Frontier Nursing University

Nursing Programs Offered

RN to MSN Program Details

The ADN-MSN Bridge is an entry option to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for associate degree nurses (ADN) without a bachelor's degree. The ADN-MSN Bridge consists of seven courses (20 credits) designed to "bridge" the differences between the educational preparation of the associate degree nurse and the baccalaureate nurse. These seven courses will be completed over twelve months in four terms, prior to the start of the student's designated specialty track in the master's program.

All ADN-MSN Bridge students attend Bridge Bound in Hyden—an orientation to the ADN-MSN Bridge and to the School. While at Bridge Bound, students will participate in activities designed to build a sense of community and connection between fellow students, faculty and the School. There will also be sessions to introduce students to the computer coursework, and the programs of study for each clinical speciality track. After Bridge Bound, students will complete the ADN-MSN Bridge courses in their communities over the next year.

During the fourth term of the ADN-MSN Bridge year, students will return to Hyden for a required on-campus intensive called "Crossing the Bridge." During Crossing the Bridge, students will renew their connection with the School community and present their community health projects to their peers. The Master of Science in Nursing degree will be granted upon completion of all remaining coursework in the clinical specialty track. No Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is awarded as part of the ADN-MSN Bridge entry option.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The purposes of the DNP program at the FNU are to prepare family nurse practitioners (FNP), women's health nurse practitioners(WHNP), and certified nurse-midwives (CNM) who will bring leadership skills to the solution of health care systems problems, improve primary care practice, and enhance individual and/or aggregate health.. .

The ultimate goal of the program is to improve the delivery of primary care and the health status of populations with special focus on rural and underserved communities.

Graduates of the program will:

-Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical scholarship.
-Critically analyze complex primary care clinical situations and health care systems to promote optimal outcomes.
-Evaluate and apply conceptual models, theories, and research in order to improve the health status of individuals as well as diverse populations with a focus on rural and underserved communities.
-Design, deliver, direct, and disseminate evidence-based practices.
-Analyze the social, economic, political and policy components of health care systems which affect primary health care planning and delivery.
-Assume leadership roles in the development of primary health clinical practice models, health policy, and standards of care.
-Employ professional values and ethical decision making in advanced practice nursing and midwifery.
-Contribute to the body of nursing and midwifery knowledge.
-Use information systems to design, select, use, and evaluate health care programs, outcomes and systems.
-Demonstrate competence as a clinical educator.