**No further applications are being accepted for the MSN degree at this time. Please see the BSN-to-DNP Nurse Practitioner section.
Samford University’s Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares graduates to provide comprehensive mental health and social care services as well as comprehensive primary care.
In addition to providing care across the life-span, students will learn to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and provide specialized treatment to people with mental health disorders.
Graduates meet the eligibility criteria to sit for both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exams.
Why Samford?
Nurse practitioner students
- Earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree online
- Participate in cutting edge, web-based learning with clinical experiences close to home
- Access all coursework and resources anywhere, anytime and from any internet-connected electronic device
- Complete clinical hours in a variety of health care sites across the United States, ranging from pediatrics to obstetrics/gynecology to adult/geriatrics to emergency/urgent care
- Receive instruction from experienced nurse practitioners and physicians who are dedicated to excellent patient care and student education
- Receive close, personal attention from highly educated and experienced faculty who are readily available to you
- Experience a rich tradition of high academic standards and quality education practices
- Access to Samford’s beautiful campus and all the amenities that Samford has to offer
Admission Information
Admission Deadline
Entry Month: August
Slate Application Deadline: June 1
Admission Criteria
- Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
- B.S.N. from CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) and institutionally accredited college or university
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in nursing courses
- A video submission
- One undergraduate course in nursing research with a grade of C (2.0) or better
- One undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B (3.0) or better
- American citizens or Permanent Residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- If accepted, a non-refundable fee of $750 is required to secure admission to the program. This fee is applied to the first semester's tuition.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts can be sent electronically to gradnurse@samford.edu or by mail to:
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Graduate Student Services
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229 - Three letters of recommendation – two professional (at least one supervisor) and one academic
- Personal statement indicating career plans and likelihood of success in graduate study
- Professional resume
- Applications are submitted online through Slate
- California
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- New York
- Oregon
Practicum & Clinical Hours
This program of study requires clinical hours with patients across the lifespan. The minimum number of clinical hours per course are noted in red on each plan of study below. Students should anticipate spending an average of 16-20 hours each week in clinical rotations (clinical courses only).
The Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing has affiliation agreements with hundreds of clinical agencies across numerous states, with the majority being in the Southeast. Students may request additional affiliation agreements based on preceptor availability and proximity. Professional and personal connections are essential to help secure clinical placement opportunities close to home.
Clinical placements can be very competitive and similar to obtaining employment. Many facilities require an application, resume and/or interview with prospective clinical students. Professionalism and good communication skills are critical for successful placement. Traveling for clinical opportunities is sometimes needed to meet requirements and/or learning needs. The school does not arrange or provide reimbursement for travel.
Plan of Study
Traditional Plans of Study
Fall Start
Spring Start
No plan of study is available.
Summer Start
No plan of study is available.
Nurse Faculty Loan Plans of Study
Fall Start
Spring Start
No plan of study is available.
Summer Start
No plan of study is available.
Periodic On-Campus Requirements
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for in-state and out-of-state students can be found on our graduate tuition worksheet. Tuition may be paid online or at Samford One Stop, and must be paid by the first day of each semester/term. Policies and methods for tuition and fee payment can be found in the Samford University catalog and the Samford One Stop website.
Fees are automatically generated following registration. For a full list of university, school and course fees please view our graduate fees worksheet.
The following additional fees are applicable for the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Background check – cost varies by state
Financial Aid
A financial assistance program administered by Samford One Stop has been established to aid students in attending Samford University.
To learn more about financial aid options, please visit the Samford One Stop or call 205-726-2905.
*The nursing school offers certificate-only programs, which are not eligible for federal aid. However, educational expenses related to these certificates may be covered by private loans or institutional scholarships. Please contact the financial advisor for nursing students for additional information.
Other options are also available, such as the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. For additional information concerning these opportunities, please contact graduate admission in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing.
Scholarships
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is proud to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities.
Through our Nurse Faculty Loan Program, you could qualify for up to 85% loan forgivness.
