programs pursue academic careers. They can work as faculty members in universities, teaching nursing students, conducting research, and much more.
• Research Institutions: Graduates often find roles in research institutions and centers, where they may lead research projects and conduct/publish studies related to nursing.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Systems: Some nurses with an MSN to Ph.D. work in hospitals and healthcare systems in various capacities as nurse researchers, nursing leaders, or educators for fellow nurses.
• Government Agencies: Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels hire nurse researchers and experts to inform healthcare policies and drive public health initiatives.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofit organizations focused on healthcare, public health, and nursing-related causes may hire nurses to hold medical advisory positions and help with advocacy.
• Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety: Graduates can contribute to improving healthcare quality and patient safety in various environments.
• Nursing Education and Continuing Education Providers: Aside from academic institutions, nurses with an MSN to Ph.D. can work for organizations that offer continuing education and more.
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies: Nurses with expertise in research and patient care may find opportunities to contribute to clinical trials and other medical affairs.
• Global Health Organizations: Nurses with an MSN to Ph.D. may work with global health organizations, addressing international healthcare challenges and informing global health initiatives.

Similarly to clinical nursing, a position in nursing research or education will provide a salary that varies from field to field, and from location to location. Here’s a general overview of potential earning ranges for nurses with an MSN to PhD in Nursing in the United States:

• Nurse Educators : Nurse educators in academic institutions, teaching nursing students, can earn a median annual salary of $84,180 , according to the BLS. Salaries can vary based on the level of education, rank, and experience.
• Nurse Researchers : Nurses involved in research, whether in academic settings, healthcare institutions, or research organizations, can earn salaries of around $99,930 annually. Research leadership roles may command higher salaries.
• Nurse Executives and Administrators : According to the BSL, nurses in leadership roles within healthcare organizations, such as Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) or Nursing Directors, can earn median salaries of around $104,830 or more annually . Salaries vary based on the size and complexity of the healthcare system.
• Government and Public Health : Nurses employed by government agencies or in public health roles, such as epidemiologists, may earn salaries of $78,520 or more annually , depending on their position and agency.

Top PhD in Nursing Programs

What is a ph.d. in nursing.

• Ph.D. in Nursing vs DNP
• Types of Programs
• Top Programs
• Program Overview
• Is a Nursing Ph.D. For Me?

The Ph.D. in Nursing degree opens career opportunities for nurses as researchers, forging new and cutting-edge nursing practices for future generations. This article explores this terminal nursing degree, how to get it, and the top Ph.D. in Nursing programs.

A Ph.D. in Nursing is the highest degree awarded to nurses and one of two terminal nursing degrees. Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy, and Ph.D. in Nursing programs focus on evidence-based research.

Throughout their 4-6 year study, nursing Ph.D. students learn how to conduct, analyze, and publish nursing research. The degree culminates in students conducting an independent research project and writing a dissertation on it.

Ph.D. in Nursing and DNP Differences

A Ph.D. in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are both terminal nursing degrees. However, comparing a  DNP vs. a Ph.D. in Nursing reveals distinct differences. Notably, the Ph.D. in Nursing prepares you for a science, academic, or research-focused career as opposed to a clinical one.

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Key Ph.D. in Nursing vs. DNP Differences

>> Related:  Top Online DNP Programs

Types of Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

The United States is home to over 135 Ph.D. in Nursing programs, which you can attend in multiple formats at nearly every educational level. The types of Ph.D. in nursing programs include the following:

• BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: These Ph.D. in nursing programs allow nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to pursue a career in nursing research without first attending an MSN program.
• MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: Designed for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) trained nurses, these programs typically include core courses for the doctoral program, electives, and dissertation study.
• DNP/Ph.D. Dual Degree: These rigorous programs allow students to concurrently attain expertise in scientific inquiry and faculty practice and hone the practical skills of expert nurse clinicians. 

>> Show Me DNP Programs

Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Are Ph.D. in Nursing programs available online? The answer is yes; you can find several online options to pursue this degree. Since a Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on scientific inquiry, it doesn't have the same onsite practical hours as other nursing degrees. 

Program dependant, you may still need to show up on campus a few times each year. However, for the most part, all you need to earn a Ph.D. in nursing is Wi-Fi, good study habits, and determination.

Top Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Each Ph.D. in Nursing program is unique, offering its own benefits and features. We assembled the top five Ph.D. in Nursing programs nationwide following Nurse.org's proprietary ranking algorithm , which considers and ranks schools based on factors like:

• Tuition costs
• Program length
• Nursing school accreditation
• Admission requirements
• The variety of available programs
• Additional program accolades

 1. University of Pennsylvania

• Program Cost:  $46,934 per academic year
• Program Length:  4-6 years
• Application Due Date: Dec. 1st

The University of Pennsylvania boasts one of the top Ph.D. in nursing programs nationwide. To offset the expensive tuition, the university offers full-time students stipends during their first four years. In exchange, students may work as Teaching Assistants within UPenn's School of Nursing for up to 16 hours a week. 

Contact UPenn about this program:

• Phone: (215) 898-4271
• Email: [email protected]

Source: University of Pennsylvania

2. Duke University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 5 years)
• Application Due Date: November 30th

In 2023, U.S. News & World Report named Duke University the second-best graduate school for nursing. Duke's Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurses to become stalwart scholars. Graduates will build nursing science by leading multidisciplinary research that determines the relationship between chronic illness and care systems.

Contact Duke University about this program:

• Phone: (919) 684-3786
• Email: Contact Request Form

Source: Duke University

3. Duquesne University

• Program Cost:  $1,765 per credit
• Program Length:  3-4 years
• Application Due Date:  February 1st

As the first fully online Ph.D. in Nursing program, Duquesne offers a highly flexible education option to many students nationwide. Additionally, students attending the program may get to study abroad at the Duquesne campus in Dublin, Ireland.  The 56-credit program culminates in a dissertation proposal and final defense in which students orally defend their research thesis to the dissertation committee.

Contact Duquesne University about this program:

• Phone: (412) 396-6219
• Email:  [email protected]

Source: Duquesne University

4. Columbia University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 3 years)
• Application Due Date:  November 15th

Ph.D. in Nursing student at Columbia choose one of three major areas to study, which include Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Analytical Foundations of Nursing Science, and Electives and Applications. The programming heavily focuses on publication, grantsmanship, presentation, and networking. In addition to their coursework, students participate in research experience and training.

Contact Columbia University about this program:

• Phone: (212) 305-5756
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Columbia University

5. Rush University

• Program Cost:  $1,344 per credit hour
• Program Length:  3-5 years
• Application Due Date:  March 4th

Rush University's Ph.D. in Nursing is fully online except for an on-campus orientation and summer intensive learning sessions. The program focuses on preparing nurses and non-nurses with graduate degrees to become leaders in clinical research and educators who influence healthcare policy. While many students keep working throughout the program, they often must take fewer hours while completing their dissertation.

Contact Rush University about this program:

• Phone : (312) 942-7100
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Rush University

What to Expect in a Ph.D. in Nursing Program

Nursing Ph.D. degrees focus on scholarship and nursing research. By the end of the course, you'll be able to conduct and publish evidence-based research that can alter the face of nursing practice and healthcare policy for future generations. 

Generally, these educational pathways combine graduate study and research activities and do not include clinical rotations. Instead, you will be required to complete a long-form research paper called a dissertation. To write your dissertation, you'll complete independent research based on a significant and relevant scientific inquiry in the nursing field. 

>> Related: The Best Nursing Research Topics

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Ph.D. in Nursing programs prepare graduates to pursue careers in research and teaching, advanced clinical practice, health care administration, and policy.  Following graduation, your future may hold a career as a nurse scientist, as an administrator, as a nurse educator, or in establishing health policy.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

Healthcare workers who hold a Ph.D. in nursing earn an average annual salary of $100,00 or $60.45 per hour , according to Payscale . However, your nursing salary will vary depending on your career, employer, location, experience, and other relevant factors.

How Much Does a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Cost?

Ph.D. in nursing programs range from $400 to over $2,300 per credit hour at more distinguished institutions. However, several universities will fund your Ph.D. tuition itself or through a federal research grant. Most often, these funding opportunities are only available to full-time students, while part-timers must pay the full tuition costs.

How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?

Most Ph.D. in nursing programs take between 4-6 years to complete. Your educational timeline will vary based on your previous education and whether you attend full or part-time.

What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?

Since all Ph.D. degrees in nursing emphasize healthcare research, their curriculums will all share certain core elements, which include:

• The philosophical and historical foundations of nursing knowledge
• Review of existing and evolving nursing theory
• Methods and process of developing theory
• Research methodology and data management
• Academic, research, practice, and policy development

Your graduate nursing program will consist of several key milestones to reinforce your education. These include:

• Leadership strategies related to nursing, healthcare, and research
• Mentorship and working alongside faculty on their individual research programs
• Immersion experiences are designed to encourage leadership and scholarship.
• Each student will be required to complete a dissertation.

Ph.D. in Nursing Program Requirements

Each university sets its own entry standards, which vary based on the type of program . However, general Ph.D. in nursing admission requirements include the following:

• BSN, MSN, or non-nursing graduate degree
• Personal research statement
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Admissions interview
• Writing sample
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• Unencumbered RN license
• Official post-secondary school transcripts
• TOEFL or IELTS scores

Is a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Right for Me?

Your professional goals play a massive role in deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D. in nursing. If you're interested in scientific and academic nursing research, healthcare policy, or becoming a nurse educator, a Ph.D. in nursing is an excellent option. Remember, it will not qualify you for APRN positions, so if you have clinical aspirations, a DNP is the right doctoral nursing option.

Next Steps to Enroll in a PhD in Nursing Degree Program

Ready to start your educational journey toward earning a Ph.D. in Nursing? You can start working toward those goals today with these simple steps:

• Research Universities: Find a program that suits you based on your budget, attendance needs (e.g., part vs. full-time and in-person vs. online), and interests.
• Plan Applications: Understand the program requirements and application deadlines for each school you're applying to. Then, make a plan to collect and submit all the necessary materials and documentation on time.
• Prepare Properly: If a university considers you for Ph.D. candidacy, you'll attend an admissions interview. Planning and practicing this interview and paying close attention to why you chose the program and your research interests will optimize your chances of admission.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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MSN TO PhD IN NURSING

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UT Tyler’s MSN to PhD in Nursing program provides an immersive online learning experience. As part of the prestigious University of Texas System, UT Tyler offers student leaders the opportunity to advance their health studies. You can explore all realms of culturally-sensitive research to guide an evidence-based practice. Upon completion, step into the world as a nurse educator and researcher and contribute to the advancement of nursing science.

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Build a distinctive career at the forefront of the nursing field.

Healthcare is constantly evolving and in need of energetic, diverse leadership among nurses. Your PhD in Nursing will allow you to advance the field as a research scientist. UCF Online provides an avenue through which students contribute to knowledge development in nursing and healthcare on the basis of sound conceptual, methodological and ethical research.

Through UCF Online, you’ll harness your full potential and gain the skills it takes to lead the way as innovative technologies and research shift the field of healthcare. Your classroom studies and dissertation will allow you to choose a specific area of focus, conduct research and apply your knowledge of theory, processes and methods of inquiry to the field of nursing.

The curriculum, along with your dissertation, will prepare you to become a leader who contributes to the body of nursing knowledge through your research. You’ll graduate as a nurse scientist prepared to work in a variety of roles, such as faculty member in a research-focused university, leader for nursing research within a healthcare system, industry, or an executive leader with a research focus. This program can be completed online, although two multiple-day onsite intensives per year are required. Get started today to begin your journey toward a PhD in Nursing.

As a participant in the PhD program, there are two online tracks available:

Program Tracks

Requiring a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond your bachelor’s degree, this program is designed to support students who wish to complete their PhD in a timely manner and attain longer research careers. This track can be completed part-time and is designed for working professionals.

Requiring a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond your master’s degree, this program is designed to support students who have already obtained their MSN.

Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, theory in nursing science.

Explore the foundations and application of theory in nursing science.

Scientific Writing for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Identify, discuss, and practice effective scientific writing elements as they apply to nursing and healthcare related disciplines; prepare a scientific manuscript for publication.

Research Approaches and Designs for Nursing and Healthcare

Examine quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying nursing and health related phenomena; ethical issues; internal and external validity; comparison of designs.

Skills You'll Learn

• Gain the knowledge and skills in the areas of clinical research.
• Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
• Learn how to contribute to interdisciplinary solutions that advance healthcare in a global society.

Career Projections

Annual Job Openings

Job Growth Between 2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2024

Career Opportunities

• Director Of Nursing Research
• Nurse Scientist
• Nursing Faculty
• Nursing Professor
• Research Scientist

Related Online Programs

• Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track

MSN to Doctorate

Start Your DNP or PhD During Your MSN

Students entering into one of our master’s programs with a  Bachelor of Science in Nursing  (BSN) or Graduate Entry degree can be admitted to the  Doctor of Nursing Practice  (DNP) or the  PhD program  to take doctoral-level courses and have them apply to the Master of Nursing Science program.

Students still will receive the  MSN degree  and will have completed 9 credits toward the DNP, or 8 credits toward the PhD. To qualify, interested students should apply to both the MSN and the doctoral program of their choice at the same time. 

The following courses in the MSN are replaced with the DNP courses. These DNP courses are offered in the intensive format.

MSN to DNP Courses and Credits

The following courses in the MSN are replaced with the PhD courses.

MSN to PhD Courses and Credits

(Updated 3/12/14; subject to change)

PhD in Nursing Program

Florida's First Online PhD for Nurse Scientists

Post-Master’s Online Nursing PhD

Led by faculty experts at ucf.

Contribute to nursing’s future with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing degree from UCF. The online nursing PhD program will prepare you for a career at the forefront of nursing science where you’ll contribute to the body of knowledge and test theories, and lead research in the application of innovative strategies for clinical care and nursing education.

The doctoral program in nursing prepares nurse scholars to possess a body of knowledge about theory, processes and methods of inquiry in the discipline of nursing. The program allows students to contribute to disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge in nursing and healthcare from the basis of sound conceptual, methodological, and ethical decision-making.

Exclusive PhD Funding Opportunities

In addition to UCF graduate fellowship opportunities for full-time students, there is exclusive funding available for students planning to obtain a nursing faculty position after graduation and help address the nationwide shortage of doctorally prepared nursing faculty.

• UCF Graduate Fellowships  – More than $2M in fellowship funding awarded annually
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program  – Federal loan forgiveness program for nursing PhD students
• Nurse Faculty  PIPELINE Funding  – $150K awarded annually to cover tuition and fees

High Quality. Low Cost.

Expertise of nationally recognized faculty. Convenience and flexibility of UCF Online.

Now at a lower cost with reduced tuition through fee waivers for some campus-based amenities.

Distinguished   UCF Faculty. Esteemed UCF Degree. Options Designed for Working Professionals Like You.

• You fulfill the general UCF graduate admissions requirements ( see Admissions section of the UCF Graduate Catalog ).
• You are a licensed RN in the state in which you practice.
• You have an MSN and BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent ( students without a MSN degree should refer to the BSN to PhD in Nursing program )
• Your research interests match faculty expertise .

The UCF Nursing PhD curriculum is delivered online with two multiple-day onsite intensives per year.

The program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond a master’s degree in nursing. This includes:

• 39 credit hours of required courses that focus on foundational knowledge development, and research methods and experiences;
• 15 dissertation credit hours; and
• 9 credit hours of supporting courses that develop student expertise in the area chosen for their dissertation. PhD students are encouraged to seek out interdisciplinary supporting courses.

View Sample Plans of Study

Yes, you may pursue the Nursing PhD program at UCF from any location, both within or outside of Florida.

Note the Nurse Licensure Compact does not apply to PhD programs.

Visit our Doctoral Admissions page for details on the application process and requirements.

Please note:  The College of Nursing accepts the most qualified students based on evaluations of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations and match of  UCF research areas  with applicant’s career goals.

Access to Excellence

Renowned ucf faculty. esteemed ucf degrees. options designed for you..

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School of Nursing

Nursing Online Programs

Uconn online nursing programs.

UConn's School of Nursing graduate program prepares exceptional, skilled, visionary nurse leaders who synthesize best evidence and translate it into practice to advance health locally and globally.

Online MS in Nursing, DNP & Advanced Nurse Practitioner Degrees

Adult Gerontology Acute Care - MS & DNP

Coordinate care of acutely and critically ill individuals from adolescence to senescence.

Nurse Educator - MS

Expand your knowledge of how to construct and evaluate education programs for nurses and apply what you learn.

Family Nurse Practitioner - MS & DNP

FNPs provide comprehensive patient-focused primary care to individuals across the lifespan.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - MS & DNP

Advanced practice roles in Neonatology are among the oldest and most respected of all advanced practice roles in the U.S. and Canada.

Nursing Administration & Leadership - MS & DNP

You’ve been on the front lines of patient care. Now it’s your time to lead.

Top 10 Online Master's Programs

U.S. News & World Report placed the UConn School of Nursing as No. 1 in online nursing master’s programs in New England.

Online Nursing Graduate Certificates

Healthcare Innovation

Helping medical professionals, and others bring innovation and entrepreneurship to healthcare.

Life Story Practice and Research

Learn how to promote well-being through narratives, reminiscence, and life review.

Health Professions Education

Are you involved in educating students, residents, or colleagues?

Pain Management

Managing pain—especially chronic pain—can be extremely complex and frustrating.

Holistic Nursing

Integrate healing of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions into your professional practice.

Dementia Care

The Dementia Care program is designed to help healthcare professionals improve the care of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

BS to DNP in Nursing, MS to DNP in Nursing, PhD in Nursing

BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice

Designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree, the BS-DNP option is available for FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, Neonatal NP and Nurse Leader concentrations.

More Information

MS to Doctor of Nursing Practice

A practice-focused degree for NPs, specialists, midwives, anesthetists & administrators within the FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, Neonatal NP & Nurse Leader concentrations.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

A Nursing PhD program supporting nursing leaders who advance the field, their careers, and make key clinical contributions for a healthier world.

Nurse Leader - MS & DNP

You’ve been on the front lines of patient care. Now it’s your time to lead. Deliver policies, outcomes, and best care.

Adult Gerontology Primary Care - MS & DNP

The AGPCNP Track is Not Currently Accepting Applications

Endorsed by The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation

Neonatal Nursing

UConn Ranked #1 of Neonatal Online Master's Nurse Practitioner Programs

State regulations prohibit UConn from accepting online graduate advance practice nursing students from Colorado and Georgia at this time.

Note: As a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) the University of Connecticut is required to provide an opportunity to voice concerns or lodge complaints. To learn more, please visit the University of Connecticut’s  State Authorization page .

Learn about the Distance Learning and Clinical Permission to Operate

Noteworthy News

School of Nursing Graduates 107 Bachelor of Science Students, Honors 91 Master’s and Doctoral Candidates For the first time since 2019, UConn School of Nursing held its May commencement ceremony at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. READ MORE

Husband and Wife Nurses to Walk the School of Nursing Commencement Stage Together Jill Alsgaard '20 MS and Trung Le '13 (NUR) met while working at UConn Health and are both graduating from the School's master's program. READ MORE

Nursing Students Awarded Prestigious F31 Grants from the National Institutes of Health Tingting Zhao and Bright Eze are researching the neurobehavioral impacts of pain in infants and chronic pain burdens for Black individuals. READ MORE

Nurse Researcher Receives $15,000 Grant from UConn InCHIP to Investigate Inherited Stress in Black Mothers and Preterm Infants The two-year award will allow Sharon Casavant to examine perceived discrimination, neighborhood vulnerability, and stress among 35 mother-infant pairs. READ MORE

Calendar of Events

Uconn nursing dean’s meeting- wow.

Saturday, August 24th, 2024

Widmer Wing, Storrs Hall

Contact Information:

InCHIP Lecture Series: Effects of Multiple Minority Identities on Emotion Regulation, Mental Health Outcomes, and Access to Care

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

12:30 PM - 01:30 PM

In Recognition of World Mental Health Month

Shalini Sivathasan, Ph.D., Boston College Topic: Effects of Multiple Minority Identities on Emotion Regulation, Mental Health Outcomes, and Access to Care October 10, 2024 | 12:30 PM | WebEx

Dr. Shalini Sivathasan (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology department at Boston College. She completed her Ph.D. in School/Applied Child Psychology at McGill University in Canada and an APA-accredited clinical internship in Health Service Psychology (Pediatrics) at the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University and the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Sivathasan is trained as a child psychologist, having specialized in psychodiagnostic, psychoeducational, and early autism assessment, as well as in cognitive-behavioral interventions for diverse child and adolescent populations. She then gained additional training in mental health and suicide risk assessments among autistic adults through a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.

[email protected]

InCHIP Lecture Series: Cardiovascular Disease and Depression

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

In Recognition of Heart Health Month

Kenneth E. Freedland, Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Topic: Cardiovascular Disease and Depression February 27, 2025 | 12:30 PM | WebEx

Dr. Freedland is a Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Most of his research has focused on depression in patients with heart failure or coronary heart disease. He has also conducted studies of other psychiatric comorbidities, behavioral problems such as poor self-care, and social determinants of health in patients with heart failure. He has been the principal investigator or a co-investigator on both single-site and multicenter trials of interventions for depression in cardiac patients and has served on clinical trial review committees for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). He also has expertise in behavioral trial methodology. Dr. Freedland is the founder of the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Cardiovascular Disease Special Interest Group and of the Behavioral Medicine Research Council, and a fellow of multiple organizations including the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research. He was the Program Director of the annual NIH Summer Institute on Randomized Behavioral Clinical Trials from 2020 to 2024. He has been a member of the Summer Institute faculty since 2007 and the faculty of the NIH-funded ORBIT Institute on Developing Behavioral Treatments to Improve Health since 2022. He has also served as an Associate Editor of Psychosomatic Medicine and Editor-in-Chief of Health Psychology.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice

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Need your questions answered?

Why hopkins.

Unlock the unlimited potential of an advanced nursing career at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. You can build close relationships with our world-renowned faculty who have broad experience in advanced clinical practice, leadership, and patient safety, and network with other emerging nurse leaders in your cohort. You’ll graduate ready to change the health care system and advance the nursing profession.

DNP prepared nurses are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and respect to drive health care innovation and enhance the quality of care. Johns Hopkins prepares graduates to exercise advanced levels of clinical judgment and systems thinking. Many DNP graduates have expanded responsibility and accountability in planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based strategies to improve individual patient and population health outcomes.

Our DNP Advanced Practice tracks:

• Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

• Clinical Nurse Specialist ( no longer accepting applications )

DNP NP tracks offer online coursework with the added benefit of course immersions designed for students to take advantage of the rich and varied learning opportunities found only at Johns Hopkins. The Nurse Anesthesia track provides real-world conditions using state-of-the-art simulation technology, and train in interprofessional teams with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Whatever your path, you will have support every step of the way, including dedicated faculty and staff to assist with project development and provide graduate-level academic support.

Program Details

• Online with onsite immersions *Adult-Gerontological Acute Students must be local (MD, DC) by semester 3. **Onsite for Nurse Anesthesia program.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,997 per credit See Details Financial Aid: There are numerous options for financing your education including grants, scholarships, federal loans, and employment programs.  Learn more.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Fall entry: Nov 1 and Jan 15

Requirements

Admission criteria.

Please visit individual DNP Advance Practice track pages for specific requirements for each track.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree or an entry-level nursing master’s degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution

Scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Applicants must submit evidence of current nursing license. Online students must have or obtain RN license from an authorized state. (some tracks have more specific requirements)

One year of full-time RN experience preferred

Three letters of recommendation (both academic and professional references; check FAQs for detailed guidance on completing this requirement)

Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)

Current Resume /CV (check FAQs for detailed guidance on completing this requirement)

Goal statement

GRE scores are accepted but not required

Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)

TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Information for applicants with international education

Prerequisites

Undergraduate Statistics*    Take at Hopkins Nursing . Course must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a letter grade of B or better. Grade of B- will not be accepted.

A Maryland RN license (or licensure from a compact state) is required prior to the start of the term when students begin clinical coursework.  Students are required to maintain current licensure throughout the program. Additional RN licenses in surrounding states may be necessary to secure a clinical rotation. Where applicable, a current unencumbered compact (multistate) license will substitute for a single state license. Nursing licensure costs are the responsibility of the student.

*Topics should include correlation and linear regression; experimental design such as t-tests, analysis of variance and chi-square; suggested departments: psychology, sociology, education, biology, and mathematics. Statistics courses offered by business, management, and economics departments are typically more theory-based and lack the experimental design component.

State-Specific Information for Online Programs

Please see individual track web pages for state restrictions. For more information, please contact an admissions representative. Students should be aware of additional   state-specific information for online programs.

Student Sponsorship

This program does not qualify for F-1 or J-1 student sponsorship. Legal Permanent Residents and non-immigrants who are otherwise physically present in the U.S. and in a status that allows for full or part-time study, may pursue this program.

 No. 1 in the nation for its  Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP)

No. 1 (tied) in the nation for its Nursing Master’s Program (MSN)

No. 3 nursing school in the world, according to 2024  QS World University  rankings

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice Track

Up to 6 credits can be applied from the JHUSON MSN (Entry into Nursing) Program to the DNP Advanced Practice Track. Please refer to the curriculum for each specialty track to view the courses that can be applied.

Course Immersion Dates

• Summer 2024 Semester Dates
• Fall 2024 Semester Dates

* Dates do not include remediation dates

DNP Advance Practice Tracks

Nurses who want to improve outcomes for acutely and critically ill adult patients will experience a vigorous academic setting and benefit from rich and varied clinical opportunities to manage adult patients across the continuum of acute, chronic, and critical care. With access to unparalleled Hopkins resources, clinical sites, and faculty, you will learn to develop and apply your assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills for fast-paced environments where patients are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and highly vulnerable to complications. Learn more about the curriculum

This track prepares the student to provide person-centered evidenced based primary care to young adults (including late adolescents and emancipated minors), adults, and older adults (including young-old, old, and old-old adults). Emphasis is placed on the primary care management of acute episodic and chronic conditions and integration of health promotion and disease prevention throughout the adult lifespan. Learn more about the curriculum

Prepare to provide complete, advanced care for the whole family in this option that couples theoretical background with evidence-based clinical experiences in a wide variety of community-based practice settings. Learn more about the curriculum

The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing prepares nurses for advanced practice as a primary care provider who helps children and their families to achieve their optimal physical, social, and emotional development. At Hopkins, faculty have designed a curriculum that combines diagnostic and pharmacological background with hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. Learn more about the curriculum

Expand your nursing expertise in adult or child health with the Johns Hopkins Clinical Nurse Specialist doctoral program. You’ll build competencies in clinical theory and research-based nursing practice, and you’ll put your new skills to use delivering direct patient care, organizing resources while controlling costs, and educating nurses to improve healthcare delivery systems.

Track Options

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist

Pediatric Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist

Learn more about the curriculum

In the DNP Advanced Practice Track: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, students will earn their DNP and be eligible to apply for certification as a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and as an acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. Learn more about the curriculum

One in five American adults live with a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder, with even more gaps in access to care laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic. Become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s top-ranked DNP Advanced Practice track and help meet the deep demand for mental health services. Learn more about the curriculum

Become a nurse anesthetist, consistently ranked one of U.S. News & World Report’s top 10 best jobs since 2016. The DNP Advanced Practice Nurse Anesthesia track prepares students to administer anesthesia and anesthesia-related services independently and as a team member through a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership skills and systems-level thinking. Graduates become sought-after members of anesthesia departments and professional organizations; they are prepared to respond to the changing technology and health care policy landscape, and manage anesthesia needs across our aging and diverse population. Students will become associate members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). Learn more about the curriculum

“Johns Hopkins is strategically situated in the inner city of Baltimore. There are many disparities that minorities face within the community; I wanted to situate myself in a place where I could be most effective.” Morgan Dupree

Join us soon for a tour, on-campus event or a virtual visit.

Request Information

Speak with Admissions to learn more about our programs.

Virtual Info Sessions

See recordings of some of our recent virtual info sessons.

Tuition & Other Costs

Financial aid.

View the costs for the DNP Advanced Practice Program.

Scholarships & Grants: Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit. Learn more.

Loans: Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs. Learn more.

Employment: Many students locate part-time employment to help pay education expenses. Numerous positions are available on campus and within various community based organizations. These jobs provide students with opportunities to gain practical work experience. Most positions are funded through the Federal Work-Study Program. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The DNP is a doctoral degree focused on the clinical practice of nursing. The degree represents the highest academic preparation for nursing practice. The DNP Advance Practice curriculum focuses on the knowledge needed to provide comprehensive direct care across settings. It can be conferred in conjunction with any specialty in advanced practice.

A strong foundation in courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment with a grade of B or above is one key to success.

The curricular content will enable the graduate to make complex diagnoses, provide evidence-based treatment modalities, utilize sophisticated informatics and decision-making technology, and assimilate in-depth knowledge of biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral and clinical sciences.

The expanded competencies of the DNP Advanced Practice Track enable graduates to independently provide complex care across all settings including ambulatory, acute, community and home settings. For example, the expanded curriculum will focus on the utilization of evidence-based decision-making to admit and co-manage hospitalized patients, to provide advice and treatment initiated over the phone, and to initiate specialist referrals and evaluate the subsequent advice and initiate and participate in co-management.

There are three and four year plan options. A part time plan of study is not available.

The DNP Advanced Practice Track is completed over a 3- or 4-year period.  Students who are enrolled in the 4-year plan may be able to work in the first year as a Registered Nurse in settings that offer flexible scheduling.  As students begin to take specialized courses that prepare them for the respective role (i.e., NP or CNS), they will be engaged in settings to learn their future role and in which the DNP Project is situated. Hence, it will be challenging to maintain employment that is not flexible beyond the first year.

The DNP, or clinical doctorate, prepares the graduate to practice independently with the most complex patients, in any setting where the patient requires care, utilizing complicated informatics and evidence-based decision-making. Research doctorates prepare graduates to initiate and conduct sophisticated research projects, serving as the principal investigator.

The school accepts up to six credits of transfer from outside the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Please refer to the Academic Catalogue for the list of transferable courses. Once admitted into the program you can request to transfer credits by completing the transfer of graduate credit form .

The School of Nursing follows the regular academic schedule (prospective students should note that these courses are not self-paced). Students are enrolled for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Prospective students should refer to the plans of study found on the curriculum pages for each specialty.

Please visit School of Nursing’s Tuition and Fees page for the current program costs.

JHSON uses a blended format, offering courses onsite and online.

The DNP program requires a minimum of 1000 practice hours.  The majority of these hours will be in the clinical practicum where you will apply what you learn in the theory courses to gain the competence required for your particular specialty.  The balance of the practice hours are devoted to the DNP practicum which focuses on the DNP Scholarly Project. Ideally, you will have one-year of RN experience before starting the first specialty clinical.

Many of the core courses will be taken by all DNP Advanced Practice students at the same time. This could be as many as 60 students. However, the track specialty courses will be taken with only students in that specific specialty. In clinical courses, there is a ratio of 1 to 6 students per clinical instructor with each student assigned to a preceptor.

Students in the same specialty and the same plan of study (3- or 4-year) will move through as a cohort. 

It is possible for students to negotiate a clinical site within their area of interest, but these cannot be guaranteed. The DNP Scholarly Project could allow students to identify a problem within a specific area and bring that together with the specialty role. 

Clinical practicum experiences are determined by the student’s area of focus, student interest/experience, site and preceptor availability, and the student’s programmatic needs. The student works collaboratively with the Track Director and the Clinical Placement Team to request sites and identify preceptors, with final approval by the Track Director. Following an orientation to the electronic software system, the student will be responsible to complete clinical requests and upload required school and site compliance documentation by the due date. The due date is prior to the semester that includes a clinical course. Students will be working with the Clinical Placement Team throughout the course of their program. The Clinical Placement Team participates in orientation, advising sessions, and on-site immersions. The student is encouraged to work collaboratively and proactively with the Clinical Placement Team. An all-hands on approach yields optimal preceptor opportunities.  Unauthorized states for clinicals include LA and NY.  Admitted students who decide to enroll will be required to sign the “ Student Expectations in the Clinical Placements Process ” document prior to their first term in the program.  For more information on Clinical Placement Services, visit https://nursing.jhu.edu/clinical-placement/ .

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing requires that all DNP Projects should:

Focus on a change that impacts healthcare outcomes either through direct or indirect care.

Have a systems (micro-, meso-, or macro- level) or population/aggregate focus.

Demonstrate implementation in the appropriate arena or area of practice.

Include a plan for sustainability (e.g. financial, systems or political realities, not only theoretical abstractions).

Include an evaluation of processes and/or outcomes (formative or summative). DNP Projects should be designed so that processes and/or outcomes will be evaluated to guide practice and policy. Clinical significance is as important in guiding practice as statistical significance is in evaluating research.

Provide a foundation for future practice scholarship.

There are four DNP Project courses that sequentially reflect the stages of evidence based practice quality improvement: Project Identification, Project Proposal, Project Implementation, and Project Evaluation. Each of the four courses has an associated practicum. The first course for the DNP Project, DNP Problem Identification has an accompanying DNP practicum.  The DNP Project is situated in the clinical setting where the student will carry it out.  As the project is a quality improvement focus, key stakeholders in the practice setting are necessary to identify clinical problems they want to address and for which they want to partner with a student or team of students.  See your plan of study for the number of practicum hours associated with each course associated with the DNP Project.  

At least one letter should come from a recent or current direct supervisor/manager (the person who is responsible for your performance evaluation)

At least one letter should come from an academic faculty member who can speak to your ability to successfully complete a demanding graduate level academic and clinical program.

The third letter can come from a second academic faculty member or an individual in a leadership position who can speak to your clinical abilities.

Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement.

If you are unable to provide one of the reference letters above, please upload a statement of explanation to your application.

Please include the following information in your resume or CV:

Work experience (include dates, sites and locations; paid and unpaid; any residency participation)

Education Background

Scholarly activities (research, presentations, publications, honors, awards)

Professional activities (leadership, certifications, professional organization membership, service on committees)

Community Service/Volunteerism

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The Florida Board of Governors has named FIU a Preeminent State Research University. Learn what makes FIU preeminent

Post‐Masters (MSN) PhD  in Nursing

Graduates of the  PhD in Nursing program  from the FIU  Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences  will have the knowledge and skills to conduct research in the healthcare field, and direct and guide application of other evidence-based healthcare findings to improve the health of people from diverse cultures and underserved populations.

The program can be completed in  four (4) years of full-time study .

Program Requirements

• Thirty‐nine (39) credit hours of core coursework
• A minimum of 3‐9 credit hours of Candidacy Examination
• 18 hours of Dissertation credits.
• Complete curriculum components as outlined by the individual plan of study and the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Please see here for more: https://cnhs.fiu.edu/_assets/docs/resources/nursing‐phd‐handbook‐may2019.pdf
• Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 will be placed on academic probation for one (1) semester and are subject to dismissal if the 3.0 GPA requirement is not met upon completion of the probationary period.
• Removal of all conditions, deficiencies and incomplete grades. Students are expected to register for courses with letter grades. Credit hours for courses in which the grade is “B-” or below will not count toward satisfying graduate degree requirements.
• Stage I - Candidacy Examination (written papers and oral defense)
• Stage II - Proposal Defense
• Stage III - Dissertation Defense
• Complete a dissertation five (5) years from the date of advancement to candidacy (i.e., successful completion of written and oral examinations, favorable recommendation of supervisory/guidance committee, and an approved dissertation proposal).

College of Nursing

Beginning Spring 2024 the PhD Program is moving to NursingCAS

The mission of the PhD in Nursing program is to prepare nurse scientists who will conduct research in nursing and engage in scholarship that will improve health care and health care delivery systems.

Program Details

• Talented faculty members who mentor students into nurse scholars and scientists
• Blended/Online program with a curriculum that allows you flexibility
• Nationally known for nurse managed centers
• Inter-professional learning experiences
• Research aimed at improving and promoting the health of persons, communities,  and health services and systems

Applicants seeking admission to the Ph.D. degree program at East Tennessee State University must fulfill all the requirements for admission to both the Graduate School and the College of Nursing. The Graduate School requires that all students submit the following materials:

The Graduate School requires:

• Completed ETSU application form with payment of non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Written essay.

The College of Nursing additionally requires:

BSN or higher degree from a nationally-accredited nursing program.

Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale.

Unencumbered licensure in the United States as a registered nurse and eligibility for licensure in Tennessee or compact state*

Three (3) letters of recommendation, one (1) from the applicant’s current (or most recent) supervisor, one (1) from a faculty member who worked directly with the applicant during previous graduate study, and one (1) from an individual selected by the applicant.

Completion of an interview with the Admissions Committee.

Completion of a writing sample on a selected topic at the time of interview.

Cover letter expressing the applicant’s personal goals for doctoral study (unless clearly articulated in the written essay requested by the university).

Resume or curriculum vitae, as appropriate.

Completion of a writing sample at the time of application addressing the following topic: Based on your nursing experience, discuss a possible researchable nursing problem, including implications for nursing practice. Essay should be typewritten, double-spaced, and at least 2 pages but not more than 4 pages in length.

*Or equivalency for international applicants.

The College of Nursing addtionally requires:

The completed application form and fee, official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work, essay, documentation of nursing licensure in the United States, letters of recommendation and resume or vita must be submitted to the Graduate School. International students must also forward the additionally required documentation to the School.

The personal interview will be scheduled by the College of Nursing’s PhD Admissions Committee.   Factors given consideration in the admission decision include: previous grade point average (GPA), clarity of the applicant’s selected problem as stated in the writing sample and during the interview, writing ability, professional work experience and achievements, professional honors and awards, interest in rural and underserved population groups, and quality of references/recommendations. The PhD Admissions Committee may recommend admission of a promising applicant who has not met all the admission standards on a conditional basis. 

PhD in Nursing Admissions Process

Once your application is received in the College of Nursing, it will be reviewed by the PhD program’s Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee is comprised of PhD program faculty. The members review each application carefully and thoughtfully. Each applicant who meets the admissions criteria will have an individual interview with a group of three committee members. Following the interview, the Admissions Committee meets to make final decisions. Students may be admitted fully or conditionally. All applicants will be notified of the decision of the committee by the PhD program coordinator.

Factors considered by the Admissions Committee in the review and selection process:

• Previous grade point average.
• Clarity of goals for doctoral study as stated in writing and during the interview.    
• Writing ability.
• Professional work experience and achievements including honors and awards.
• Interest in rural and underserved population groups.
• Quality of recommendations.

Upcoming Deadlines:

• This program admits for fall only . Target date for applications and all materials to be received by the Graduate School is June 1 . 

To receive full consideration, students must be admitted to East Tennessee State University by the nursing application deadline dates. Since admission to the university can take several weeks, students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the nursing deadlines. Consideration for the nursing major cannot be guaranteed if full admission to the university has not been obtained.

Click here to apply for ETSU admission

423-439-4603 / [email protected] Nicks Hall, Room 2-206

College of Nursing Office of Student Services

423-439-4578 / [email protected]   Nicks Hall Room 2-230

ETSU Office of Admissions

423-439-4221 / [email protected]   Burgin-Dossett Hall Room 309

Part-Time Program of Study

Full-Time Program of Study

Sample Course Sequence

Fall Semester I

• Philosophy of Nursing Science
• Interprofessional Approaches to Bioethical Issues
• Statistical Methods for Nursing Research I

Spring Semester II

• Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research
• Concept Development in Nursing Science
• Statistical Methods for Nursing Research II

Summer Semester III

• Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis in Nursing Research
• Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science
• Measurement in Nursing Science

Fall Semester IV

• Grant Writing in Nursing Research
• Quantitative Methods in Nursing Research
• Health Policy Leadership

Spring Semester V

• Advanced Quantitative Design and Data Analysis in Nursing Research

Summer Semester VI

• Dissertation Seminar
• Cognate III
• Readings and Research

Fall Semester VII

• Doctoral Dissertation (hours vary per semester)

PhD Program Outcomes 

The PhD of Nursing degree program is designed to produce leaders in nursing and healthcare education and research. Specific objective for the program are to provide students with the knowledge, skills and values to: 

Develop specialized in-depth knowledge in a substantive area.

Generate and test theories to create new knowledge and refine existing knowledge for the discipline;

Collaborate within the discipline and in transdisciplinary relationships in research, education, service, and practice;

Disseminate scholarship to lay and professional audiences regionally, nationally, and globally; and

Assume leadership roles as scholars and mentors within and across the health spectrum.

The following progression policy applies to all PhD students who were admitted Fall 2018 semester and later.

1.    Students in graduate nursing programs must meet the requirements of the Graduate School to remain in good standing. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better must be maintained.

2.    In addition, a nursing student must achieve a “B” (3.0) or better in every required course in the graduate nursing program. Policies of the Graduate School for progression will apply.

3.    If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0, she/he will be placed on academic probation the following semester. If the student does not achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of one probationary semester, the Dean of the Graduate School and the Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Nursing will determine if the student should be dismissed from graduate study or continued on academic probation. No student will be allowed more than two probationary semesters, whether consecutive or cumulative. At the end of a second probationary semester, a student whose cumulative grade point average is still below 3.0 will be dismissed from graduate study.

4.    Students whose performance results in a GPA so far below 3.0 as to make it mathematically impossible to attain an overall GPA of 3.0 after one semester may be subject to dismissal without a probationary term.

5.    An incomplete grade (“I”) indicates that the student was passing the course at the end of the semester, but due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, was unable to complete the course work for which the “I” is assigned. The “I” grade cannot be used to allow a student to do additional work to raise a deficient grade or to repeat a course. An “I” grade must be removed no later than one calendar year from the time the grade is awarded. Time extension requests for removal of an “I” grade must be submitted to and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School before the allotted time expires. An “I” grade not removed under the guidelines in the Graduate Catalog will be converted to an “F.”

6.    Students who wish to change from part-time to full-time status must submit a written request to the College of Nursing’s Office of Student Services. Request will be approved on an individual basis, taking into consideration the student’s academic performance and available clinical slots.

Apply Now!    

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Scholarship and loan opportunities for Graduate and Post-Graduate nursing students. Eligibility requirements vary. Please visit  https://www.aacnnursing.org/Students  for more information.

Nurses Educational Funds (NEF)

Nurses Education Funds, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization which seeks and distributes funds to baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who are in need of scholarship assistance for graduate study. Eligibility requirements vary. Please visit  www.n-e-f.org  for more information.

  College of Nursing

Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) Grants

These grants increase the number of qualified nurse faculty by creating a student loan program within individual schools of nursing and supporting individual students. Recipients must agree to teach at a school of nursing in exchange for cancellation of up to 85% of their educational loans, plus interest, over a four-year period. Applications for our NFLP funds can be obtained from Dr. Lisa Haddad , College of Nursing Graduate Programs. 

Graduate Assistantship

Full-time PhD students can apply through the Graduate School for a 10 or 20 hour a week position assisting a faculty member with research, teaching or other projects. Positions are available each year in the College of Nursing and other departments on campus. Some assistantships require regular presence on campus; others, depending upon the duties, may be possible to accomplish from a distance. In addition to a modest salary and the waiver of out-of-state tuition (when applicable), full maintenance fee is waived for a 20 hour position, and half maintenance fee is waived for a 10 hour position.

Link to SGS site: https://www.etsu.edu/gradschool/funding/gats.php  

Tuition Scholarship

Full-time PhD students can apply through the Graduate School for a Tuition Scholarship which requires a time commitment of eight hours each week. Similar to an Assistantship, the student assists a faculty member with research or other projects. Tuition Scholarships are available in the College of Nursing and other departments on campus. There is no salary provided, but full maintenance fee and out-of-state tuition (when applicable) is waived.

College of Nursing Scholarships

Various scholarships offered by the College of Nursing to graduate nursing students. Eligibility requirements vary. For specific information, please visit  https://www.etsu.edu/nursing/scholarships.php .

  Graduate School

PhD students can apply for specific scholarships and awards through the Graduate School. For a complete listing, please visit  https://www.etsu.edu/gradschool/funding/paying.php

2022-2023 Doctoral Intensive Week Schedules (for DNP and PhD Students) dates are:

PhD Student Dissertations  

2024.08 v. 156 | Assistant Dean of Student Services

Helpful links:

• Tuition & Fees
• Course Schedules
• Academic Calendar
• Application System

Resources for:

• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• MS-PhD Combined Program
• PhD in Nursing & Health Science Program
• Academics & Curriculum
• Eligibility & Admissions
• Tuition & Financial Support
• Careers & Student Bios

The MS-PhD Combined program  at the University of Rochester offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the ability to earn a master’s in one of six nurse practitioner specialty areas, alongside a PhD in Nursing & Health Science.

As a bachelor’s-prepared nurse, earn your master’s and PhD in Nursing and Health Science in five years of full-time effort, moving more quickly toward becoming the health care leader and researcher you want to be.

The University of Rochester is dedicated to helping you discover new knowledge in a dynamic, collaborative environment. We offer the resources and challenges you need so you are prepared to embark on a new kind of career as a researcher in nursing and health science.

Below is a map of what it takes to earn your master's and PhD at the UR School of Nursing.

Note:  We are not currently accepting applications to the MS-PhD Combined program.

MS-PhD Combined Program Curriculum

The full-time MS-PhD in Nursing & Health Science Combined program curriculum prepares you to conduct research both independently and as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. Before you begin the program, you will work closely with an advisor to map your degree plan.

MS and PhD courses are taken in a very rigorous three years of full-time enrollment after which the master’s degree is awarded. You will then continue to complete the PhD dissertation proposal and dissertation research. Throughout the program, you will work closely with faculty who are active in research and experts in their field.

The first three years of MS and PhD coursework are very intensive, with five days per week of classes, clinical hours, and study time required to meet the program goals. Having a strong support system while in this program is key to your success. Students are strongly discouraged from taking on employment more than one day per week. Financial support is available for full-time study.

 Sample Degree Plan 

Review a sample degree plan for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-PhD program.

Sample MS-PhD Degree Plan

Please note: This is a sample degree plan only. Please contact Admissions or your program director to discuss your specific degree plan.

 Master’s Specialty Curriculum 

See below for specifics on specialty coursework related to the master’s degree curriculum:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MS-PhD in Nursing Program Phases

 coursework .

The first three years of this program feature fast-paced, intensive MS and PhD coursework. The master’s portion of the program for nurse practitioner students becomes increasingly clinical, including full-day precepted clinical experiences with expert nurse practitioner mentors. The PhD in Nursing & Health Science coursework  then becomes increasingly specialized as students seek out cognate courses to support their individual research interests.

 Proposal Development: One to Two Semesters 

• Constitution of a dissertation committee
• Participation in Dissertation Workshop in preparation for proposal defense
• Finalization and defense of the dissertation research proposal

 Dissertation Research: Six to 18 Months, depending on nature of research 

Once the proposal has been successfully defended and research review board approval has been secured, the student conducts the dissertation research project independently under guidance of the committee. The final dissertation is then written, revised with critique from the committee, and defended publicly with a private critique to follow.

Connect With Us

Interested in earning your PhD? Connect with us to discuss the PhD degree in nursing and health science and the opportunities available at the University of Rochester. 

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• School of Nursing >
• Admissions >
• Graduate Admissions >
• Post-MS PhD

Post-MS Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Program - Admissions

The University at Buffalo's Post-Master's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program is designed to prepare experienced nurses for leadership roles in nursing science and academia. This program equips nurse scholars to advance knowledge development, theory generation, and hypothesis testing to improve nursing practice and health care outcomes. All PhD program tracks are offered online, providing the flexibility needed for working professionals.

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About our admissions process.

• The School of Nursing reserves the right to change admission and program criteria to meet prevailing accreditation and registration requirements.
• Students who have been dismissed from other nursing programs are not eligible for admission. 
• An interview is required for all graduate programs as part of the review process. Qualified applicants will be notified of interview via email.

Admissions Information

Admissions requirements.

• Equivalent of a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree.
• Active U.S. RN license or foreign nursing license.
• Overall MSN GPA of 3.25.

Application Materials

• Online application.
• Application fee: $75
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Resume/curriculum vitae.
• Personal statement .
• Two scholarly writing samples.
• Three references.

Transcript Information

All application materials are submitted online through the application portal, except for official transcripts. Please do not upload any screenshots of transcripts.

Select the correct institution

Ensure that your transcripts are sent to SUNY University at Buffalo,  not  to SUNY Buffalo State University.

Please have official transcripts mailed to:

UB School of Nursing Beck Hall-Graduate Admissions 3435 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14214

Electronic transcripts can be:

• Emailed to  [email protected].
• Uploaded via Parchment using the "University at Buffalo" option. 
• Uploaded via National Student Clearinghouse using code: 002837. 

International Applicants

Additional requirements for international applicants, all graduate nursing program applicants.

• SPEAK Test , TOEFL or IELTS scores  (minimum scores and more information);  UB TOEFL code: 2925.
• International Credentials/Transcripts/Proof of Degree/Translations. A WES document is strongly preferred. 
• Upon admission to the program, you will be required to submit official transcripts/degrees/translations in a sealed envelope to the International Admission Office.
• Immigration and financial documents.

DNP Program Applicants

• Students applying to the DNP program are not eligible to obtain an F1 student visa.  Visa requirements can be found here . 
• If you do not have a US RN license, you must contact the state board of nursing to apply. 

Application Deadlines

All documents must be received by the deadline.  

Additional Information

Application tips series.

Letters of recommendation are a vital piece of your application. Here are some important tips for identifying recommenders. 

Learn about filling out an application for the UB School of Nursing graduate programs.

Your resume is a vital piece of your application. Here are some important tips to remember when creating your resume.

Learn tips for writing a quality personal statement.

Learn tips for providing clear and high-quality transcripts will set you up for success during the application process. 

Graduate Programs Information Sessions

Tanner Gelatt Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment 202 Beck Hall 716-829-3765 [email protected] Schedule a meeting with Tanner.

The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs and activities. View UB's Notice of Discrimination here.

• News & Events
• Faculty & Staff

A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education . From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Penn Nursing Launches New Online Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Master’s Program

Applications are now being accepted for a summer 2025 start Penn Nursing is excited to announce the launch of a new online Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Master’s (MSN) program beginning in the summer of 2025. This innovative 10 CU program, which combines and enhances the curriculum of the Nursing and Healthcare Administration (NADM) and Health Leadership (HLMP) Master’s programs, will provide students with a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience that prepares graduates for leadership roles in the ever-changing healthcare environment. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer our students a new leadership program in an online format to meet the needs of busy nursing professionals,” said program director Meghan Fitzpatrick, DNP, RN, NEA-BC. “And by streamlining the curriculum to 10 CUs, we’re able to make the program more cost-effective for our students.”

In addition to providing students with a more efficient and cost-effective path to earning their MSN, the curricular changes include 500 field hours and exceed the standards set forth in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Level 2 Essentials.

To apply or learn more about the program, please visit our web site and register for one of our upcoming information sessions .

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• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

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Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll be prepared for success in your future career with advanced training in the specialized clinical area of your choice. Build your experience through coursework, research, and first-hand practicum opportunities—ready to pursue advanced practice roles in the nursing field and apply for certification or credentials. Choose from an MSN in Healthcare Administration and Leadership, Nursing Education, CNS Specialties, NP Specialties, School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC), SNSC and FNP Specialty, or SNSC and PNP Specialty.

See Admission Requirements

Program at a Glance

The nationally ranked School of Nursing prepares nurses to lead the way in healthcare by providing a deeper level of compassionate care in clinics, hospitals, schools, and beyond.

Application Deadline

Varies by MSN program.

• Azusa (Main Campus)
• Inland Empire

Gain Hands-on Experience

• Build first-hand practicum experience in your speciality.
• Receive preparation for a doctoral study in nursing. 
• Achieve eligibility to apply for state advanced practice certification or credential in your chosen speciality. 
• Select a speciality program based on your unique career goals.
• Train for your future career—whether a school nurse or clinical nurse specialist.

By the Numbers

Get started, program details.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the  Student Services Center  page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Students pursuing a MSN programs also complete coursework for a specialized clinical area of nursing:

• MSN in Healthcare Administration and Leadership
• MSN in Nursing Education
• MSN with CNS Specialties
• MSN with NP Specialties
• MSN with School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC)
• MSN with SNSC and FNP Specialty
• MSN with SNSC and PNP Specialty
• Azusa Pacific University (APU) is accredited by the  WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) .
• The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Azusa Pacific University are accredited by the  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . 
• The traditional baccalaureate nursing program, upper-division transfer (2+2/LVN to BSN) programs, entry-level master’s program, and the nurse practitioner program are approved by the  California Board of Registered Nursing . 

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APU School of Nursing Receives $4.4 Million in Grants from HRSA

APU’s School of Nursing, the third largest producer of nurses in the state of California, received two grants totalling $4,396,200 from the Health Resources and Services Administration to help students afford a nursing education.

Read the Article

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APU’s life-changing education develops you into a disciple and scholar, equipping you to succeed in your field and make a difference in the world.

Fairfield University Earns Top Spots in National Rankings

Fairfield was featured on College Raptor's lists of Top 25 Best Mid-Sized Colleges and Best Colleges for Nursing, and among The Princeton Review's 2024 Best Business Schools rankings.

Fairfield University continues to earn top honors in prestigious rankings. The University has been named among College Raptor’s Top 25 Best Mid-Sized Colleges and the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies is featured on its Top 25 Best Colleges for Nursing in the U.S.

These accolades underscore the University’s outstanding academic performance and commitment to excellence, and highlight our impressive student-to-faculty ratio and exceptional retention and graduation rates, as detailed by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The list of College Raptor’s Top 25 Best Mid-Sized Colleges contains schools that have total graduate and undergraduate student enrollments between 3,000 and 9,999.

For the Top 25 Best Colleges for Nursing , College Raptor considered the “overall excellence of the school,” and highlighted “schools where nursing is among the most popular programs, as well as schools that excel in graduating a large number of nurses each year.”

Additionally, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business continues to shine, with its MBA programs featured in The Princeton Review’s 2024 Best Business Schools Rankings. Not only has Fairfield Dolan been recognized among the top business schools nationwide, but it also stands out for its diverse and flexible MBA concentrations, boasting a remarkable 99-percent job placement rate for graduates.

The Princeton Review’s Best On-Campus MBA  and Best Online MBA  lists feature Fairfield Dolan among business schools selected based on various factors, including institutional data such as career outcomes, admissions selectivity, and academic rigor, among others. Data is collected through surveys of school administrators and current students, who provide insights into their experiences. For the 2024 rankings, data was gathered from 409 business school administrators and 32,200 MBA students.

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Fairfield’s Incoming Class of 2028 Breaks Academic Records

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Fairfield Announces New Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies

Fairfield Alumni Head to 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris

Fairfield Student Maryam Gharmal ’26 Honored With AAUW Award

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STEM Summer Research Opportunities Abound for CAS Students

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Frontier Nursing University

Distance Education from the Birthplace of Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nursing in America

Graduate Spotlight: Susan VanZandt builds a sense of trust with underserved patients

August 22, 2024 By Frontier Nursing University

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, Couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community that are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality health care to underserved and rural populations.

“I became a nurse practitioner to help patients receive holistic medical care and to better connect with their providers, building a sense of trust and community,” VanZandt said.

VanZandt dedicates her practice to underserved patients in Tulsa, many of whom rely solely on hospitalization for medical care due to limited resources. She collaborates with case management to connect her patients with local resources for outpatient follow-up, placement, and medication accessibility.

VanZandt encounters patients with a spectrum of healthcare needs. From managing cardiovascular patients on anticoagulation with gastrointestinal bleeds to caring for those with alcoholic cirrhosis in need of urgent liver transplants, she navigates complex cases with compassion and expertise. Additionally, she provides ongoing support and education to younger patients grappling with chronic gastrointestinal issues, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Working closely with the liver transplant department in Oklahoma City, VanZandt has contributed to the successful transplantation of several patients. Her partnership with this department has been instrumental in extending life-saving opportunities to individuals who might have been turned away by other programs.

In addition to her role as a hospitalist, VanZandt has dedicated several years to serving on the board of the Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners (AONP). Her involvement began in 2020 when she represented Tulsa within the association. The following year, she assumed the responsibilities of vice president and conference chair for AONP. During her tenure, she organized a successful state conference for nurse practitioners, ensuring it met all continuing education requirements for NP license renewal.

In 2022, VanZandt assumed the presidency of AONP, where she played a pivotal role in unifying Advanced Practice Providers across the state. Together, they collaborated to draft a comprehensive bill advocating for full practice authority. Despite gaining overwhelming support in the Oklahoma Senate, the bill faced a setback when it was tabled by the House. Nonetheless, VanZandt’s leadership and advocacy efforts have left a lasting impact on the advancement of nurse practitioners’ rights and recognition in Oklahoma.

Outside of her professional endeavors, VanZandt enjoys traveling with her husband and son and enjoys watching her son participate in several sports.

To read more alumni stories, visit the FNU Alumni stories page .

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

About Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University is one of the largest not for profit universities in the United States for advanced nursing and midwifery education. Frontier Nursing University offers MSN and DNP degrees and four specialties: nurse-midwife, family nurse practitioner, women’s health care nurse practitioner and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.

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Frontier Nursing University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

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For education verification requests: • Web: degreeverify.org • Mail: National Student Clearinghouse, 2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 220, Herndon, VA 20171

For program inquiries: [email protected] or 859-279-0890

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Wendy Post is a seasoned nursing professional and a passionate advocate for maternal health with over 25 years of experience. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and is currently pursuing a PhD at George Washington University School of Nursing. Her extensive career in nursing has been dedicated to addressing maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in underserved communities impacted by maternal health deserts and maternal morbidity and mortality.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Wendy has taken on the role of a forensic nurse examiner in Maryland, enhancing her ability to support populations impacted by trauma. She is the founder of “The Birth Mark,” an organization committed to improving maternal health outcomes globally. Her organization has a specific branch dedicated to supporting women affected by maternal mortality, reflecting her deep commitment to advocacy and support for bereaved families.

Wendy’s current research involves a pilot study that explores the experiences of eyewitnesses and medical examiners involved in maternal deaths. This study employs verbal and social autopsy frameworks to gather comprehensive insights into the factors leading to maternal mortality. By interviewing bereaved family members and medical examiners, she aims to identify critical areas for improvement in maternal healthcare practices and inform policy changes that can reduce maternal deaths and address disparities in healthcare.

Her dedication to maternal health extends beyond research as she actively engages in community outreach, education, and advocacy. Wendy has begun to present her work at various national and international conferences. Her contributions to the field of maternal health are driven by a profound commitment to closing the gaps in healthcare disparities and improving outcomes for all women.

Dr. Nikia Grayson, DNP, MSN, MPH, MA, CNM, FNP-C, FACNM (she/her) is a trailblazing force in reproductive justice, blending her expertise as a public health activist, anthropologist, and family nurse-midwife to champion the rights and health of underserved communities. Graduating with distinction from Howard University, Nikia holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in public health. Her academic journey also led her to the University of Memphis, where she earned a master’s in medical anthropology, and the University of Tennessee, where she achieved both a master’s in nursing and a doctorate in nursing practice. Complementing her extensive education, she completed a post-master’s certificate in midwifery at Frontier Nursing University.

With over 15 years of experience in public health and nursing, Nikia has dedicated herself to advancing reproductive rights and justice, birth justice, and midwifery. Her passion for midwifery shines through in her commitment to diversifying the workforce of midwives and birth workers, especially in the southern United States. As a fervent disruptor of the current healthcare system, Nikia is pioneering new models of care that prioritize midwifery and center the needs of Black and brown communities. Every day, she works Tirelessly to ensure that all individuals have the agency and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

At CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health, Nikia serves as the Chief Clinical Officer, spearheading interfaces that have led to the establishment of the first nonprofit comprehensive reproductive health care center, the first Black midwifery fellowship program and the city’s inaugural birth center. Beyond her clinical leadership, Nikia sits on the Board of Directors for both the American College of Nurse Midwives and SisterReach, Tennessee’s foremost Reproductive Justice organization.

Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Nikia Grayson is transforming the landscape of reproductive healthcare, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those she serves and the communities she uplifts.

Dr. Robert White is the recipient of a Mentored Research Training Grant (MRTG) from the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) for his project titled “Health Disparities in Obstetrical Care and Delivery Outcomes Before and After Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol.”

Obstetrical healthcare disparities have been extensively reported, with Black women experiencing disproportionate mortality and severe maternal morbidity, explained Dr. White. The two-year, $250,000 grant will support Dr. White’s research into the effect of implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols on delivery outcomes, and the development of a data-driven dashboard for clinicians. The support will further Dr. White’s research into interventions that promote patient equality and equity. Dr. Kane Pryor is the primary faculty mentor.

In the first phase of the project, Dr. White and researchers from the Center for Perioperative Outcomes will investigate obstetrical healthcare disparities on a national scale using databases from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). In the second phase, they will study the impact of the evidence-based ERAS protocols.

“We’re looking at pre- and post-implementation of ERAS protocols in terms of outcomes for white, Black, Hispanic and Asian patients to see if these new care processes attenuate or eliminate disparities that exist,” said Dr. White.

Dr. White’s goal is to apply the research from the first two research questions to the development of a data-driven dashboard for clinicians that will help provide patient care recommendations and data visualizations.

“Maternal mortality and morbidity is a major crisis afflicting our nation,” said Dr. White. “It’s exciting that healthcare disparities projects are getting an increased level of funding and that solutions to these national crises are being investigated.”

Dr. Robert White is an assistant professor of anesthesiology and was a Van Poznak Research Scholar in the Department of Anesthesiology. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his medical degree and a master’s in clinical research from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed his anesthesia residency and obstetric anesthesia fellowship training at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He has authored numerous manuscripts exploring healthcare disparities in perioperative outcomes and quality of care.

The FAER MRTG grant provides support for early-career training of anesthesiologist-scientists to achieve independence as scientific investigators.

Karlie Porter Masaga is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Womens Health Nurse Practitioner providing care to women across their lifespan. Karlie started her career as a Midwife and Nurse Practitioner in Utah County. She has since joined the Birthcare Healthcare team and is enjoying her time caring for women in the Salt Lake and surrounding areas. Karlie is passionate about providing evidence-based care to women. She strives to ensure all her patients feel heard, understood, and receive best practice at each stage of their life from teenage years, through childbearing, labor, birth, and menopause.

Karlie is an adjunct faculty for University of Utah College of Nursing teaching new midwifery and women’s health providers. She has a strong passion for helping those who come from different backgrounds and cultures. Prior to going into the medical field, Karlie worked for the State of Utah Juvenile Justice system where her love for teens from diverse backgrounds flourished. During her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree at University of Utah Karlie took part in the research of sexually transmitted infections in Fiji with the University of California San Francisco. Karlie has continued to stay connected with Pacific Islanders through her church, community and family. She is currently working on outreach to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women who are seeking healthcare by providing services at South Main Clinic. During her time off you will find her paddle boarding, biking, playing sports, and enjoying a lot of laughter with her husband and family.

Jeelan Fall is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner providing full scope services including routine gynecologic care throughout the lifespan, contraception, pre-conception counseling, pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum care. Jeelan is a first-generation graduate with a life-long calling to the world of childbirth and women’s health. She believes in the philosophy of shared decision-making between patients and their care providers. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Utah.

Dr Fall has a particular passion for maternal health disparities and how they tie into increased rates of morbidity and mortality among mothers and neonates who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). In her free time, she enjoys traveling to any place in the world with a beach and spending time with her family.

Eugene Declercq, Ph.D., M.B.A., is a professor of community health sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health and professor on the faculty of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Boston University School of Medicine. His current research focuses primarily on maternal mortality and morbidity. He is part of the team that has produced six reports on women’s experiences in childbirth, Listening to Mothers. He is a current member of the Massachusetts Maternal Mortality Review Committee and on the board of March for Moms. He was principal investigator on two NIH funded collaborative projects examining child and maternal outcomes associated with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (MOSART project) and is one of the founders of the Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal (PELL) data system that has linked vital statistics, hospital, and administrative data on more than 1,200,000 births in Massachusetts since 1998. He has also been active in a variety of public health projects in his hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

He is the founder of the website www.birthbythenumbers.org, where additional data on maternal mortality and other maternal and infant health outcomes can be found. He is also a recipient of the Martha May Eliot Award from the American Public Health Association for service to maternal and child health and the Greg Alexander Award for research in maternal and child health epidemiology.

He has Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from Florida State University and a M.BA. from University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Holly Powell Kennedy, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN was the inaugural Helen Varney Professor of Midwifery (now emeritus) at the Yale University School of Nursing. She has served as the President of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and received the 2016 Hattie Hemschemeyer Award, their highest honor. Her program of research is focused on a greater understanding of the effectiveness and outcomes of specific models of care during the childbearing year, especially is support of childbearing physiology. She was a Fulbright Distinguished Fellowship at King’s College London in 2008 and is currently a Fulbright Specialist. She is a retired Colonel in the US Army Nurse Corps Reserve.

Michelle Debbink, MD/PhD FACOG is an Assistant Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She grew up in the Air Force and enjoyed moving frequently around the US and abroad. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Policy Studies from Rice University, and her MD and PhD in Health Services Organization and Policy (social epidemiology focus) at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at University of Michigan as well, and then moved to the University of Utah for her Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship. She is a current Reproductive Scientist Development Program scholar, and is funded to conduct research on the community and geographic drivers of racial and ethnic inequities in severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality. In particular, her research focuses on a population health-community engaged translational continuum to amplify resilience and build interventions to close gaps in perinatal care in partnership with American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander women and birthing people. She also serves as the Departmental Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the ObGyn Department at the University of Utah, and the Assistant Program Director for the Women’s Health Equity Fellowship at the University of Utah.

Dr. Yvonne Thompson Maddox was named Acting Deputy Director, NIH in January 2000 and continued to serve in that role until May 20, 2002. In this position, she guided the organizations and programs within the Office of the Director, NIH and was a chief advisor to the Acting Director, NIH. In addition, Dr. Maddox is the Deputy Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a position she has held since 1995.

Dr. Maddox received her B.S. in biology from Virginia Union University, Richmond and a Ph.D. in Physiology from Georgetown University. Following completion of the Ph.D., she served as a National Research Service Award (NRSA) Post Doctoral Fellow and as an Assistant Professor of Physiology in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown. She studied as a Visiting Scientist at the French Atomic Energy Commission, Saclay, France, and is a graduate of the Senior Managers in Government Program of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Dr. Maddox came to NIH in November 1985 as a health scientist administrator in the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), where she managed the Congressionally mandated clinical and basic research grants program in trauma and burn injury. Following her initial appointment, she served NIGMS in various capacities: Acting Director, Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program; Chief, Pharmacology and Physiological Sciences Section; and Deputy Director, Biophysics and Physiological Sciences Program.

In January 1995, Dr. Maddox joined NICHD as its Deputy Director. At the NICHD, Dr. Maddox manages the institute’s diverse extramural program that supports research on population issues, reproductive biology, contraception, pregnancy, child development, nutrition, developmental biology, AIDS, mental retardation, and medical rehabilitation.

During her career at NIH, Dr. Maddox has received numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Meritorious Executive Rank Award, the Public Health Service Special Recognition Award and the NIH Director’s Award. She is a member of the American Physiological Society and serves on several public service and academic boards, including the Center for Development and Population Activities Advisory Board and the Robert Woods Johnson Health Policy Fellowship Advisory Board.

Dr. Maddox is author or coauthor of a number of scientific articles, book chapters and conference proceedings, including the often-cited paper on a method she developed to extract peritoneal macrophages from peritoneal dialysate, “A routine clinical source of peritoneal macrophages and their release of prostaglandins in vitro ,” which was published in 1984. She has delivered more than 100 lectures.

Robert M. (Bob) Silver, MD has been in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center for over 30 years. He holds the John A. Dixon Presidential Endowed Chair and is Professor and Chairman of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Silver’s clinical and research interests include recurrent pregnancy loss and stillbirth, cesarean delivery, placenta accreta spectrum, preeclampsia, vaginal birth after cesarean delivery, immunologic diseases in pregnancy, and medical disorders in pregnancy.

Amy Holt has served as the Disability Services Coordinator at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) for six years. In this role, she collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are met across all academic areas. Amy serves as an advocate with or on behalf of the students, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and support.

Prior to her current role at FNU, Amy worked with the Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in various capacities for nearly eight years. As an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter for the D/deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing populations, she adeptly navigated linguistic and cultural variations while thoughtfully applying ethical decision-making skills and best practices. Amy also provided collaborative support for independent living and life skills, advocating tirelessly for individuals’ rights to access within the workplace and beyond. Her efforts aimed at removing barriers and fostering successful outcomes for individuals seeking to gain or maintain competitive integrated employment.

With experience spanning vocational sectors and regions across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Amy’s expertise in disability services, advocacy, and the success and social justice of individuals with disabilities drives her motivation. As an honored recipient of Frontier Nursing University’s Culture of Caring Award, she remains dedicated to championing inclusivity, access, and empowerment for all.

Dr. Jamal-Eddine’s goal is to create transformative change within healthcare education praxis by developing engaging pedagogic strategies to educate healthcare students about ableism and intersectional identity-based oppression. Her long-term goal is to found an interdisciplinary, applied public-humanities community-engaged healthcare equity center in a university that confronts healthcare inequity, violence, and oppression and promotes intersectional, cross-identity liberation, humanization, and belongingness for all patients, students, and practitioners.

She is an artist, poet, and historian. She uses her art and poetry to bring awareness to maternal health. She provides women’s health care at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. She currently hosts web discussions Overdue Reckoning on Racism in Nursing. She founded Lucinda’s House, a Black Maternal Health Collective, to promote maternal health equity through community collaboration and programs that provide support and education. Dr. Canty has received funding for her research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

She has published in various journals, including AJN, American Journal of Nursing, Nursing Inquiry, Journal of Advanced Nursing, Birth, and Nursing Philosophy. Dr. Canty is a contributing editor for the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health’s Ask the Midwife Column. Additionally, she is a sought-after nurse scholar in addressing both maternal health equity and anti-racism initiatives. She is a frequent featured speaker virtually and in person at local, regional, national, and international conferences focused on the challenges of reducing disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality.

She is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American College of Nurse Midwives. She is the 2023 Yale School of Nursing Alumni Association (YSNAA) Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient and the recipient of the 2023 Florence S. Wald Award from the Connecticut Nurses’ Association. She is the 2024 Columbia University School of Nursing 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for Nursing Practice.

In addition to developing impactful programs, Dr. Meeks plays a pivotal role in advancing equity through her collaborations with health professions associations. Through these collaborations she spearheads efforts to ensure that health science trainees and program leadership receive the support and resources they need to thrive in their respective specialties.

Dr. Meeks is a prolific scholar and widely recognized as a leading expert in this field. Her research findings have been published in leading journals, including the NEJM, Lancet, JAMA, and Academic Medicine, underscoring the significance of her work. Her contributions extend beyond research to the realm of education and advocacy, where she has co-created impactful social media campaigns and podcasts, working tirelessly to promote disabled clinicians and scholars and reduce harmful disability stereotypes in health professions training and STEM.

Within the wide range of accomplishments she holds, Dr. Meeks most valuable role to date is becoming a grandmother. She cites her time with her grandson Charlie as the most rewarding and “bucket filling” moments in her life.

With over 15 years of experience in public health and nursing, Nikia has dedicated herself to advancing reproductive rights and justice, birth justice, and midwifery. Her passion for midwifery shines through in her commitment to diversifying the workforce of midwives and birth workers, especially in the southern United States. As a fervent disruptor of the current healthcare system, Nikia is pioneering new models of care that prioritize midwifery and center
the needs of Black and brown communities. Every day, she works Tirelessly to ensure that all individuals have the agency and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

At CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health, Nikia serves as the Chief Clinical Officer, spearheading initiatives that have led to the establishment of the first nonprofit comprehensive reproductive health care center, the first Black midwifery fellowship program and the city’s inaugural birth center. Beyond her clinical leadership, Nikia sits on the Board of Directors for both the American College of Nurse Midwives and SisterReach, Tennessee’s foremost Reproductive Justice organization.

All new alumni are automatically welcomed into the FNU Alumni Association. We appreciate the commitment and dedication of our alumni who play an integral role carrying out the FNU mission in everyday practice.  Visit our Alumni Association page .

View information including eligibility criteria and ceremony preparation and sign up to participate. August 18, 2023 is the last day to RSVP via the self-registration dashboard (MarchingOrder).

Coming Soon!

New FNU graduates and their guests are invited to join us for a celebration event on the FNU campus following the commencement ceremony, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST. (will include sign-up Google form link when ready so we can tailor appropriate follow-up)

Local Attractions

Rupp Arena, part of The Lexington Center, is located in a very walkable area of downtown Lexington, KY. The Center is conveniently situated within 10 miles from both I-64 and I-75, and just under 6 miles from Blue Grass Airport. There are numerous hotels and restaurants within easy reach. Below are some links to help you plan your trip:

• Rupp Arena   (our event venue)
• VisitLex.com
• KentuckyTourism.com
• Blue Grass Airport

Area Lodging

The following hotels offer special pricing and courtesy holds for FNU commencement guests:

Best Western Parkside Inn – Frankfort

80 Chenault Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 (23.7 miles from the venue, via I-64 E) – 20 rooms per day held for the following 2023 dates: 9/22 & 9/23. Room type(s): Double Queen. Rate: $102 + tax. A credit card is required for a security guarantee. Book by phone: 502.695.6111.  You must mention “Frontier Nursing University” to book with this offer . The offer ends on 7/22/2022 or when rooms are filled, whichever comes first.

Holiday Inn Express – Versailles

365 Commerce Drive, Versailles, KY 40383 (12.4 miles from the venue, via US 60) – 10 rooms per day held for the following 2023 dates: 9/22 – 9/23. Room type(s): 5 Single King ($164 + tax) or 5 Double Queen ($174 + tax). A credit card is required for a security guarantee. Refunds are available if requested within the cancellation window.  CLICK HERE  to book online or call 859-873-5501.  When calling, you must mention “Frontier Nursing University” to book with this offer . The offer ends on 8/22/2022 or when rooms are filled, whichever comes first.

Candlewood Suites – Lexington

603 Adcolor Drive, Lexington, KY 40511 (2.0 miles from the venue, via Newtown Pike) – 10 rooms per day held for the following 2023 dates: 9/22 – 9/23. Room type(s): Single Queen Studios Rate: $159 + tax. A credit card is required for a security guarantee. Refunds are available if requested within the cancellation window.  CLICK HERE  to book online or call 859-967-1940.  When calling, you must mention “Frontier Nursing University” to book with this offer . The offer ends on 8/31/2022 or when rooms are filled, whichever comes first.

Homewood Suites by Hilton – Lexington/Hamburg

2033 Bryant Road, Lexington, KY 40509 (6.9 miles from the venue, via Sir Barton Way & Winchester Rd) – 10 rooms per day held for the following 2023 dates: 9/22 & 9/23. Room type(s): King one-bedroom Suite Rate: $175 + tax. A credit card is required for a security guarantee. Refunds are available if requested within the cancellation window.  CLICK HERE  to book online or call 859-543-0464.  When calling, you must mention “Frontier Nursing University” to book with this offer . The offer ends on 8/31/2023 or when rooms are filled, whichever comes first.

Holiday Inn – Lexington/Hamburg

1976 Justice Drive, Lexington, KY 40509 (6.7 miles from the venue, via Sir Barton Way & Winchester Rd) – Rooms held for the following 2023 dates: 9/22 & 9/23. Room type(s): 10 single King/ 10 double Queen; Rate: $149 + tax. A credit card is required for a security guarantee. Refunds are available if requested within the cancellation window. Group Code: FRN  CLICK HERE  to book online or call 1-888-HOLIDAY.  When calling, you must mention “FRN” to book with this offer . The offer ends on 9/8/2023 or when rooms are filled, whichever comes first.

Commencement Ceremony Timeline – Saturday, September 23, 2023:

• 9:00 a.m. EST – doors open at Rupp Arena (ceremony venue)
• 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. EST – Graduate Check-In 
• 10:40 – 10:50 a.m. – Lineup for Processional
• 11:00 a.m. EST – Ceremony Processional
• Approx. 1:30 p.m. EST – Ceremony Recessional
• 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. EST – FNU campus celebration event for all new graduates & their guests

The first dancer to be named People Magazine “Women Changing the World,” and named InStyle Magazine Badass 50, Adidas “women reimagining sport,” CBS News “People Making a Difference”, and featured on Good Morning America and NBC Today, Marisa is an award-winning Transformational Movement Artist, Speaker, and Changemaker dedicated to creating a more inclusive just world where we can each feel alive, not just survive.

Marisa’s lived experiences of her body repeatedly not being accepted as a dancer, her Japanese American identity not fitting the box in many spaces, and surviving a stroke that initially paralyzed her from the neck down, eventually led her to create Infinite Flow, an award-winning nonprofit dance company that employs disabled and nondisabled artists with diverse, intersectional identities with a mission to use dance as a catalyst to dismantle biases and promote inclusion.

During the last year, Marisa was diagnosed with two invisible disabilities: PTSD and Autism. The diagnoses brought much clarity to the challenges she’s coped with throughout her life.

Marisa is passionate about transforming forward-thinking businesses through keynotes, performances, and content that inspire inclusivity and move hearts, bodies, and minds, so that their teams become more connected, purpose-driven, and alive. She has brought unique unforgettable keynote presentations and performances to some of the biggest enterprises in the world, including Meta, Apple, Red Bull, NBCUniversal, Deloitte, PayPal, International Monetary Fund, Farmers Insurance, Kaiser Permanente, Porsche, McKinsey & Co, Clifford Chance, amongst other brands. Marisa made history along with wheelchair dancer Piotr Iwanicki by becoming the first dancer to perform at Apple’s Steve Jobs Theater, sharing the stage with Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Since 2015, Marisa has led Infinite Flow to perform at over 160 events, from large global events to local school assemblies & community festivals. Heading the creative & artistic direction, Infinite Flow’s videos have tracked over 100 million views on Facebook alone. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Marisa spearheaded Infinite Flow to turn its in-person elementary school assembly program into a virtual program, launching Scoops of Inclusion, a 47-minute short film celebrating diversity and empowering kids to take an active role in creating a more inclusive world where we each feel we belong.

Marisa is bilingual and bicultural. She completed her BA & MA from Keio University, Tokyo. She is an Honorary Member (Distinguished Artist) of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. She is a speaker, thought leader, performing artist, and multi-dimensional creator on the rise, seeking to creatively inspire inclusion, innovation, and transformation through movement, dance, and storytelling.

More on Marisa at MarisaHamamoto.com.

Lucero, Robert J. PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN

Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Professor of Nursing, and Audrienne H. Moseley Endowed Chair in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing

My research program focuses on improving health outcomes of vulnerable populations using innovative health systems and informatics approaches. Two prominent themes of my work are: enhancing the quality of care for hospitalized older adults and improving self-management of chronic health conditions among Hispanic, African-American, and LGBTQ+ populations. My research is distinguished by interdisciplinary team science, which bridges nursing, medicine, psychology, computer science, and engineering, health systems, communities, and other academic institutions. 

My research is leading the way to inform infrastructure development for data-driven knowledge generation that serves as a model for organizations across the United States (US) to improve the quality of care for hospitalized older adults. I am leveraging electronic patient, clinical, and administrative data and data science methods to identify valid, modifiable factors that predict hospital-acquired falls (HAF), which affect annually approximately one million US hospitalized patients. Studies I have published show that, in 168 US hospitals, poor nursing care quality was associated with more adverse patient events, including HAF. Using artificial intelligence approaches with electronic health record (EHR) data, I have discovered a set of six new clinical and organizational factors that can predict HAF. These findings were among the most downloaded in 2019, and have widespread implications since hospital patient falls continue to be a significant clinical concern internationally in healthcare systems. My lab also explores the use of registered nurses’ (RNs’) progress notes, or text data on patient observations, to predict HAF. We were the first to publish that RNs’ notes contain information about clinical, environmental, and organizational factors that can predict fall risk. I am Principal Investigator (PI) of a 5-year $2.57 million award from the National Institute on Aging. This cutting-edge health systems project is exploiting the use of text and structured EHR data to validate predictors of HAF and hospital-induced delirium. This study will expand the University of Florida Health EHR research infrastructure for data-driven knowledge generation. 

The other cornerstone of my research program is developing health information technology (HIT) to promote chronic disease self-management. I pioneered and published a HIT design approach, known as Consumer-centered Participatory Design (C2 PD). Unlike other design approaches, C2 PD provides public health and community-based organizations, academic researchers, and commercial designers with a theoretically informed approach that engages consumers throughout the development and evaluation of HIT. C2 PD builds on the strengths and resources within a community, promotes a collaborative learning and empowering process, facilitates collaborative partnerships, and incorporates four components of HIT design, namely; user preferences, functions, tasks, and representational requirements, to develop highly usable systems. We introduced this innovative approach and presented our findings to informaticians at the International Medical Informatics Association Nursing Informatics Congress in 2012. We demonstrated that using the C2 PD approach resulted in a highly useful and usable fall prevention self-management system for English- and Spanish-speaking older adults. Since then, multiple investigators of HIT development and systematic review articles have referenced the use of the C2 PD approach. The C2 PD approach has been the basis of my other funded studies, including a $2.8 million National Institute of Nursing Research and $1.0 million Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality award. I have disseminated further wide-ranging use of the C2 PD method, including creating a mobile Health (mHealth) application (app) interface for Hispanic caregivers of persons with dementia to self-manage chronic stress and burden and an mHealth app to support African American caregivers of children with chronic asthma and obesity. The lessons I learned developing the C2 PD approach are represented in a paper I co-authored that focuses on using HIT to engage communities to improve health and reduce health disparities in populations. This is significant to the work I am conducting among people living with HIV. A study I published showed that a large proportion (85.5%) of people living with HIV are interested in using a mHealth app that supports HIV self-management, including functions to identify health services, provide health tips and medication reminders, communicate with healthcare providers, track their mood and emotions, and engage in social networking. My lab is expanding this research with funding from the Health Services and Resources Administration (HRSA) and the Florida Department of Public Health to inform creating and testing a technology-enabled self-management intervention. 

I have developed an independent and externally funded health services and informatics research program of over $8.85 million as PI. I publish in high impact journals and researchers and scholars in nursing, health services, and informatics cite my research regularly according to citation analytics (>1024, h-index:14, i10-index:18). Additionally, federal government agencies have recognized my research. I was a standing member of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality HIT Research review panel from 2016-2020, and served on multiple NIH Special Emphasis Review Panels. My peers have recognized the impact of my research nationally, and I am disseminating my research program internationally. I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the New York Academy of Medicine. In 2019, I received a 3-year UF Term Professorship that acknowledged my academic accomplishments in shaping the UF College of Nursing and the nursing discipline. I am currently the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Professor of Nursing (with tenure); and, the Adrienne H. Mosely Endowed Chair in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing.

Born in Orange, California and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon, Rebekka Eshler has had an adventurous life. Being raised by her wonderful grandmother, she learned valuable life lessons earlier than her peers. After graduating high school and a few confusing years in college, Rebekka decided it was time to make a change and decided to join the United States Army and becoming a Fire Support Specialist Paratrooper. Rebekka was stationed all the way up in the last frontier state of Alaska. Even before transitioning, she was embraced by the LGBTQIA’s community.

After leaving the service, Rebekka delayed her transition as she started her professional piloting career at University of Alaska Anchorage. After many nights of deep thought and struggle, Rebekka decided that she loved helping people and redirected her efforts towards a Political Science Degree. She also took biology and chemistry classes because she fell in love with medicine after becoming an Emergency Medical Technician. While at UAA Rebekka’s passion for helping others and leadership got even stronger. She was participated in many different student leadership organization and even became the Student Veterans of America Chapter President at UAA. Rebekka also began working as a volunteer for the Non Governmental Organization Mobile Medics International, that provides medical response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises around the world.

After coming out as a proud trans woman in 2018, Rebekka began reconnecting with her local LGBTQIA community in Anchorage. She began being a major voice for the LGBTQIA Community in her final year of college. From being the first openly transgender SVA UAA Chapter President, to working at the homeless shelter as an EMT, Rebekka wasn’t afraid to speak up and make sure that everyone was receiving equal treatment. After Graduating in 2020, during the pandemic, Rebekka decided it was time to be more active and joined the board of Transgender American Veteran Association as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations. In this role she built relationships with other Veteran organizations and LGBTQIA organizations.

Rebekka represented her state as Miss Trans Alaska 2022 and won Miss Congeniality at the national Miss Trans USA 2022 pageant. She is currently serving as the National President of The Transgender American Veteran Association.

Shea Rose has held a variety of titles throughout her career, including singer-songwriter, yogi, style icon, and music curator, to name a few. Her music, influenced by soul, hip-hop, rock, and folk, addresses identity, self-acceptance, and spiritual transformation. Former Boston Globe music critic Steve Morse described her as “that rare artist who can bridge diverse styles such as soul, funk, rock, rap, and jazz — and bring her unique stamp to each.”

Rose is a featured songwriter and vocalist on two Grammy Award-winning jazz albums by legendary drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, The Mosaic Project, and Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue. She has received numerous accolades for her musical abilities, including multiple Boston Music Awards, a SESAC National Performance Activity Award, the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Abe Olman Scholarship, and, most recently, the Andrea C. Silbert Rising Star Award from the Center for Women & Enterprise for her Embodied Voice & Yoga business.

Rose has independently released three full-length solo projects: Little Warrior Mixtape, Rock’ n Rose EP, and D.T.M.A. (Dance This Mess Around) EP. In 2020, Rose recorded a cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s “Black Boys on Mopeds,” a powerful commentary on police brutality in black communities. The music video was published and promoted by TEDxTalks. Rose has performed in Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica, Italy, Greece, and Romania, as well as at Symphony Hall in Boston, the Blue Note Jazz Club, and SXSW.

Rose is an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music. When she’s not on the stage offers Embodied Voice & Yoga coaching and consulting to individuals and organizations. Embodied Voice & Yoga Coaching by Shea Rose is a certified Women and Minority Owned Business whose mission is to empower brown and black women and girls to communicate their highest goals with courage, compassion, and clarity. 

For more on Shea Rose visit: 

www.shearose.com

www.instagram.com/shearose

Patricia K. Bradley PHD, RN, FAAN is an Associate Professor and the Inaugural Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence at the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing (FCN) at Villanova University. 

Dr. Bradley’s current work focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion and fostering cultural humility in students, faculty, staff, and healthcare providers. Her research and service activities represent her commitment and contribution to ensuring a “voice for the voiceless” and to developing a culture of trust with vulnerable populations who lack access to address their concerns.

Dr. Bradley is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. She is the immediate past Chair of the Academy’s Health Equity Expert Panel and a mentor for the Academy’s Jonas Policy Scholars Program’s National Policy Mentoring Council (NPMC). 

A graduate of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) 2022 Diversity Leadership Institute, Dr. Bradley is the chair elect for AACN’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Leadership Network (DEILN) and a contributor to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Faculty Tool Kit. 

At Villanova Dr. Bradley serves as faculty co-advisor for the newly formed Multicultural Student Nurses Organization (MSNO), a service organization developed by students and dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for historically underrepresented nursing students. Dr. Bradley is also chair of a parallel program, the FCN’s steering committee for Healthy Work Environment Initiatives working with faculty and staff to foster an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, and students are respected, accepted, and valued.

Dr. Vicki Hines-Martin is a Professor and the Associate Dean, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity Inclusion in the University of Louisville School of Nursing. In addition, she holds a joint appointment as the Director of Community Outreach in the UofL Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion which serves the schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing, and public health. Dr. Hines-Martin is an associate director in the NIEHS funded UofL Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences and a Commonwealth Scholar in the Kentucky Commonwealth Institute. She has been a psych-mental health clinical nurse specialist for 36 years. Her area of scholarship includes mental health disparities, culture, social justice/equity, and community engagement.  

Dr. Hines-Martin has numerous presentations and publications which include the Routledge Handbook of Global Mental Health Nursing: Evidence, Practice and Empowerment . New York, NY: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group (Yearwood, E. & Hines-Martin [Eds], 2017).  Dr. Hines-Martin has received many awards and recognitions for her work from organizations such as The Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice. Dr. Hines-Martin served as the President of the International Society for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

Michelle DeCoux Hampton, RN, PhD, MS is the Director of Academic Nursing and Patient Care Research in the Office of Research Patient Care Services at Stanford Health Care. Dr. Hampton formerly served in a variety of academic roles at Samuel Merritt University (2005-2018) including Professor and Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and at San Jose State University (2018-2022) as Professor and Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Coordinator in the Valley Foundation School of Nursing, as well as Assessment Facilitator and Special Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the College of Health and Human Sciences. 

Her expertise and experience includes psychiatric mental health nursing and research methods for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students with knowledge of student engagement in various modalities including face-to-face, hybrid, online, and simulation. Her research and service interests are focused on promoting health equity for underserved populations, in part by increasing access to health professional education for members of underrepresented communities, and by educating current students and practicing professionals regarding health equity. As an Advisory Council Member for the Salvation Army, Garden Street Center in Oakland, she spearheaded an initiative to create a certified nursing assistant program within the vocational education program as an entry point to the nursing profession for shelter residents and others in the local community. She also serves as a holistic admissions review consultant for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing providing training for faculty and administrators in US nursing programs. Workshops educate participants in methods to increase diversity within nursing programs that are considering or have already implemented holistic admissions review and/or evaluation.

Kendra M. Barrier. PhD, MSN, RN, CNE

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans School of Nursing (LSUHSC-NO SON)

Dr. Barrier is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, serving as the Inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2021 to present) and the former Assistant Dean for Student Services (2015-2021) at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans School of Nursing (LSUHSC-NO). She is also an Associate Faculty for the School of Graduate Studies at LSUHSC-NO, a National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator, an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Diversity Leadership Institute Fellow, and an AACN Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing (ELAN) Fellow. She a mentor for the third cohort of AACN Diversity Leadership Institute. She provides a strategic vision and leadership by engaging in quality improvement and programmatic development by promoting a culture of inclusive excellence. She is currently piloting the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Elements Tool (DEIET), threading DEI through the SON curricula. She is a mentor and coach, and is passionate about the academic success of underrepresentative minority students. 

Externally, Dr. Barrier is the President for New Orleans District Nurses Association (2020 to present). An active member several committees and taskforce for the Louisiana State Nurses Association; the Chair of the AACN DEI Leadership Network; and a member of the AACN Organizational Leadership Network (OLN) Steering Committee and Co-Chair of the Communications Committee; a member of the National League for Nursing Education Awards Committee; a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), a member of the Epsilon Nu Chapter-at-Large of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), and a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) DEI Collaboration. Dr. Barrier also serves as the Presidential Consultant for the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses. Lastly, she is a member of the New Orleans (LA) Chapter of The Links Incorporated.

Dr. Barrier has presented diversity, equity, and inclusion content, diversity leadership vision, and where DEI fits into Academic Nursing Education locally, regionally, and nationally. She has also been a member of several DEI panel presentations. 

She earned her BSN (2000) and MSN (2009), in Nursing Education, from LSUHSC, and received a PhD (2016), in Nursing Education and Administration, from William Carey University.

Jean Edward , PhD, RN, CHPE, is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the College of Nursing, and Nurse Scientist for UK HealthCare’s Markey Cancer Center.

Dr. Edward’s program of research is focused on promoting equity in healthcare access, affordability, and health outcomes for underserved communities by intervening on the social determinants of health. She utilizes mixed methods and implementation science approaches to design and implement sustainable multi-level interventions that promote equity in access to and affordability of care. She has implemented several nationally funded oncology financial navigation programs to address financial toxicity of cancer experienced by pediatric and adult patients, survivors and caregivers. Dr. Edward has been funded by the National Cancer Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Cancer Society, Kentucky Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Trust Fund. Her work has been published in over 40 peer-reviewed publications and presented at over 70 national, regional, and local conferences. She is the Associate Editor of Clinical Nursing Research and a fellow of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Diversity Leadership Institute.

Heidi Loomis, DM, CRNP, CNM  enjoys supporting clinical midwifery and women’s health nurse practitioner students and their preceptors in her role as Regional Clinical Faculty at Frontier Nursing University. She recently completed a Doctorate of Midwifery degree at The Midwifery Institute at Jefferson. Her doctoral research focused on biases that midwifery students across the U.S. experience in their clinical settings – the types and prevalence of bias as well as its impact on midwifery students’ commitment to the completion of their academic programs and to the profession of midwifery. Part of her research also included the emotional responses and behavioral coping mechanisms employed by students in response to bias, whether midwifery students witnessed anyone intervening, and whether or not students reported experiences of bias. For this work, Heidi received the American College of Nurse-Midwives Foundation’s 2022 W. Newton Long Award for the Advancement of Midwifery. Heidi has been interested in culturally respectful care and the growth of midwifery for decades. She has presented to academic, government, non-governmental, and private institutions on topics including anti-racism, privilege, and midwifery. Heidi also enjoyed clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife for over 30 years in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. She is a graduate of Juniata College, Yale School of Nursing, Frontier Nursing University, and The Midwifery Institute at Jefferson, College of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

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Online Nursing Degree (RN to BSN) Advance Your Career: RN to BSN Online

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online*, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Liberty University’s RN to BSN Online Degree is a Leader in Online Nursing Programs

Like you, Liberty University is dedicated to pursuing excellence in everything we do. That’s why our RN to BSN online program is one of the leading online nursing programs providing licensed, practicing registered nurses the opportunity to finish their education online. Our online RN to BSN degree’s curriculum builds on your knowledge and experience to help you grow in critical thinking, leadership, and clinical skills.

Whether you are seeking to advance in your current role or explore other areas like community health nursing, our online nursing program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and training to help you excel.

Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Accreditation

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Liberty University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online RN to BSN Degree?

With an RN license, you will receive a minimum of 39 hours of transfer credit to help you complete our industry-leading RN to BSN degree. Our online nursing programs are taught by nursing professionals with real-world clinical experiences in leadership settings. Our RN to BSN courses are offered completely online, allowing you to remain active with your job, family, and community without the worry of having to take courses on campus.

As you’re considering pursuing an online nursing program, you’re probably wondering if it is worth your time and effort. What is it, you ask, that will make your degree credible and valuable?

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Earning your degree from us means that you’re receiving your education from a school that is well-respected and recognized among employers and other higher education institutions.

Additionally, Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You can rest assured knowing that your degree has met the rigorous accreditation standards needed to provide you with a top-of-the-line RN to BSN curriculum.

In addition to our regional and programmatic accreditation, you’ll be learning from expert nursing professionals. Each of our faculty members has on-the-job experience in their respective fields. That means by partnering with us, you can learn from men and women who have worked hands-on in the medical field as professional nurses. They can bring their experiential knowledge to the virtual classroom throughout your studies.

Furthermore, this degree program offers you something that not all nursing programs do: a 100% online structure. As an RN, you’ll have real-world experience heading into our nursing bachelor degree online – meaning that you won’t have to worry about completing practicums. One course in this RN to BSN online requires community-based clinical observation hours, but you will be able to remain committed to your job, family, and community as you pursue your BSN degree at Liberty.

What Will You Study in the RN to BSN Degree Online Program?

Choosing to earn your online BSN degree at Liberty is a decision that can open up many windows of opportunity throughout your career as a nurse. We don’t shortchange you when you pursue an online BSN – we empower you. Partner with us, earn a valuable credential, gain marketable skills, and take your career to new heights.

Our students’ career goals vary, and that is why our online nursing programs are such a great fit. Our faculty members have practiced in cardiac care, critical care, emergency medicine, med-surg, oncology, research, as nurse practitioners, and in just about every specialty the field of nursing touches in a clinical and administrative setting. Their vast years of experience and our rigorous curriculum can help you use your own experiences to grow in practice and leadership.

By transferring your RN license into Liberty’s BSN, the majority of your industry-standard nursing courses can be satisfied. Your remaining nursing courses focus on field leadership, research, and health strategies essential to your success as a nurse. These courses can also be helpful for you if you later decide to pursue nurse management positions or an advanced nursing degree down the road.

This RN to BSN online degree is designed to build on the experience you have gained as an RN. In our degree, you will study microbiology, chemistry for health sciences professionals, statistics, biomedical ethics, general psychology, and developmental psychology. In addition, this bachelor of nursing degree online covers advanced nursing communication and strategies for community health care.

Your RN license has equipped you with a knowledge of medical terminology, the fundamentals of nursing, strategies for adult health care, pharmacology, and the childbearing family. This RN to BSN degree adds to that by covering advanced nursing communication, and strategies for community health care.

Our RN to BSN online courses also explore post-licensure population health, leadership in nursing, nursing management, and the advanced concepts of nursing practice. Upon successful completion of our BSN nursing degree, you can feel confident and prepared to pursue positions of added responsibility in a profession that encapsulates your calling – caring for the health of people like you.

It is important to note that transferring your RN license into our BSN degree can satisfy many of the credit hour requirements aforementioned and listed on the degree completion plan, which is linked below. For more information on which courses your RN license may satisfy, please contact Academic Advising at 800-424-9595.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Critical care nurse
• Genetics nurse
• Geriatric nurse
• Hospital nursing
• Long-term care agencies
• Nurse manager
• Nursing informatics specialist
• Nursing research
• Public health nurse
• Staff nursing

Featured Courses

• NURS 211 – Post-Licensure Health Assessment
• NURS 325 – Nursing Concepts
• NURS 446 – Post-Licensure Population Health
• NURS 491 – Nursing Management

Course guides available upon request

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Nursing .
• View the  Undergraduate Nursing Course Guides   (login required) .
• View the  School of Nursing Non-discrimination Statement .
• Credit is given for RN licensure, and no challenge tests are required. 
• Students should seek programs of study approved by their state. For more information, visit our  State Approval Disclosure notifications  page for Liberty University nursing programs.
• NURS 492 – Advanced Concepts in Nursing Practice
• A background check and RN licensure verification will be completed while enrolled in Advanced Nursing Communication, the required first nursing course in our online nursing program. There is a fee of $39.95 (additional charges may apply) associated with this requirement.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

State Licensure Requirements

Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here:  licensure/certification requirements .

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing has a reduced tuition rate of $330 per credit hour for part- or full-time !

To continue our mission of providing affordable education,  electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online RN to BSN Degree

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account ) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
• Proof of RN license

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

At this time, our RN to BSN degree is limited in certain states. Please view the  licensure/certification requirements  for your state. International students can contact the School of Nursing for questions about admission to their specific degree of interest. View additional admissions requirements  here .

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9595 Fax

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected] Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions for Online BSN Schools

What is a bsn.

BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing – which is an undergraduate degree program for current registered nurses (RN’s). A BSN builds on the prior education and experience earned by RN’s to make students more qualified, prepared, confident, and credentialed nursing professionals.

How much is an RN to BSN online?

An important question you may be asking as you’re considering an RN to BSN program online is how much will it cost? While some online nursing programs may cost more than others, we believe the benefits available at Liberty can be worth your investment. Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing has a reduced tuition rate of $330 per credit hour.

What are the benefits of receiving a BSN?

A BSN could give you additional career opportunities in fields like education, case management, informatics, or clinical supervision. You may be interested in pursuing your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP). A BSN is the first step to higher education in your nursing academics. The AACN has officially recognized a BSN as the minimum education requirement for professional nursing practice.* Studies and data provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) show nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree are connected with lower patient mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and more positive outcomes.**

*American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), at Associate Degree in Nursing Programs and AACN’s Support for Articulation (viewed on Jan. 6, 2022).

**American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), at The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice (viewed on Jan. 6, 2022).

How can I receive hands-on experience with an online degree?

You will have the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with 16 community-based observational hours. These hours can be obtained at a facility in your local area.

What are the benefits of online BSN programs?

While we can’t speak for every online program, Liberty’s online BSN programs offer registered nurses the opportunity to advance their careers while maintaining their work-life balance. Our online format allows RNs to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at their own pace, without sacrificing their current job responsibilities. By earning your BSN through Liberty, you’ll enhance your clinical skills, expand your knowledge of healthcare leadership, and open doors to more advanced roles in nursing. Additionally, our online BSN programs are designed with affordability in mind, helping you achieve your educational goals without the burden of excessive student debt.

Inner Navigation

• Why Choose Liberty?
• What Will You Study?
• State Requirements
• Admission Information

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