Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing Online
Discover a fast, flexible pathway to building dynamic leadership and advanced practice nursing expertise. Elevate your ability to provide vital, life-changing care for diverse patient groups in less time than traditional formats.
Apply by:
2/28/25
Program Overview
Prepare for advanced roles in nursing with the online Accelerated MSN degree program
Transform health outcomes in your community and beyond with the Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing online program. Designed to allow you to earn your degree quickly and conveniently, this CCNE-accredited program elevates your experience administering evidence-based care in real-world settings and provides the foundation for further specialization in your field.
Curriculum for the Accelerated MSN degree rapidly advances your ability to interact effectively with diverse patient groups, collect and interpret vital data, and advocate for productive policy changes in healthcare. You will learn from experienced faculty as you explore pathophysiology, health promotion and disease prevention, and pharmacokinetics while preparing to excel as a sought-after nursing leader.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain the knowledge and skills to advance in your nursing career
- Construct processes for self-accountability of professional growth, adopt lifelong learning, and practice safely and effectively within a chosen specialty to maintain health and improve patient outcomes
- Establish an environment of advanced practice that is conducive to the development of effective interactions with patients, other disciplines, and other entities in communities
- Advocate for policies that lead to improved health outcomes for populations and enhanced quality of healthcare at local, state, national, and global levels
- Apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the development and implementation of evidence-based projects in a real-world healthcare setting
- Gain the knowledge and skills to advance in your nursing career
- Construct processes for self-accountability of professional growth, adopt lifelong learning, and practice safely and effectively within a chosen specialty to maintain health and improve patient outcomes
- Establish an environment of advanced practice that is conducive to the development of effective interactions with patients, other disciplines, and other entities in communities
- Advocate for policies that lead to improved health outcomes for populations and enhanced quality of healthcare at local, state, national, and global levels
- Apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the development and implementation of evidence-based projects in a real-world healthcare setting
Nursing Career Opportunities
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Public health agencies
- Research centers
- Colleges or other educational institutions
- Telehealth
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Public health agencies
- Research centers
- Colleges or other educational institutions
- Telehealth
Total Tuition
$19,400
Duration
As few as 12 months
Credit Hours
30
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree, master's degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and post-graduate certificate programs in nursing at St. Thomas University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Tuition
Earn a career-focused degree affordably
Tuition for the Accelerated MSN online degree program is the same for in-state and out-of-state students and can be paid by the course. The total tuition is inclusive of all fees, including a technology fee for each course.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerated MSN | $605 | $1,890 | $19,400 |
Tuition breakdown:
Total Tuition
$19,400
Per Credit Hour
$605
Calendar
Choose from multiple convenient start dates
The Accelerated MSN program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year. Choose the start date that is best for you.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2 | 3/15/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/10/25 | 3/19/25 | 5/9/25 | 7 weeks |
| Summer 1 | 5/17/25 | 5/2/25 | 5/7/25 | 5/12/25 | 5/21/25 | 6/27/25 | 6 weeks |
| Summer 2 | 6/28/25 | 6/13/25 | 6/18/25 | 6/23/25 | 7/2/25 | 8/8/25 | 6 weeks |
| Fall 1 | 8/23/25 | 8/8/25 | 8/13/25 | 8/18/25 | 8/27/25 | 10/17/25 | 7 weeks |
| Fall 2 | 10/18/25 | 10/3/25 | 10/8/25 | 10/13/25 | 10/22/25 | 12/12/25 | 7 weeks |
Now enrolling:
Apply Date
2/28/25
Class Starts
3/15/25
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Admissions
Apply with ease to the online Accelerated MSN degree program
Our very reasonable admission requirements allow students with diverse academic backgrounds greater access to the online Master of Science in Nursing programs. You must possess an unencumbered RN license and a bachelor's degree in nursing and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Due to in-person clinical requirements, only students currently residing in Florida and Georgia can enter this program.
Admission Requirements:
- Free application
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Active RN license
The following are required for admission to the MSN online program:
- Completed free application
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- Active and unencumbered Florida or Georgia nursing license
- Residency in Florida or Georgia for clinicals
Official transcripts can be sent to St. Thomas University through Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. Unofficial transcripts and other documents can be uploaded via your Admissions Portal or emailed to [email protected].
This program is only offered in Florida and Georgia.
Courses
Discover how the MSN online degree curriculum aligns with your goals
The MSN Administration online curriculum is comprised of 10 core courses for a total of 30 credits.
The MSN Administration online curriculum is comprised on 10 core courses for a total of 30 credits.
Students will take the following courses.
NUR 501: Philosophical & Theoretical Basis of Nursing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores nursing as an art and science; and how knowledge has developed relevant to phenomena of interest. Each student will develop skills needed to critically analyze and synthesize relevant literature in the area of a specific phenomenon. Throughout the course, the student will enhance the skills to translate evidenced based research into evidenced based practice, while evaluating research project outcomes through discussions. The student will acquire skills in learning interrelationship between nursing theory, research, and practice along with the nature of scientific knowledge. The students will enrich their critical analysis and theory in the development of evidence-based advanced practice nursing protocols.
Learning Outcomes
- Critique and assess theories and conceptual models from nursing and related fields.
- Provide high-quality care to clients using the appropriate theories from the field of nursing.
- Effectively implement the principles of research and evidence-based practice.
- Understand the application of both classic and modern literature on development and implementation of Middle Range Theory and evidence-based practice (EBP).
- Critically appraise research study and articulate findings.
NUR 502: Advanced Pathophysiology
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is a fully online course that provides the student with the advanced understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness, disease prevention and treatment, within a systems framework. Emphasis is placed on biological theories and principles that provide a basis for understanding pathophysiology as an alteration in the normal physiology functioning of subsystems from conception to end of life and the chemical agents that are capable of producing biologic responses within the body. The course uses critical thinking processes to analyze diverse client presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.
Learning Outcomes
- Compare physiological and psychologies changes over the lifespan.
- Evaluate physiologic responses to illness and treatment modalities.
- Incorporate and implement evidence-based knowledge regarding changes in selected disease states.
NUR 504: Advanced Health Assessment & Differential Diagnosis
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course helps students acquire knowledge and skills in the conduct of a comprehensive health assessment including the physical, psychological, social, functional and environmental aspects of health. Data collection, interpretation, documentation and dissemination of assessment data is studied. Techniques of interview, observation, percussion, palpation, inspection and auscultation in assessing clients across the life span are reviewed in simulated and actual environments.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize the roles of the professional nurse in conducting a health history on a variety of patients across the lifespan.
- Distinguish normal and abnormal health and physical assessment findings between normal and abnormal variations associated with ethnic/racial origins, socioeconomic status, cultural/spiritual beliefs, gender, and age.
- Utilize special assessments and techniques to certain populations such as obstetric, pediatric, and the elderly population.
- Evaluate health/illness beliefs, culture, values, attitudes, behavior, and lifestyle to collaboratively plan with the patient to promote ideal health.
- Assess evidence-based care for promoting wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention for individuals, families, groups, communities, and diverse populations across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare environments.
NUR 505: Diversity in Advanced Health Practice
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analyze the complexities of health service delivery to diverse populations using social ecological models to provide a deeper understanding of the impacts of health policy, social justice, structural inequities, and the value systems of diverse groups, as well as variables related to gender, age, lifestyle, religion, culture, social class, race, and, geography
Learning Outcomes
- Employ culturally competent care practices for self, individuals, and families.
- Describe conceptual models and theories of cultural diversity and analyze the cultural patterns and behaviors of cultural values of diverse populations.
NUR 506: Influencing Health Policy
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on influencing public policy related to the health system and resources at the state/national/global level. Emphasis will be placed on how health policies are formulated, how to affect this process, and how it impacts clinical practice and health care delivery.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise health policies proposals and policies that encompass ethics, global health, health care disparities, uninsured, under-insured, complex health care financing issues, and the health care reform (Affordable Care Act).
- Analyze and discuss health services research, evidence-based practice policy and politics for implementation at the institutional, local, state, and federal level.
- Articulate social justice, health equity, and new policy issues to improve care delivery, patient outcomes, and the profession of nursing.
- Utilize leadership skills when developing and implementing policies in the workplace, government, professional organizations, and the community.
NUR 512: Role to Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide a forum for the student to examine the roles of the advanced practice nurse. The content will include professional practice issues for the advanced practice nurse, working independently and collaborating with other health care professionals within the multidisciplinary/multiagency team. This course will also look at the scope of practice, professional responsibilities, informatics, and financial aspects of advanced practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulate marketing and negotiating strategies to promote acceptance of the advance practice nurse within the practice management system.
- Investigate ethical issues and the cope of practice that governs the advanced practice nurse in Florida and/or other states.
- Evaluate the interprofessional collaborative healthcare team function of the Advanced Practice Nurse.
NUR 600: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide knowledge of pharmacokinetics that will enable the student to safely and appropriately select pharmacologic agents for the management of common acute and chronic health problems of diverse populations. Specific content of the course covers representative drugs of a pharmacologic group, indications for use, drug selection, titration of dose, key adverse effects, and monitoring of therapy and alternative therapy.
Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate the pharmacological actions of medications used to treat common diseases.
- Create individualized pharmacotherapy plans based on patient-specific conditions.
- Explain the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of broad categories of drugs across the lifespan.
NUR 601: Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores nursing as an art and science in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as explores strategies how to effectively apply culturally and environmentally sensitive interventions. The course serves as the foundation to develop further assessment skills to sharpen the knowledge base of the advanced practice nurse in promoting health and preventing acute and chronic diseases. Throughout the course, the student will enhance the knowledge to translate relevant clinical guidelines and evidenced-based research into evidenced based practice to promote health and prevent chronic health problems.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate health maintenance/health promotion situations in clients across the life span.
- Employ evidence-based guidelines to identify and prevent significant healthcare problems affecting populations at risk.
- Advocate for cultural sensitivity and culturally competent care that respects a person's right to be understood as a unique individual.
NUR 602: Advanced Nursing Leadership
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students an in-depth exploration of diverse leadership approaches within the nursing profession. This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to effectively lead and manage healthcare teams, promote organizational excellence, and drive positive change in complex healthcare environments. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, case studies, and assignments, students will examine various leadership theories, styles, and models, including transformational, transactional, servant, authentic, situational, ethical leadership. Students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of different types of leadership and their applications in nursing practice, as well as the ability to critically analyze leadership strategies and implement evidence-based leadership practices to enhance organizational effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.
NUR 603: Advanced Nursing Practicum
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is tailored for students apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the development and implementation of evidence-based projects in a real-world healthcare setting. Students will create a capstone project which will explore key concepts related to evidence-based practice, project management, quality improvement, and healthcare leadership. Students will complete 60 practicum hours. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the research process, critically appraising evidence, identifying practice gaps, and formulating evidence-based solutions.
Students will take the following courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course explores nursing as an art and science; and how knowledge has developed relevant to phenomena of interest. Each student will develop skills needed to critically analyze and synthesize relevant literature in the area of a specific phenomenon. Throughout the course, the student will enhance the skills to translate evidenced based research into evidenced based practice, while evaluating research project outcomes through discussions. The student will acquire skills in learning interrelationship between nursing theory, research, and practice along with the nature of scientific knowledge. The students will enrich their critical analysis and theory in the development of evidence-based advanced practice nursing protocols.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This is a fully online course that provides the student with the advanced understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness, disease prevention and treatment, within a systems framework. Emphasis is placed on biological theories and principles that provide a basis for understanding pathophysiology as an alteration in the normal physiology functioning of subsystems from conception to end of life and the chemical agents that are capable of producing biologic responses within the body. The course uses critical thinking processes to analyze diverse client presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course helps students acquire knowledge and skills in the conduct of a comprehensive health assessment including the physical, psychological, social, functional and environmental aspects of health. Data collection, interpretation, documentation and dissemination of assessment data is studied. Techniques of interview, observation, percussion, palpation, inspection and auscultation in assessing clients across the life span are reviewed in simulated and actual environments.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Analyze the complexities of health service delivery to diverse populations using social ecological models to provide a deeper understanding of the impacts of health policy, social justice, structural inequities, and the value systems of diverse groups, as well as variables related to gender, age, lifestyle, religion, culture, social class, race, and, geography
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course focuses on influencing public policy related to the health system and resources at the state/national/global level. Emphasis will be placed on how health policies are formulated, how to affect this process, and how it impacts clinical practice and health care delivery.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course will provide a forum for the student to examine the roles of the advanced practice nurse. The content will include professional practice issues for the advanced practice nurse, working independently and collaborating with other health care professionals within the multidisciplinary/multiagency team. This course will also look at the scope of practice, professional responsibilities, informatics, and financial aspects of advanced practice.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course will provide knowledge of pharmacokinetics that will enable the student to safely and appropriately select pharmacologic agents for the management of common acute and chronic health problems of diverse populations. Specific content of the course covers representative drugs of a pharmacologic group, indications for use, drug selection, titration of dose, key adverse effects, and monitoring of therapy and alternative therapy.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course explores nursing as an art and science in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as explores strategies how to effectively apply culturally and environmentally sensitive interventions. The course serves as the foundation to develop further assessment skills to sharpen the knowledge base of the advanced practice nurse in promoting health and preventing acute and chronic diseases. Throughout the course, the student will enhance the knowledge to translate relevant clinical guidelines and evidenced-based research into evidenced based practice to promote health and prevent chronic health problems.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students an in-depth exploration of diverse leadership approaches within the nursing profession. This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to effectively lead and manage healthcare teams, promote organizational excellence, and drive positive change in complex healthcare environments. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, case studies, and assignments, students will examine various leadership theories, styles, and models, including transformational, transactional, servant, authentic, situational, ethical leadership. Students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of different types of leadership and their applications in nursing practice, as well as the ability to critically analyze leadership strategies and implement evidence-based leadership practices to enhance organizational effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
This course is tailored for students apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the development and implementation of evidence-based projects in a real-world healthcare setting. Students will create a capstone project which will explore key concepts related to evidence-based practice, project management, quality improvement, and healthcare leadership. Students will complete 60 practicum hours. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the research process, critically appraising evidence, identifying practice gaps, and formulating evidence-based solutions.
STU is ranked #24 in the “Most Diverse Colleges in Florida” rankings by Niche.com, 2024.
