COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Southeast Missouri State University prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles as family nurse practitioners, focusing on the development of clinical expertise, leadership, and evidence-based decision-making in primary care settings. The 43-hour curriculum is designed to integrate advanced scientific knowledge with hands-on clinical practice, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across the lifespan.The program begins with core courses such as Informatics for Advanced Nursing Roles, which develops skills in healthcare technology and data management, and Advanced Diagnostics and Reasoning for Primary Care, which strengthens clinical judgment and diagnostic decision-making. Students also study Public Policy and Issues in Health Care to understand how healthcare systems and regulations impact patient care delivery. Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement for the Advanced Practice Nurse further emphasizes the use of research and data to improve healthcare outcomes and ensure best practices in clinical settings.Advanced clinical knowledge is developed through courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pathophysiology, which provide a strong scientific foundation for diagnosing and managing patient conditions. These courses are paired with practicum experiences, including Advanced Health Assessment Practicum and Primary Care Practicums I and II, where students gain supervised, real-world experience in clinical environments. Additional coursework in Primary Care I and II builds competence in managing common and complex health conditions across diverse patient populations.Specialized courses in Primary Care for Pediatric Clients and Women’s Health in Primary Care ensure that graduates are prepared to deliver comprehensive care across different stages of life. The Role of the APRN course further prepares students for professional responsibilities in advanced nursing practice.Overall, the MSN program equips graduates with the clinical expertise, leadership skills, and professional preparation needed to succeed as family nurse practitioners and contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare outcomes.