Rivier University Online NP Programs

What to Expect from Rivier University Online NP Programs

General MSN Admissions Requirements: Applicants to Rivier University’s MSN programs, including the AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP tracks, must follow both general university admission guidelines and program-specific requirements. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous coursework and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. Application materials include a statement of purpose outlining the student’s goals, two letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and a course of study choice form. No GMAT or GRE is required. Applicants to the AG-ACNP track must also provide evidence of successful completion of basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) courses.

• Specific Program Requirements:
• BSN-to-MSN Entry: Students must hold a BSN degree from an accredited institution and submit evidence of completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
• RN-to-MSN Entry: Students must hold an associate’s degree from an accredited institution, have completed an undergraduate statistics course, document two years of full-time RN work experience, and complete a professional portfolio that documents mastery of bachelor’s degree competencies.
• Non-nursing Bachelor’s Entry: Students must hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, have completed an undergraduate statistics course, and document two years of full-time RN work experience.

Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Rivier University’s post-master’s certificate programs are designed for nurses who already possess an MSN degree and wish to pursue additional specialization in AG-ACNP, FNP, or PMHNP. Candidates are required to complete the course of study choice form and clinical practicum form, provide a current, unencumbered RN license valid in the practicum state (with New Hampshire licensure specifically required), submit a resume, provide a statement of purpose, and submit one letter of recommendation. 

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course. For those applying to the AG-ACNP track, evidence of basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification is also required.

State Restrictions: While Rivier University accepts students from most states into their nursing programs, applicants outside of New Hampshire should check with their state Board of Nursing to make sure they are eligible to study with Rivier University and to be aware of the practicum requirements in their state while attending an out-of-state university. 

At this time, Rivier University is unable to accept students from Alabama, California, Iowa, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, the following states have limiting criteria, and students should call the Program Director for more information: Colorado, New York, and South Dakota.

Study Plan: Rivier University’s online nursing programs offer flexible study plans designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals pursuing advanced practice nursing roles. The MSN tracks in AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP are available through multiple entry pathways. Programs follow a low-residency format combining asynchronous online coursework with limited on-campus immersion days, varying by track and entry point.

The AG-ACNP track requires 48 to 54 credits, depending on entry path, with ten days on campus throughout the program. The FNP track requires 45 to 51 credits, with nine days on campus during the course of study. The PMHNP track requires 43 to 49 credits, with three weekends on campus in total.

Course lengths vary from seven to 14 weeks, and multiple start dates are offered annually for both full-time and part-time students. Clinical practicums are completed locally under faculty-approved preceptors, with credit requirements and clinical hours adjusted according to specialization and program entry path.

Post-master’s certificate programs require a minimum of 19 credits, typically spanning three semesters, with online coursework and limited on-campus experiences, generally ranging from three weekends to nine days, depending on the specialty.

MSN Core Curriculum: Rivier University’s MSN programs offer specialized curricula tailored to prepare students for advanced practice in AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP roles. Each track includes a mix of core nursing courses, specialty-focused theory, and extensive clinical practicum experiences, designed to build the knowledge and skills necessary for national certification and clinical excellence.

Students across all MSN tracks complete foundational courses such as advanced pathophysiology; advanced health assessment; advanced role of the nurse; advanced pharmacology; quality healthcare improvement; evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare; research capstone advice; and biostatistics for the health sciences.

MSN – AG-ACNP Curriculum: The AG-ACNP specialization includes courses such as acute care theory I & II; acute care skills lab I & II; acute care practicum I, II, and III; acute care seminar I, II, and III; healthcare finance; and healthcare information systems. Credit requirements vary by entry option:

• Traditional MSN: 48 credits
• Bridge MSN: 54 credits
• RN-to-MSN: 54 credits

MSN – FNP Curriculum: FNP specialty courses focus on primary care theory and practicum. Courses include advanced family nursing theory I & II, and family nurse practitioner practicum I, II, and III with seminars. Credit requirements vary by entry option:

• Traditional MSN: 45 credits
• Bridge MSN: 51 credits
• RN-to-MSN: 51 credits

MSN – PMHNP Curriculum: PMHNP students engage in psychiatric nursing theory and clinical practicums. Courses include advanced psychiatric nursing theory I & II; advanced psychiatric nurse practitioner practicum/seminar I, II, and III; and psychopharmacology. Credit requirements vary by entry option:

• Traditional MSN: 43 credits
• Bridge MSN: 49 credits
• RN-to-MSN: 49 credits

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: Post-master’s certificate programs require a minimum of 19 credits with coursework tailored to prior education and specialty focus. Clinical practicum and seminar courses complement didactic learning to prepare students for certification and advanced clinical roles.

Online Experience: Rivier University utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). The Rivier nursing programs focus on active learning and individualized attention. Tools utilized may include online lectures, document sharing, discussion boards, online chat, and phone and email interaction. Students have access to personal advising to reach their academic and career goals. Tutoring services are offered through the Academic Support Center. In addition, online students have access to the online bookstore, the Career Development Center, the Counseling and Wellness Center, disability services, 24/7 technical support, and library services.

On-Site Requirements: Rivier University’s online nursing programs incorporate a low-residency format that blends flexible online coursework with on-site experiences. The number and duration of required campus visits vary by program and entry pathway.

The AG-ACNP track requires students to attend a total of 10 days on campus throughout the duration of the program. The FNP track requires nine days of on-campus attendance. The PMHNP track includes three weekends on campus over the course of the program.

Post-master’s certificate programs also follow a low-residency model with on-site attendance requirements typically ranging from three weekends to nine days, depending on the specialty.

These on-campus sessions provide opportunities for immersive, hands-on training, simulation exercises, skills labs, and face-to-face faculty interaction that complement the online learning environment.