Program Outcomes
The advanced practice nurse will synchronize the nurse competencies with patient characteristics in facilitating health care delivery as follows:
- Demonstrates clinical judgment within the context of the advanced practice role.
- Assumes a leadership role in creating a compassionate and caring environment to promote comfort and prevent suffering.
- Advocates collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to the design of comprehensive care to individuals/families, communities and populations.
- Integrates theory, clinical inquiry and evidence-based nursing practice into the advanced practice role.
- Participates in the design, implementation and evaluation of health care systems to foster safe passage and excellence in health care delivery.
- Creates a culturally competent practice environment to enhance health care outcomes.
- Champions ethical decision making in all aspects of practice with self, patient/family, community and health care delivery systems.
- Commits to lifelong learning for self and consumers.
MSN Tracks
All new MSN students are required to attend a mandatory orientation.
Revisions to all courses and curricula are ongoing.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) MSN track focuses on advanced nursing care to patients with complex acute, critical and chronic health conditions, including the delivery of acute care services. The AGACNP practices in any setting in which patient care requirements include complex monitoring and therapies, high-intensity nursing intervention or continuous nursing vigilance within the range of high-acuity care.
The role of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner focuses on delivering acute, chronic and preventive health care services to adult populations. The AGACNP understands chronic and complex health issues, as well as diagnoses and develops treatment plans that help patients manage their illness on a daily basis. Collaboration with other health care professionals and caregivers ensures the best possible patient outcomes.
As a graduate, you will be eligible to take the ACNPC-AG certification examination.
The curriculum, developed in accordance with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), will introduce you to the management, treatment and observation of care for patients across the adult lifespan. The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner:
- Understands the full spectrum of adult care and focuses on the unique developmental life stages that impact patient care.
- Assesses patients for complex acute, critical and chronic conditions through comprehensive physical, mental and cognitive assessments.
- Determines the impact that a chronic and/or critical acute illness will have on a patient's daily life, in relation to overall quality of life, mobility and functional activity levels, cognition and decision-making abilities, safety, and sleep and nutrition patterns.
- Provides care for specific, recurring chronic conditions and complex critical illnesses. Manages the status of chronically ill patients and their complex acute health concerns by interpreting diagnostic tests and creating and implementing treatment plans.
Mandatory On-campus Residency
The School of Nursing requires three on-campus visits for all MSN AGACNP students. These visits are a required component of the MSN program and were developed to maintain the integrity and high quality of our online AGACNP track. If you are in the military, please contact us; otherwise please note that there are no exceptions to these required campus visits.
Coursework
Please note that revisions to courses and coursework are ongoing.
| Core MSN Courses | 21 credits | |
| GPNG 523 | Historical and Contemporary Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| GPNG 524 | Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Policy Development | 3 credits |
| GPNG 526 | Healthcare Ethics in Practice and Policy | 3 credits |
| GPNG 527 | Clinical Prevention and Population-Based Health Promotion | 3 credits |
| GPNG 528 |
Physical Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing |
3 credits |
| GPNG 529 | Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| GPNG 530 | Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Courses | 21 credits | |
| GNFN 546 | Transitioning to the Role of Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| GNAG 550 |
Foundations of Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practice |
3 credits |
| GNAG 551 |
Adult Gerontology Acute Care I |
5 credits |
| GNAG 552 |
Adult Gerontology Acute Care II |
5 credits |
| GNAG 553 |
Adult Gerontology Acute Care III |
5 credits |
| Total = | 42 credits |
Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management
Developed in collaboration with Duquesne's Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, this track provides an understanding of nursing and organizational leadership, and business skills that can be applied to administrative health care roles that support improving patient care outcomes.
The Executive Nurse Leadership MSN curriculum is designed for nurses who are ready to use their nursing experience to drive innovation through leadership roles. In partnership with the Duquesne University Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, we offer courses that focus on both health care and business.
This MSN track will expand your understanding of how health care systems function from a business perspective and how you can make an impact as a nurse executive.
Executive nurse leaders focus on leading innovative health care systems with an eye on technology and promoting complex care services across the lifespan. In an environment of continued discussions on providing affordable care to vulnerable and aging populations, now is an important time to focus on improving budgets without compromising the level of quality care.
As an executive nurse leader, you may be responsible for staffing and human resources, budgeting and finances, and collaborating with other executives on overall business strategy. You will bridge the gap between business practices, gaining knowledge of the health care and nursing environments, managing relationships between your nursing staff and other executives, and advocating for improved patient care in respect to both quality and satisfaction.
Coursework
There are no residency requirements for the Executive Nurse Leadership and Health care Management track. Please note that revisions to courses and coursework are ongoing.
| MSN Core Courses | 18 credits | |
| GPNG 523 | Historical & Contemporary Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| GPNG 524 | Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Policy Development | 3 credits |
| GPNG 526 | Healthcare Ethics in Practice & Policy | 3 credits |
| GPNG 527 | Clinical Prevention and Population-Based Health Promotion | 3 credits |
| GPNS 917 | Transcultural and Global Health Prospectives | 3 credits |
| GPNG 928 | Social Justice and Vulnerable Populations | 3 credits |
| Management Courses | 12 credits | |
| MGMT 601 | The Entrepreneurial Manager | 3 credits |
| MGMT 609 | Human Resources Management | 3 credits |
| MGMT 619 | Budgeting and Finance for Managers | 3 credits |
| MGMT 620 | Business Strategy | 3 credits |
| Total = | 30 credits |
Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner
The online MSN track prepares advanced practice nurses to function as Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioners. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) provide primary care with expertise to diagnose and develop advanced treatment plans for individuals of all ages and in a variety of settings.
Graduates of this track are eligible to take either the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) examination or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination. Upon successfully passing the certification examination, graduates are eligible for licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP).
Upon admission to the MSN program, each FNP track student is assigned a faculty mentor who will assist the student regarding questions related to the program and role as a family nurse practitioner. The graduate advisor will assist the student in the completion of a program plan.
This track is based upon national standards for nurse practitioner education and is consistent with the mission and philosophy of Duquesne University. The Duquesne faculty is committed to nurturing a flexible and creative scholarly environment that encourages students to participate actively in scientific inquiry and research.
Mandatory On-campus Residency
The School of Nursing requires two on-campus visits for all MSN FNP students. These visits are a required component of the online MSN program and were developed to maintain the integrity and high quality of our FNP track. If you are in the military, please contact us; otherwise please note that there are no exceptions to these required campus visits.
Coursework
Please note that revisions to courses and coursework are ongoing.
| MSN Core Courses | 21 credits | |
| GPNG 523 | Historical and Contemporary Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| GPNG 524 | Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Policy Development | 3 credits |
| GPNG 526 | Healthcare Ethics in Practice and Policy | 3 credits |
| GPNG 527 | Clinical Prevention and Population-Based Health Promotion | 3 credits |
| GPNG 528 | Physical Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing Requires 25 on-campus clinical lab hours and 50 precepted hours. |
3 credits |
| GPNG 529 | Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| GPNG 530 | Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| Family Nurse Practitioner Courses | 21 credits | |
| GNFN 508 | Foundations of Family Care: Women Requires 75 precepted clinical hours. |
3 credits |
| GNFN 509 | Foundations of Family Care: Infants, Children & Adolescents Requires 150 precepted clinical hours. |
4 credits |
| GNFN 510 | Foundations of Family and Individual Care I Requires 25 on‑campus clinical lab hours and 200 precepted clinical hours. |
6 credits |
| GNFN 511 |
Foundations of Family and Individual Care II |
5 credits |
| GNFN 546 | Transitioning to the Role of Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| Total = | 42 credits |
Note: Clinical courses in the MSN Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner program require students to have handheld devices (i.e., smartphone, iPad Mini, etc.) to access learning resources materials at point of care.
Forensic Nursing
Our MSN Forensic Nursing track prepares students for an advanced practice forensic role. The forensic specialty focuses on in-depth knowledge of trauma-informed care, assessment of the victim, evidence collection, and legal collaboration that emphasizes victims' rights.
This broad-based forensic curriculum allows students to apply advanced practice knowledge to have an impact on care in a wide variety of settings. Courses focus on addressing violence and its consequences in our communities, creating opportunities for the unique contributions of nurses.
Our graduates function not only as practitioners in forensic nursing, but also as leaders in this emerging specialty area. They are creating hospital-based programs, designing educational curricula and helping to enact new policy initiative at the local, state and national levels.
The MSN program track is offered in collaboration with the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law at Duquesne University.
After being accepted for admission to the MSN program, each student is assigned a faculty mentor who will assist the student in completion of a program plan. The Duquesne faculty is committed to nurturing a flexible and creative scholarly environment that encourages students to actively participate in scientific inquiry and research.
Mandatory On-campus Residency
The School of Nursing requires one on-campus visit for all MSN Forensic Nursing students. These visits are a required component of the online MSN program and were developed to maintain the integrity and high quality of our Forensic Nursing track. If you are in the military, please contact us; otherwise please note that there are no exceptions to these required campus visits.
Coursework
Please note that revisions to courses and coursework are ongoing.
| MSN Core Courses | 21 credits | |
| GPNG 523 | Historical and Contemporary Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| GPNG 524 | Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Policy Development | 3 credits |
| GPNG 526 | Healthcare Ethics in Practice and Policy | 3 credits |
| GPNG 527 | Clinical Prevention and Population-Based Health Promotion | 3 credits |
| GPNG 528 | Physical Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing Requires 25 on-campus clinical lab hours and 50 precepted hours. |
3 credits |
| GPNG 529 | Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing |
3 credits |
| GPNG 530 | Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing |
3 credits |
| Forensic Nursing Courses | 15 credits | |
| GNFO 517 | Forensic Science and the Legal System | 3 credits |
| GNFO 518 | Criminal Law and the Courts | 3 credits |
| GNFO 519 | Advanced Forensic Nursing I - Theory and Practice | 3 credits |
| GNFO 520 | Advanced Forensic Nursing II - Program Development, Leadership & Policy | 3 credits |
| GNFO 521 | Forensic Clinical and Capstone Requires 150 precepted hours. |
3 credits |
| Total = | 36 credits |
Nursing Education and Faculty Role
Help impact the future of nursing in your community and around the world by providing leadership and guidance for the next generation of nursing professionals.
The MSN in Nursing Education and the Faculty Role prepares graduates in nursing education for roles such as a clinical faculty member, online teacher, lab coordinator/director and faculty member.
Nursing education is changing with emerging technologies, and modern pedagogies are required for the nursing faculty member of the future. Coursework will provide theory and real-world experience to support the teaching and learning environment, specifically focusing on curriculum design and evaluation, in addition to the legal environment for the nursing faculty member. Learning experiences will be designed for classroom, clinical settings, and virtual environments of the lab, simulation, and online learning. Special emphasis will be placed on engaging students in the use of innovations in the teaching of nursing. The advanced clinical course will provide the student with in-depth clinical theory and experience beyond the bachelor's degree.
During the teaching practicum, students will work with master teachers to become fully immersed in the role and responsibilities of a faculty member.
This program is based upon and consistent with the mission and philosophy of Duquesne University. After being accepted for admission to the MSN program, each student is assigned a faculty mentor who will assist the student in completion of a program plan. The Duquesne faculty is committed to nurturing a flexible and creative scholarly environment that encourages students to participate actively in their learning and professional development.
Mandatory On-campus Residency
The School of Nursing requires one on-campus visit for all MSN Nursing Education and Faculty Role students. These visits are a required component of the online MSN program and were developed to maintain the integrity and high quality of our Nursing Education and Faculty Role track. If you are in the military, please contact us; otherwise please note that there are no exceptions to these required campus visits.
Coursework
Please note that revisions to courses and coursework are ongoing.
| MSN Core Courses | 21 credits | |
| GPNG 523 | Historical and Contemporary Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| GPNG 524 | Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Policy Development | 3 credits |
| GPNG 526 | Healthcare Ethics in Practice and Policy | 3 credits |
| GPNG 527 | Clinical Prevention and Population-Based Health Promotion | 3 credits |
| GPNG 528 | Physical Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing Requires 25 on-campus clinical lab hours and 50 precepted hours. |
3 credits |
| GPNG 529 | Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| GPNG 530 | Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| Nursing Education Courses | 15 credits | |
| GNED 507 | Foundations in Education Theory for Professional Practice Disciplines | 3 credits |
| GNED 522 | Innovative Curriculum Design and Evaluation | 3 credits |
| GNED 531 | Advanced Clinical Nursing Requires 75 precepted hours. |
3 credits |
| GNED 532 | Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Teaching of Nursing | 3 credits |
| GNED 533 | Nursing Faculty Role Practicum Requires 75 precepted hours. |
3 credits |
| Total = | 36 credits |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track will prepare you to evaluate, diagnose, manage and treat patients with mental health disorders, both acute and chronic.
The PMHNP is responsible for ordering and interpreting lab and diagnostic studies tests; educating patients, their families and larger communities about mental health and substance abuse; and providing integrative therapies that may include interventions, psychotherapy and consultative services.
The PMHNP track also includes a focus on substance abuse and mental health among vulnerable populations of all ages and backgrounds. In conjunction with our MSN in Forensic Nursing track, the curriculum offers a unique perspective on mental health and forensic nursing.
As a graduate, you will be eligible to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification exam.
The curriculum, developed in accordance with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), will introduce you to the management, treatment and observation of care for patients across the adult lifespan. The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner:
- Understands the importance of relationship-based care, which includes assessment, diagnosis and management of treatment plans for mental health and psychiatric disorders.
- Collaborates with other health care professionals to advocate for vulnerable and diverse populations and bring awareness to policy issues related to improving health outcomes and expanding access to treatment opportunities for those with mental health disorders.
- Develops age-appropriate treatment plans for individuals with mental health conditions based on evidence-based practices and ethical guidelines. Treatment plans may include prescribed medication, psychotherapy sessions, collaboration or referrals to other specialists.
- Provides education, guidance and coaching to your patients, their families and communities regarding mental health conditions and the treatment options available.
Mandatory On-campus Residency
The School of Nursing requires two on-campus visits for all MSN PMHNP students. These visits are a required component of the online MSN program and were developed to maintain the integrity and high quality of our PMHNP track. If you are in the military, please contact us; otherwise please note that there are no exceptions to these required campus visits.
Coursework
Please note that revisions to courses and coursework are ongoing.
| MSN Core Courses | 21 credits | |
| GPNG 523 | Historical and Contemporary Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| GPNG 524 | Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Policy Development | 3 credits |
| GPNG 526 | Healthcare Ethics in Practice and Policy | 3 credits |
| GPNG 527 | Clinical Prevention and Population-Based Health Promotion | 3 credits |
| GPNG 528 |
Physical Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing |
3 credits |
| GPNG 529 | Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| GPNG 530 | Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Courses | 23 credits | |
| GNFN 546 | Transitioning to the Role of Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 credits |
| GNMH 535 | Psychopharmacology / Biologic Therapies for Neuropsychiatric Dysregulations | 4 credits |
| GNMH 536 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing | 2 credits |
| GNMH 537 | Individual, Group, and Family Therapies Across the Lifespan | 2 credits |
| GNMH 538 |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical I for Advance Practice Nursing |
3 credits |
| GNMH 539 | Serious Mental Illnesses / Substance Use Disorders Across the Lifespan | 2 credits |
| GNMH 540 |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical II for Advance Practice Nursing |
3 credits |
| GNMH 541 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical III for Advance Practice Nursing Requires 225 precepted hours. |
4 credits |
| Total = | 44 credits |
MSN Concentrations
Enhance your MSN degree by adding a concentration. Each concentration is designed to complement your current professional practice and to personalize your approach to teaching and patient care.
Forensic Nursing Concentration
It's one thing to collect evidence; it's another to know how to communicate what the evidence means. With this concentration, you will learn how to do exactly that with the potential to become a trusted expert when evaluating crimes like sexual abuse, physical assault, and accidental or intentional death.
From detail-oriented analysis to court depositions that lead to prosecutions, this concentration will prepare you to assert your role in the criminal justice system, and you will be eligible to sit for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification exam.
The Forensic Nursing Concentration requires nine credits of theory courses:
- GNFO 518 Criminal Law and the Courts - 3 credits
- GNFO 519 Advanced Forensic Nursing I - Theory and Practice - 3 credits
- GNFO 520 Advanced Forensic Nursing II - Program Development, Leadership & Policy - 3 credits
Nursing Education Concentration
Develop your teaching competencies through active engagement in courses that focus on:
- Designing innovative curricula and evaluating outcomes.
- Applying learning theories in practice.
- Assessing classroom and clinical learning.
- Developing, implementing and evaluating classroom and simulation teaching plans.
The Nursing Education concentration also meets the eligibility criteria for the NLN sponsored Certified Nurse Educator designation.
The Concentration in Nursing Education requires nine credits of theory courses:
- GNED 507 Foundations in Education Theory for Professional Practice Disciplines - 3 credits
- GNED 522 Innovative Curriculum Design and Evaluation - 3 credits
- GNED 532 Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Teaching of Nursing - 3 credits
Transcultural Nursing Concentration
Bridge the gap between culture and health care. Transcultural care emphasizes and embraces the emotional and spiritual connections that influence health care decisions. You will learn how to view patient preferences through a new lens that significantly impacts patient care outcomes. This advanced perspective can help you make a difference with vulnerable populations where you live and work, as well as around the world.
Please note that any tuition discounts that graduate students receive are not applicable to study abroad courses.
Students receiving any outside aide are responsible for ensuring that the aid will cover expenses related to study abroad courses.
If you are an MSN student, this coursework will give you a head start on earning your DNP. If you are a future MSN student, you can transfer two courses (GPNG 917 & 928) and apply them toward earning your DNP.
The Transcultural Nursing Concentration requires nine credits of theory courses:
- GPNG 908 Advanced Population Health - 3 credits
- GPNS 917 Transcultural and Global Health Perspectives - 3 credits
- GPNG 928 Foundations of Social Justice and and Distributive Justice in Health Policy - 3 credits