Degree Requirements: 77 Credit Hours (> 95% Online)

Programs Available

Post BSN to DNP with “Opt-Out” option; Post-MSN Certificate

Total Credits: 43 credits for Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult/ Gerontology Primary Care NP, FNP or PMHNP; additional 34 credits for DNP.

*For students who choose to opt out at the MSN, their credits will be 43 for Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP, FNP or PMHNP.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in the proposed field of study (BSN). BSN program must include a Health Assessment course with a grade of C or better.
2. Current Georgia RN license. Out-of-state students must obtain a Georgia RN license.
3. One year of full time clinical nursing employment prior to entering the nurse practitioner health assessment course. Proof of full time clinical nursing employment may be required.
   1. If you are applying for the Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP track, one year of critical care nursing employment.
4. Prerequisite undergraduate statistics course or a statistically oriented methodology course, with a grade of C or better.
5. Submission/completion of documentation:
   1. College of Graduate Studies application
   2. Georgia Southern Health Services form
   3. School of Nursing Student Health Appraisal forms
   4. Proof of current malpractice liability insurance
   5. Proof of American Heart Association BLS certification
   6. Three letters of professional recommendations. A phone interview may be necessary.

Specific Admission Policies

Must gain Regular Degree-Seeking Status admission to the BSN to DNP program to be eligible to enroll in graduate nursing courses. Non-degree students are not permitted to enroll in graduate nursing courses with the exception of students formally admitted to the Post-MSN Certificate option or with prior approval from the Graduate Program Director. The Graduate Program Director will make an admission decision recommendation following a review of the applicant’s credentials. Admission decisions are made on a case by case basis.

1. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
2. All international applicants whose native language is not English and/ or who do not have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U. S. college or university, are required to submit official TOEFL scores taken within two years immediately preceding the requested semester of admission. An official copy of the test score, sent by the testing agency to the Office of Graduate Admissions is required before any action is taken on an application. All international students must comply with all graduate school requirements.
3. Criminal background and/or drug testing may be requested by clinical agencies. Cost and scheduling is the student’s responsibility.
4. All applicants will be required to complete all clinical practicums with a qualified preceptor within 250 miles of Georgia Southern University.

Progression Requirements

1. Program progression: in accordance with College of Graduate Studies’ policies.
2. Clinical course progression: If a student is required to repeat any course with both a didactic and clinical component, then the student will be required to complete both courses.
3. Any student who withdraws from a course or program must meet with the Graduate Program Director to determine their revised program of study. The student may be required to complete a one hour independent study (didactic or clinical) or repeat a previous course(s).

All graduate nursing programs must be completed within a seven year time period. Students who “opt-out” of the BSN to DNP with an MSN and return within three consecutive semesters will need to contact the Graduate Program Director. If a student would like to return after three consecutive semesters they will need to apply to the College of Graduate Studies and Post MSN to DNP program.

Required Credits

Major: Nursing, Post BSN to DNP Total, 77 Hours
MSN Opt-Out option concentration: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/ Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), 43 Hours

(585 didactic hours and 720 clinical hours)

Program of Study