Master of Science in Nursing

Generalist Concentration (37 credits)

Learn more about analysis (critical thinking and reasoning), pathophysiological concepts, advanced health assessment skills, pharmacological principles and applications, evaluation of evidence, critique of research and synthesis of literature to support best practices.

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (45 credits)

Learn best practices for caring for adults and children of all ages with a focus on family and community. This concentration focuses on continuing and a comprehensive wellness and illness care for individuals, plus illness management, health promotion and health education.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (47 credits)

Assess, diagnose and treat the mental health needs of patients of all ages while providing physical and psychosocial assessments and emergency psychiatric care. 

Nurse Educator Concentration (37 credits)

Choose to learn more about analysis (critical thinking and reasoning), pathophysiological concepts, advanced health assessment skills, pharmacological principles and applications, evaluation of evidence, critique of research and synthesis of literature to support best practices.

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.

• A current, valid, and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a U.S jurisdiction or province of Canada
• A 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 the 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 effect 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 which 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, RN, FNP-C

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