ALLIANCE, Ohio — Building upon the success of its highly-ranked and successful Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the University of Mount Union is pleased to announce the addition of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree to its academic offerings. The program has been approved by the institution's Board of Trustees and is pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

The Mount Union MSN degree offers a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), a 46-credit-hour program that can be completed in as few as two years. This ensures the opportunities for nurses seeking to advance their careers are accelerated and bridge the current primary care practice gap.

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 30,000 new Advance Practice Registered Nurses needed each year through 2031, Mount Union’s MSN program will help meet the surging workforce demand.

“We are excited to announce the launch of our new graduate nursing program. This program represents our commitment to healthcare education and the advancement of opportunities in nursing practice,” said Dr. Betty Allen, associate professor and director of the Department of Nursing at Mount Union. “We look forward to empowering nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact to serve patients and communities.

Additionally, Mount Union is one of only 17 programs across the country to pair an Emergency Nurse Practitioner certification with its MSN degree program. This unique complement enhances nurses' skillsets and opens the door for more career opportunities. Those who have previously earned an FNP can also earn this certification as a standalone offering. 

“The addition of the Emergency NP credential will allow our advanced practice nurses to meet the growing demand for practitioners in emergency room settings, as physician shortages in this area increase,” said Dr. Sandra Madar, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Mount Union.

Mount Union has worked hard to fill the region’s nursing shortage. The nursing program also offers a Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a three-year accelerated nursing program for first-time college students. Learn more about the University’s entire nursing offerings at mountunion.edu/department-of-nursing.