St. Thomas University Online MSN and Certificate Programs
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The St. Thomas University (STU) College of Health Sciences and Technology offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program with specializations in family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Additionally, the school offers an online MSN in adult-gerontology (primary care). These programs can be completed in as few as 18 months and are offered to residents of Florida or Georgia.
STU also offers a total of four post-master’s certificate programs with FNP and PMHNP specializations. These certificates are available to individuals who already have a nurse practitioner master’s degree as well as those who do not.
The MSN degree and certificate programs build a foundation of evidence-based nursing practice, critical thinking skills, and compassionate care. Students are trained in leadership, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, oral and written communication, and critical analysis.
Coursework is fully online with no campus visits, and students complete 500 clinical practicum hours at approved facilities. STU offers accelerated seven-week courses, affordable tuition, and six start dates. Applicants without the required prerequisite foundation courses may need to take additional credits.
The certificate programs feature coursework requirements ranging from 20 to 38 credits and may be completed in 10 to 14 months. The certificate programs are tailored to students who have a nurse practitioner master’s degree as well as those who do not. Certificate program graduates are well prepared to work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, universities, and private practice.
St. Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MSN degree and post-graduate certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). STU is located in Miami Gardens, Florida.
| St. Thomas University Online NP Programs | |
|---|---|
| MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner | Visit Site |
| MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Visit Site |
| MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP | Visit Site |
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
What to Expect from the St. Thomas University Online MSN and Certificate Programs
Admission Requirements: St. Thomas University has a simple application process. Prospective online MSN students must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must also have a current, unencumbered RN license. No GRE is required, and RN work experience is expected. Applicants must submit official transcripts and a resume with the application.
Admission requirements for the post-master’s certificate programs are also fairly simple. Applicants to the post-master’s FNP and PMHNP certificate programs must have an unencumbered, active RN license and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended that indicate the award of a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school in which the individual had a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale.
Applicants to the post-master’s certificate programs (both FNP and PMHNP concentrations) must have completed a master’s degree in a nurse practitioner field and meet all requirements of the other two certificate programs. The in-person clinical requirements of these programs require that only students currently living in Florida and Georgia can be admitted.
State Restrictions: The MSN degree and post-master’s certificate programs are only offered to residents of Florida and Georgia.
Study Plan: The MSN-FNP, AGNP, and PMHNP programs can be completed in 18 months or more. Courses last seven weeks in the fall and spring semesters and six weeks during the summer. Start dates land six times yearly, with two each in the fall, spring, and summer. Students complete eight core courses and nine specialization courses. Foundational courses may be necessary for those who still need the required prerequisites.
Certificate programs require 10 to 14 months to complete. Students pursuing the post-master’s certificate programs who do not have a nurse practitioner master’s degree complete both core and specialization courses. Students of the advancement placement certificate programs, i.e., those who do have a nurse practitioner master’s degree, must only complete specialization courses. Certificate courses are generally seven weeks long but are only six weeks long in summer terms.
MSN Curriculum: The MSN-FNP program comprises 47 credits, and the MSN-PMHNP program comprises 50 credits. Nursing students must complete 500 hours of clinical practicum training.
Core courses include philosophical and theoretical basis of nursing; advanced pathophysiology; advanced health assessment; diversity in advanced health practice; influencing health policy; role to transition to advanced practice nursing; and advanced clinical pharmacology.
FNP Courses: Health promotion and disease prevention; advanced FNP: children and families; advanced FNP: clinical I-IV; advanced FNP: women’s health; advanced FNP: adults; advanced FNP: adult-gerontology; advanced practice nursing integration
PMHNP Courses: Psychopharmacology; psychopathology; psychiatric management I-IV; psychiatric management clinical I-IV; PMHNP integration practicum
AGNP Courses: Health promotion and disease prevention; adult-gerontology I-IV; adult-gerontology clinical I-IV; adult-gerontology NP integration
Certificate Program Curriculum: All four certificate programs noted below require completion of coursework and 500 clinical hours. The advanced placement certificates do not require core coursework due to past training in a nurse practitioner master’s degree program.
Post-master’s FNP Certificate Courses: The core courses include role to transition to advanced practice nursing; advanced pathophysiology; advanced health assessment & differential diagnosis. The specialization courses include advanced clinical pharmacology; advanced FNP in children & families, women’s health, adults and adult-gerontology (four courses), and four advanced clinical experience courses corresponding to these different populations.
Post-master’s PMHNP Certificate Courses: This certificate requires the same core courses as for the FNP certificate and specialization courses psychopharmacology; psychopathology; psychiatric management I-IV; psychiatric management clinical I-IV; PMHNP integration practicum.
Post-master’s Advanced Placement FNP Certificate Courses: Specialization courses include four advanced FNP courses focused on children and families, women’s health, adults, and adult gerontology. Each of the four classes is paired to a clinical course in which students gain hands-on experience working with each of these populations.
Post-master’s Advanced Placement PMHNP Certificate Courses: Psychopharmacology; psychopathology; psychiatric management I-IV; psychiatric management clinical I-IV; PMHNP integration practicum.
Online Experience: Courses are delivered asynchronously through the Canvas online learning management system (LMS). Students can participate in discussion boards and submit assignments from their PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Coursework is 100 percent online and may include web conferencing through Zoom. Online student services may include financial aid, academic advising, virtual tutoring, faculty office hours, library, career counseling, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the STU online MSN programs. All coursework is online, and students complete local clinical practicums. Certificate students complete their clinical training hours in person.
Paying for the St. Thomas University Online FNP and PMHNP Programs
STU offers the same tuition rate for both residents and non-residents, which is listed below. Prospective students should contact the College of Health Sciences and Technology for details.
Graduate nursing students may apply for unsubsidized federal student loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Supplemental outside loans, scholarships, and grants may be available. Students may also ask their employers about tuition reimbursement programs or discounts.
St. Thomas University trains NPs in evidence-based nursing practice, critical thinking skills, and compassionate care, offering accelerated online courses, affordable tuition, and a deep focus on ethical leadership.
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate (for NPs)
Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate
Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate (for NPs)
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, Florida 33054
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AG-PCNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, Summer I, Summer II
Yes, plus local clinicals
0
47
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
47
$605.00
$30,660.00
$605.00
$30,660.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, Summer I, Summer II
Yes, plus local clinicals
0
47
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
47
$605.00
$28,435.00
$605.00
$28,435.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, Summer I, Summer II
Yes, plus local clinicals
0
50
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
50
$605.00
$30,250.00
$605.00
$30,250.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II
Yes
0
32
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Program Tuition
32
$605.00
$21,510.00
$605.00
$21,510.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II
Yes
0
20
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Program Tuition
20
$605.00
$13,450.00
$605.00
$13,450.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II
Yes
0
38
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Program Tuition
38
$605.00
$24,990.00
$605.00
$24,990.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II
Yes
0
26
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Program Tuition
26
$605.00
$16,930.00
$605.00
$16,930.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
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WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.