Mount Marty University Online NP Programs

What to Expect from Mount Marty University Online NP Programs

Admissions Requirements: Applicants to Mount Marty University’s online MSN and post-graduate certificate programs in FNP and PMHNP specializations must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited program.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Official transcripts from all attended institutions are required
• Possess a current, unencumbered RN license
• Have a minimum of one year (preferred two years) of professional RN practice experience
• Hold Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers
• Submit three letters of recommendation
• Provide a current resume and a personal essay
• Complete a criminal background check
• Participate in an interview if selected as part of the admission process

For those seeking post-graduate certificate programs in FNP or PMHNP, applicants must already have a master’s degree in nursing. Applications include a review of transcripts, coursework, clinical hours, and grades, with possible course waivers granted based on evaluations.

State Restrictions: Mount Marty University is an institutional member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and, through the South Dakota Board of Regents, is authorized to deliver online nursing education and related activities to students located in member states. While the university’s MSN and post-master’s certificate programs prepare students for national certification exams and meet educational requirements in many states, students should note that some states impose specific enrollment restrictions.

For example, enrollment is restricted for students residing in Alabama, Michigan, Nevada, and New York. In these cases, students may complete an attestation indicating their intent to become licensed and employed in a state where the program’s curriculum meets licensure requirements. International students are currently not eligible to enroll in these nursing programs.

Mount Marty University advises all prospective and current students, especially those studying or planning to study outside South Dakota, to consult both the university’s College of Nursing and their respective state Board of Nursing.

Study Plan: Mount Marty University’s online MSN programs in FNP and PMHNP, as well as their post-master’s certificate programs, are designed to support working professionals with a flexible, primarily online format. The programs generally take around two years to complete, though the length of the post-master’s certificate may vary depending on an individual gap analysis of prior education and clinical experience.

Students complete extensive clinical practicum hours locally to gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. The MSN-FNP program requires 780 clinical hours, while the MSN-PMHNP program requires 750 clinical hours. On-campus visits are held periodically to provide opportunities for skill development and interaction with faculty and peers.

MSN Curriculum: Mount Marty University offers MSN programs with specializations in FNP and PMHNP. Both programs consist of 50 credits and are designed to provide advanced knowledge and clinical skills to prepare students for advanced practice roles. The curriculum spans two years, starting with foundational courses such as advanced practice roles & leadership; advanced pharmacology across the lifespan; and advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan. Students then progress to courses focused on physical assessment, clinical inquiry, and specialized topics tailored to their chosen track.

• MSN FNP Curriculum: The FNP curriculum incorporates courses on legal, ethical, and political issues for advanced practice nurses, along with in-depth study and clinical practicums in caring for older adults, women and children, rural and vulnerable populations, and adults. The program culminates with a transition to the role of an APRN. A total of 780 clinical hours is required to ensure students gain robust hands-on experience.
• MSN PMHNP Curriculum: Similarly, the PMHNP curriculum begins with foundational courses, followed by focused study in neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders. Students participate in clinical practicums in psychotherapeutic modalities and provide care for pediatric, family, adult, and older adult populations. The curriculum also concludes with preparation for transition into the APRN role, requiring a total of 750 clinical hours.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: For nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing, Mount Marty University offers post-graduate certificate programs in both FNP and PMHNP specialties. These programs include a gap analysis to assess prior education and clinical experience, potentially granting course waivers to streamline completion. Graduates of these certificate programs are eligible to take national certification exams specific to their advanced practice specialty.

Coursework is primarily delivered online, with clinical practicums completed at approved sites convenient to students’ locations.

Online Experience: Courses for the nursing program are delivered asynchronously through Blackboard Online Learning Management System (LMS). Course content may include readings, assignments, case studies, research, projects, recorded lectures, multimedia components, chat rooms, blogs, social media interaction, and online discussion boards. Classes are broken up into weekly modules, and presentations are done online.

Writing help, tutoring, academic support, disability services, supplemental instruction, and professional preparation take place through the Center for Academic Excellence. Students also have access to an online library and bookstore, technical support, faculty office hours, academic advising, and career counseling. 

On-Site Requirements: Mount Marty University’s MSN and post-master’s certificate nursing programs are primarily delivered online, allowing students flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. However, clinical practicums must be completed in approved clinical settings close to the student’s residence. These practicums provide essential hands-on experience required for advanced nursing practice.

Beyond clinical practicums, there may be limited in-person requirements such as orientations or meetings. Students are encouraged to collaborate closely with their academic advisors to understand any specific on-site responsibilities.