Thursday, Aug 27, 2020
Fully online degree designed to develop nurse practitioners for primary care settings
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø has launched an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Graduates of the program will be thoroughly prepared with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to excel as a nurse practitioner.
"The health care environment is constantly evolving and adapting to new evidence-based practice guidelines, emerging diseases and complexities in navigating health care systems," says Dr. Lori Prol, assistant professor and director of the Master of Science in Nursing program. "ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø's program will not only provide students with the critical thinking and clinical skills required to transition to the role of the nurse practitioner, but it will prepare them to make autonomous decisions in the care of patients within their expanded scope of practice."
The flexible, part-time program offers six start dates throughout the academic year beginning in fall 2020. Newly enrolled students in the MSN program are eligible to receive 20% tuition remission on courses taken in the fall 2020, spring 2021 or summer 2021 terms.
The program offers students the ability to specialize their coursework in two concentrations — adult-gerontology primary care or family nurse practitioner. In addition to online coursework, students are required to complete clinical hours in primary care settings close to where they reside. Students will collaborate with faculty to find clinical placements that support them in attaining the nurse practitioner competencies and course objectives. There are no required residencies or on-campus meetings, making the program accessible to busy nurses that are balancing a full-time practice.
"Graduates of this program will advance their nursing role and expand their competencies and skills," Prol says. "ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø’s MSN program will develop innovators and leaders with a commitment to life-long learning. They will be prepared to collaborate with health care professionals and key stakeholders to provide quality, equitable care and improve health outcomes for their patients and their families."
The job outlook for nurse practitioners is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 26%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS also cites the median annual salary for nurse practitioners at $109,820.
For more information about the program, visit rider.edu/msn.