Master of Science in Nursing
Take Your Next Step in Nursing with A Bellarmine MSN
Program Overview
Bellarmine’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares nurses to address gaps in healthcare delivery and design through advanced nursing knowledge and higher-level leadership skills for improving health outcomes. Graduates of the program will be able to lead change, promote health, and elevate nursing care. Forbes Magazine has recently ranked Bellarmine’s practitioner programs #8 in the United States.
Choose from one of five tracks:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (post-master’s option available)
- Administration
- Education
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Bellarmine’s MSN builds on the baccalaureate degree and the curriculum is designed to be customized to meet each individual student’s needs. Each student identifies educational goals with a faculty adviser and maintains a close liaison with the adviser throughout the duration of the program. Most courses will also offer optional class meetings once per semester, which will be available by recorded video.
Five Online MSN Track Options
Choose from Family Nurse Practitioner, Administration, Education, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Bellarmine’s program gives nurses flexible pathways to advance practice, leadership, and teaching goals.
Customized Advising and Flexible Course Delivery
Each student identifies educational goals with a faculty adviser and maintains a close liaison with the adviser throughout the program. Most courses also offer optional class meetings once per semester that are available by recorded video.
“I was raised in a small town and have always been a family person. Once I graduated high school, I came to Bellarmine and immediately knew this is where I was meant to be. Within two days of being here, I felt like family. Bellarmine and its staff are here to not only help you succeed in your degree, but also as a person. Bellarmine is an institution who shapes their students to become leaders, encourages you to achieve your goals, and gives you the confidence you need to excel in anything you put your mind to.”
Taura Webb, FNP Program Graduate
“Since graduating from the Lansing School of Nursing, I have enjoyed years of positive nursing experiences. Thanks to my MSN, I have further enriched my learning and I now have an intensely satisfying career. The passion for patient advocacy, leadership development, and collegiality promoted by the Lansing School faculty cannot be replicated.”
Barbra Cave, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, BSN, Program Graduate
“This program and the faculty taught me more than how to integrate evidence-based practice methods at the bedside or how to collaborate with interdisciplinary team members. I was provided a tremendous foundation to elevate myself as a nurse, as a team member, as a leader, and as an individual who can evoke change. I am so glad that I chose to attend Bellarmine University to take my career to the next level!”
Nicolette Baines, MSN, RNC-OB;, MSN Program Graduate
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MSN Track options
#8
Top Ranked Programs
100%
Online Course Delivery
MSN-FNP
Program Details
At Bellarmine, our Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares professional nurses to provide a wide range of primary, preventive, and acute healthcare services to individuals of all ages:
- Bellarmine professors work as active nurse practitioners in the community.
- The Bellarmine FNP program is online with only one required on-campus visit over the course of the program.
- Practicum hours can be done at a location in your area and are supervised by a preceptor selected in conjunction with our clinical coordinator.
- The Bellarmine FNP program is 43 credit hours, which students complete in two years of part-time study (including two summers).
- 97% first-time FNP certification pass rate for a five-year average (2019-2024) as reported by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and/or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- Post-Master's (DNP) option available.
What do Family Nurse Practitioners do?
Family Nurse Practitioners provide comprehensive primary care across the lifespan, delivering preventive, acute, and chronic care to patients. They take health histories, perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat common health conditions, interpret laboratory results and diagnostic imaging, and prescribe medications and other therapies. FNPs also provide health education and counseling focused on disease prevention and health maintenance, and refer patients to other healthcare professionals when specialized care is needed.
MSN: Administration
Program Details
The Nursing Administration track prepares professional nurses for leadership and management roles across a range of healthcare settings. Students develop skills in healthcare finance, human resource management, organizational leadership, and the economic forces shaping healthcare delivery. Through selected clinical, administrative, and evidence-based practice experiences, students gain practical leadership training, with practica completed in nursing administration settings.
The program is fully online and designed for working professionals. Students typically take two courses per semester and complete the program in about two years. Optional class meetings are available on demand, and a technology orientation helps new students get started.
MSN: Education
Program Details
The Nursing Education track prepares professional nurses to become effective nurse educators in settings such as staff development, health education, and the preparation of future nursing students. Through selected teaching, clinical, and evidence-based practice experiences, students develop the skills needed to teach and mentor in a variety of healthcare and academic environments, with practica completed in nursing education settings. The program is fully online and designed for working professionals, with most students taking two courses per semester and completing the degree in about two years. Optional once-per-semester class meetings are offered and recorded for flexible viewing.
MSN–AGACNP
Program Details
Bellarmine’s Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN–AGACNP) track prepares professional nurses to care for adult and geriatric patients with acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions across a variety of healthcare settings. The 45-credit program is primarily online with only one required on-campus visit, and students typically complete the degree in two years of part-time study, including two summers. Practicum hours are completed in a healthcare setting near you and are supervised by a preceptor selected with support from our clinical coordinator.
What do Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners do?
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners provide care for adult and geriatric patients with acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions. They perform comprehensive assessments, diagnose and treat serious health problems, interpret laboratory results and diagnostic imaging, prescribe and manage medications and therapies, and perform advanced procedures such as central line placement, arterial line placement, and intubation in acute care settings.
MSN–PMHNP
Program Details
Bellarmine’s Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track prepares professional nurses to provide psychiatric care, medication management, and advanced psychotherapy in a variety of mental health settings. The 47-credit program is primarily online with only one required on-campus visit, and most students complete the degree in two years of part-time study, including two summers. Practicum hours are completed at a clinical site in your area with a preceptor selected in coordination with the program’s clinical coordinator.
What do Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners do?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, families, and groups. They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for patients with complex mental health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the program take?
The FNP program is 43 credit hours and most students complete it in about two years.
Do I need to arrange my own clinical site?
If you are a Kentucky resident, our graduate practicum coordinator will place you
in a clinical site. Students outside Kentucky are responsible for securing their own
site with guidance from the clinical coordinator.
Does Bellarmine offer financial aid?
Scholarships and grants are available. Learn more through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurse Practitioner Foundation.
What is the method of course delivery?
The Bellarmine MSN-FNP program is fully online, with the exception of required clinical
experiences.
What will my experience with faculty be like?
Faculty members are actively practicing nurse practitioners, providing real-world
expertise and accessible mentorship throughout the program.
Is the GRE required?
No.
What is the time commitment for clinicals?
Students complete 720 total clinical hours, typically divided across three semesters
(180, 180, and 360 hours).
Do I need work experience?
One year of bedside RN experience is required, but it may be completed during the
first year of the program.
Can I work full time while in the program?
Most students work full time during the first year. During the second year, when specialty
clinical rotations begin, many students reduce their work hours.
Am I required to complete a background check?
Yes. A background check and drug screening are required.
Contact
Admissions
admissions@bellarmine.edu
(502) 272-7100
The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, Master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-master’s FNP certificate program at Bellarmine University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
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