University of Saint Mary Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
The University of Saint Mary (USM) is a private Catholic university that has been a leader in liberal arts education for over a century and has repeatedly received the recognition of “Best Midwestern College” from The Princeton Review since 2005.
USM offers online nurse practitioner programs at the master’s and post-master’s certificate levels. The university offers four distinct pathways: master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner (MSN-FNP), master of science in nursing – psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (MSN-PMHNP), post-master’s FNP certificate, and post-master’s PMHNP certificate.
The MSN curriculum is designed in alignment with the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing articulated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Graduates are prepared to work as advanced practice registered nurses in primary care settings.
Family nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide primary care for patients across the lifespan. FNPs assess patients, diagnose conditions, manage acute and chronic illness, prescribe medications as allowed by state law, and promote health and disease prevention.
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care across the lifespan. PMHNPs assess, diagnose, and treat mental health needs and may provide therapy, prescribe medications, and evaluate treatment effectiveness depending on state scope-of-practice rules.
The University of Saint Mary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The USM MSN degree and post-graduate certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The MSN FNP and PMHNP programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). USM is located in Leavenworth, Kansas.
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What to Expect from University of Saint Mary Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Admission Requirements: The University of Saint Mary MSN degree program is competitive. Applicants must apply through the NursingCAS system. To be deemed eligible for admission, applicants must submit the following:
- Proof of award of a bachelor of science in nursing degree from a CCNE-, ACEN-, or CNEA-accredited nursing program as evidenced by official transcripts; students must have had a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate nursing study
- Verification of current unrestricted RN license in the state of intended clinical practicum
- Two professional or academic letters of recommendation
- Current curriculum vitae
- Written response to three questions (300 words or less each) demonstrating commitment to nursing and reasons for seeking graduate education
- At least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse. Applicants may seek admission before completion of one year of experience but must have fulfilled this requirement before enrollment in practicum courses
- Students will be invited for a remote information session with the graduate program coordinator or the MSN program director and concentration lead
Admission requirements for post-master’s certificate programs are similar. Applicants must have a graduate degree in nursing from a CCNE-, ACEN-, or CNEA-accredited nursing program and meet the admission standards for the corresponding MSN degree program. Applicants must also provide verification of a current unrestricted RN license in the state of Kansas and the state of intended clinical practicum.
State Restrictions: The University of Saint Mary’s MSN and NP programs may not accept students who reside in Louisiana, Tennessee, or New York. Prospective students should contact the university to confirm eligibility.
Study Plan: The University of Saint Mary’s online NP programs are designed for working nurses.
The MSN-FNP program is a 50-credit, six-semester program that can be completed in as little as two years, with more than 700 clinical hours and start dates in January and August. The MSN-PMHNP program is a 53-credit, six-semester program that can also be completed in as little as two years, with more than 700 clinical hours and the same start dates.
The post-master’s FNP certificate requires 24 to 35 credits and can be finished in as little as one year, with 780 clinical hours. The post-master’s PMHNP certificate requires 27 to 38 credits and can also be completed in as little as one year, with 780 clinical hours.
All programs offer online asynchronous coursework. Students attend one required three-day on-ground intensive during their program. All programs have two start dates per year: January and August. Courses must be taken in order because of the cohort progression structure. USM provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements for all NP students.
MSN Curriculum: Students of both MSN degree options complete core courses in foundations of advanced nursing practice; analysis and utilization of research; healthcare policy and ethics across populations; quality, safety, and informatics; and evidence-based project I-III.
- FNP Specialization Courses: FNP specialization courses include advanced pathophysiology; pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN prescriber; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; advanced health assessment lab and clinical; primary care I: management of adult and geriatric populations; primary care I clinical; primary care II: management of pediatric and childbearing families; primary care II clinical; primary care III: clinical practicum and capstone; and primary care III clinical.
- PMHNP Specialization Courses: PMHNP specialization courses include advanced pathophysiology; pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN prescriber; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; advanced health assessment lab and clinical; psychopharmacology and neurobiology; psychiatric mental health I; psychiatric mental health I clinical; psychiatric mental health II; psychiatric mental health II clinical; psychiatric mental health III; and psychiatric mental health III clinical.
Certificate Program Courses: FNP certificate courses include advanced pathophysiology; pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN prescriber; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; primary care I: management of adult and geriatric populations; primary care I clinical; primary care II: management of pediatric and childbearing families; primary care II clinical; primary care III: clinical practicum and capstone; and primary care III clinical.
PMHNP certificate courses include advanced pathophysiology; pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN prescriber; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; psychopharmacology and neurobiology; psychiatric mental health I; psychiatric mental health I clinical; psychiatric mental health II; psychiatric mental health II clinical; psychiatric mental health III; and psychiatric mental health III clinical.
Online Experience: All University of Saint Mary NP programs offer online asynchronous coursework, designed for working nurses balancing graduate study with work and family responsibilities. Courses are delivered online, giving students greater flexibility to learn at their own pace within a structured cohort model. The curriculum includes online coursework, faculty mentorship, and extensive support in securing practicum placements. Student services include access to online resources, academic advising, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: All NP programs require students to attend one required three-day on-ground intensive during their program. For MSN students, this intensive is held during the first summer term and includes skills check-off and practice, virtual boards, standardized patients, poster presentations, and simulations. The certificate programs also include a three-day mandatory on-campus intensive as part of the advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning course. All students complete clinical hours in approved healthcare settings near their home communities, with USM providing extensive assistance in securing practicum placements.
Paying for the University of Saint Mary Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Tuition numbers for the University of Saint Mary MSN degree program are listed in the tables below. Most USM students receive some form of financial aid each year. USM graduate programs are some of the most affordable in the Kansas City metro area. Students have access to a large variety of options to finance their education, including federal student aid, external scholarships, USM academic merit scholarships, and employer-provided discounted tuition rates and tuition reimbursement.
To qualify for federal aid, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The MSN-FNP program also features an online listing of scholarships that may be of specific interest to FNP specialization students.
Like many universities, USM provides specialized resources to some student groups, such as veteran and active military students. USM is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. Current and prospective students who are active duty military, reserves, veterans, and dependents of military personnel or veterans should contact the USM Military and Veterans Coordinator’s office for assistance. This office provides help with many topics, including scholarships, financial aid, registration, family and personal needs, support groups, and much more.
The University of Saint Mary's online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs are notable for their affordable tuition, CCNE accreditation, and flexible online format that includes assistance with clinical placements to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
4100 S 4th St.
Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
50
780
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
LA, NY
Program Tuition
50
$785.00
$39,250.00
$785.00
$39,250.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
53
780
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
LA, NY
Program Tuition
53
$785.00
$41,605.00
$785.00
$41,605.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
Yes
0
35
780
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
LA, NY, TN
Program Tuition
35
$785.00
$27,475.00
$785.00
$27,475.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1-2
38
780
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA, IA, LA, NY, TX, WV, WI
Program Tuition
38
$785.00
$29,830.00
$785.00
$29,830.00
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.
Bernd Geels
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].