Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, PMHNP

What to Expect from the Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

General Graduate Nursing Admissions 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.

• Specific Program Requirements:
• BSN to MSN Entry: Students must hold a BSN degree from an accredited institution and have completed undergraduate statistics.
• RN to MSN Entry: Students must hold an associate’s degree from an accredited institution, have completed undergraduate statistics, 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 undergraduate statistics, and document two years of full-time RN work experience.

State Restrictions: While Rivier University accepts students from most states into their MSN 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: The Rivier University online MSN and certificate courses are delivered in 7-week and 14-week formats, with most lasting 14 weeks. The MSN program takes three to five years to complete. The certificate programs vary in length depending on the courses needed to earn the certificate. They can be completed in three to six semesters. Start dates are offered every 7 weeks. Students complete courses online as well as clinicals local to the student. In addition, campus immersions are held three times throughout the programs.

MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises a minimum of 43 credits plus 600 clinical hours. Courses may include Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Role of the Nurse; Advanced Pharmacology; Quality Healthcare Improvement; Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare; Advanced Health Policy; Biostatistics for the Health Sciences; Research Capstone Advisement; Advanced Family Nursing Theory I-II; and Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I-III and Seminar.

In addition, ADN and non-nursing bachelor’s students complete Leadership and Management in Health Care and Community and Public Health Nursing. These programs comprise 49 credits each.

MSN – PMHNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises a minimum of 40 credits plus 600 clinical hours. Courses may include Advanced Pathophysiology; Psychopharmacology; Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory I-II; Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum and Seminar I-III; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Role of the Nurse; Advanced Pharmacology; Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare; Research Capstone Advisement; Advanced Health Policy; and Biostatistics for the Health Sciences.

In addition, ADN and non-nursing bachelor’s students complete Leadership and Management in Health Care and Community and Public Health Nursing. These programs comprise 46 credits each.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s Certificates comprise 19 to 43 credits depending on prior education. Typically, those who already hold an MSN will not need to complete all 43 credits. A Gap analysis will show which courses need to be completed.

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. An Online Learning Orientation presentation is offered as a free course through Rivier to help acquaint students with the online learning environment. In addition, Rivier offers a Canvas orientation self-paced tutorial. 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 FNP students are required to come to the Nashua, New Hampshire campus for a 1-week immersion and two 2-day immersions throughout the program. PMHNP students come to campus for three weekend residencies. These take place all day on Saturday and Sunday. All other coursework is online and practicums are completed local to the student.