Nurse Practitioner Programs (MSN)

• Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Part-Time / Full-Time
• Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner: Part-Time / Full-Time

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2024, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

• The patient population focus for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) includes adolescents (above 12 years of age), young to middle age adults, and older adults. Our AGPCNP graduates will have the capabilities to practice in community and hospital based primary care clinics, in patient’s homes, in sub-acute/skilled nursing facilities, and in long-term care settings. The AGPCNP works inter-professionally with other members of the health care team.
• A full-time, part-time, and RN-BSN-MSN are offered for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The full time program is completed in two years (5 semesters). The Graduate Core Curriculum provides students from any specialty area advanced knowledge in nursing theory and research, community health, epidemiology, evidence-based practice, and socio-cultural issues. Programs with advanced practice role preparation include lifespan physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
• The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program has met the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC’s) certification eligibility educational requirements. Students who complete this program have the educational preparation to sit for the ANCC national certification in this role and population. Applicants must also meet any additional eligibility criteria in effect when they apply for certification. Graduates of the program are also eligible for national certification through examination through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

I. Core Courses: (19 Credits)

• NURSING 501 Theoretical Bases for Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 crs.)
• NURSING 502 Epidemiology Concepts in Population Health (3 crs.)
• NURSING 503 Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 crs.)
• NURSING 504 Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 crs.)
• NURSING 507 Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 crs.)
• NURSING 508 Lifespan Health Assessment and Promotion for Advanced Nursing Practice (4 crs.)

II. Clinical Sequence: (22 Credits)

• NURSING 515 Diagnosis and Management of Adult and Aged I (6 crs.) (210 clinical hours)
• NURSING 529 Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Adult (4 crs.) (140 clinical hours)
• NURSING 516 Diagnosis and Management of Adult and Aged II (6 crs.) (210 clinical hours)
• NURSING 534 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum and Seminar (6 crs.) (210 Clinical Hours)
• TOTAL CREDITS = 41

Required Courses (PDF)

• The patient populations focus for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) includes children, adolescents, adults, and older and frail older adults. Our program prepares the graduate to value collaborative, family-centered care as well as the interaction among the physical, emotional, mental, and sociocultural systems of patients to meet the individual healthcare needs, as well as those of the family. In addition, the program has a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of the community, underserved, high-risk, and multi-cultural populations. Graduates of the program can provide primary health care in a variety of primary care settings. The FNP works inter-professionally with other members of the health care team.
• Full-time, part-time, and RN-BSN-MSN are offered for the Family Nurse Practitioner. The full-time program is completed in two and half years (six semesters). The Graduate Core Curriculum provides students from any specialty area advanced knowledge in nursing theory and research, community health, epidemiology, evidence-based practice, and socio-cultural issues. Programs with advanced practice role preparation include lifespan physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
• The core clinical courses provide the student with the skill set and knowledge to provide health promotion, disease prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and management across the lifespan to patients and families who present with both acute and chronic conditions. Practice-based learning experiences provide the student with opportunities to apply the theory and skills learned in the classroom setting in their role as primary care providers.
• The Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner program has met the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC’s) certification eligibility educational requirements. Students who complete this program have the educational preparation to sit for the ANCC national certification in this role and population. Applicants must also meet any additional eligibility criteria in effect when they apply for certification. Graduates of the program are also eligible for national certification through examination through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

I. Core Courses: (22 Credits)

• NURSING 501 Theoretical Bases for Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 crs.)
• NURSING 502 Epidemiology: Concepts in Population Health (3 crs.)
• NURSING 503 Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 crs.)
• NURSING 504 Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 crs.)
• NURSING 507 Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 crs.)
• NURSING 508 Lifespan Health Assessment and Promotion for Advanced Nursing Practice (4 crs.)
• NURSING 522 Family Theory Across the Lifespan (3 crs.)

II. Clinical Sequence: (27 Credits)

• NURSING 515 Diagnosis and Management of the Adult & Aged I (6 crs.) (210 clinical hours)
• NURSING 516 Diagnosis and Management of the Adult & Aged II (6 crs) (210 clinical hours)
• NURSING 517 Diagnosis and Management of Pregnant Women and Children (6 crs.) (210 clinical hours)
• NURSING 529 Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Adult (3 crs.) (140 clinical hours)
• NURSING 541 Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Practicum and Seminar (6 crs.) (210 clinical hours)
• TOTAL CREDITS = 50

The Nurse Practitioner program admits students on a rolling basis. Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of Graduate at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which a student is applying.

Completed application packets consist of the following information (all application materials should be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 161 Arts & Administration Building, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, or electronically to gradadmissions@commonwealthu.edu).

• Graduate school application and fee
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
• Copy of current, unencumbered professional nursing license
• Resume which includes description of professional nursing and clinical experience
• Career Goals
• One completed recommendation form and 2 additional names with contact information
• One year of current acute care experience. 
• Interviews with the Graduate Nursing Department Admissions Committee will be conducted via a rolling admission process.

For more information contact Jennifer Sheaffer, DNP CRNP, Chairperson, Graduate Nursing.

• Q: Do I need professional experience in order to be admitted?
  A: Yes- Students need 1 year of acute primary care experience in order to be considered for admission. 
• Q: What career opportunities will a master's in nurse practitioner open up?
  A: By completing our MSN Nurse Practitioner degree, you're more likely to advance your scope of practice, have increased level of autonomy, and increase your salary potential.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: Courses are offered 100% online. Program is available in part-time and full-time formats.
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
  A. No- the GRE is not required for admission.