Tusculum College offering enrollment opportunity for registered nurses in family nurse practitioner master’s degree program

Tusculum College is now offering an RN to MSN track for registered nurses interested in pursuing an advanced degree in the Master of Science in nursing program.

According to Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of nursing, health sciences and human services, the Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares graduate advanced practice registered nurses as quality providers to meet healthcare needs of individuals, families and populations in surrounding communities.

“The MSN is the professional degree that prepares nurse practitioners to meet the dynamic and identified healthcare needs of local, regional and global societies,” said Dr. Ewen.

Upon completion of the accelerated Masters of Science in Nursing Program, graduates are eligible to sit for certification in the chosen specialty area.

Dr. Linda Garrett, assistant dean of nursing, health sciences and human services and chair of graduate nursing, the MSN program has experienced faculty that provide mentorship and support to students.

“The emphasis of the program is on use of evidence-based knowledge and skills to lead the healthcare team, encourage health promotion, diagnose and treat acute and chronic illness and evaluate the plan of care. However, critical thinking and decision-making skills are also emphasized and upon completion of the program, the student is prepared for doctoral level study in nursing.

“Nurse practitioners provide primary care across the lifespan to people of all ages with simple to complex illnesses. We have the same privileges that family physicians have, such as prescribing medications,” said Dr. Garrett.

Applications for enrollment in the program are currently available with classes beginning in January for nurses with associates degrees. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in the program may apply now as well, with a start date of August 2017.

Individuals with interest in attending the family nurse practitioner program should contact the nursing department at nursing@tusculum.edu or 423-636-7430 for more information.