Master’s in Nursing degree programs in Kentucky are abundant and provide the necessary skills for a successful career in health care. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is located in the United States’ south-central region. Much of the state is rural and its residents enjoy an expansive park and river system.
Major research institutions and regional universities make up the two tier higher education system in Kentucky. Among the graduate-level degree programs offered, health care specialties are in high demand. Various Master of Science in Nursing degree concentrations are available for Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator and many others.
Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY
Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Bellarmine University offers a variety of graduate-level nursing programs in disciplines aligned with today’s health care needs. Bellarimine graduates are prepared for diverse careers in cancer research, forensic work, bio-terrorism research, wellness centers, athletic clinics as well as traditional hospital or clinical settings.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
The MSN track for Family Nurse Practitioner prepares nurses in the profession to work in a hospital or clinical setting providing health services to patients of all ages. NPs provide physical exams, order and interpret X-rays, diagnose and treat illness and injuries, and prescribe medication.
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration
This is a dual degree program combining skills for professional nurses in leadership, health policy and management positions in health-related organizations. Students will complete the Master of Science in Nursing Administration track and some credits of the Master of Business Administration degree will be applied toward it.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
The Nursing Administration track of the MSN degree program trains professional nurses to act as managers in a health care setting. The focus is on human resources, finance and economics, and organizational leadership.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education
The Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration on Nursing Education is for training for a position as an entry-level nurse educator. Typical positions include nursing student preparation, staff development or health education.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville KY, 40205
(502) 272-8131
http://www.bellarmine.edu/lansing.aspx
Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY
College of Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University offers 20 majors in a broad range of health care programs. Undergraduate and graduate programs include nurse, advanced practice nurse, nutritionist, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, and nurse administrator. Several online options are available for graduate students to provide flexibility for working professionals. All programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration with Advanced Practice Rural Public Health Nursing
The online MSN degree program in Nursing Administration provides expertise in rural public health. Students learn assessment, evaluation, program development, systems change, financial and personnel resources, and leadership skills. Employment opportunities include community and public health agencies, acute care settings and public clinics.
Master of Science in Nursing: Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner
The Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner master’s degree online program focuses on prevention with healthy living practices for rural patients. Common illness and typical injuries for these patients are addressed for patient education and management. This program proudly boasts a 100 percent certification pass rate among all previous graduates.
Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner discipline for the MSN online degree approaches patient mental health over a lifespan for long-term and ongoing positive results. Graduates will be qualified for positions in psychiatric hospitals, private practice, mental health clinics and various other mental health facilities.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
521 Lancaster Ave.
Whitlock (SSB) 310 CPO 68
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-1742
http://www.health.eku.edu/
McKendree University, Louisville, KY
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Established in 1828, McKendree University had humble beginnings in two rented sheds in Illinois. Now 185 years later, McKendree University has several campuses throughout Kentucky and Illinois and is ranked as a “College of Distinction.” The School of Nursing and Health Professions offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nursing foundations and research-based health practices.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education
The Nursing Education master’s degree program prepares working nurses to advance their career. Nurse educators are given the skills needed to train future nursing professionals. The program requires 38 credit hours, can be completed in 20 months and utilizes a blended format of classroom, online and practicum instruction.
The program is taught in a blended, 8 to 16 week format. The Nursing Management Program requires 33 semester credit hours, and the Nursing Educator Program requires 38. Both courses of study can be completed in approximately 20 months. Classroom experiences, seminars, and practicum form the base of instruction with electronic resources being utilized to supplement classroom interaction.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Management/Administration
The Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Management/Administration concentration requires 33 semester hours and core nursing courses plus a management module. Proficiencies in nursing management principles, informatics, fiscal systems and human resources are integrated into the curriculum. A nurse manager practicum completes the degree.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
10168 Linn Station Road, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40223
(502) 266-6696
[email protected]
http://www.mckendree.edu/academics/info/nursing-health/index.php#sthash.EYA3mOxZ.dpuf
Murray State University, Murray, KY
School of Nursing
Murray State University is nationally recognized among “America’s Top Colleges.” It offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs in both campus and online delivery systems. The School of Nursing offers programs to prepare beginning level nurses as well as advanced level professional health care providers. Master of Science in Nursing specializations include online Academic Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Doctor of Nursing Practice instruction is offered for Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthetist.
Master of Science in Nursing: Academic Nurse Educator
The online curriculum for the master’s program specializing in Academic Nurse Educator emphasizes learner development, curriculum planning and implementation, and evaluation methods. The advanced nursing specialist will be prepared to teach future nurses in a university, hospital or clinical setting.
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The online MSN with concentration in Clinical Nurse Specialist degree is for advanced practice nurses. The program is designed to focus on management and coordination of patient care. The CNS role is multi-faceted and functions in various health care environments as a practitioner, consultant, educator and leader.
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The Family Nurse Practitioner track of the Doctor of Nursing Practice is a full-time program requiring 79 credit hours and structured to be completed in three years. Learning outcomes include expert management of patient care for acute and chronic medical illness and injuries for patients of all ages. Training includes history taking, exams, ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing medicine and ordering treatments.
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthetist (NA)
The DNP specialization track of Nurse Anesthestist is designed for an advanced practice nurse to provide anesthetics for surgeries, procedures and pain management therapies. Career opportunities for graduates include hospitals, obstetrical offices, dentist offices and other health care facilities.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Contact Information
102 Curris Center
Murray, KY 42071
(800) 272-4678
Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY
College of Health Professions
As one of the fastest growing private universities in Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University is poised as a leader in higher education. The College of Health Professions was conceived in 2009 with an extensive campus expansion project. With a clear understanding of the current demands on the health care industry, NKU is ready to educate health care professionals with state-of-the-art graduate programs and prepare them to meet the challenges ahead.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Nurse Practitioner
The fully online MSN degree program with specialization as an Acute Adult-Gero Care Nurse Practitioner provided advanced nursing care training for full-time working professionals. AGCNPs act as primary care practitioners for adolescents through elderly adults and treat all levels of health conditions.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
The Family Nurse Practitioner track of the Master of Science in Nursing program prepares registered nurses to provide complete care to all ages. FNPs can work in private practice, hospitals and other health care facilities and typically educates, counsels and advocates for patient care.
Master of Science in Nursing: Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
The Geriatric Nurse Practitioner online degree provides specialized training for services to aging and elderly patients with a focus on acute and chronic ailments of that patient demographic.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
The online track for Nursing Administration combines courses through both the Department of Advanced Nursing Studies with the Department of Business to provide comprehensive training for executive level operations.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education
The Nursing Education program emphasizes the skills necessary to teach nursing studetns in hospitals, patient education programs and schools of nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
The online PNP program educates advanced practice RNs to provide primary care to infants and children to age 13. Graduates are eligible for certification in their specialty.
Accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN).
Contact Information
Nunn Drive
Department of Advanced Nursing Studies
Albright Health Center Suite 206
Highland Heights, KY 41099
(859) 572-7964
https://nku.edu/academics/chhs/programs/schools/nursing/msn.html
Spalding University, Louisville, KY
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at Spalding University was established over seven decades ago and offered the first baccalaureate nursing program in Kentucky. With such a rich history, this urban university provides opportunities for relevant, real-world instruction with master’s degree nursing programs.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing degree is prepares nurses for advanced practice occupations with a three-tier track for Nurse Practitioner (Adult, Family and Pediatrics), Nurse Educator, and Leadership in Nursing and Health Care. All programs devote curricula to the specialization: Nurse Practitioner – preparing nurses for advanced practice in all age groups; Nurse Educator – to advance nurses to a teaching career at schools of nursing, hospitals and universities; Leadership in Nursing and Health Care – to pursue a role in health care administration at a hospital, clinic or government agency.
Accreditation
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Contact Information
845 South Third St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
(502) 585-9911
https://spalding.edu/nursing/
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
College of Nursing
The University of Kentucky has been identified among “America’s Best Graduate Schools” and the College of Nursing provides many of the graduate-level degree programs included in the ranking. Since its opening in 1960, the College of Nursing has been committed to providing professional training to medical caregivers in a variety of disciplines. Their state-of-the-art facilities are still fulfilling that need today.
Master of Science in Nursing – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The ACNP provides care to adult patients with acute and critical illness. Many ACNPs provide hospital care in conjunction with primary care providers in a hospital, urgent care or specialty clinics.
Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
The CNS works directly with patients and families to provide care and improve overall care in health care facilities. Many CNSs assess and compare care to national standards, mentor other nurses or use research methods to improve system practices.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Manager
Nurse Managers typically take a behind-the-scenes approach to health care and do not interact directly with patients. Competencies include advanced organizational methods, defining emerging health care problems, policy assessments and evaluation of care delivery systems.
Master of Science in Nursing – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The primary care nurse practitioner track includes both a family and adult nurse practitioner specialty. FNPs provide care from birth through elderly (including obstetrics) and ANPs see patients from age 13 through end of life. The curriculum emphasizes health promotion and a proactive approach to disease prevention.
Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing MSN degree stresses collaboration with a mental health team for optimum patient care. Intervention methods to promote safety, support and satisfaction are utilized for consistency and positive outcomes.
Master of Science in Nursing – Public Health Nursing
Public Health Nursing promotes quality of life issues pertinent to local communities through interactions with agencies, groups and individuals.
Accreditation
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Contact Information
315 College of Nursing Building
Lexington, KY 40536-0232
(859) 323-5108
[email protected]
https://www.uky.edu/nursing/academic-programs-ce/graduate/master-science-nursing
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
School of Nursing
The University of Louisville is comprised of three campuses, a research university and is supported by the state of Kentucky. The School of Nursing is a leading graduate school in America. Master’s degree programs available through the SON provide exceptional opportunities for collaboration and simulation exercises with a key location on a health sciences center.
Master of Science in Nursing
The fully accredited Master of Science in Nursing degree program trains nurses as advanced practice professionals. Students select a specialization field and are eligible for certification in that concentration at the completion of the program.
Adult Gerontology Primary Nurse Practitioner – providing health care services directly to adolescents and adults.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – with two years of high-acuity emergency room or intensive care unit experience, students will gain expertise as a primary care provider for teenagers, adults and elderly adults.
Family Nurse Practitioner – primary health care providers for all ages in hospitals, private practice clinics, urgent care facilities and other health agencies.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – key members of a team providing care to premature and critically ill infants.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist – this track prepares students to practice in the psychiatric-mental health field. APPMHNs are skilled to assess patients, diagnose the problems and treat mental disorders.
Accreditation
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
555 South Floyd Street
Louisville KY 40202
(502) 852-5366
louisville.edu/nursing
http://louisville.edu/academics/schools-depts.html#nursing
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at Western Kentucky University provides quality health care programs for beginner and advanced nursing students. As nurses provide critical services in all aspects of patient care, the mission of the School of Nursing is to encourage each student to achieve their full potential as a health care professional.
Master of Science in Nursing
The MSN degree program at WKU is designed to develop skills for advance nursing practice experts. Several concentration areas are presented through this graduate series for specialization and certification.
Nurse Educator – proficiency as an advanced practice nurse to educate student nurses.
Nursing Administrator – students may select courses from both the MBA and Health Care Administration programs for supporting the specialty.
Occupational Health Nurse – registered nurses with expertise in worker health and injury risks.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – advanced practice nurse who cares for all patient ages.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – nursing professional skilled in mental health problems and disorders.
Accreditation
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 745-0111
http://www.wku.edu/nursing/
Master’s in Nursing degree programs in Kentucky provide graduate students with a wide selection of concentration areas.