La Salle University Online NP Programs

What to Expect from La Salle University Online NP Programs

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for La Salle University’s online MSN programs, applicants must possess a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered, provided they submit MAT/GRE scores demonstrating performance above the 50th percentile in verbal and quantitative skills. Applicants must also have an unencumbered RN license and prove they have at least one year of relevant clinical experience as a registered nurse before beginning the required clinical experiences.

Applicants must submit an online application, a current professional resume, one letter of reference from a supervisor or an academic reference, transcripts from the college or university where the applicant earned a bachelor’s degree, a copy of their RN license, and a personal statement that describes professional values, educational goals and the reasoning for the chosen track option. The program does not ask for GRE or GMAT scores, but, as noted above, may request scores for those who do not meet the required GPA threshold. La Salle University does not charge an application fee for online programs.

State Restrictions: La Salle University accepts applicants from outside Pennsylvania and abroad. Applicants should always check with La Salle University and the respective state, territory, or nation where they plan to ultimately practice to determine what training and certification or licensure requirements must be met in order to practice.

International students must submit an application, English language translations of all official transcripts and secondary school reports from all high schools attended, copies of all qualifying exams taken throughout secondary school, a completed school counselor recommendation and school report form found within the common application, an additional academic letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or school administrator, a personal essay or statement, and proof of English proficiency. Given the complexity of the application process common for international students, such applicants are strongly recommended to consult with personnel within La Salle University’s International Student Admissions section.

Study Plan: La Salle University’s online NP programs are structured to provide maximum flexibility for both part-time and full-time students, allowing working nurses to advance their careers while balancing professional and personal commitments. Courses are offered in seven-week or full-semester formats, with six start dates throughout the year, including January, March, May, July, August, and October. Program completion time typically ranges from two to three years, depending on the student’s schedule and course load.

All didactic coursework is delivered fully online and asynchronously. Clinical placement is an integral part of every track. The university assists students in securing clinical sites but also encourages them to network and identify potential preceptors in their own communities. Each NP specialty has specific clinical hour requirements: the AGPCNP program requires 512 clinical hours, while the FNP and PMHNP programs each require 692 hours. These hands-on experiences can generally be completed in the student’s own state, offering maximum flexibility for online learners.

MSN Curriculum: The AGPCNP, FNP, and PMHNP MSN programs all require completing a common set of courses. These include core courses, advanced core courses, concentration/theory courses, and field/clinical courses. All degree tracks also feature elective courses.

The core and APRN core coursework requirements are the same for all programs. Core courses include nursing research for evidence-based practice; advanced nursing roles in healthcare; and advanced nursing practice for population-based care. APRN core coursework consists of family system concepts for primary care; advanced health assessment; advanced pharmacology; and advanced pathophysiology. In addition to these core requirements, students in the PMHNP track also complete an advanced core course in psychopharmacology.

The programs differ in the total number of credits required for concentration and field study/clinical courses, and the particular focus of the content is dictated by which track students choose.

• AGPCNP MSN Specialization Courses: The AGPCNP program curriculum comprises 13 courses totaling 41 credits. Students complete six credits of concentration/theory courses and eight credits of field study/clinical courses. The clinical coursework requirement necessitates the completion of 512 clinical hours. Courses include adult-gerontology primary care I-II; field study: adult-gerontology primary care I; and field study in primary care of adults II.
• FNP MSN Specialization Courses: The FNP program curriculum comprises 16 courses totaling 45 credits. Students complete ten credits of concentration/theory courses and 11 credits of field study/clinical courses. The clinical coursework requirement necessitates the completion of 692 clinical hours. Courses include adult-gerontology primary care I-II; primary care of women; primary care of children; field study: adult-gerontology primary care I; field study: adult gerontology primary care II for the FNP student; field study in primary care of women; and FNP field study II.
• PMHNP MSN Specialization Courses: The PMHNP program curriculum comprises 15 courses totaling 46 credits. Students complete eight credits of concentration/theory courses and 11 credits of field study/clinical courses. The clinical coursework requirement necessitates the completion of 692 clinical hours. Courses include psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role 1-3; and field study: psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role 1-3.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The post-master’s certificate programs at La Salle University in adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), family nurse practitioner (FNP), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) are designed for nurses who already hold a master of science in nursing degree. These programs focus on advanced core, concentration/theory, and field study/clinical coursework, omitting the core MSN courses and elective requirements.

The AGPCNP post-master’s program is made up of 26 credits, and this track requires completion of 512 clinical hours. The FNP post-master’s certificate consists of 33 credits, and students in this track complete a total of 692 clinical hours. The PMHNP post-master’s certificate curriculum comprises 34 credits, and this track requires 692 clinical hours.

Online Experience: La Salle University offers its MSN and post-master’s degree programs using an online learning system designed to accommodate the needs of busy nursing professionals. This learning delivery model helps students integrate new knowledge and skills more easily into their current work compared to programs that require students to attend a strictly on-campus program.

On-Site Requirements: Both MSN and post-master’s programs feature a clinical training experience that requires students to complete on-site learning at their clinical placement site. Out-of-state students should contact La Salle University to clearly understand the process for securing a local clinical experience that will fulfill this aspect of the degree program requirements.