Master of Science - Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program currently offers five subplans: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Nursing Education (NE), Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM), and Direct Entry (DE) - Generalist.

The FNP and PMHNP subplans prepare the graduate for roles as a direct care provider. FNPs and PMHNPs practice in clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals, physician offices, managed care corporations, and private industries. The roles of the FNP, PMHNP, and CNM are that of direct care provider. FNPs, PMHNPs, and CNMs practice in clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals, physician offices, managed care corporations, and private industries. FNPs, PMHNPs, and CNMs collect health histories and perform physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and manage acute and chronic diseases, prescribe medications and treatments, refer to specialists as necessary, provide patient and family counseling and education regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors and self-care skills, and participate in research projects and integrate research findings. The FNP, PMHNP, and CNM blend some aspects of medicine with nursing, using a holistic nursing perspective. Credentialing examinations, designed by specialty area, are available and required prior to practice in most states. Our FNP, PMHNP, and CNM subplans offer courses with the option for full-time and part-time study.

The NE subplan prepares the graduate for a faculty position within a program of nursing or NE position in a clinical setting. The student will increase mastery related to teaching and learning and evaluation strategies, curriculum design, and the use of educational technologies. Via directed study and mentorship with experienced faculty, students will enhance clinical expertise in a selected specialty area. Graduate students will have the opportunity to supervise basic nursing students in clinical practice areas and/or work with NEs in clinical settings in the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs for nurses. The NE subplan is a year-round program featuring full time and part time options for program completion.

The DE - Generalist subplan prepares the graduate for entry-level nursing practice at the master's level of education, with advanced skills in selected areas. Graduates are prepared to take The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is required to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students must complete all prerequisite courses before entering the program and starting the nursing courses.

Program Outcomes of the MSN Degree

Upon completion of the program the graduate will complete the following core outcomes:

1. Integrate scientific findings from health and educational fields to include but not limited to nursing, social sciences, and humanities.
2. Assimilate leadership at the organizational and systems level to advance safe high quality outcomes in clinical or educational settings.     
3. Apply continuous quality improvement measures to achieve positive outcomes in clinical or educational settings.
4. Utilize a systematic, scholarly approach to translate, apply, and disseminate evidence-based research in clinical or educational settings.
5. Incorporate health related technologies to deliver, coordinate care, and analyze data to improve outcomes.
6. Practice advocacy to improve education, the health of the public, and the profession of nursing.   
7. Employ culturally appropriate skills in communicating and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes in clinical or educational settings.
8. Synthesize social, cultural, financial, legal, ethical, and political influences to advance nursing practice, healthcare, and education.  
9. Model the professional role of an advanced practice nurse or nurse educator in daily practice. 

Program Outcomes: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwifery Subplans​

1. Competently assess, diagnose, prescribe, evaluate and create a holistic plan of treatment.
2. Articulate the professional role, which includes the ethical code of conduct and scope of advanced practice.
3. Develop and monitor comprehensive, holistic plans of care that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of diverse client populations.
4. Assess and monitor teaching/learning needs in a diverse client population. Practice ethically in the conduct of research, management and clinical professional practice.

Program Outcomes: Nurse Educator Subplan

1. Utilize education research to continually improve teaching strategies/skills.
2. Develop a teaching-learning style that facilitates learner development that meets the educational outcomes of the learner.
3. Assess and evaluate at both the course and program level
4. Function as a leader and change agent in nursing education settings.
5. Participate in scholarship to further knowledge and abilities in nursing education.

Program Outcomes: Direct Entry - Generalist Subplan

1. Apply principles that enhance safety for patients and health care providers through individual performance and system effectiveness.
2. Demonstrate sound clinical judgment in the planning, provision, and evaluation of evidence-based nursing care at the individual, group, and community levels.
3. Use clinical prevention strategies to promote health and prevent disease across the lifespan at individual and population levels.
4. Integrate professional values, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors.

View Subplan Disclaimers

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Nurse Educator (NE) MSN, and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Admission Criteria:

Students are admitted to the program in the fall semester of each year based upon competitive selection. Selection is based on the applicant's qualifications (academic and professional) the applicant's strengths, and the number of available openings.

Students make simultaneous application to the Graduate College and the School of Nursing.

1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 or a GPA of 3.00 in the last two years of undergraduate work. The undergraduate nursing course work must have been completed at an accredited nursing program.
2. Three letters of recommendation from former instructors or employers that speak to the applicant's potential to complete the graduate program must be submitted to the school. The evaluators should speak to the student's professional nursing competency, including application of theory, quality of patient care, independent judgment when appropriate; relationship with team members such as nurses, physicians, and others; leadership skills; and personal responsibility and accountability.
3. A current resumé or curriculum vita that demonstrates a minimum of one full year clinical experience as a RN by the time the program starts..
4. A statement of approximately 300 words or less describing the student's professional goals and reason for seeking graduate education.
5. Current, unrestricted, valid RN license in state of residence. 
6. Submit official transcripts for all previous college and professional schools to the Graduate College. Upload unofficial transcripts as part of the Graduate College application. If unofficial transcripts are unavailable, please request official transcripts be sent to the Graduate College.
7. Seat Holding Fee: A one-time, non-refundable deposit of $500 is required as a seat holding fee. This deposit will be credited towards tuition costs once admissions acceptance has been completed.

Students may take the following courses as a non-degree-seeking student. No more than nine credits of course work as a "non-degree seeking student will be accepted toward the MSN program. Taking the courses below does not guarantee admission into the MSN program.

• NURS 704 Advanced Pathophysiology and Genetics I, 3 credits
• NURS 719 Health& Public Policy for Advanced Practice of Nursing, 3 credits
• NURS 730 Advanced Pharmacology and Genetics II, 3 credits

UNLV School of Nursing will not accept more than six transfer credits from an outside institution which cannot be in addition to "non-degree seeking" credits. Students who are requesting to transfer credits from an outside institution will not receive credit for non-degree seeking courses.

Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Certified Nurse Midwifery Subplans:

• Students seeking admission to the FNP, PMHNP and CNM subplans must submit a resume or vita that demonstrates a minimum of one-year clinical experience as a RN. It is recommended that the most recent years of practice be in the area directly related to the student's proposed pathway of study.

Nurse Educator Subplan:

• Students seeking admission into the NE subplan are required to have completed one year of clinical practice prior to enrollment in the first nursing education practicum course (NURS 733 ).

Direct Entry - Generalist MSN Admission Criteria:

Selection is based on the applicant's qualifications (academic metrics, experiences, and attributes), and the number of available openings.

UNLV School of Nursing will not accept NURS transfer credits from an outside institution.

A Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 from the student's previously earned bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3.0 GPA from required nursing prerequisites are the minimum GPA requirements for admission. Nursing prerequisites must be completed by the start of the program.

Nursing Prerequisites:

Applicants must have the following or equivalent undergraduate education:

• General Education: General Psychology, Principles of Sociology, College Algebra.
• Science and Nursing: General Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Nutrition, Development Across the Lifespan.
• Statistics: Statistics for the Health Sciences is preferred; other introductory statistics courses will be considered.

Students seeking admission to the DEMSN must also complete or provide the following:

1. Must have a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than Nursing, from a regionally accredited institution.
2. A current resumé or curriculum vita.
3. A statement of intent describing experiences related to professionalism, service, time management, and organizational skills. The statement of intent criteria will be provided at the time of application.
4. Completion of Interview. Interview criteria will be provided at the time of application.
5. Submit official transcripts for all previous college and professional schools to the Graduate College. Upload unofficial transcripts as part of the Graduate College application. If unofficial transcripts are unavailable, please request official transcripts be sent to the Graduate College.

Accepted Applicants to all MSN Subplans:

• Accepted applicants must, prior to enrollment, show evidence of current health insurance, proof of required immunizations, validation of a negative drug screen and background check, and health data requirements. These requirements are identified in the student handbook.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Family Nurse Practitioner (Exclusively Fully Online*)

Subplan 2: Nursing Education (Exclusively Fully Online*)

Subplan 3: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Exclusively Fully Online*)​

Subplan 4: Certified Nurse Midwifery (Exclusively Fully Online*)       

Subplan 5: Direct Entry - Generalist (Exclusively Fully Online*)

Total Credits Required: 46

View Subplan Disclaimer.

Total Credits Required: 33

View Subplan Disclaimers.

Total Credits Required: 46

View Subplan Disclaimer.

Total Credit Required: 53

View Subplan Disclaimer

Total Credits Required: 48

View Subplan Disclaimer.

• This Program is available Fully Online (Please see the Fully Online Modality Tracks in Programs section of this Catalog for more information). *Exclusively Fully Online Programs: A fully online student is one who has committed to pursue their entire degree, certificate, or microcredential exclusively through online education. Modality change process: Programs may be offered in more than one modality (instructional mode). If programs offer a fully online option, students may opt for a fully online offering at the time of admission. They will be tagged as a fully online student. Once admitted, students can only change their program modality by sending an email to their respective Graduate College Retention, Progression, and Completion (RPC) Coordinator (grad.rpc@unlv.edu). 
• ​Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3. 00 or above each semester enrolled.
• Receive a grade of B (3. 00) or above in all required cognate and nursing courses. If less than a B, for example, a B- (2. 70), is earned, the course must be repeated. The student must be in good standing to repeat a course and any required course may be repeated only one time.
• A student may register for a course only two times. A student who has registered for the same course twice and has withdrawn or received a grade less than B is ineligible for readmission unless approved by the UNLV Graduate College.
• If a student fails two courses or has withdrawn from two courses or received a grade less than B in two courses they are ineligible for readmission unless approved by the Graduate College.
• Complete a minimum of six semester credits in each calendar year.
• Students must retain continuous enrollment status as described in the Catalog.
• UNLV School of Nursing will not accept more than six transfer credits from an outside institution. The MSN Coordinator and the Graduate College must approve transfer credit.
• Credit by Challenge Examination: Graduate courses with a 700 number or above may not be challenged for credit.
• Six-Year Completion Rule: All degree requirements must be completed within six calendar years from the date of matriculation. No credit may be used in an advanced degree program for course work completed more than six calendar years immediately preceding the term in which all degree requirements are completed.
• Graduation Requirements: Students have a choice of the catalog under which they wish to graduate. They may choose between: 1) the year of official matriculation, or 2) the year of graduation. Students are encouraged to meet the requirements of the current catalog.

Refer to your subplan for Graduation Requirements.

Subplan 1: Family Nurse Practitioner

Subplan 2: Nursing Education

Subplan 3: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner​

Subplan 4: Certified Nurse Midwifery        

Subplan 5: Direct Entry - Generalist

• Subplan 1 - Family Nurse Practitioner subplan: In Nevada, the educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification for the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN Family Nurse Practitioner) are an active Nevada RN License, National Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and graduation from a nationally accredited Nursing Program with a minimum of 500+ hours of direct patient care. The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner subplan does satisfy those licensure and certification requirements.  However, UNLV School of Nursing has not made a determination with respect to the licensure requirements in any other state.  As such, MSN Family Nurse Practitioner is not authorized in any other state in which the prospective or enrolled student resides.  If you reside in a state other than Nevada, UNLV will refund the application fee in accordance with its procedures. License requirements for other states are being explored. 
• Subplan 2 - Nursing Education subplan: This program does not result in licensure and certification.
• Subplan 3 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner subplan: In Nevada, the educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification for the Master of Science - Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN PMH Nurse Practitioner) are an active Nevada RN License, National Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and graduation from a nationally accredited Nursing Program with a minimum of 500+ hours of direct patient care. The MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner subplan does satisfy those licensure and certification requirements. However, UNLV School of Nursing has not made a determination with respect to the licensure requirements in any other state. As such, MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is not authorized in any other state in which the prospective or enrolled student resides. If you reside in a state other than Nevada, UNLV will refund the application fee in accordance with its procedures. License requirements for other states are being explored. 
• Subplan 4: Nurse Midwifery subplan: UNLV School of Nursing has not made a determination with respect to the licensure requirements in any other state. As such, MSN Nurse Midwifery is not authorized in any other state in which the prospective or enrolled student resides. If you reside in a state other than Nevada where licensure requirements are still unclear, please contact GradNursingAdmissions@unlv.edu. License requirements for other states are being explored.
• Subplan 5 - Direct Entry - Generalist subplan: Graduates of the DEMSN program are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Educational requirements for nursing licensure in the state of Nevada include:
  1. Courses on the theory of and have clinical experience in medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child nursing, and psychiatric nursing
  2. Instruction related to basic principles of biology, microbiology, psychology, sociology, mathematics
  3. Therapeutic communication
  4. The theory and practice of nursing as it relates to physical and mental health
  5. The prevention of illness across the lifespan
  6. Technological skills
  7. Professional values and ethics
  8. Appropriate use of social media
  9. Physical and mental health of patients of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and social and economic backgrounds
  10. Patient safety standards
  11. Bioethics
  12. Evidence-based practice

All of these components will be addressed in the DEMSN program, and graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX upon graduation.