Master of Science in Nursing

Follow your passion for helping others and serve on the frontlines of healthcare with a Master of Science in Nursing from The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. Through a balanced combination of hands-on experience and theory, you’ll build upon the skills and knowledge you accrued in your B.S.N. to prepare you for advanced positions as an advanced nurse practitioner, educator, or manager of patient care services within a variety of institutions or health care agencies.

Guided by faith and our dedication to student-centered learning, our intensive master’s degree in nursing program boasts a Also, more than 90% of all M.S.N. degree graduates find jobs in their specialty within six months of graduation. Our program has been recognized for its excellence and certified by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. As one of the most respected graduate nursing schools in the nation, we provide you with all the tools and connections you need to find a rewarding career in nursing.

An M.S.N. Degree Designed for You

Nursing is a diverse field with many career opportunities after graduation. That’s why we’ve created an M.S.N. degree with two tracks that prepare you to sit for exams in your specialty and excel in your chosen profession.

If you’re interested in becoming a nurse educator in either a professional development or academic setting, our Master of Science in Nursing online program for education is built with you in mind. Our education courses incorporate necessary skills such as curriculum design, instructional methods, development of creative teaching styles, and practical experience in the classroom. You can earn your Master of Science in nursing online while working and caring for your family.

Our community-based family nurse practitioner M.S.N. degree program gives you real-world experience in the community helping families and promoting health and wellbeing for every patient. You’ll master the basics of health policy and theory, women’s health, pediatrics, and diagnostic methods. You will be able to stand out in the job market after completion of 750 clinical hours.  This program is an FNP Program offered in an online format.

The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at Patty Hanks are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation).

Contact information:
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 887-6791

Why Earn Your Master’s Degree in Nursing at Hardin-Simmons?

A nursing instructor hands a white coat to a student.

Individual Attention from M.S.N. Degree Program Faculty

Thanks to our small classes, you’ll work closely with our caring faculty mentors who have years of experience teaching and serving their communities. They guide you through the M.S.N. degree program and help you well after graduation to find jobs and advance your career. Even students earning their Master of Science in Nursing online get valuable one-on-one time with faculty through virtual office hours and meetings.

Extraordinary Career Preparation

There’s currently a shortage of skilled nurses in the country, which means that there are more career opportunities for graduates than ever. Our focus on experiential learning and community service is one of the reasons we are considered among the best graduate nursing schools in the region. We ensure that you’re well-prepared to enter this job market with the skills to land the right job and start helping those in need throughout Texas and the nation.

A nursing student poses with her daughters.

Supportive Community

Our Master of Science in Nursing program is about more than a phenomenal educational experience. It’s also about building community and making connections. As you earn your master’s degree in nursing, you’ll join a family of peers, alumni, and faculty who share your passion for helping others and learning.

What Can You Do With a Master of Science in Nursing?

Earning a master’s degree in nursing opens the path toward leadership and managerial roles in health care. Graduates work in a wide variety of settings, including schools, small family practices, hospitals, and more. Whether you take the educator or the family nurse practitioner track, you’ll be ready to lead your team and succeed every single day for your patients.

You’ll also benefit from excellent job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs for nurse practitioners will grow by 45 percent over the next decade, more than four times the average for all other occupational fields.

Jobs for Graduates

  • Educator
  • Family nurse practitioner

Salary for M.S.N. Graduates

According to the BLS, the average salary for nurse practitioners is $118,000.

Program Details

Admission to our M.S.N. degree and Master of Science in Nursing online programs requires the following to be submitted to or conducted by the School of Nursing:

  • Unencumbered licensure to practice as an RN in Texas and in good standing with the Texas Board of Nursing.
  • Minimum of one year of clinical nursing practice preferred.
  • Three letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be obtained from supervisors having knowledge of your clinical skills, work ethic and style, and/or professors attesting to your academic achievements and potential success in a graduate nursing program.
  • Completion of PHSSN application.
  • Interview with program director and or faculty.
  • A completed PHSSN health form and proof of current immunization status.
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification) is required for Family Nurse Practitioner students prior to beginning clinical courses.

Nothing should come between you and your passion for helping others, especially the cost of your M.S.N. degree. We’ve been blessed with many charitable donors that allow us to provide scholarships and grants to help you afford one of the best graduate nursing schools in the region. In addition, you may also be eligible for university-wide financial aid. Learn more about graduate financial aid at Hardin-Simmons University.

If you are considering a Master of Science in Nursing, you may also be interested in these similar programs at Hardin-Simmons University:

Health Professions Postbaccalaureate Program (Postbacc)

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Physician Assistant (MPAS)