Nursing, M.S.N. (Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Specialty)

Graduate School Contact:

Rene Palumbo; palumbo@etsu.edu; 423-439-6158

Kathleen Rayman, Ph.D., Director of Graduate Program, Nurse Practitioner Graduate Coordinator

207 Roy S. Nicks Hall
Box 70658
(423) 439-4589
e-mail: raymank@etsu.edu

Dr. Sadie Hutson, Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Graduate Coordinator

291 Roy S. Nicks Hall
Box 70658
(423) 439-5626
e-mail: hutsons@etsu.edu

Dr. Janne Dunham-Taylor, Ph.D., Master of Science in Nursing Graduate Coordinator

2-303 Roy S. Nicks Hall
Box 70658
(423) 439-4494
e-mail: dunhamta@etsu.edu

Dr. Nancy Granberry, N.D., Master of Science in Nursing, Regents Online Degree Program Graduate Coordinator

2-300 Roy S. Nicks Hall
Box 70658
(423) 439-4874
e-mail: granberr@etsu.edu

Faculty:

Mona Baharestani; Sally S. Blowers; Sandy Calhoun; Janne Dunham-Taylor; Joellen B. Edwards; Linda Garrett; Masoud Ghaffari; Lee Glenn; Nancy Granberry; Audrey Greenwell; Patricia A. Hayes; Susan Hossler; Sadie Hutson; Frances Jackson; Amy Kaplan; Sharon Loury; Catherin Lauzon; Jo-Ann S. Marrs; Peggy McConnell; Wendy Nehring; Carolyn Merriman; Tamera Pearson; Priscilla Ramsey; Kathleen M. Rayman; Judith Rice; Jennifer Steward-Glenn; Sharon Trumbley; Pearl Ume-Nwago; Patricia Vanhook; Joy E. Wachs; Jennie Walls; Amy Swango Wilson.

Master of Science Degree

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree program is to prepare nurses for advanced practice and entry into specialization, as well as for leadership roles. The nurse in advanced practice works in interdisciplinary relationships and collaborative partnerships to meet health care needs and provide high quality, cost-effective client care. The master’s prepared nurse is accountable for influencing health policy, improving health care delivery, contributing to nursing science, and promoting the advancement of the nursing profession.

The focus of the graduate program is on the delivery of nursing care to rural and/or underserved clients across the lifespan. Curricula are available to prepare students as Nurse Administrators, Clinical Nurse Leaders, or Family, Adult, Gerontological, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Students who complete course requirements for the nurse practitioner specialties, nursing administration or Clinical Nurse Leader are qualified to take a national certification examination. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE.) The CCNE is an additional resource of information regarding tuition, fees, and program length. (One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, 1-202-887-6791)

Program Admission Requirements

The criteria for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program are as follows:

1. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE);
2. A “B” average (3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale) in the nursing major;
3. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (only for applicants with an undergraduate GPA for their B.S.N. degree lower than 3.2) Applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or higher will not be required to submit GRE scores.
4. Licensure in the United States as a registered nurse and eligibility for licensure in Tennessee or compact state.

Documentation of the above requirements must be included with the application materials submitted to the School of Graduate Studies along with a current resume. Three (3) professional references should be included in the application packet. Applicants are encouraged to request references from individuals who can best assess one’s potential for graduate study (e.g. previous nursing faculty, other master’s prepared nurses). Admission to the program will be based on competitive selection from the pool of applicants who meet the admission requirements. All applications will be reviewed by the College of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee. Applications submitted after the application deadline will not be considered. Application deadlines are as follows:

Fall semester deadline - February 1;
Spring semester deadline - July 1;
Summer semester deadline - December 1.

Full-time study begins only in the fall semester.

Factors given consideration in the admission decision include the following: Grade Point Average, level of GRE performance if required, professional work experience, demonstration of professional commitment through continuing education, professional honors and awards, writing ability, demonstrated interest in primary care in rural settings, and references. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address their accomplishments in these areas in their essay, required by the School of Graduate Studies, and in a vita/résumé submitted with the application. The Graduate Admissions Committee may exercise discretion in the admission of promising students who present rationale for their fitness for graduate study yet lack compliance with all criteria. A personal interview may be required.

Applicants may obtain a copy of College of Nursing policies pertaining to graduate students, including the substance abuse policy, clinical course requirements, and information on Core Performance Standards from the College of Nursing Office of Academic Programs and Student Services. After admission to the program, students will receive the College of Nursing Student Handbook and must sign forms indicating they have read the College of Nursing policies and agree to abide by them.

Before entrance into clinical courses, students must be licensed or authorized to practice professional nursing in Tennessee or a compact state, demonstrate evidence of professional malpractice insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage (as a nurse practitioner student), have current CPR certification and a knowledge of universal precautions, have completed a criminal background check per College of Nursing policy, and comply with the clinical requirements of the College of Nursing. A student may be asked to present evidence of physical or mental health at any time during the nursing program, and continuance in the program may be contingent upon this evidence. Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.

Progression Standards

Students in the graduate nursing program must meet the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies to remain in good standing. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, “B”, or better must be maintained. In addition, a student must achieve a grade of “C” or better in every required course in the graduate nursing program. A student who receives less than a “C” grade in any required graduate course will be recommended for dismissal from the program. If dismissed, a student has the option to apply for reinstatement.

Students enrolled in the Adult, Gerontological, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialties must satisfactorily complete 46 credithours of coursework. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty must complete 48 credit-hours. Students in the Nursing Administration specialty must complete 36 credit-hours. Students in the Clinical Nurse Leader specialty must complete 44 credit hours. Specific courses are required of students who plan to take a national certification examination. All students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination in the final semester of the program.

Courses are selected and approved in conjunction with the student’s advisor. The courses are lodged within Graduate Programs. In general, courses are offered once a year and coursework begins each term.

Required specialty courses for the Gerontological Nurse Practitioner students include: