Kent State University Online NP & CNS Programs
#16 Most Affordable NP School
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
The Kent State University (KSU) College of Nursing offers online master of science in nursing (MSN) and post-master’s certificate programs with three specializations: adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and women’s health nurse practitioner.
No campus visits are required for these 100 percent online programs; however, students do complete a clinical preceptorship at an approved site local to them.
KSU is a designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education through the National League for Nursing. Courses are designed by expert faculty with extensive practical experience. Class sizes are kept small, allowing for individualized attention and more personalized interaction. Tests and exams are proctored virtually and delivered through Blackboard Learn.
Adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialists (AG-CNSs) serve patients from young adults through adulthood and older patients. CNSs typically create care plans for their patients and groups of patients with unique or similar needs. Health promotion may include focusing on cost-effective health care and improved patient outcomes. Clinical nurse specialists may also lead teams from other disciplines and serve as mentors for less-experienced nurses to promote the delivery of high-quality nursing care.
Generally, CNS duties trend towards administrative and leadership roles as opposed to direct patient care, although this varies from position to position. Graduates are eligible to take the AG-CNS certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Women’s health nurse practitioners focus on direct patient care of women, generally during the years from early adolescence through late adulthood. According to the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), prepared at the master’s or doctoral level to provide holistic, client-centered primary care and specialized care for women, and is inclusive of all gender identities, from puberty through the adult lifespan. The role of women’s health NPs includes administering fertility evaluations, pregnancy testing, contraceptive care, breast cancer screening and evaluation, well-women exams, general health assessments, pap-smears, and other screenings.
In addition, WHNPs may address problems with menstruation and menopause, urinary issues and incontinence, sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, and general sexual health. WHNPs care for women before, during, and after pregnancy. Graduates are eligible to take the WHNP-BC certification exam through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners serve children and adults with mental health needs and disorders. PMHNPs may carry out individual, family, or group therapy or psychotherapy, prescribe psychotropic medications, and work in teams to collaborate and improve the mental health conditions of their patients.
Graduate-prepared clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners may serve patients in various locations such as private and public clinics, women’s health centers, birthing centers, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, emergency rooms, home health care situations, and government facilities.
Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Kent State University is located in Kent, Ohio.
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What to Expect from Kent State University Online Nursing Programs
Admission Requirements: All nursing applicants must have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher in previous coursework and hold an unencumbered RN license in their state of residence. Application materials include a resume or CV, an essay, three reference letters, official transcripts, and passing English language proficiency test scores as necessary.
- Program Specific Admission Requirements
- MSN: Hold a BSN degree from an accredited program and have completed undergraduate statistics with a grade of C or better. No GRE or GMAT required. The essay should be 2-3 pages in length.
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree or a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) from an accredited program. Applicants may submit syllabi for all courses that are to be considered for transfer, which will be determined through a gap analysis. In place of the essay, certificate applicants will submit a goal statement of no more than 250 words. Prerequisites include graduate-level pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment with a “B” or higher.
State Restrictions: Although Kent State University accepts students from most states into its online programs, nursing programs have more restrictions, as clinical hours and other factors may not meet each state’s requirements for licensure. Students should always check with the College of Nursing at KSU as well as with their state licensing board to determine eligibility to study and become certified in distance learning nursing programs.
For the AG-CNS, WHNP, and PMHNP programs, students from the following states may enroll: Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition, students from Minnesota and Texas may enroll in the WHNP programs.
Study Plan: The Kent State programs are offered both part-time and full-time and begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The MSN programs can be completed in two to 3.5 years, and the certificate programs can be completed in one to two years. Both part-time and full-time options are available, and students take courses in the fall, spring, or summer. Courses are completed 100 percent online, with clinical preceptorships fulfilled near the students.
MSN Curriculum: Core courses for the MSN degree include advanced health assessment; pathophysiology for the advanced practice registered nurse; pharmacology for the advanced practice registered nurse; methods of inquiry; health policy and advanced nursing practice; advanced nursing informatics; and theoretical basis for nursing practice.
- AG-CNS Specialty Courses: The AG-CNS track comprises 40 credits and requires completion of a specified number of clinical hours (300 to 600). Specialty courses include adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist I-III; clinical diagnostics for advanced practice nurses; and adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist practicum I-III.
- WHNP Specialty Courses: The WHNP track comprises 42 credits and requires completion of a specified number of clinical hours (300 to 600). Courses include women’s health nurse practitioner I-IV; women’s health nurse practitioner practicum I-IV; and clinical diagnostics for advanced practice nurses.
- PMHNP Specialty Courses: The PMHNP track comprises 46 credits and requires completion of a specified number of clinical hours (300 to 600). Courses include advanced mental health assessment and psychopathology; neurobiology and psychopharmacology of major psychiatric disorders; individual psychotherapy; family and group psychotherapy; individual, organization, and community consultation; practicum I: individual therapy; practicum II: medication management and individual therapy; practicum III: family and group therapy; and practicum IV: nurse practitioner role.
AG-CNS Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The AG-CNS post-master’s certificate comprises 28 credits. Courses include clinical diagnostics for advanced practice nurses; advanced health assessment; pathophysiology for the advanced practice registered nurse; pharmacology for the advanced practice registered nurse; adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist I-III; and adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist practicum I-III.
WHNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The WHNP post-master’s certificate comprises 30 credits. Courses include advanced health assessment; pathophysiology for the advanced practice registered nurse; pharmacology for the advanced practice registered nurse; women’s health nurse practitioner I-IV; women’s health nurse practitioner practicum I-IV; and clinical diagnostics for advanced practice nurses.
PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The PMHNP post-master’s certificate is made up of 34 credits. Courses include advanced health assessment; pathophysiology for the advanced practice registered nurse; pharmacology for the advanced practice registered nurse; advanced mental health assessment and psychopathology; neurobiology and psychopharmacology of major psychiatric disorders; individual psychotherapy; family and group psychotherapy; individual, organization, and community consultation; practicum I: individual therapy; practicum II: medication management and individual therapy; practicum III: family and group therapy; and practicum IV: nurse practitioner role.
Online Experience: Kent State University delivers courses through Blackboard Learn. Most of the courses in the online WHNP and PMHNP programs are synchronous, which means that there will be scheduled course times with other outside work. Most of the courses in the AG-CNS programs are asynchronous and do not require specific login times. Those that are synchronous will have published synchronous schedules.
Developed by expert faculty, the small class sizes and focused, individualized attention from experienced nurse educators make this program very attractive as an online option. Learning activities are created specifically for the online environment to be innovative and engaging. Students have access to the same student services as campus students, as well as 24/7 technical support, virtually proctored exams, and the FlashLine centralized portal system.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the graduate nursing programs outlined here offer 100 percent online coursework. Clinicals must be completed at approved locations near the student. Students are always welcome to visit the Kent, Ohio campus and to participate in graduation on campus. Students can also take a virtual tour of the campus online.
Paying for Kent State University Online Nursing Programs
Kent State University charges Ohio residents slightly less than non-residents for its online MSN and post-master’s certificate programs. There is a distance learning fee per credit, and there may be other fees included with tuition costs. For a full tuition report, please see the tables below, and for cost clarifications and updates, please contact the KSU admissions department.
Kent State University graduate nursing students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans through the FAFSA. In addition, many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs. KSU, the College of Nursing, and other healthcare organizations may also offer scholarships to graduate nursing students. Graduate nursing students may also seek outside resources for scholarships and grants. Payment plans are available through Kent State University.
Kent State University offers MSN and certificate programs with AGCNS, WHNP, and PMHNP specializations that are fully online with local clinicals, offer small class sizes, and hail from a designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.Kent State University offers MSN and certificate programs with AGCNS, WHNP, and PMHNP specializations that are fully online with local clinicals, offer small class sizes, and hail from a designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Henderson Hall, Box 5191
Kent, Ohio 44242
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall, Spring
Yes
0
19
525
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
19
$612.62
$11,639.78
$622.62
$11,829.78
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall, Spring
Yes
0
40
525
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
40
$612.62
$24,504.80
$622.62
$24,904.80
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
2 – Fall, Spring
Yes
0
46
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
46
$612.62
$28,180.52
$622.62
$28,640.52
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
Yes
0
42
675
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
42
$612.62
$25,730.04
$622.62
$26,150.04
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
Yes
0
25
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
25
$612.62
$15,315.50
$622.62
$15,565.50
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
Yes
0
21
675
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
21
$612.62
$12,865.02
$622.62
$13,075.02
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.