Master of Science in Nursing

Take your education and your career to the next level with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Lincoln Memorial University! We've strategically designed the MSN program to prepare registered nurses (RNs) like you for an advanced practice role with competencies in family health promotion and culturally competent clinical management of common conditions across the lifespan.

At LMU, we strongly believe in the importance of serving humanity, and there are few professions that take that belief to heart quite like nursing. As a nurse, you can help individuals attain and regain their wellness, and you can work with people, families, and community groups in helping them adapt to evolving needs, roles and relationships, brought on by changes in health.

In our program, you will be held to high moral and ethical standards we feel are vital to nursing. As a nursing student, you will receive the training and educational opportunities necessary for becoming a qualified nurse capable of navigating and succeeding in the 21st century health care environment.

Within our MSN program, we offer three distinct concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP), and Nursing Administrator. Both the FNP and FPMHNP concentrations offer a seated and online option taught by our experienced and caring faculty. The required hours of coursework vary depending on your preferred concentration.

• The 17-month FNP concentration requires 43 semester hours of graduate-level coursework including a minimum of 660 clinical hours (in either full- or part-time study). In your final semester, you will complete a comprehensive exam as well as a directed scholarly project. Completing the FNP concentration will provide you with the necessary eligibility requirements for the FNP certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). If you are planning to practice in a state other than Tennessee, you will need to contact the state board of nursing for details about advanced practice nursing in your chosen state.
• The FPMHNP concentration can be completed in 17 months of full-time study or 28 months of part-time study. Both options require 44 semester hours of graduate-level coursework including 660 clinical hours. In your final semester, as both an in-state or out-of-state student, you will complete a comprehensive exam as well as a directed scholarly project. Completing the FPMHNP concentration will provide you with the eligibility requirements necessary for the certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
• The 17-month post-baccalaureate Nursing Administration concentration requires 36 semester hours of graduate-level coursework including a minimum of 360 clinical hours. The 26-month post-associate Nursing Administration concentration requires 65 semester hours. Our Nursing Administration program is 100% online and includes key courses covering finance, budgeting, marketing and analytics for healthcare strategy. During your time in the program, you will acquire critical leadership, communication, health policy and cultural competency to prepare you for complex healthcare nursing business administrative positions locally, nationally and even globally. Completing the Nursing Administration concentration will provide you with the eligibility requirements necessary for the certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) provided they have met the practice requirement for the examinations.

Note: If you are pursuing the FNP or FPMHNP concentration and already possess an MSN degree, you will have the opportunity to pursue a post-masters certificate. Once accepted, the concentration director will perform a gap analysis of coursework to determine what coursework you will need to complete in order to qualify for degree completion. 

Most clinical placements will be within commuting distance of your attending site. If you reside further away from the attending site and can assist the faculty in identifying a willing and capable preceptor in your home community, a clinical placement in your home area may be possible. Clinical placements may be in private practices, community health centers, public health centers and other settings to help you meet your educational needs. To ensure that you can make the most of your practical learning experiences, our faculty will work closely with the clinical preceptors.

Past graduates of LMU Caylor School of Nursing consistently achieved high pass rates on certification examinations. With small class sizes, a hands-on learning environment, and the option to enroll in either full- or part-time study, your education here will prepare you future success in any healthcare setting. All of our nursing programs are fully accredited by the appropriate agencies, so you can be confident that your education meets the highest standards and expectations.

Apply to Master of Nursing Program

Review the list below to ensure that you are eligible for the MSN program at Lincoln Memorial University. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Graduated from an accredited baccalaureate nursing program
• Earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of "B" (3.0) or better
• Possess a basic understanding of statistics and basic computer skills
• Completed the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Not required, but is recommended
• Must have a minimum of three recommendations from healthcare professionals who can rate your potential. At least two must be from nursing professionals with an MSN or higher. One may be from a professional in a related healthcare field. 
• Must submit a typed letter to the Admissions Committee describing your professional goals. 
• Possess an unencumbered license to practice as an RN in the state of Tennessee. A clinical practicum may necessitate licensure in neighboring states.
• Must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended

After you have been admitted into the MSN program, there are several other requirements for participating in classes and clinicals. These include:

• Negative chain of custody urine drug screen
• Criminal background check
• Medical profile packet and Student Essential Function form
• Proof of health insurance

For admission into the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Lincoln Memorial University, you must apply through the LMU portal. After applying for general admission to LMU, you must apply to your preferred location in the Caylor School of Nursing. 

Find information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities on our Financial Services page.

After completing your choice concentration in the LMU MSN program, a wide variety of career paths await you post-graduation. Past graduates from the LMU Caylor School of Nursing have gone on to pursue advanced ventures in their education by working toward a doctoral degree, and others have found rewarding careers in a variety of settings, from major medical centers to small community hospitals, in positions including neonatal care, mental health nursing, school health nursing and trauma nursing.

Want to learn more about the MSN program at LMU? Reach out to us at any time and we will help you find just what you've been looking for!

Office of Admissions
Phone: 1.800.325.0900 ext. 6280
or 423.869.6280

Graduate Nursing Programs
Phone: 1.800.325.0900 ext. 6830
or 423.869.6830
Email: Nursing@LMUnet.edu

Dr. Jennifer Savage DNP, APN, FNP-BC
FNP Program Director and Associate Professor of Nursing
Phone: 423.869.6677
Email: Jennifer.Savage@LMUnet.edu