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Graduate Nursing Programs

Christ-Centered Excellence: Caring - Connecting - Empowering

The School of Nursing at Southern Adventist University offers graduate programs in a Christ-centered learning environment that fosters integrity, academic excellence, and compassionate care. Master’s and doctoral degrees prepare advanced practice clinicians, nurse educators, and healthcare leaders to serve diverse individuals, families, and communities within a global context.

Students gain mastery of critical competencies, apply evolving nursing knowledge alongside interdisciplinary insights, and deliver personalized, evidence-based care that reflects the whole person. With emphases in acute and primary care for adult/gerontology and family nurse practitioners, psychiatric mental health, nurse education, lifestyle medicine, and dual-degree options, these programs combine flexibility with real-world application. Graduates embrace professional nursing values rooted in Christian principles—caring, integrity, ethics, service, and leadership—equipping each to make a meaningful impact in healthcare organizations and communities served.

Programs

DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

Prepares registered nurses and advanced practice nurses to expand scope of practice through advanced clinical training, applied research, and evaluation of healthcare delivery models. Grounded in a Christ-centered philosophy. Emphasizes practical coursework and relevant clinical experiences designed to enhance leadership, clinical excellence, and evidence-based practice.

Program Highlights

  • 42–50 credits depending on emphasis selected, fully online or in a hybrid format
  • Completed in approximately two years of full-time study
  • Post-master’s doctorate for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses
  • Focus on advanced clinical practice, applied research, and care-delivery evaluation
  • Designed for working professionals with full-time and part-time enrollment options

Delivery Format

  • Campus-based nurse practitioner emphases and fully online options are available.
  • Fully online options include Lifestyle Medicine, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and General DNP .
  • All students must attend the annual DNP seminar, which alternates yearly between on-campus and online formats.

DNP Emphases

Students may choose from the following emphases:

  • Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Primary Care—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)*
  • Lifestyle Medicine (fully online)
  • Nurse Educator (fully online)
  • General DNP (no emphasis, fully online)

*Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner emphasis available to United States residents only.

Clinical Placement Requirements

Students planning to complete clinical experiences outside the State of Tennessee must verify that the state is a member of the the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and obtain approval from the appropriate State Board of Nursing. Clinical placements in some states may not be available due to state-specific nursing regulations.

Online + In-person
BS to DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

BS to DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

Designed for registered nurses to progress seamlessly to a doctoral degree without completing a separate Master of Science in Nursing degree. Prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership, clinical excellence, and innovation in healthcare while offering flexible pathways tailored to professional goals.

Program Highlights

  • 77 credits, fully online or in a hybrid format
  • Completed in approximately three years of full-time study
  • Allows BSN graduates to bypass MSN degree
  • Designed for nurses with a minimum of two years (4,000 hours) of nursing experience prior to beginning practicum courses
  • Offers flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options

Delivery Format

  • Acute Care and Primary Care emphases, except Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, include face-to-face courses and some coursework offered online.
  • Lifestyle Medicine, Nurse Educator, and Primary Care––Psychiatric Mental Health emphases are fully online.
  • All students must attend the annual DNP seminar, which alternates yearly between on-campus and online formats.

DNP Emphases

Students select a primary emphasis and either a secondary emphasis or elective hours to complete degree requirements:

  • Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Lifestyle Medicine (fully online)
  • Nurse Educator (fully online)
  • Primary Care—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)* (fully online)
  • Dual Emphasis: Acute Care + Family Nurse Practitioner

*Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner emphasis available to United States residents only

Clinical Placement Requirements

Students planning to complete clinical experiences outside the State of Tennessee must verify that the state is a member of the the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and obtain approval from the appropriate State Board of Nursing. Clinical placements in some states may not be available due to state-specific nursing regulations.

 

Online + In-person
BS to DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

BS to DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

Designed for BSN students to bypass the Master of Science in Nursing, moving seamlessly to dual doctoral and business credentials. Prepares experienced nurses for advanced leadership roles by combining clinical expertise with business and healthcare administration skills. Equips graduates to lead with vision, influence healthcare policy, and drive innovation in nursing and healthcare organizations.

Program Highlights

  • Dual-degree program combining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Fully online, designed for working professionals
  • 77 credit program
  • Completed in approximately three years of full-time study
  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options designed for working professionals
  • Provides interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, healthcare leadership, and business administration
  • Prepares graduates to lead, influence policy, and improve healthcare systems
  • Requires admission to both the School of Nursing and the School of Business*
Online
DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

Prepares experienced nurses for advanced leadership in healthcare by integrating clinical expertise with business and administrative skills. Rooted in a Christ-centered approach. Equips graduates to lead with vision, influence healthcare policy, and shape the future of nursing and healthcare organizations.

Program Highlights

  • Dual-degree program combining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Fully online, designed for working professionals
  • 53 credit program
  • Completed in approximately two years of full-time study
  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options designed for working professionals
  • Provides interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, healthcare leadership, and business administration
  • Prepares graduates to lead, influence policy, and implement innovative healthcare solutions
  • Requires admission to both the School of Nursing and the School of Business*
Online
MSN/MBA — Healthcare Administration

MSN/MBA — Healthcare Administration

Equips nurses with advanced expertise in nursing, business, and healthcare leadership. This fully online, Christ-centered program prepares graduates to influence healthcare policy, lead organizations with compassion, and advance the future of nursing through a strong foundation in management, research, and strategic decision-making.

Program Highlights

  • Dual-degree program combining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Fully online, designed for working professionals
  • 50-credit program
  • MBA courses offered in eight-week accelerated modules
  • Completed in approximately two years of full-time study
  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options designed for working professionals
  • Provides interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, healthcare leadership, and business administration
  • Prepares graduates to lead, influence policy, and implement innovative healthcare solutions
  • Requires admission to both the School of Nursing and the School of Business*
Online
MSN — Master of Science in Nursing

MSN — Master of Science in Nursing

Prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice, education, and leadership roles. Combines practical clinical experiences with a Christ-centered approach to nursing leadership and patient care. Equips for career advancement in a growing healthcare market. Graduates have a strong record of job placement and excellent certification exam pass rates.

Program Highlights

  • 50-56 credits depending on emphasis selected, fully online or hybrid format
  • Completed in approximately two to two and a half years of full-time study
  • Classes on campus held on Tuesdays
  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options to accommodate working professionals
  • Prepares graduates for certification exams and advanced nursing practice

MSN Emphases

  • Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Nurse Educator (fully online)
  • Primary Care—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)*

*Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner emphasis available to United States residents only.

Clinical Placement Requirements

Students planning to complete clinical experiences outside the State of Tennessee must verify that the state is a member of the the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and obtain approval from the appropriate State Board of Nursing. Clinical placements in some states may not be available due to state-specific nursing regulations.

Online + In-person
RN to MSN - Accelerated

RN to MSN - Accelerated

Allows registered nurses to progress seamlessly to a Christ-centered master’s degree, bypassing a separate bachelor’s degree. Prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership, and education roles. Equips graduates to meet the growing demand for highly skilled nursing professionals.

Program Highlights

  • 50–62 credits depending on emphasis and prior coursework, fully online or hybrid format
  • Completed in approximately two to three years of full-time study
  • Accelerated pathway combining undergraduate-level general education and nursing courses with graduate-level master’s classes
  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options designed for working professionals
  • Graduates prepared for certification exams and advanced nursing practice

MSN Emphases

  • Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Nurse Educator (fully online)
  • Primary Care—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)* (fully online)

*Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner emphasis available to United States residents only.

Clinical Placement Requirements

Students planning to complete clinical experiences outside the State of Tennessee must verify that the state is a member of the the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and obtain approval from the appropriate State Board of Nursing. Clinical placements in some states may not be available due to state-specific nursing regulations.

Undergraduate Requirements

RN to MSN students must complete a specific set of general-education and cognate courses prior to registering for graduate-level courses. Transfer credit options can be discussed with an academic adviser.

Online + In-person
Post-Master's Nursing Certificates

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates

Designed for nurses who already hold a master’s degree and wish to expand their scope of practice in a new specialty without pursuing a doctoral degree. Grounded in a Christ-centered approach. Prepare advanced practice nurses to gain additional expertise, enhance leadership, and pursue certification in a new area of nursing practice.

Program Highlights

  • 17–34 credits depending on emphasis selected
  • Completed in approximately one to one and a half years of full-time study
  • Full-time or part-time enrollment options designed for working professionals
  • Flexible, individualized programs of study for MSN-prepared nurses based on previous coursework and professional goals

Emphases

  • Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Primary Care—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)*
  • Lifestyle Medicine (fully online)
  • MBA in Healthcare Administration (fully online)
  • Nurse Educator (fully online)

 

Online + In-person
DNP Specialist Certificates

DNP Specialist Certificates

Designed for nurses who already hold a doctoral degree and wish to expand their scope of practice in a new specialty area. Rooted in a Christ-centered approach. Provide advanced expertise, preparing DNP-prepared nurses to assume leadership roles and pursue additional certification in a specialized area of nursing practice.

Program Highlights

  • 17–34 credits depending on emphasis selected
  • Completed in approximately one to one and half years of full-time study
  • Full-time or part-time enrollment options designed for working professionals
  • Flexible, individualized programs of study for DNP-prepared nurses based on prior coursework and professional goals

Emphases

  • Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Lifestyle Medicine (fully online)
  • Nurse Educator (fully online)
  • Primary Care—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)* (fully online)

 

Online + In-person

Course Guides

BS to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
RN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Accelerated)
Post-Masters and DNP Specialist Ceriticates
Nusing/Business Dual-Degrees
STEP INTO YOUR CALLING!
 
Now accepting applications for Fall 2026 | Classes begin August 24

Admissions Process

Important Dates
Our deadlines are flexible and we accept applications year-round. Please reach out to an enrollment adviser when in doubt.

Semester Starts USA Deadlines International Deadlines
Fall: August 24
Winter: January 11		 Fall: July 1
Winter: October 1		 Fall: May 1
Winter: September 1
Admissions Requirements
For comprehensive information regarding the Nursing programs, visit the Program's Catalog Page.

NOTE: To enter the dual-degree program, students must be admitted to both the School of Nursing and the School of Business. Most complete one set of courses at a time, though some overlap is possible depending on scheduling.

Program Eligibility Admissions Process
NURSING Check out the program-specific requirements for each advanced degree offered
  1. Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with a non-refundable fee of $40.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Written statement: Submit a description of your purpose and goals for pursuing this degree.
  5. Résumé: Submit your current résumé through your Application Status page.
  6. Interview with faculty.
BUSINESS
 
  • Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  1. Graduate application: Submit completed application with a non-refundable fee of $40..
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. GMAT is waived if GPA is 3.25 or above, or if applicant has a GPA of 3.0 and 5+ years of full time business experience.
Admission Requirements for International Graduate Students
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States and planning to attend classes on-campus are considered international students and must meet additional requirements for admission.

See Full Requirements

Graduate Nursing Student Job Opportunities

National Accreditation

Master of Science in Nursing

ACEN logoThe Master of Science in Nursing program at Southern Adventist University is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and is designed to meet competency requirements for advanced generalist social work practice.

View ACEN Member Status »

Why Southern?

The Graduate programs in Nursing at Southern Adventist University offers a dynamic path to advanced practice, designed for nurses seeking to elevate their careers without sacrificing personal commitments.

Our flexible format provides the opportunity to delve deeply into specialized areas of nursing through focused coursework, available both online and on campus, allowing you to master complex concepts at your own pace. Whether you aspire to become a clinical leader, a research innovator, or a healthcare policy influencer, this program empowers you with the advanced knowledge and skills to drive positive change and excel in today's evolving healthcare landscape.

Faculty

Holly Gadd, PhD

Dean

Frances Johnson, DNP

Adjunct

Linda Peoples, PhD

Professor

Lilly Tryon, DNP

Professor

Jennifer Fisher, MSN

Associate Professor

Tony Lazcano, MSN

Associate Professor

Edelweiss von Maack

Assistant Professor