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MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

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Take your nursing career to the next level.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a dynamic way for nursing professionals to gain upward mobility in the health care environment.

The demand for nurses with advanced education is on the rise. Florida Southern’s Master of Science in Nursing is a quick route to upward mobility and greater earning power. A Master of Science in Nursing will not only prepare you for a variety of leadership roles, but also enable you to command a generous salary.

Online

MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session

April 19

Join us online to learn more about our MSN tracks as well as Post-Master's certificate opportunities. Hear from your program director and admission counselor to get your questions answered and get ready for your next steps in advancing your education and career!

Learn More about the April 19 MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session about"MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session

Apply today to start next term
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

We will be accepting applications until the cohorts are full.

Request Info Visit Apply Today Program Details

Choose one of these Tracks in Nursing

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner student is prepared to provide and direct care to patients within the adult age spectrum, including late adolescence, in primary care settings. This curriculum track prepares you for the certification examination as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program.

Learn More about adult gerontology

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner student is prepared to provide and direct care to families including adults and children in primary care settings. This curriculum track prepares you for the certification examination as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program.

Learn More about family nurse practitioner

Nursing Administrative Leadership

The Nursing Administrative Leadership track is designed to provide current and aspiring nurse managers and clinical nurse leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to guide daily operations in a variety of healthcare settings.

*Because this track is delivered primarily online and due to SEVIS guidelines, we are not able to accept international students into this program.

Learn More about administrative leadership

Nurse Educator (NE)

Combine your passion for teaching with top-notch clinical experience. This track prepares you to teach in an academic or healthcare setting by giving you expertise in teaching strategies and learning principles.

*Because this track is delivered fully online and due to SEVIS guidelines, we are not able to accept international students into this program.

Learn More about nurse educator

CCNE Accredited

The master’s degree program in nursing at Florida Southern College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Top Reasons to choose MSN - Master of Science in Nursing at florida southern college

Supportive Environment

The MSN program provides a supportive learning environment with the goal of producing responsible and productive citizens who promote and advance the communities they serve.

Caring Faculty

The MSN program faculty develop caring relationships within a positive and enriching environment that cares for the whole person.

Personal Touch

Through shared values and communal expectations, the MSN faculty and support staff actively engage with student’s growth as they pursue their academic goals.

Meet our Mocs

Ernie Parani, APRN

Thoracic Surgery
Advent Health

Florida Southern College was the only in-person program which met my needs as a student. My experience was exceptional here. The in-person advisory meetings with faculty were invaluable and something you cannot get online. Completing the FNP program has allowed me to lead my own post-operative outpatient clinic. The group case studies helped me to become a better diagnostician and I am still building on that foundation today as a new APRN.

Samantha Rios

As a current FSC student, my goal is to become a Dermatology ARNP when I graduate from the MSN program. By earning my advanced degree, I will have a better understanding of how to treat a condition, when to provide a referral and how to create a plan of patient care. As future ARNPs, we are advancing our education so others can also be educated about their health. I chose Florida Southern's program based on the referral of a friend, who was currently in the program. My overall experience so far has been nothing but positive with my professors and peers. I am able to connect and talk with my professors whenever I have a question. My peers are amazing. We have built a solid team from the Day One and are looking forward to walking across that stage together soon.

Kara Pinero, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Minute Clinic Health

I chose Florida Southern for the intimate class size and for the impeccable reputation the school has within the community. I knew that I was going to be successful with my program and that my degree would be respected with my future employers. Not only did Florida Southern help me grow professionally, but I also grew on a personal level in ways that I never imagined. I have built lifelong relationships with not only my peers, but also with my faculty who continue to mentor me long after I have graduated. I am so thankful for the faculty at Florida Southern and I am extremely happy with my choice.

Laurel Lawerence, APRN

Bond Clinic, P.A.

I enjoy the classroom environment, so I was looking for a program that was local and hands-on, with a schedule that was flexible enough to work and care for my family. The instructors had many years of real world clinical experience that was a valuable addition to learning the content and application to clinical practice. I enjoyed learning with my peers and have continued to keep in touch with many of them. As a prospective student, a positive attitude is essential in the success of completion. Believe that you can do this. The staff and educators are there to help you along your journey to meet the goal to further your education.

Satoria Reid-Rowe, APRN, Family Practice

Baycare Medical Group

I chose FSC for my MSN program because of the location and flexibility of the schedule. I had great experiences with the professors and my classmates have become my friends. My advice to new students would be to manage your time well, communicate with your professors and put your all into the program. I am now enjoying being a part of the DNP cohort here at Florida Southern as well.

Kari Simpson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine

I thoroughly enjoyed my cohort and my professors.  I appreciated the fact that I was known as both an individual and student and I feel that I received a top-notch education at FSC.

Mary Cornejo, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

I felt all the faculty remained involved throughout the program and it was a great learning experience. I'm glad I decided to enroll in an on-campus program for the personalized classroom experience.

Nikki Riegel, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Nurse Practitioner
Veteran Disability Assessments

I had an amazing class of individuals who banded together during one of the hardest times our country has faced and supported each other through it all. We encouraged each other and ensured we all made it to the finish line! I could not have asked for a better cohort.

Program Details

On-Campus

Courses in nursing are offered one day per week on campus in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

  • Official transcripts of all academic work
  • BSN from a regionally-accredited institution and a CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN accredited nursing program
  • Professional Essay (Maximum of two single spaced pages).
    1. Why are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree as a family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nursing administrative leadership?
    2. Highlight your professional experiences in nursing and the relevance to your success in your specific graduate program (i.e., family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nursing administrative leadership).
    3. Discuss your academic strengths and weaknesses. How will these enhance or challenge your success as a graduate student?
  • Current Résumé
  • Three professional references are required. The applicant should submit professional references from the following:
    1. Current or previous nursing supervisor.
    2. Nursing program faculty member, nursing program advisor, nursing program director, or clinical preceptor.
    3. MSN or DNP prepared nurse who holds the degree and credentials you plan to pursue (i.e., primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nursing administrative leadership).
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
  • Required prerequisite courses completed with a “C” or better: health assessment, nursing research or evidence-based practice, and statistics or biostatistics course.
  • Proof of current active licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Florida.
  • Personal interview required for eligible candidates
  • Completion of a criminal background check, proof of immunization, and ten-panel drug screen (if admitted)

Additional International Requirements

  • Official Translated Transcripts With Course By Course Evaluation**
  • Bank Letter Verifying Funds of Sponsor***
  • Sponsor's Guarantee Form
  • Valid Passport
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS Score****

** SpanTran (discount available), Academic Evaluation Services, Inc., Josef Silny, or World Education Services or another similar approved transcript evaluation agency.

*** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

**** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement.

Course descriptions are available in the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Nursing Administrative Leadership

Core Curriculum - 8 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 5120 Leadership, Role Development, and Advocacy for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
NUR 5250 Evidence Translation and Quality Improvement for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
NUR 5450 Informatics and Health Care Technologies (2 hours)
Nursing Administrative Leadership Track - 24 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 5550 Complex Healthcare Systems Operations Management (3 hours)
NUR 5575 Human Capital Management (3 hours)
NUR 5600 Applied Healthcare Economics and Financial Management (3 hours)
NUR 5625 Legal and Regulatory Compliance in Healthcare (3 hours)
NUR 5650 Advanced Leadership Skills for Nurse Administrators (3 hours)
NUR 5675 Strategic and Operational Planning in Healthcare (3 hours)
NUR 6960 Graduate Internship in Nursing: Nursing Administrative Leadership (3 hours)
NUR 6961 Graduate Internship in Nursing: Nursing Administrative Leadership (3 hours)

Total Credits - 32 Hours

Clinical Practice Hour Requirement: At least 240 hours.

 

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Core Curriculum - 21 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 5120 Leadership, Role Development and Advocacy for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
NUR 5150 Advanced Pharmacology (3 hours)
NUR 5200 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours)
NUR 5220 Advanced Health Assessment (3 hours)
NUR 5250 Evidence Translation and Quality Improvement for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
NUR 5400 Health Promotion and Clinical Prevention for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 hours)
NUR 5450 Informatics and Health Care Technologies (2 hours)
NUR 6430 Care of the Older Adult (2 hours)
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track - 20 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 6110 Advanced Practice Nurse I (6 hours)
NUR 6160 Advanced Practice Nurse II (6 hours)
NUR 6210 Advanced Practice Nurse III: AGPC Role (6 hours)
NUR 6500 Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice (2 hours)

Total Credits - 41 Hours

Clinical Practice Hour Requirement: At least 540 hours.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Core Curriculum - 21 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 5120 Leadership, Role Development and Advocacy for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
NUR 5150 Advanced Pharmacology (3 hours)
NUR 5200 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours)
NUR 5220 Advanced Health Assessment (3 hours)
NUR 5250 Evidence Translation and Quality Improvement for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
NUR 5400 Health Promotion and Clinical Prevention for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 hours)
NUR 5450 Informatics and Health Care Technologies (2 hours)
NUR 6430 Care of the Older Adult (2 hours)
Family Nurse Practitioner Track - 26 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 6110 Advanced Practice Nurse I (6 hours)
NUR 6160 Advanced Practice Nurse II (6 hours)
NUR 6500 Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice (2 hours)
NUR 6640 Primary Health Care of Women (1 hour)
NUR 6645 Pediatric: Family Health (5 hours)
NUR 6210 Advanced Practice Nurse 3 (6 hours)

Total Credits - 47 Hours

Clinical Practice Hour Requirement: At least 660 hours.

Nurse Educator

Core Curriculum - 15 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 5120 Leadership, Role Development and Advocacy for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
NUR 5175 Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Educators (3 hours)
NUR 5200 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours)
NUR 5225 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators (3 hours)
NUR 5250 Evidence Translation and Quality Improvement for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 hours)
Nurse Educator Track - 17 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 6120 Nurse Educator in the Clinical Setting (3 hours)
NUR 6125 Teaching in Nursing Education (3 hours)
NUR 6225 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 hours)
NUR 6260 Curriculum Design and Program Development (3 hours)
NUR 6325 Advanced Clinical Concepts for the Nurse Educator (2 hours)
NUR 6625 Practicum in Nursing Education (3 hours)

Total Credits - 32 Hours

Clinical Practice Hour Requirement: Minimum 240 Hours

Florida Southern College reserves the right to revise fee schedules. $250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first-semester tuition balance.)

2022-2023

Base Required Fees Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour $630
Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled $25 to $100

Additional Costs

Base Required Fees Cost
Castle Branch All-Inclusive Package (FL44) $210
Additional course specific fees for malpractice insurance, lab supplies, course materials, or standardized exams may be assessed to students in the MSN and PMC tracks. Fees range from $50.00 to $200.00 per course. 

*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.

Related Materials

FSC Graduate Nursing Programs

FSC Graduate Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a Bachelor degree in another field besides nursing. Am I eligible to apply for the MSN program at Florida Southern?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is one of the requirements for admission to our MSN program. Students who are interested in nursing as a new career may wish to consider an accelerated “second bachelor’s degree” BSN program. Alternatively, they could complete an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) and then go on to enroll in an RN-BSN program. This would give them the foundation needed to prepare for an MSN program.

Do you require the GRE for admission?

No, we do not require the GRE for consideration for admission to our nursing programs.

For which types of careers will this program prepare me?

Our nurse practitioner programs will prepare nurses for careers in primary care nursing. Our nurse educator and nursing administrative leadership tracks prepare graduates for a variety of positions in both primary and acute care health care settings.

May I choose my own preceptors? Is there assistance if necessary?

Student have the opportunity to choose their own preceptors and are given access to our database of clinical sites at the start of their program. If assistance is needed, we have a fulltime clinical coordinator in the School of Nursing who can work with students to help identify preceptors to meet their clinical hour requirement. Since we have relationships with clinical sites across the state of Florida, it is possible for nursing students to complete their clinical hours close to their home.

I previously started an MSN program at a different school. Can I transfer my courses?

Florida Southern allows up to two (2) graduate-level courses to transfer. If you have taken more than two courses elsewhere, our MSN program director will determine which courses would be best to transfer to Florida Southern and which would be most beneficial to repeat at FSC.

Already have a Master of Science in Nursing?

Florida Southern also offers Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing. Pursue the next level of education and leadership in nursing.

Learn More about our cross promotion offer

Program Contact

Kimberly Smith

Admission Counselor and Advisor
 863.680.3090
863.777.4434

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