Nursing (M.S.) - Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Minton, Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing
Department of Graduate Nursing
Wagner Hall 217, Box 2275
605-688-4114
E-mail: SDSU.gradnursing@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/nursing/graduate-nursing

Program Information

Established in 1979, the M.S. in Nursing at South Dakota State University prepares nurses for advanced practice in nursing administration, leadership, clinical practice, or education.

Program Outcomes

To prepare Nurse Administrators, Clinical Nurse Leaders, Family Nurse Practitioners, and Nurse Educators who:

apply knowledge of evidence-based practice,
engage in life-long learning,
serve South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world in urban, rural, and frontier health care settings, and
function in leadership roles.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program, the graduate will successfully demonstrate the following outcomes:

Incorporate knowledge and theories from nursing and other supportive disciplines.
Display competence within the legal scope of practice for the chosen specialization.
Evaluate and utilize research.
Integrate cultural learning into nursing practice to effectively tailor health care to the diverse life ways of clients.
Seek to decrease health disparities among populations by addressing socioeconomic-political- cultural determinants of health.
Use leadership, administration, and teaching strategies to improve nursing practice and health care delivery.
Assume accountability to influence health policy, improve healthcare delivery, address the diversity of health care needs, and advance the nursing profession.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

The master’s degree in nursing at South Dakota State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791.

Licensure

Students must provide evidence of professional registration by submitting a copy of the most current RN license.

Certification

After completing the program of study, graduates may be eligible to complete certification through several professional organizations.

Course Delivery Format

A blend of online and face-to-face course delivery ensures convenience and accessibility. Students complete a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical practice preceptorship.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	58 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	55 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	53 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

NURS 615 - Foundations of Advanced Nursing Credits: 3
NURS 623 - Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan - Application to Advanced Practice Nursing Credits: 4
NURS 626 - Research in Nursing and Health Care Credits: 3
NURS 631 - Advanced Assessment Across the Lifespan Credits: 4
NURS 631L - Advanced Assessment - Lifespan Clinical Laboratory Credits: 0
NURS 670 - Health Policy, Legislation, Economics and Ethics Credits: 3
NURS 675 - Cultural Competence in Health Care Credits: 3
NURS 760 - Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Credits: 3
NURS 765 - Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I Credits: 7 (3, 4)
NURS 771 - Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II Credits: 7
NURS 776 - Family Nurse Practitioner III - Small Group Instruction Credits: 3
NURS 777 - Family Nurse Practitioner: Practicum III Credits: 3-9 (9 credits required)
PHA 645 - Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan: Application to Advanced Practice Credits: 2-4 (4 credits required)

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

NURS 798 - Thesis Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)

Option B - Research/Design Paper

NURS 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects Credits: 1-2 (2 credits required)

Option C - Coursework Only

Coursework only

Total Required Credits: 58 (Option A), 55 (Option B), 53 (Option C)

Additional Admissions Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 600 paper-based, 100 Internet-based, OR
IELTS: 7.0 total band

In addition to meeting basic requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants for graduate study in nursing must have:

Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE Accredited program with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States or its’ territories prior to enrollment in first graduate nursing course.
1500 hours of documented nursing practice experience prior to the first clinical lab or within the first program year.
Completed approved statistical methods course within the past 5 years.
Completed and verified application to the Graduate Nursing program via NursingCAS website.
Compliance requirements: Background check, FBI rolled fingerprint, drug screen, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, ACLS certification for FNP specialization, professional liability insurance, influenza vaccine, and TB test.
Interview with graduate faculty for FNP specialization only.
Completion of a written response to questions regarding educational goals, scholarly practice interest and desired practice career.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .