The University of Providence’s Master of Science in Nursing Concentrations, provide currently licensed registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree the opportunity to advance their nursing career in one of two rapidly growing advanced practice nursing disciplines. Both concentrations combine online, didactic coursework with in-person practicum hours. Graduates of each concentration will be eligible to sit for respective certifications.
Explore questions about the Master of Science in Nursing Concentrations.
What two MSN concentrations does the University of Providence offer?
There are two concentrations available for students interested in pursuing their Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Providence. The first concentration is the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) concentration and the second is a nurse educator concentration. Each concentration offers a unique curriculum – making them distinct from one another.
How long will it take to complete each concentration?
Each concentration has its own projected completion times.
AGPCNP: The concentration is designed for completion in 24 months
Nurse Educator: The concentration is designed for completed in 12 months.
Completion times are dependent upon the number of courses a student takes per semester, their enrollment status, and the number of transfer credits applied to their respective concentration.
Are in-person courses required?
Both the nurse educator and AGPCNP concentration do not require students to attend in-person courses. All didactic curriculum is completed online through synchronous or asynchronous format. Practicum hours for each concentration are completed in person specific to the student’s location.
Can I transition into a DNP after completing the concentration?
Graduates of either concentration can go on to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Can I work full-time while completing the concentration?
Due to the time commitment necessary to complete all required practicum rotations, students are encouraged to refrain from full-time employment while completing them.
Do I need a specific type of computer/technology to complete the concentration?
Since coursework is completed online, students are encouraged to have access to a personal computer or laptop with high-speed internet and a webcam for applicable courses.
Are the MSN concentrations accredited by a recognized accrediting body?
Yes. The University of Providence is regionally accredited by both the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Montana Board of Nursing. Both concentrations are also nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Will I be required to take any pre-requisite courses?
While students enrolling in either concentration will not be required to take pre-requisite courses, they will be required to take a CORE Master of Science in Nursing curriculum.
How many classes are in each concentration and how are they structured?
Nurse Educator: Students can expect to complete four (4) CORE Master of Science in Nursing courses and eight (8) nurse educator concentration courses for twelve (12) courses total.
AGPCNP: Students can expect to complete four (4) CORE Master of Science in Nursing courses and twelve (12) AGPCNP concentration courses for sixteen (16) courses total.
Are there clinical components of the course?
Students in both the nurse educator and AGPCNP concentration are expected to complete all required practicum hours to meet eligibility for graduation:
AGPCNP: Students complete 570 practicum hours.
Nurse Educator: Students complete 45 hours of Advanced Health Assessment along with a 90 hour teaching practicum for a total of 135 required practicum hours.
What student support services are offered by UP?
UP offers a variety of services available to online students. Support services include accessibility and disability services, academic success, writing and math centers, library, and research services, and more. A list of services can be found on the Academic Support page.
Are there financial aid options or scholarships available?
UP’s financial services department can guide students interested in eligibility, applications, and requirements for scholarships, payment plans, federal aid, and military/veteran students.
What are practicums?
Nursing practicums provide students with the opportunity to apply hands-on experience in a specialized area of nursing practice while under direct supervision.
Can I enroll in an MSN concentration if I have a bachelor’s degree that is not in nursing?
No. Requirements for UP’s Master of Science in Nursing concentrations stipulate that all students must have both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited university, and a currently active, unencumbered registered nurse license issued through NCLEX.
What is the difference between a concentration and a concentration certificate?
The primary difference between a concentration and a concentration certificate is that students who enroll in a concentration certificate have an MSN from an accredited university earned before, whereas Master of Science in Nursing concentration students have a BSN but do not have an MSN.
Do faculty support students in obtaining practicum locations?
Students and faculty will work in collaboration to secure practicum rotations at approved sites.
Can AGPCNP concentration graduates enter acute care positions?
No. The AGPCNP concentration will only prepare students to work in non-hospital, primary care settings. The concentration does not prepare students to work in acute care settings.
Do nurse educator concentration applicants require a teaching degree for admission?
No. While prior teaching experience can enhance the nursing education concentration, students are not required to have academic or professional experience in teaching before enrollment.
What is adult-gerontology primary care?
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses responsible for administering primary care services to patients from across their adult lifespan. Some common tasks and responsibilities of AGPCNPs include diagnosing and treating patients will illnesses, conducting routine checkups on patients, and offering patient education on general health and nutrition.
What teaching opportunities are available for nurse educator concentration graduates?
Graduates of the nurse educator concentration can find positions across a broad spectrum. Positions can include working at universities, training schools, or colleges. Nurse educators can also find work in workforce development, certification bodies and programs, and for accreditation and certifying boards.
What post-graduation certifications are available in adult-gerontology primary care?
Graduates of the AGPCNP concentration will be eligible to apply for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination upon graduation.
What are advanced health assessment hours in the nurse educator concentration?
Students completing the advanced health assessment hours will apply advanced health assessment skills in clinical settings, which includes a comprehensive assessment of patients across the lifespan, including history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic reasoning.
