Program Overviews

Graduate-MSN Nursing

Bellin College Graduate Nursing Program prepares graduates with enhanced knowledge and practice expertise that builds and expands on baccalaureate nursing education. This preparation provides graduates with a broader understanding of nursing in order to engage in advanced practice and leadership in a variety of settings and commit to life-long learning (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2010).

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track is a 47-credit program designed to prepare graduates to function as licensed independent practitioners in primary care. Students complete core coursework followed by specialty courses that focus on the provision of the full spectrum of healthcare services across a lifespan. Students learn to use advanced health assessment skills, screening and diagnostic strategies and prescriptive practices to manage the health/illness status of patients and families. Practicum experiences that total 680 hours are completed in primary healthcare and community settings. Graduates are eligible to take either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) family nurse practitioner certification exams.

Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (FNP PGC)

The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate is a variable credit-hour program, ranging from 27 to 32 credits, dependent on prior education and certification. A gap analysis will be performed considering all prior education and experience. The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (FNP PGC) is available to registered nurses holding a master’s or terminal degree in nursing who desire to continue their education and expand their skillset as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program can be completed in approximately 2 to 3 years. Upon successful completion of program requirements, a certificate is awarded, and students are eligible to apply for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Family Nurse Practitioner certification.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track is a 48-credit program designed to prepare graduates to function as licensed independent practitioners in mental health. Students complete core coursework followed by specialty courses that focus on the provision of the full spectrum of psychiatric and mental health services across a lifespan. Students learn to use advanced assessment skills, screening and diagnostic strategies and prescriptive practices to manage the mental health/illness status of patients and families. Practicum experiences that total 680 hours are completed in a variety of psychiatric and mental health settings. Graduates are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners PMHNP certification exam.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (PMHNP-PGC)

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate is a 21 credit-hour program, dependent on prior education and certification. A gap analysis will be performed considering all prior education and experience. PMHNP PGC is available to registered nurses holding a master’s or terminal degree in nursing who desire to continue their education and expand their skillset as a PMHNP The program can be completed in approximately 2 years. Upon successful completion of program requirements, a certificate is awarded, and students are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners PMHNP certification exam.

Nurse Educator Track

The Nurse Educator track in the Graduate Nursing Program  is a 39-credit program designed to prepare graduates for the nurse educator role across various settings (academic, clinical, staff development, etc.). Students integrate core Graduate Nursing coursework and education specialty courses that focus on evidence-based teaching and learning principles, curriculum development and evaluation, instructional design and technology, assessment of educational outcomes and nurse educator role development. Students will integrate knowledge and skills into the educational and practice setting in a 255-hour practicum experience. This track is fully online delivery with full-time and part-time options. It provides a strong instructional design and technology preparation. Students are prepared for successful integration into the nurse educator role in academic and practice settings. Students have hands-on faculty with dedication to student interaction and engagement. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator™ Exam upon completion of specified professional education practice.

Nurse Educator Post Graduate Certificate (NE-PGC)

In the 12-credit NE post graduate certification program, students master the knowledge and skills required to competently serve in the nurse educator role. Coursework focuses on curriculum design, teaching and evaluation, NE role transition and a 255-hour practicum.