Morningside University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for Morningside University’s Nylen School of Nursing MSN and post-master’s certificate programs are designed to ensure that candidates are academically prepared and licensed.

For the MSN program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Conditional acceptance may be granted if the GPA is below 3.0. Applicants must possess a valid RN license in Iowa or a state participating in the nurse licensure compact. Those with a non-compact license should contact the dean of nursing for state approval status.

Other required application materials include a completed NursingCAS or Morningside University graduate nursing application, official academic transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate programs, two professional or academic letters of recommendation, a professional goal essay outlining the candidate’s area of interest and how graduate education will support their goals, a resume or curriculum vitae, and current BCLS certification.

For post-master’s certificate programs, applicants must have completed master of science degree in nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0, valid RN licensure in Iowa or a compact state, and submit similar application materials as MSN applicants.

State Restrictions: The Nylen School of Nursing holds full approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing and meets state licensure requirements for RN and APRN licensure in a majority of states. However, some states have additional practicum or education requirements that may prevent resident students from enrolling in certain programs. Students residing outside Iowa should verify that their state approves Morningside University’s nursing programs for licensure. Students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Nursing office for state-specific licensure and authorization guidance.

Study Plan: The university offers flexible study plans for its online NP programs to suit the needs of working nurses. Programs are designed for completion in two years, typically spanning four to six semesters. Both full-time and part-time options are available. The full-time track usually takes four semesters, while part-time students may take up to six semesters or more. Each program includes two on-site residencies for skills practice and professional development.

The MSN FNP track comprises 50 credits and includes 750 clinical hours, and the AGPCNP and AGACNP tracks require 49 credits and include 750 clinical hours each. The FNP post-master’s certificate program requires 36 credits and includes 750 clinical hours, while the AGPCNP and AGACNP certificates comprise 35 credits and 750 clinical hours each. Programs have rolling admissions, allowing students to start at multiple points throughout the year.

MSN Curriculum: The curriculum for MSN programs begins with core courses that provide a foundational knowledge base common to all three NP concentrations. These include health care policy & advocacy for individuals & populations; quality, safety, informatics within health care systems; advanced pathophysiology; advanced role development; advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment; advanced practice skills; statistics for advanced practice nursing; education in practice; evidence-based research; health promotion & disease prevention; role transition & certification preparation; and an evidence-based capstone.

Each MSN concentration builds on the core curriculum with specialty-specific courses.

• FNP Specialty Courses: adult primary care I and II; FNP clinical practicum I, II, and III; and pediatric primary care I and II.
• AGPCNP Specialty Courses: adult primary care I and II; AGNP clinical practicum I, II, and III; and complex elderly care.
• AGACNP Specialty Courses: adult gerontology in acute care I and II; AGACNP clinical practicum I, II, and III; and adult gerontology in complex health.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The post-master’s programs include core advanced nursing courses along with specialty courses. Core courses include advanced pathophysiology – direct patient care; advanced pharmacology – direct patient care; advanced health assessment – direct patient care; advanced practice skills; advanced role development; health promotion & disease prevention; role transition & certification prep; and an evidence-based capstone. The specialty courses for post-master’s certificates align with MSN specialties.

Online Experience: Most coursework at the Nylen School of Nursing is delivered through online platforms. This format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. The programs include some in-person components, such as on-site residencies and skills days.

Courses are mainly delivered asynchronously, with any synchronous sessions scheduled in advance. Resources may include recorded lectures, readings, assignments, assessments, discussion forums, video conferencing, and chat rooms.

On-Site Requirements: The programs at the Nylen School of Nursing include essential on-site requirements to ensure students gain critical hands-on skills. All NP tracks include two on-site residencies designed for skills practice, simulation, and clinical preparation. These residencies generally consist of a three-day advanced practice skills lab and a one-day capstone experience, and require travel to the Sioux City, Iowa campus. On-site residencies complement online theory and local clinical practicums, enabling students to apply their learning in simulation environments under the guidance of faculty supervision.