Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Online Nursing Programs

What to Expect from Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Online Nursing Programs

Admission Requirements: The MSN and BSN-to-DNP (MSN/DNP dual degree) programs at MUSC share a common admissions structure for post-baccalaureate prepared nurses. Applicants must have a BSN from a nationally accredited program, maintain a preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing courses, hold an unencumbered and active RN license in the state where practicums will be conducted, and have completed undergraduate coursework in statistics.

Applicants to these programs must also submit the NursingCAS application, the MUSC application, official transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, an updated resume, and any program-specific supplemental materials sent after application submission. Official immunization records are required upon admission, and TOEFL scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English.

The ACPNP specialization has an additional requirement in both the MSN and DNP/MSN pathways. Applicants must have at least one year of experience gained within the past five years in a pediatric intensive care unit or a comparable high-acuity pediatric clinical setting.

Applicants to the post-graduate PMHNP certificate must hold a BSN as well as an MSN or DNP from nationally accredited programs, maintain an unencumbered and active APRN license in the state where practicums will be conducted, maintain a preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing courses, and provide evidence of national certification as a nurse practitioner in acute or primary care or as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric mental health nursing. Applicants must also have completed pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment courses for the lifespan.

For the PMHNP certificate, acute care or primary care nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric mental health nursing may apply, while CRNAs and non-psychiatric mental health CNSs are not eligible. The application also requires NursingCAS and MUSC applications, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a personal essay, an updated resume, supplemental materials, immunization records, and TOEFL scores when applicable. GRE scores are not required for this program.

State Restrictions: The Medical University of South Carolina accepts students from most states and is an NC-SARA participant. However, the program does not accept students from Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon, or Washington at this time. Interested students from eligible states should contact the MUSC School of Nursing to verify eligibility. Additionally, prospective students should contact the licensing board of their specific state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure. Finally, MUSC cannot admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have a non-immigrant visa that allows study in the U.S.

Study Plan: The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Nursing offers a flexible study plan designed to accommodate both part-time and full-time students pursuing advanced nursing roles. The 76-credit BSN-to-DNP dual-degree program can be completed in as little as three years full-time or four years part-time, while the 60-credit MSN program typically requires two to three years, depending on course sequence and student pace.

Coursework is delivered primarily online, while select courses require brief, on-campus learning intensives. Throughout their programs, students participate in multiple campus immersions, engaging in hands-on clinical experiences. Clinical practical training is arranged locally so students can complete required preceptorships in their own communities under the guidance of expert faculty members and approved preceptors.

For the post-master’s certificate in PMHNP, the program is designed for working APRNs and may be completed on a flexible, part-time schedule to accommodate professional responsibilities. This certificate consists of 23 credits and is designed to be completed in four semesters.

BSN-to-DNP Curriculum: The BSN-to-DNP dual-degree program at MUSC comprises 76 credits. The academic plan covers foundational advanced practice competencies through courses such as advanced pathophysiology; applied epidemiology and biostatistics; advanced clinical assessment and reasoning; advanced pharmacotherapeutics; informatics in health care delivery; evidence-based practice, quality, and safety; advanced health policy and advocacy; practice inquiry and IRB; organizational theory and health care systems; applied health care economics and finance; and frameworks for leadership.

Core clinical coursework consists of advanced care management I-III, role practicum, and two sequential residency courses. The clinical courses are specific to the specialization.

MSN Curriculum: The 100 percent online master of science in nursing (MSN) program prepares graduates for advanced practice roles in five specializations: FNP, AGNP, ACPNP, PNP, and PMHNP. Students complete a curriculum that mirrors DNP foundational coursework but with a focused graduate plan of study, typically comprising 59 to 60 credits.

Required courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced clinical assessment and reasoning; advanced pharmacotherapeutics; informatics in healthcare delivery; and core leadership and policy courses. Specialty-specific courses and supervised clinical training allow students to master clinical care within their population focus. Select in-person intensives and simulation experiences are also required.

Post-Master’s Certificate in PMHNP: For APRNs and clinical nurse specialists seeking board certification as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, MUSC’s post-master’s certificate program comprises 23 credits. Core subjects include neuroscience for advanced APRNs; neuroscience of psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacology; and a three-semester sequence of advanced care management in psychiatric-mental health. Students complete supervised clinical hours at approved sites, gaining experience in assessment, therapy, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based psychiatric care across the lifespan.

Online Experience: The Medical University of South Carolina uses Blackboard Open as its online Learning Management System (LMS). The MSN program is offered online, the DNP/MSN dual degree uses a hybrid format with mostly online coursework, and the PMHNP certificate is delivered online with flexible coursework for advanced practice nurses. MUSC uses the Panopto video content management system to capture lectures. The College of Nursing faculty and academic advisors offer office hours and meetings through videoconferencing, email, and phone. The Technology Help Desk offers technical support Monday through Friday. Other student services include admissions counseling, online library and bookstore services, and career counseling.

On-Site Requirements: Although these programs use online delivery, some in-person components are still required. The MSN program includes a few courses that require a visit to campus, and the DNP/MSN dual degree includes focused on-campus intensives. The PMHNP certificate also includes in-person clinical experiences at approved sites, and all three pathways include clinical learning in direct patient care settings.