East Carolina University Online Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Programs
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- MSN – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
- MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Nurse-Midwifery
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology CNS
- Post-Master's Certificate – Neonatal CNS
- Post-Master's Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Nurse-Midwifery
- Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The College of Nursing at East Carolina University (ECU) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with five specializations: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS), Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (N-CNS), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Nurse-Midwifery (NM), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Students are able to complete coursework online with minimal campus visits depending on the program and practicums at approved facilities local to the student. The PMHNP track requires the most campus visits.
The College of Nursing at ECU has been designated as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. The focus of the nursing program is on student success and academic excellence. Combining online learning with in-person intensives and clinicals, the nursing programs combine academics with hands-on learning. ECU boasts a state-of-the-art simulation lab where nursing students complete their required campus intensives.
Each concentration requires one to two years of clinical work experience relevant to the specialty chosen. Students are required to conduct an interview with a member of the graduate admissions team. The GRE or GMAT is required for the MSN but may be waived due to the appropriate GPA or graduate-level courses. It is only required for the PMHNP certificate.
Graduates are eligible to take the respective certification exams upon graduation from the programs. Nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists typically work in hospitals, birthing centers, rehabilitation centers, schools, private practice, long-term care facilities, and government organizations.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In addition, the Nurse-Midwifery programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North Carolina.
What to Expect from the East Carolina University Online APRN Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the College of Nursing at East Carolina University must have an unencumbered RN license in the state of North Carolina or the approved state of study. Students whose primary language is not English must also provide proof of English language proficiency.
- MSN Requirements: Students must hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 undergraduate studies and 3.0 in the nursing major. The GRE or GMAT is required for the nurse practitioner specializations from within the previous five years, however, a waiver may be obtained with a GPA of 3.4 or higher or at least nine credits of graduate-level courses with a grade of “B” or higher. No GRE or GMAT is required for clinical nurse specialist applicants. Application materials must also include a statement of purpose and career goals and three letters of reference, as well as proof of completion of a statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. A personal interview will be required with a graduate faculty member.
- The following work experience is required:
- AG-CNS: at least two years of clinical experience
- N-CNS: at least two years of clinical experience in a neonatal unit
- NNP: at least two years of full-time nursing experience with critically ill neonates or infants within critical settings
- NM: at least one year of hospital nursing experience, preferably in labor and delivery
- PMHNP: at least one year of RN experience, with preference granted to applicants who have at least one year of psychiatric nursing clinical experience
- Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements: Students must hold a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution and submit a personal statement, two to three letters of reference (depending on the specialization), and proof of completion of a statistics course with a “C” or higher. As with the MSN, a personal interview is required. The GRE or GMAT are not required. Work experience follows the requirements above. NNS applicants must submit syllabi for review from graduate-level pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment courses. Nurse-Midwifery applicants must express a commitment to serving underserved populations. PMHNP applicants must have completed or are concurrently completing Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing, Clinical Pharmacology for APRNs, and Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice.
State Restrictions: While East Carolina University accepts students from most states, applicants outside of North Carolina should check with the College of Nursing to make sure they are eligible for the nursing programs. Students from the following states or territories may not enroll in the AG-CNS, N-CNS, or NNP programs: Washington DC, Kentucky, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, and Ohio. The Nurse-Midwifery program only accepts students from North Carolina and South Carolina. Only residents of North Carolina may enroll in the PMHNP programs due to a shortage of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners in North Carolina. Interested students should also contact the licensing board of their state of residency to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.
Study Plan: The full-time MSN curriculum plans for the AG-CNS, N-CNS, and NNP programs typically span two years and part-time encompasses three to three and one-half years. The full-time Nurse-Midwifery plan takes three years to complete and students must discuss a part-time plan with the administration. The PMHNP full-time plan takes three years while a part-time program is also available. All MSN specializations begin in the Fall except the AG-CNS specialization which begins in the Fall and Spring, and the Nurse-Midwifery program which begins in the Spring only.
The certificate programs are part-time and take 18 to 24 months depending on the specialization chosen. The length of the program may also be dependent upon completion of the required courses of Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physiology. All certificate specializations begin in the Fall, except the Nurse-Midwifery program which begins in the Fall and Spring.
Online nursing program coursework is delivered 100% online and clinicals are completed locally. Semesters are 15 weeks in length and summer sessions take place in two 5-week terms or one 11-week term. Depending on the specialization three to eight campus visits are required.
MSN Core Curriculum: The MSN degree includes the following core courses: Theory for the Practice of Advanced Nursing; Research for the Practice of Advanced Nursing; Influencing Health Care Quality, Safety, and Policy; Healthcare, Finance, and Economics; and Advanced Nursing Synthesis.
MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) Curriculum: The AG-CNS track comprises 43 credits plus the required clinical hours. The degree plan includes the core curriculum listed above plus the following courses: Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice; Concepts of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for Advanced Nursing Practice; Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice; and Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice. Clinical courses include Clinical Nurse Specialist Theory and Role Development; Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicums I-III; Clinical Practice for the CNS Across the Adult Lifespan; and an elective.
MSN Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (N-CNS) Curriculum: The N-CNS curriculum comprises 43 credits and the required clinical hours. The program includes the core curriculum listed above plus the following courses: Concepts of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for Nursing Practice; Developmental Physiology for Advanced Practice Nurses Across the Lifespan; Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan; Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan; Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research and Theory I-II; Clinical Nurse Specialist Theory and Rural Development; and Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicums I-III.
MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Curriculum: The NNP program comprises 42 credits plus the required clinical hours. The program includes the core curriculum listed above plus the following courses: Developmental Physiology for Advanced Practice Nurses Across the Lifespan; Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan; Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan; Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research and Theory I-III; and Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicums I-III.
MSN Nurse-Midwifery (NM) Curriculum: The NM program comprises 53 credits plus the required clinical hours. The program includes the core curriculum listed above plus the following courses: Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice; Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice; Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice; Introductory Nurse-Midwifery Professional Roles and Issues; Reproductive Physiology; Nurse-Midwifery Management: Well Women Care; Nurse-Midwifery Management: Antepartal Care; Nurse-Midwifery Management: Intrapartal Care; Nurse-Midwifery Management: Postpartal Care and Neonatal Care; Nurse-Midwifery Management: Integration Practicum; Integration of Nurse-Midwifery Professional Roles and Issues; and Nurse-Midwifery Management: Introduction to Primary Care for Well Women.
MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Curriculum: The PMHNP program comprises 47 credits plus the required clinical hours. The program includes the core curriculum listed above plus the following courses: Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice; Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice; Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice; Concepts of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for Advanced Nursing Practice; Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology in Advanced Nursing Practice; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role Development; Psychotherapeutic Interventions and Treatment of Couples, Families and Groups in Advanced Nursing Practice; Advanced Nursing Practice Practicum and Supervision With Couples, Families and Groups; Diagnosis, Disease Management and Psychotherapeutic Treatment of Adults and Older Adults in Advanced Nursing Practice; Advanced Nursing Practice Practicum and Supervision with Adults and Older Adults; Diagnosis, Disease Management and Psychotherapeutic Treatment in Children, Families and Special Populations; and Advanced Nursing Practice Practicum and Supervision and Children, Families and Special Populations.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s Certificates range from 21 to 41 credits depending on the specialization and previous education. Those who have not already completed Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan, Clinical Pharmacology, and Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice must include these in their curriculum plan. Nurse-midwifery certificate students who do not have labor and delivery experience must complete an independent study with the required clinical hours in labor and delivery.
Online Experience: East Carolina University utilizes both Canvas and Blackboard to deliver online courses. Students can expect to spend nine to 12 hours per course each week. Courses may include asynchronous and synchronous sessions, as well as assignments, tests, and class discussions. Online students have access to a student development and counseling center, smart classrooms, a student development center and counseling center, faculty office hours, help with clinical placement, an online bookstore and library, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: The AG-CNS, N-CNS, NNP, and NM programs all require three visits to the Greenville, NC campus, one each during clinicals. The PMHNP program requires eight visits for the MSN program and five visits for the certificate program. All other coursework is online with clinicals local to the student.
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Paying for the East Carolina University Online APRN Programs
East Carolina University online APRN programs accept non-residents, but offer North Carolina residents significantly reduced tuition. Estimated total tuition for each ECU online APRN program is listed in its respective table below. Note that there may be additional tuition added per credit hour for nursing courses, and that travel expenses for the on-campus visits are not included in tuition costs. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the College of Nursing through East Carolina University for cost clarifications and updates.
East Carolina University graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans. Nursing students are encouraged to inquire with their employers as to the possibility of a tuition reimbursement program. As well, students may seek outside grants and scholarships for funding.
East Carolina University offers online MSN and certificate programs with AGCNS, NCNS, NM, PMHNP, and NNP specializations that include 3-8 campus visits and local clinicals.
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
MSN – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Nurse-Midwifery
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology CNS
Post-Master's Certificate – Neonatal CNS
Post-Master's Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Nurse-Midwifery
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
College of Nursing, East Carolina University, Health Sciences Building
Greenville, North Carolina 27858
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall, Spring
No
3
43
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.4)
2.7 or higher
AL, AR, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
43
$289.55
$12,450.65
$1,020.05
$43,862.15
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall
No
3
43
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.4)
2.7 or higher
AL, AR, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
43
$289.55
$12,450.65
$1,020.05
$43,862.15
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
42
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (GRE or MAT)
2.7 or higher
DC, KY, MN, OH, OR, UT
Program Tuition
42
$289.55
$12,161.10
$1,020.05
$42,842.10
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
NM – Nurse-Midwife
Spring
No
3
53
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes, GRE Required
2.7 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
53
$289.55
$15,346.15
$1,020.05
$54,062.65
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
6
47
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (GRE or MAT)
2.7 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
47
$289.55
$13,608.85
$1,020.05
$47,942.35
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall
No
3
40
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
DC, KY, MN, OH, OR, UT
Program Tuition
40
$289.55
$11,582.00
$1,020.05
$40,802.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall
No
3
31
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
DC, KY, MN, OH, OR, UT
Program Tuition
31
$289.55
$8,976.05
$1,020.05
$31,621.55
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
30
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
DC, KY, MN, OR, UT
Program Tuition
30
$289.55
$8,686.50
$1,020.05
$30,601.50
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
NM – Nurse-Midwife
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
3
41
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
41
$289.55
$11,871.55
$1,020.05
$41,822.05
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
26
Not Listed
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (GRE or MAT Required)
2.7 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
26
$289.55
$7,528.30
$1,020.05
$26,521.30
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.