Missouri Baptist University Online NP Programs
“Our program at Missouri Baptist University is set up well for the working RN, but establishing strong communication with faculty, preceptors, and peers will enhance the learning experience and provide valuable support.”
Tara Hommelson, DNP, Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing, Missouri Baptist University
Missouri Baptist University (MBU), located in Saint Louis, Missouri, offers fully online master of science in nursing (MSN) programs designed for working nursing professionals. The university provides flexible MSN pathways with concentrations in family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), helping nurses advance their leadership and clinical expertise in health care.
Designed for working nursing professionals, these flexible online programs combine comprehensive coursework with hands-on clinical experiences completed at students’ preferred locations, allowing degree completion in as few as two years. Both programs require no GRE or GMAT for admission and offer rolling acceptance with no waitlist once admitted.
The MSN-FNP program prepares students to deliver comprehensive primary care services across the lifespan and equips them to sit for national FNP certification exams. Expanding its commitment to nursing education, Missouri Baptist University’s newly launched MSN-PMHNP concentration trains nurses to meet the specialized mental health needs of patients through advanced psychiatric care. This program prepares graduates for the ANCC PMHNP-BC certification exam. Full-time students can complete these programs in as few as six semesters.
MBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its nursing programs hold accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
Meet the Expert: Tara Hommelson, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CNE
Dr. Tara Hommelson currently serves as the associate dean of graduate nursing at Missouri Baptist University, overseeing the family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse executive leadership tracks. She has worked as a registered nurse since 2008 and her nursing background includes pediatric medical-surgical, pediatric hematology and oncology, and pediatric research. Additionally, she is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and has worked with adolescent medicine and pediatric plastic surgery patients in this capacity.
Dr. Hommelson earned her BSN in 2008 from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, her MSN from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2013, and her DNP from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2022. Dr. Hommelson was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in 2008. In 2013, she was awarded the Shirley A. Martin Distinguished Nurse Award, and in 2022, she got the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty.
Dr. Hommelson’s article, “Mindfulness Meditation to Decrease Stress in Pediatric Nurses” was published in Missouri Nurse and earned a spot as the featured article on the front cover of the Summer 2022 edition. She is a member of the National Association for Nurse Practitioner Faculty and the Coalition for Nurse Well-Being.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Missouri?
Dr. Hommelson: I wish the public understood that accredited online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Missouri uphold the same rigorous standards as traditional in-person programs. These programs are designed to provide high-quality education, combining flexible online coursework with essential in-person clinical training. Online NP programs are not “easier” or less demanding; they require a significant commitment to self-discipline, critical thinking, and hands-on clinical experiences to ensure graduates are fully prepared for advanced practice.
Our MSN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) and follows their rigorous standards to ensure excellence in nursing education. This accreditation signifies that our curriculum meets high-quality benchmarks for preparing safe, competent, and ethical nurse practitioners.
Additionally, several of our courses have gone through the Quality Matters (QM) certified review process. QM adds even more value to a program by ensuring that courses meet the highest standards for online education. QM certification signifies that the program follows evidence-based best practices in course design, engagement, and student support, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes. I wish students knew to look for programs that follow the QM rubric, as this leads to a well-structured, interactive, and high-quality online education experience!
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Hommelson: For students considering an online NP program, I encourage them to be proactive, organized, and fully engaged in their learning. Time management is critical, as balancing coursework, clinical hours, and personal responsibilities can be challenging. Our program at Missouri Baptist University is set up well for the working RN, but establishing strong communication with faculty, preceptors, and peers will enhance the learning experience and provide valuable support.
One of the greatest strengths of our MSN FNP program at MBU is the presence of supportive and caring faculty who are deeply invested in student success. In our program, faculty members serve not only as educators but also as mentors and advocates. They provide guidance throughout coursework, help students navigate clinical placements, and offer encouragement during challenging times. I encourage students to take advantage of this support by actively seeking feedback, asking questions, and building relationships with faculty who are committed to their growth.
What to Expect from Missouri Baptist University Online NP Programs
Admission Requirements: Admission to Missouri Baptist University’s online MSN programs in FNP or PMHNP is open to registered nurses who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from a college or university approved by a state Board of Nursing
- Possess a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the BSN program
- Submit a completed MSN application
GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission. Applicants are encouraged to contact the program advisor to ensure all requirements are met. Once admitted, there is no waitlist, and students can begin clinical rotations at locations convenient to them.
State Restrictions: Out-of-state and international applicants should contact MBU directly to verify admission eligibility and application requirements. No information regarding such applicant backgrounds is currently available on the MBU website.
Study Plan: Missouri Baptist University’s online MSN programs in FNP and PMHNP are designed for working nurses seeking efficient and flexible paths to advanced practice roles. Both programs can be completed in as few as six semesters, which is approximately two years of full-time study, allowing students to balance academic progress with professional commitments.
The programs offer 100 percent online coursework and lab experiences that fit busy schedules. Clinicals are completed at approved sites convenient to the student’s location. Students engage in a curriculum that combines theory, evidence-based practice, and real-world clinical experiences. MBU’s faith-based education integrates compassionate care principles within the clinical and academic framework, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations.
MSN Curriculum: Missouri Baptist University’s online MSN programs in family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) concentrations offer comprehensive curricula designed to prepare students for advanced practice roles through a combination of theory, clinical training, and leadership development.
- The MSN-FNP curriculum consists of 46 credits. Courses include advanced evidence-based practice methods; advanced pathophysiology; advanced assessment with lab; integrated clinical competencies for FNPs; advanced pharmacology; primary care of adults and geriatrics I and II; FNP practicum I, II, and III; primary care of pediatrics and women’s health; theoretical foundations of nursing; organization and systems leadership; improving population health through policy and advocacy; and interprofessional collaboration and communication.
- The MSN-PMHNP curriculum comprises 49 credits covering courses such as psychopathology; psychopharmacology and mental health assessment; individual, family, and group psychotherapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan I and II; PMHNP practicum I, II, and III; advanced evidence-based practice methods; advanced pathophysiology; advanced assessment with lab; advanced pharmacology; theoretical foundations of nursing; organization and systems leadership; improving population health through policy and advocacy; and interprofessional collaboration and communication.
Online Experience: Missouri Baptist University’s MSN-FNP and MSN-PMHNP programs feature a fully online learning delivery model. This model enables working nurses to more easily integrate concurrent additional education into their schedules, thereby broadening the pool of nursing professionals who will pursue such education and ultimately advance their careers.
On-Site Requirements: While coursework is fully online, clinical practicum experiences must be completed onsite at locations approved by Missouri Baptist University. Students coordinate these clinical rotations at sites convenient to their residence or workplace, offering practical, hands-on training in real-world healthcare settings. This approach enables students to gain essential direct patient care experience while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Paying for Missouri Baptist University Online NP Programs
The tuition for Missouri Baptist University’s online MSN-FNP and MSN-PMHNP programs is listed in the tables below. Students entering the healthcare industry should recognize that the costs they will incur to complete their training and obtain licensure are often substantial.
To apply for financial aid from MBU, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). MBU offers students a variety of financial assistance customized to each student’s unique circumstances and needs.
Aid packages may include federal financial assistance, merit-based awards that must not be paid back, work-study funding, and assistance set aside for particular groups like veterans. Prospective students should contact the MBU Office of Student Financial Services for full tuition information and to answer any questions they may still have after reviewing online information.
Missouri Baptist University offers online MSN nurse practitioner programs with coursework that can be completed online, as well as a preceptorship that can be completed at an approved facility.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
One College Park Drive
St Louis, Missouri 63141
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Spring
Yes
0
46
750
NLN CNEA – National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CA, LA, MA, NY, OR, TN, UT, WA
Program Tuition
46
$745.00
$34,270.00
$745.00
$34,270.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Autumn
Yes
0
49
750
NLN CNEA – National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.0 or higher
AL, CA, LA, MA, ND, OR, NY, TN, UT, WA
Program Tuition
49
$777.00
$38,073.00
$777.00
$38,073.00
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.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].