Advanced Practice Nursing

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GRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED:  

 Master of Science
  Family Nurse Practitioner
  Nursing Administration
  Nursing Education

Post-Master’s Certificate—Non-Degree
  Family Nurse Practitioner
  Nursing Education

Doctorate  
  Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department of Advanced Practice Nursing
Landsbaum Center
Phone: 812-237-8501
Fax: 812-237-8939
E-mail: isu-apn@mail.indstate.edu
Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/apn

Department Chairperson:  Dr. Susan Eley

GRADUATE FACULTY

Professors

Mallory, Debra, Ph.D., NP, Texas Woman’s University
Professor of Nursing
Specialization: Women’s Health

Associate Professors

Eley, Susan, Ph.D., R.N., A.P.N., Indiana State University
Associate Professor of Nursing,Chair
Specialization: Family Nurse Practitioner

Fine, Julie, Ph.D, FNP-BC, University of Texas, Austin
Associate Professor of Nursing
Specialization: Maternal Newborn, Family Nurse Practitioner

Hall, Lea, Ph.D., FNP-BC, Indiana State University
Associate Professor of Nursing, Executive Director of Nursing
Specializations: Curriculum and Instruction, Family Nurse Practitioner

Assistant Professors 

Fairchild, Roseanne, Ph.D., R.N., Indiana University
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Specialization: Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Health Service Research

Nelson, Jessica, DNP, RN, Chatham University
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Specialization: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education
 

Southard, Erik, DNP, FNP-BC, Johns Hopkins
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nelson, Jessica, DNP, RN, Chatham University
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Specialization: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education
 

Vincent, Debra, PhD, FNP-BC, Capella University
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Advanced Practice Nursing at Indiana State University admitted its first students in 1986. It has maintained continuous accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. since 1989. The master’s program prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice in three concentrations. A graduate of the family nurse practitioner concentration utilizes a comprehensive approach to meet the diversified and holistic health needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The graduate of the nursing education concentration is prepared to design, provide, and evaluate educational offerings as nurse faculty for university nursing programs, healthcare settings, community groups, and secondary education health career courses.  A nursing administration concentration graduate is prepared and develops a cadre of nurse administrator and executive skills to assume first-line and middle management, and leadership roles in diverse health care organizational settings.

All courses and practica are offered via web-based distance learning. Students must complete a master’s thesis (six credits), or an evidence-based practice project, or a culminating project.

A post-master’s certificate is offered in two of the master’s concentrations. The family nurse practitioner certificate is available for master’s prepared nurses with either a prior master of arts or master of science degree with a focus in nursing, or nurse practitioner specialization in another area, who wish to obtain family nurse practitioner education. Courses are designed with variable clinical hours, on an individual basis, depending upon previous nursing education and specialization. The nursing education certificate is available for master’s prepared nurses to obtain specialization as a nurse educator.

Graduates who complete the master’s degree with a major in nursing or post-master’s certificate in the family nurse practitioner concentration are eligible to apply for national certification testing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Those who complete the master’s degree with a major in nursing or post-master’s certificate in the nursing education concentration are eligible to apply for the National League for Nursing nurse educator certification. Depending upon experience, graduates who complete the master’s degree with a major in nursing with a concentration in nursing administration are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Indiana State University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (D.N.P.) is a practice-focused doctoral program. The goal of the Post-Master’s D.N.P. Program is to prepare expert nurse clinicians and leaders to improve health and health care outcomes through evidence-based practice in rural and diverse clinical, health care, and academic settings. This program’s aim is to provide educational experiences in an interdisciplinary collaborative learning environment, with an embedded scholarly project experience that emphasizes evidence-based approaches for quality and safety improvement in various roles and practice settings and provides students with interactive mentorship by clinical and faculty experts. The ISU D.N.P. Program will emphasize innovative and evidence-based nursing practice, applying research processes to decision making, and translating credible research findings to increase the effectiveness of both direct and indirect nursing practice. Scholarly projects focused on rural or underserved populations are of special interest and encouraged.

The 39-credit D.N.P. Program is for the post-masters nurse.  It is offered in an all-on-line format designed for the busy working professional. The program can be completed in five-six semesters of full-time study. Part-time study is offered on a space-available basis. Study will lengthen the time to degree completion. The number of applicants admitted to the D.N.P. Program is limited to 20 new students anually. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not ensure that applicants will be admitted to the program. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Eligible applicants must meet University admission criteria and the following Nursing Program admission criteria:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a college or university accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or equivalent accreditation association.
2. Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure or equivalent in the geographic location where the student will be doing his/her preceptorship or clinical practicum.
3. Three letters of reference including at least one academic and one professional reference.
4. Personal statement of professional goals that describes the student’s leadership and community service as an R.N. and the ability to meet program competencies.
5. Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate course work*.
6. Evidence of the equivalent of one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse before entering a clinical or role course.
7. Passport photo.
8. A National Criminal Background Check. The student may be denied admission based on the criminal background check information.
9. TOEFL score of 550 or greater, if English is not the primary language spoken.

Admission requirements for the Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Program differ slightly.  For specifics, see information for that program. 

Admission requirements for the DNP program differ slightly. For specifics, see information for that program.

Applicants to the nursing programs are considered on a competitive basis. Criteria include intellectual capacity, performance, maturity, clarity of goals, and other qualities appropriate for graduate study. An individual or group interview may be requested or required. Additional materials may be requested for examination prior to admission.

FEES AND EXPENSES

Nursing students pay the same University fees as other students, including technology and distance education delivery fees. Other expenses specific to the program include books, supplies/equipment, name pin, special test fees, and a program fee attached to designated courses. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical and practicum experiences.

FINANCIAL AID

Indiana State University assists students through a number of financial aids: scholarships, student loans, professional nurse traineeships, and work study programs. Graduate assistantships may be awarded to successful applicants. Scholarships may be available on a limited basis. For information, contact the Department of Advanced Practice Nursing, Office of Student Affairs. For University financial aid contact: Financial Aid Office, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809.

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