Middle Tennessee State University Online Nursing Programs
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) with family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) concentrations. An online PMHNP graduate certificate is also offered. These flexible online graduate nursing programs are tailored for nurses aiming to advance their careers as FNPs or PMHNPs. Both the MSN concentrations and the PMHNP graduate certificate provide comprehensive education with an emphasis on evidence-based practice.
Coursework is 100 percent online, and clinical experiences (preceptorships) are completed at approved facilities within Tennessee. Applicants must be residents of Tennessee to participate in the programs. No campus visits are required. Accepted nurses must earn a grade of B or higher in all courses to graduate.
The MSN FNP concentration equips students to provide holistic primary care, addressing chronic and acute health conditions for families and individuals. Graduates of the MSN FNP program are prepared to take national certification exams and pursue careers in a variety of healthcare environments, including clinics, hospitals, community centers, and schools. The MSN PMHNP concentration prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders through therapy and medication management. Graduates of the MSN PMHNP program are equipped to work in settings such as correctional facilities, mental health clinics, schools, and outpatient centers. For nurses with an MSN seeking specialization, MTSU offers a post-master’s certificate in PMHNP.
Program outcomes include the application of nursing information through evidence-based practice, applying learned knowledge to advanced nursing roles, applying research to practice, developing collaborative relationships within the medical community and the community at large, maintaining ethical, legal, and professional standards in health care, and improving patient quality of care.
FNP and PMHNP graduates may work in a variety of settings, including private practice, primary care clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, government facilities, health maintenance organizations, and community centers. PMHNP graduates may also work in counseling centers, correctional facilities, and drug rehabilitation programs. Upon completion of the programs, graduates will be eligible to take the FNP or PMHNP certification exams through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Middle Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MSN and post-master’s certificate programs are accredited by both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, TN.
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What to Expect from Middle Tennessee State University Online Nursing Programs
Admission Requirements: Admission to the online MSN programs and the post-master’s certificate in PMHNP at Middle Tennessee State University requires applicants to be residents of Tennessee and hold a current, unencumbered RN license in the state.
For both MSN concentrations, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course is also required. Conditional admission may be considered for a 2.9 overall BSN GPA. Application requirements include submitting official transcripts from all universities attended, a current resume or CV, and a copy of the RN license. International applicants may need to submit TOEFL scores.
For the PMHNP graduate certificate, candidates must have an MSN from an accredited program in addition to meeting the requirements above. The admissions committee reviews previous coursework to ensure all APRN core requirements have been completed.
State Restrictions: Middle Tennessee State University accepts applicants to the online FNP and PMHNP programs only from residents of Tennessee. Applicants must hold residency in the state to be eligible for admission or enrollment in these programs.
Study Plan: Both the FNP and PMHNP MSN concentrations at Middle Tennessee State University are structured to provide flexibility. Students can choose from four-semester or five-semester program plans, allowing them to balance coursework with professional responsibilities. Application deadlines are October 1 for spring admission and February 1 for fall admission.
All coursework is delivered online, with clinical rotations arranged at approved preceptorship sites within Tennessee. Each MSN concentration consists of 42 credits and requires the completion of 630 direct patient care clinical hours. The curriculum combines core nursing courses, advanced practice courses, and specialty clinical experiences.
For those pursuing the Graduate Certificate in PMHNP, the program includes 20 credits of graduate-level coursework and a minimum of 630 clinical hours. The curriculum is built upon previous advanced practice education. Students should expect to complete clinical hours under the supervision of experienced mental health providers in their local area.
MSN Curriculum: The MSN – FNP and PMHNP programs comprise 42 credits plus at least 630 clinical hours. Courses for both concentrations include theory and evidence-based practice; health promotion and disease prevention across the life span; ethics, healthcare policy, and economics; np role and leadership in health care; advanced health assessment; advanced pathophysiology; and advanced pharmacology.
Family nurse practitioner concentration students also take diversity and caring for special populations; family healthcare diagnosis and management I-II; and family healthcare diagnosis and management intensive.
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner students also take psychopharmacology; psychiatric mental health diagnosis and management I-II; and psychiatric-mental health diagnosis and management practicum.
Graduate PMHNP Curriculum: The graduate certificate requires 20 credits focused on psychiatric mental health nursing for advanced practice nurses. The curriculum builds on previous APRN education and includes courses such as psychopharmacology; psychiatric mental health diagnosis and management I-II; and psychiatric-mental health diagnosis and management practicum.
Online Experience: MTSU uses the Desire2Learn (D2L) Learning Management System (LMS). Although no campus visits are required, there may be optional meetings, and exams may be proctored. Upon login to D2L, a system check will tell the student if everything is installed to run the LMS. Courses are delivered asynchronously with videos, audio recordings, images, assignments, projects, discussion boards, and assessments. Online students have access to the MTSU Walker Library, a library help site, online tutoring through Smarthinking, technical support, academic advising, disability services, online counseling, an online writing center, health services, career development services, an online bookstore, and student support services.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online FNP and PMHNP programs. Students complete clinicals in Tennessee, and all coursework is online. Students may visit the campus at any time and participate in graduation ceremonies on campus.
Paying for Middle Tennessee State University Online Nursing Programs
Middle Tennessee State University’s online nurse practitioner programs are designed for Tennessee residents, so students from out of state cannot participate in this program. Tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective students should contact the MTSU School of Nursing for cost updates and clarifications.
Middle Tennessee State University offers federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans according to the FAFSA. Online MSN students may also check with their employers about eligibility for a tuition reimbursement program. Other options for funding may exist outside MTSU and federal agencies, including scholarships and grants through community and other organizations.
MTSU offers online MSN and Post-Master's Certificate NP programs to residents of Tennessee with no campus visits, local practicums, and outcomes that include developing collaborative relationships with patients and peers, practicing with evidence-based practice, and maintaining ethical, legal, and professional nursing standards.
Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
Nursing MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Nursing MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
Yes
0
20
630
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Program Tuition
20
$691.00
$13,820.00
N/A
N/A
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
42
630
ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
42
$691.00
$29,022.00
N/A
N/A
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
Yes
0
42
630
ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 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, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI
Program Tuition
42
$691.00
$29,022.00
N/A
N/A
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.