The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing is to prepare nurses to identify and address gaps in healthcare delivery and design through advanced nursing knowledge and higher level leadership skills for improving health outcomes. The graduate of this program is prepared in nursing education, nursing administration, or advanced practice nursing. Consistent with Bellarmine’s goal to prepare leaders for our society, graduate students in nursing will be able to lead change, promote health, and elevate nursing care in various roles and settings.

The graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing builds on the baccalaureate degree. The curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of students, while maintaining a sound academic program in nursing. Each student identifies educational goals with a faculty adviser and maintains a close liaison with the adviser throughout the program of studies.

The program is fully online and is ideal for students with professional or personal obligations during the typical work week. New students will participate in a mandatory technology orientation that may be completed in-person or by recorded video. Most courses will also offer once per-semester optional class meetings which will be available by recorded video as well.

Admission Requirements

• MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Track (post-master's option available)
• MSN Administration Track
• MSN Education Track

Tuition and Fees

Visit our Graduate Tuition page for the most up-to-date tuition and fees information.

Funding Assistance
As a degree seeking student in the FNP program, students should be eligible for federally supported forms of student aid. Financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at Bellarmine University (finaid@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.7300).

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the MSN program will be able to:

1. Integrate findings from the sciences and humanities to continually improve nursing practice across diverse settings.
2. Collaborate within interprofessional teams using effective leadership skills, ethical awareness, and critical decision making to promote quality and safety outcomes within the healthcare system.
3. Use appropriate quality improvement methods and healthcare technologies to integrate, coordinate, and improve care.
4. Employ evidence-based practice methods to initiate changes in practice settings and to disseminate results.
5. Examine strategies to advocate for policies that improve the health of the public and the profession of nursing.
6. Incorporate organizational, client-centered, and culturally sensitive concepts in the implementation of evidence-based clinical prevention for individuals, families, and identified populations.
7. Demonstrate advanced level expertise in performing direct or indirect nursing interventions that influence healthcare outcomes for individuals, populations, or systems.

Deferred Payment Plan Options

Bellarmine University offers a deferred payment plan (DEFR) for those students that receive tuition reimbursement from their employers and wish to defer the payment of their tuition until 30 days after grades are available each semester.

Accreditation

The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, Master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Bellarmine University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Contact Information

Julie Armstrong-Binnix, Assistant Dean of Graduate Admission
502.272.8364, 800.274.4723 x.8364 or julieab@bellarmine.edu

Chris Webb, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Associate Director, FNP Track
502.272.8394 or cwebb@bellarmine.edu

Heather Owens, PhD, Chief Nursing Officer & Associate Dean of Nursing; Chair, Graduate Nursing Programs
502.272.8101 or howens@bellarmine.edu

Additional Resources