Tennessee Tech University Online MSN Programs – FNP, PMHNP

The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing through Tennessee Tech University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP) specializations. The program includes 100% online coursework and clinical experiences (preceptorships) at approved facilities. No campus visits are required.

Tennessee Tech University left the TN eCampus program through which the MSN was offered up until 2018 and now offers its own MSN program. Upon graduation, nurses will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including rural, urban, and underserved populations, in a collaborative, caring manner. In addition, nurses will be able to take on leadership positions in healthcare systems and carry on effective, collaborative communication with patients, colleagues, and others involved in their service.

The FNP program covers healthcare populations across the lifespan, and courses cover pediatric, adult, and women’s health primary care. The PMHNP program covers family psychiatric nursing, including diagnosing and managing common mental illnesses, behavioral/development problems, and substance use disorders. Courses also include material on healthcare systems and policies, the foundations of nursing, nursing research, advanced nursing concepts, and issues facing advanced practice nurses. Financial management skills, conflict resolution, negotiation, and contract development are also covered.

Graduates may work in a variety of healthcare and research settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, private practice, long-term care facilities, schools, government facilities, counseling centers, rehabilitation clinics, correctional facilities, and research organizations. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the FNP certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the PMHNP certification exam through the ANCC.

Tennessee Tech University is located in Cookeville, TN, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MSN – FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

What to Expect from the Tennessee Tech University Online FNP and PMHNP Programs

Admission Requirements: MSN applicants must have earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s may apply. These students take one additional course to complete their program.

All applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license in their state of residence. Application materials include an application and fee, official transcripts, proof of RN licensure, and three letters of recommendation, including one academic recommendation from a prior faculty member, one supervisor recommendation, and one personal recommendation.

Also required is a written document that includes a resume, future career goals, a discussion of the applicant’s prior work experience, and why the applicant is seeking graduate study. Students whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL test scores.

State Restrictions: Tennessee Tech accepts students from all NC-SARA-approved states. There may be some restrictions for certain states if the clinical hours or other components do not meet the requirements of that state. It is vital that prospective students check with the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, as well as their State Board of Nursing, to verify eligibility.

In addition, Tennessee Tech University allows for in-state tuition for students living in Tennessee as well as the following six counties in Kentucky: Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Monroe, Wayne, and Whitley. All other students pay non-resident tuition.

Study Plan: The MSN program is offered both part-time and full-time. Students can begin in the Fall or Spring. The typical time to completion is two to two and one-half years or seven to eight semesters. Most students take two courses per semester and have up to six years to complete their program. All coursework is online, and clinicals are completed at approved sites local to the student.

MSN Curriculum: The Tennessee Tech FNP program comprises 46 credits plus 540 clinical practice hours, while the PMHNP specialization comprises 45 credits plus 540 clinical hours. Core courses include Theoretical Foundations; Healthcare Policy; Advanced Role Development; Advanced Nursing Research; and Role Transition to Certification and Practice.

Advanced Practice Concentration courses include Advanced Health Assessment; Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan; Advanced Health Assessment Lab; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Advanced Pharmacology.

Family Nurse Practitioner specialty courses include Adult Health Primary Care I-II; Adult Health Primary Care Practicum I-II; Primary Care Pediatrics and Women’s Health; Primary Care Pediatrics and Women’s Health Practicum; and Final FNP Preceptorship.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty courses include Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing I-III and Practicum I-III; Practicum; and Final Psychiatric Nursing Preceptorship.

RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree take one additional course called Community Health. Therefore, their total credit load equals 49 to 50 credits plus 540 clinical hours, which is an accelerated pathway.

Online Experience: Tennessee Tech University utilizes iLearn through D2L Brightspace as its online Learning Management System (LMS). All instructors take an iLearn training workshop before they are allowed to produce course content. Through iLearn, students can access course materials and assignments, syllabi, discussion boards, email, assessments, course-related activities, and all technology related to the online learning environment.

Online students can get help and access resources through the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL). Faculty also receive guidance and course improvement, as well as other help, through CITL. Other Tennessee Tech student services include an online library and bookstore, health services, academic advising, faculty support, career counseling, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MSN program. Students complete clinicals in approved states, and all other coursework is online. Students may visit campus at any time and participate in graduation ceremonies on campus.

Paying for Tennessee Tech University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Tennessee Tech University charges $739 per credit plus fees for residents of Tennessee and approved counties in Kentucky, as listed above. Non-residents pay $879 per credit plus fees. Prospective students should contact the Tennessee Tech University School of Nursing for updated tuition information, as costs may change from year to year.

Tennessee Tech University offers federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans, according to the FAFSA. Prospective students should inquire with the financial aid office through Tennessee Tech. In addition, students may have the options of employer tuition reimbursement programs, tuition discounts, outside scholarships, grants, and private loans.

Tennessee Tech University

The Tennessee Tech University MSN-FNP and PMHNP programs are 100% online with no campus visits, local preceptorships, part-time and full-time plans, and eligibility for study in most states.

APRN Programs

MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Campus Address

1 William L Jones Dr
Cookeville, Tennessee 38505

Tennessee Tech University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring

100% Online?

Yes

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

46

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

540

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

CA, NY, PA

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

46

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$739.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$33,994.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$879.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$40,434.00

Tennessee Tech University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring

100% Online?

Yes

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

50

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

540

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

CA, NY, PA

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

50

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$739.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$36,950.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$879.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$43,950.00

Tennessee Tech University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring

100% Online?

Yes

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

45

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

540

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

None

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

45

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$739.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$33,255.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$879.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$39,555.00

Tennessee Tech University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring

100% Online?

Yes

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

49

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

540

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

None

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

49

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$739.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$36,211.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$879.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$43,071.00

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.

Sara Navratil

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara 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.