ABOUT THIS FIELD

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in the medical system as clinicians with expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions. NP’s emphasis is on health promotion, management, and disease prevention. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, health care provider offices, clinics, schools, academia, and other environments in which medical care is rendered. Students in the Valdosta State University MSN program develop critical thinking skills, gain an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives, and learn how to address policy disputes and social problems related to health care. Upon graduation, Valdosta State MSN students assume leadership in the fields of nursing and health care, making a positive impact on their communities and touching people’s lives every day.

THE VALDOSTA STATE DIFFERENCE

Our master’s program allows students to choose from three advanced practice nursing tracks: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Psych-Mental Health Nurse practitioner. The program is a hybrid model which consists of 5 weekend class meetings during the fall and spring semesters, and 4 weekend college meetings during the summer. Our programs are approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the CCNE, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Prior to selecting their advanced practice track, students take a common core that includes Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology and Evidence-Based Practice and Research. Students also participate in objective structured clinical examination (OSCES) experiences, synthesizing and applying the clinical and academic dynamics of advanced nursing practice education.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing programs at Valdosta State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

CAREERS

  • Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM OPTIONS

1. Family Nurse Practitioner Track 

  • The program is approximately 6 semesters 
  • The program requires a minimum of 50 credit hours. 
  • The program requires 715 clinical hours 

2. Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track 

  • The program is approximately 8 semesters 
  • The program requires a minimum of 56 credit hours. 
  • The program requires 645 clinical hours 

Program Coordinator: Dr. Michelle Ritter, email: mewingbr@valdosta.edu, phone: 229-333-5959

College of Nursing & Health Sciences Website

College of Nursing and Health Sciences - Master of Science in Nursing Page

ADMISSION DEADLINES

  • Fall Semester: May 15
  • Spring Semester: September 15
  • Summer Semester: No Admission

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

*The GRE/MAT is no longer required for this program.*

Online Graduate Application

  • Application Fee (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online

Official transcript from your bachelor's degree-granting school and from any graduate coursework.

  • Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an NLNAC-accredited or CCNE-accredited program, from a regionally-accredited institution.
  • A cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or higher,

Evidence of Valid (current, active, unencumbered) RN Nursing License

  • Applicants may submit a copy of their current, active, unencumbered RN license to fulfill this requirement or a print-out from their state's Board of Nursing documenting the valid and current license.

Three Recommendations 

  • General Recommendation Form  
  • Please enter the name and email of your recommenders as you complete the application. They should receive an email inviting them to compelte the recommendation after that. If they do not receive the emai (or find it in their spam folder), they may submit their recommendation as an email attachment to gradschool@valdosta.edu. The General Recommendation Form can be used if the email from the online recommendation system does not arrive.
  • Recommendations from professionals familiar with your professional and/or academic background.
  • Letters must be accompanied by the required form or submitted through the online recommendation system.

VSU Medical Form

  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Verification of Lawful Presence 

(For applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
  • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
  • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
  • Complete list of accepted documents and information on residency

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • MSN students select one of three Clinical Tracks:
    • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Students in the program must possess current professional liability insurance

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam  – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
  • Professionals holding a clear and valid nursing license in the state of Georgia whose visas prohibit enrollment in graduate programs must submit the Certificate of Finance. The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter or remain in the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

ADMISSION CLASSIFICATIONS

  • Regular Status
  • Probationary Status
  • Requests for Irregular or Non-Degree Admission may be considered provided that candidates possess minimum eligibility requirements.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 or toll free 800-618-1878, Option #5
  • Email Us: gradschool@valdosta.edu
  • Visit Us: Converse Hall (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100
For additional program details contact the Program Coordinator: Dr. Michelle Ritter, email: mewingbr@valdosta.edu, phone: 229-333-5959.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
  2. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA). No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
  3. Students must successfully complete the comprehensive examination covering the areas of theory, research, the clinical focus, and the selected role.
  4. Students must successfully complete a thesis or project.

RETENTION, DISMISSAL, & READMISSION POLICIES

  1. Students must have documentation of malpractice insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
  2. Students must have documentation of current health and accident insurance.
  3. Students must have documentation of current certification in American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR.
  4. Students must maintain  current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Georgia.
  5. Students may be subject to background check and drug screening at any point during the program.
  6. Students must have a minimum grade of "B" in all nursing courses.
  7. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses.
  8. Students receiving two grades of "C" or below ("D", "F," "WF," or "U") will be dismissed from the program.
  9. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of 1 calendar year and obtain approval from the academic department before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.
  10. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
  11. No more than 9 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
  12. Students must provide evidence of current health status:
    • Current physical  examination (by a medical physician or nurse practitioner) on admission, affirming that they are free from communicable disease and able to function safely in a clinical environment.
    • Immunizations: Documentation must include but is not limited to MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus toxoid, varicella titer, hepatitis-B vaccination, and PPD tuberculin test as required by affiliating clinical agencies.
      • MMR, serologic evidency of immunity or prior vaccination.
      • Tetanus toxoid must remain up to date during tenure in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.  The CDC recommendations for healthcare personnel are utilized by our clinical agencies.  Adults who have completed a primary series of a tetanus/diphtheria-containing product (DTP, DTaP, DT, Td) should received Td boosters every 10 years.  Students younger than age 65 years with direct patient contact should be given a 1-time dose of Tdap, if Td booster is scheduled prior to admission or during tenure in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
      • Varicella (chickenpox) requires serologic proof of immunity, prior vaccination, or documented history of varicella disease.
      • Hepatitis B vaccination or proof of immunity (anti-HBs at least 10 mIU/ml) is required.  Students who initiate the recommended series for admission must provide proof of maintaining scheduled 3-dose series (dose #1 now, #2 in 1 month, #3 approximately 5 months after #2).
      • PPD (tuberculin skin test) is reuired annually or proof of a negative chest X-ray (every 5 years).
      • Influenza vaccine annually is recommended, but not required.

ABOUT THIS FIELD

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in the medical system as clinicians with expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions. NP’s emphasis is on health promotion, management, and disease prevention. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, health care provider offices, clinics, schools, academia, and other environments in which medical care is rendered. Students in the Valdosta State University MSN program develop critical thinking skills, gain an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives, and learn how to address policy disputes and social problems related to health care. Upon graduation, Valdosta State MSN students assume leadership in the fields of nursing and health care, making a positive impact on their communities and touching people’s lives every day.

THE VALDOSTA STATE DIFFERENCE

Our master’s program allows students to choose from three advanced practice nursing tracks: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Psych-Mental Health Nurse practitioner. The program is a hybrid model which consists of 5 weekend class meetings during the fall and spring semesters, and 4 weekend college meetings during the summer. Our programs are approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the CCNE, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Prior to selecting their advanced practice track, students take a common core that includes Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology and Evidence-Based Practice and Research. Students also participate in objective structured clinical examination (OSCES) experiences, synthesizing and applying the clinical and academic dynamics of advanced nursing practice education.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing programs at Valdosta State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

CAREERS

  • Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM OPTIONS

1. Family Nurse Practitioner Track 

  • The program is approximately 6 semesters 
  • The program requires a minimum of 50 credit hours. 
  • The program requires 715 clinical hours 

2. Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track 

  • The program is approximately 8 semesters 
  • The program requires a minimum of 56 credit hours. 
  • The program requires 645 clinical hours 

Program Coordinator: Dr. Michelle Ritter, email: mewingbr@valdosta.edu, phone: 229-333-5959

College of Nursing & Health Sciences Website

College of Nursing and Health Sciences - Master of Science in Nursing Page

ADMISSION DEADLINES

  • Fall Semester: May 15
  • Spring Semester: September 15
  • Summer Semester: No Admission

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

*The GRE/MAT is no longer required for this program.*

Online Graduate Application

  • Application Fee (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online

Official transcript from your bachelor's degree-granting school and from any graduate coursework.

  • Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an NLNAC-accredited or CCNE-accredited program, from a regionally-accredited institution.
  • A cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or higher,

Evidence of Valid (current, active, unencumbered) RN Nursing License

  • Applicants may submit a copy of their current, active, unencumbered RN license to fulfill this requirement or a print-out from their state's Board of Nursing documenting the valid and current license.

Three Recommendations 

  • General Recommendation Form  
  • Please enter the name and email of your recommenders as you complete the application. They should receive an email inviting them to compelte the recommendation after that. If they do not receive the emai (or find it in their spam folder), they may submit their recommendation as an email attachment to gradschool@valdosta.edu. The General Recommendation Form can be used if the email from the online recommendation system does not arrive.
  • Recommendations from professionals familiar with your professional and/or academic background.
  • Letters must be accompanied by the required form or submitted through the online recommendation system.

VSU Medical Form

  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Verification of Lawful Presence 

(For applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
  • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
  • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
  • Complete list of accepted documents and information on residency

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • MSN students select one of three Clinical Tracks:
    • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Students in the program must possess current professional liability insurance

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam  – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
  • Professionals holding a clear and valid nursing license in the state of Georgia whose visas prohibit enrollment in graduate programs must submit the Certificate of Finance. The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter or remain in the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

ADMISSION CLASSIFICATIONS

  • Regular Status
  • Probationary Status
  • Requests for Irregular or Non-Degree Admission may be considered provided that candidates possess minimum eligibility requirements.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 or toll free 800-618-1878, Option #5
  • Email Us: gradschool@valdosta.edu
  • Visit Us: Converse Hall (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100
For additional program details contact the Program Coordinator: Dr. Michelle Ritter, email: mewingbr@valdosta.edu, phone: 229-333-5959.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
  2. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA). No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
  3. Students must successfully complete the comprehensive examination covering the areas of theory, research, the clinical focus, and the selected role.
  4. Students must successfully complete a thesis or project.

RETENTION, DISMISSAL, & READMISSION POLICIES

  1. Students must have documentation of malpractice insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
  2. Students must have documentation of current health and accident insurance.
  3. Students must have documentation of current certification in American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR.
  4. Students must maintain  current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Georgia.
  5. Students may be subject to background check and drug screening at any point during the program.
  6. Students must have a minimum grade of "B" in all nursing courses.
  7. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses.
  8. Students receiving two grades of "C" or below ("D", "F," "WF," or "U") will be dismissed from the program.
  9. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of 1 calendar year and obtain approval from the academic department before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.
  10. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
  11. No more than 9 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
  12. Students must provide evidence of current health status:
    • Current physical  examination (by a medical physician or nurse practitioner) on admission, affirming that they are free from communicable disease and able to function safely in a clinical environment.
    • Immunizations: Documentation must include but is not limited to MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus toxoid, varicella titer, hepatitis-B vaccination, and PPD tuberculin test as required by affiliating clinical agencies.
      • MMR, serologic evidency of immunity or prior vaccination.
      • Tetanus toxoid must remain up to date during tenure in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.  The CDC recommendations for healthcare personnel are utilized by our clinical agencies.  Adults who have completed a primary series of a tetanus/diphtheria-containing product (DTP, DTaP, DT, Td) should received Td boosters every 10 years.  Students younger than age 65 years with direct patient contact should be given a 1-time dose of Tdap, if Td booster is scheduled prior to admission or during tenure in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
      • Varicella (chickenpox) requires serologic proof of immunity, prior vaccination, or documented history of varicella disease.
      • Hepatitis B vaccination or proof of immunity (anti-HBs at least 10 mIU/ml) is required.  Students who initiate the recommended series for admission must provide proof of maintaining scheduled 3-dose series (dose #1 now, #2 in 1 month, #3 approximately 5 months after #2).
      • PPD (tuberculin skin test) is reuired annually or proof of a negative chest X-ray (every 5 years).
      • Influenza vaccine annually is recommended, but not required.