Master of Science in Nursing

The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree with two programs of study: Leadership and Education and Family Nurse Practitioner.  An individualized plan of study is designed at the start of the program based on academic review. 

The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Mission and Outcomes

Mission

The Master of Science in Nursing program at Northwest Nazarene University fosters intellectual, professional, and spiritual growth in the context of Christ-like behavior in all areas of advanced nursing practice. The program focuses on evidence-based practice, transferring research findings to clinical practice, development of communication and leadership skills, and delivery of care to diverse populations.  NNU's Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates of distinction in nursing leadership, education, and evidence-based clinical practice.

MSN Outcomes

  • Integrates advanced scientific, ethical, and theological knowledge to provide holistic, evidence-based practice that serves diverse populations with compassion.
  • Engages individuals and families with Christ-like compassion, employing culturally responsive, and collaborative strategies to promote dignity and well-being through innovative approaches rooted in scholarly knowledge.
  • Applies epidemiology and social determinants to the design of equitable health interventions and/or curriculum, integrating academic excellence, creative leadership, and Christlike characteristics.
  • Conducts inquiry and disseminates knowledge that advances nursing, reflects Christ-centered ethical frameworks, inspires innovative problem-solving, and addresses real-world health disparities.
  • Leads initiatives for safe, high-quality care grounded in evidence, ethical integrity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, serving communities with justice and compassion and fostering creative systems-based improvements.
  • Fosters respectful, Christ-like relationships within organizational teams, contributing nursing expertise in collaborative efforts that creatively solve problems and address community needs through academic rigor and professionalism.
  • Critically evaluates systems to advocate for just and sustainable reforms, applying scholarly insight, Christ-like servant leadership, and innovation in practice and policy development.
  • Utilizes technology ethically and effectively to enhance decision-making, demonstrating academic excellence and supporting access, equity, and service to all populations.
  • Exemplifies professionalism through the integration of advanced knowledge, reflective practice, ethical decision-making, and Christ-like character with a deep respect for human dignity, with a commitment to lead by example, mentor others, and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.
  • Demonstrates transformative presence in clinical, academic and community settings, through a commitment to lifelong personal and professional development, reflective practice, Christ-like character, and the pursuit of excellence in leadership.
     

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Applicants

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program at Northwest Nazarene University is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. In addition to meeting the requirements of the University as described in the Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below:

MSN Admission Requirements:

  1. Submission of a graduate application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee.
  2. Submission of official transcript(s) with all nursing courses from a regionally accredited institution.
  3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all nursing courses completed.
  4. Verification of current unencumbered licensure to practice nursing as a registered nurse within the United States.
  5. Submission of a personal goal statement
  6. Submission of two academic or professional recommendations (e.g., supervisor, colleague, professor).
  7. Pre-admission committee interview in person or online.

Transfer of Graduate Credits

All transfer credits must have received at least a "B" letter grade and be approved by the admission committee. Credits must have been earned within five years preceding the date of admission.

Graduate Nursing Satisfactory Progression

  • Satisfactory progression in graduate nursing programs requires:
  • Maintenance of cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Achieve a grade of 80% or higher in each course
  • Pass all clinical and competency-based experiences
  • Adherence to Professional Conduct and Behavioral Standards

Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

General Description

The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner degree path.   Asynchronous learning with on-campus competency lab hours required with four clinical courses.  The FNP program consists of 47 graduate credits and can be completed within 24 months.  The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing.

Goal

Northwest Nazarene University’s Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner’s program goal is to equip Master’s-prepared FNP’s to serve their communities with excellence and compassion in care while exhibiting Christ-like behavior.

Faculty

Linda Valenzuela, DNP, MSN, MPH, RN - Professor and Dean of the College of Nursing
Rebekkah Hulen, PhD, MSN, RN - Graduate Chair
Bryana Smith, DNP, MSN, FNP-C - Director of Graduate Programs and Professor
Phyllis Morris, MSN CRNI, LNC, CNE - Professor and MSNLE Program Director

 

Adjunct Faculty

Georgianna Ainslie, DNP, RN, CNM
Amy Beam MSN, NP-c
Colleen Campbell DNP, ANP-c
Jo Cote, DNP, FNP-c
Thomas George Jr., DNP, FNP-C, NASM-CPT, FOMA
Julie Hawkinson, PhD, MS, MA, RN
Michael Horne MBA, DNP, AGNP-BC, CCK
Rebecca Martin, MSN, RN
Kay Olsen, MSN, RN
Joshua White MSN, FNP-c
 

Credits

Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner - 47 credits

Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership and Education - 38 credits

 

Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership and Education

General Description

At Northwest Nazarene University, we believe all graduate nurses are leaders and educators, regardless of the roles assumed in practice. The Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership and Education prepares the graduate nurse to a) provide clinical leadership in a variety of settings and b) educate nurses, patients, and nursing students.  The course of study allows the Baccalaureate degree nurse to earn the MSN Leadership and Education degree. Offered fully online, the MSN: Leadership and Education program utilizes an individualized plan of study designed for each student based on professional and personal needs. Students progress through the program at their own pace, completing it in approximately 6 semesters.  The program is designed to fit your needs and your timeline.  The course of study consists of 38 graduate credits.

Goal

The goal of the Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership and Education area of study is to prepare graduate nurses to meet the challenges of an ever-changing population healthcare environment and to provide accessible graduate education in nursing that meets the demands of the profession while maintaining the highest degree of academic rigor and integrity.

Faculty 

Linda Valenzuela, DNP, MSN, MPH, RN - Professor and Dean of the College of Nursing
Rebekkah Hulen, PhD, MSN, RN - Graduate Chair
Bryana Smith, DNP, MSN, FNP-C - Director of Graduate Programs and Professor
Phyllis Morris, MSN CRNI, LNC, CNE - Professor and MSNLE Program Director

Adjunct Faculty

Georgianna Ainslie, DNP, RN, CNM
Amy Beam MSN, NP-c
Colleen Campbell DNP, ANP-c
Jo Cote, DNP, FNP-c
Thomas George Jr., DNP, FNP-C, NASM-CPT, FOMA
Julie Hawkinson, PhD, MS, MA, RN
Michael Horne MBA, DNP, AGNP-BC, CCK
Rebecca Martin, MSN, RN
Kay Olsen, MSN, RN
Joshua White MSN, FNP-c

Credits

The Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership and Education is 38 credits

Enrollment Status

Active Status - A student who has been admitted to a program in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies and is enrolled in at least one course has active status.

Inactive status - A student who does not register for a course applicable to the degree for three consecutive semesters will be removed from active status and must make arrangements with the program director to regain active status.  This policy does not apply to students who are not enrolled due to disciplinary reasons.

Continuous Enrollment – Those students who have completed all course work but have not completed all requirements for a program must be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 1 credit hour to retain access to university and faculty services.

Provisional Status – Students who do not meet enrollment requirements may be provisionally admitted to a program with an approved academic plan and a positive vote of the admissions committee.

Degrees and Certificates