MSN - Advanced Practice Nursing

Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal, Pediatric, Adult/Gerontological, or Family Nurse Practitioner. This focal area emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and early detection and management of chronic health problems. Prepares NP's to conduct physical exams, take medical histories, diagnose and treat common acute minor illnesses and injuries, order and interpret lab tests and X-rays, and, in Iowa, prescribe medications. Graduates are eligible to write certification examinations to qualify them as Nurse Practitioners.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. This focal area is designed to prepare Psychiatric/Mental health Advanced Practice Nurses to manage the complexity of psychiatric problems, promote health and disease prevention, and counsel and refer clients. Graduates are eligible to write certification examinations to qualify them as Clinical Nurse Specialists (ANCC) or Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (ANCC).

Nurse Anesthetist. This focal area prepares graduates for anesthetist (CRNA) career entry, with exposure to provision of service in rural areas, and with the basis to go on for doctoral study. Graduates are eligible to write the certification examination to qualify them as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.