Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The master's degree program in nursing at Davenport University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

• Current, valid, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in a U.S. jurisdiction or province of Canada
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• One professional recommendation
• Official transcripts from previous nursing program(s)
• Resume/CV
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 out of a 4.0
• Professional essay

Out-of-state applicants applying for academic programs leading to professional licensure (ie; FNP), it is highly recommended that students contact the appropriate licensing agency in their state of residence if they are considering an academic program that leads to a professional license. Davenport University offers a state-by-state guide with web links to the appropriate licensing agencies. It is the responsibility of students to contact the appropriate licensing agency and to understand the requirements in their state of residence as applied to their specific situation. 

The multifaceted roles of the practical and professional nurse are taught at Davenport University and include care provision, communication, management, and scope of practice. Theoretical foundations shape the curricula and guide nursing education. The Davenport University Nursing Program is a dynamic system that provides for the educational growth and development of the nursing student.  An adaptation of Fawcett’s metaparadigm is utilized and includes person, environment, health, and nursing.

• Person - The concept of a person refers to the individual or individuals as part of culture, family, community or aggregate groups who interact with the nurse in a therapeutic manner.
• Environment - The environment is made up of the physical surroundings and the settings in which the person interacts with society as a whole.  This integrates the totality of social, cultural, and religious foundations and influences. Individuals are affected by the environment and, in turn, have the ability to affect the environment.
• Health - The health continuum from birth to death includes physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual elements.  Wellness describes the function of a person at his or her maximum potential.
• Nursing - Nursing is a caring profession that is guided by the ANA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Nursing is not limited to physical care but incorporates the promotion, protection, and optimization of health.  Nursing practice is guided by research that contributes to the delivery of evidence-based practice.

• Synthesize concepts and theories from nursing and related disciplines and sciences to deliver advanced nursing care.
• Integrate evidence-based knowledge, research, and clinical judgment to design, coordinate, and evaluate the delivery of care.
• Integrate current and emerging health and information technologies effectively into one’s practice to enhance health outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively within an interprofessional context to improve the delivery of care across the health care continuum.
• Apply organizational and systems leadership strategies to promote high quality and safe patient care environments.
• Advocate for policies at the local, state, and national levels to improve health and advance the profession of nursing.
• Demonstrate beginning competency in an advanced nursing role.

Faculty and staff

Associate Dean: Amy Stahley, PhD, MSN, RN

Department Chair for Nursing: Tracy Alberta, MSN, RN

Nursing Administrative Assistant: TBD

MSN/FNP online faculty

Clinical Coordinator: Marlo Schepers, MSN

Online Graduate Faculty: Jessica Abernathy, DNP, WHNP-BC, CNM, FNP-BC, Annette Mannion, MSN, CRNP, IBLC

Licensure and Disclosure Information

Effective July 1, 2024, the Department of Education requires all programs that prepare students for occupations requiring licensure to meet all licensing requirements for each State in which a new student is located if they are not enrolled in face-to-face instruction or in a State in which a student attests they intend to seek employment. Schools are required to disclose to students whether a program leading to licensure meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state. 

This program leads to professional licensure. Davenport University has determined that this program meets the licensure requirements for the following states: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania.

If the state you reside in is not listed please contact: Dr. Jessica Abernathy for additional information.