Norwich University Online NP Programs

What to Expect from the Norwich University Online NP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the nursing programs at Norwich University must have an unrestricted RN license in their state of residence. International students are accepted into the program, however, if they do not hold an RN license in the United States they must pass the English and nursing sections of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) exam. In addition, proof of English language proficiency must be provided through the appropriate TOEFL or IELTS score, or the degree must have been earned at an institution in which the primary language was English.

• MSN Requirements: Hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from a NLNAC, CCNE, or equivalent foreign degree evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The GRE or GMAT is not required. Prerequisites include undergraduate statistics and research. Application materials include an application, RN license, practicum location, practicum contact information, official transcripts, a letter of intent, and one letter of recommendation.
• Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements: Hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE-accredited program. Application materials include the application, a letter of intent, official transcripts, and one letter of recommendation.

State Restrictions: While Norwich University accepts students from most states, applicants outside of Vermont should check with the School of Nursing to make sure they are eligible for the nursing programs. Licensure and certification requirements are sufficient for most states. Norwich University has not been able to determine whether the NP programs meet the standards for licensure in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. It is the responsibility of the student to verify eligibility with their state licensing board to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.

Study Plan: Cohorts for the MSN move through the program together taking one course at a time. Norwich offers four start dates per year and keeps classes to a maximum of 15 students per class. The MSN program can be completed in two to 2.5 years and the certificate program in 18 months.

MSN Core Curriculum: The MSN degree includes the following core courses for all specializations: Advanced Physical Assessment; Epidemiology and Population Health; Healthcare Systems, Nursing Leadership and Advanced Nursing Role; Health Policy, Advocacy and Economics in Healthcare; Quality Improvement and Patient Safety; Informatics and Healthcare Technologies; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Advanced Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice.

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Curriculum: The FNP track comprises 45 credits plus 660 clinical hours. In addition to the core curriculum above FNP students take Advanced Pharmacology – Population Focus: Family; Family Nurse Practitioner I-II (Adult and Geriatric); Family Nurse Practitioner III-IV (Women and Children); and Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical I-IV.

MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Curriculum: The AGACNP curriculum comprises 45 credits plus 660 clinical hours. In addition to the core curriculum students take Advanced Pharmacology – Population Focus: Adult and Geriatric; Adult Geriatric Acute Care I-IV; and Adult Geriatric Acute Care Clinical I-IV.

MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Curriculum: The PMHNP program comprises 45 credits plus 660 clinical hours. The program includes the core curriculum plus the following courses: Advanced Pharmacology – Population Focus: Mental Health; Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I-IV; and Psychiatric and Mental Health Clinical I-IV.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The PMHNP, FNP, and AGACNP certificate programs comprise 18 credits each plus 660 clinical hours. The required curriculum follows the specialty courses for the MSN programs.

Online Experience: Norwich University offers the use of an immense virtual library with a dedicated distance learning librarian and reference librarians whom students can contact by chat, phone, or email. In addition, students collaborate with faculty and peers through discussion boards and assignments and are supported throughout by the student services advisors and technical support team. The online learning platform allows students to access lessons and assignments, participate in class discussions, reply to faculty posts, check grades, and upload completed assignments. Faculty members also call all students before each course begins to establish a connection and answer any questions that might come up.

On-Site Requirements: The MSN program requires a one-week capstone residency at the campus in Northfield, Vermont. During the week students meet faculty and peers, participate in special activities and professional development sessions, network, and listen to keynote speakers. Other activities surround graduation including rehearsal, academic recognition, a celebration luncheon, and graduation itself. All other coursework is online with clinical preceptorships local to the student. No residency is required for the PMHNP, FNP, or AGACNP certificates.