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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. Our 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 like MSN/MBA or DNP/MBA, our programs combine flexibility with real-world application. Graduates embrace professional nursing values rooted in Christ-centered principles—caring, integrity, ethics, service, and leadership—equipping them to make a meaningful impact in healthcare organizations and the communities they serve.

Programs

BS to DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

BS to DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

Southern Adventist University’s BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and wish to progress seamlessly to a doctoral degree without completing a separate MSN. This Christ-centered program prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership, clinical excellence, and innovation in healthcare while offering flexible pathways tailored to professional goals.

Program Highlights

  • Doctoral nursing program for registered nurses with a BSN

  • 77-credit program

  • Completed in approximately 3 years of full-time study

  • Allows students to bypass the MSN degree

  • Designed for nurses with a minimum of two years (4,000 hours) of nursing experience prior to beginning DNP practicum courses

  • Offers flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options

Delivery Format

  • Acute care and primary care emphases, except the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner emphasis, include face-to-face courses and some coursework offered online

  • Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Lifestyle Medicine 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 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
DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice

Southern Adventist University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares registered nurses and advanced practice nurses to expand their scope of practice through advanced clinical training, applied research, and evaluation of healthcare delivery models. Grounded in a Christ-centered philosophy, the program emphasizes practical coursework and relevant clinical experiences designed to enhance leadership, clinical excellence, and evidence-based practice.

Program Highlights

  • Post-master’s doctoral program for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses

  • 42–50 credits, depending on emphasis selected

  • Completed in approximately 3 years of full-time study

  • 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 available

  • Fully online options include Lifestyle Medicine, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and General DNP (no emphasis)

  • 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 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

Southern Adventist University’s BSN to DNP/MBA – Healthcare Administration dual degree prepares experienced nurses for advanced leadership roles by combining clinical expertise with business and healthcare administration skills. This fully online, Christ-centered program equips graduates to lead with vision, influence healthcare policy, and drive innovation in nursing and healthcare organizations. Students bypass the MSN degree, moving seamlessly from a BSN to dual doctoral and business credentials.

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 3 years of full-time study

  • Provides interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, healthcare leadership, and business administration

  • Prepares graduates to lead, influence policy, and improve healthcare systems

  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options

  • Admission to both the School of Nursing and School of Business is required

  • Applicants may be required to complete six credits of prerequisite business courses to ensure a strong foundation for success in the program

Online
DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

Southern Adventist University’s DNP/MBA – Healthcare Administration dual degree prepares experienced nurses for advanced leadership in healthcare by integrating clinical expertise with business and administrative skills. Rooted in a Christ-centered approach, this fully online program 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 2 years of full-time study

  • Provides interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, healthcare leadership, and business administration

  • Prepares graduates to lead, influence policy, and implement innovative healthcare solutions

  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options

  • Admission to both the School of Nursing and School of Business is required

  • Applicants may be required to complete six credits of prerequisite business courses to ensure a strong foundation for success in the program

Online
MSN/MBA — Healthcare Administration

MSN/MBA — Healthcare Administration

Southern Adventist University’s MSN/MBA dual degree 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

  • Completed in approximately 2 years of full-time study

  • Provides interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, healthcare leadership, and business administration

  • Prepares graduates to lead, influence policy, and implement innovative healthcare solutions

  • MBA courses offered online in eight-week accelerated modules

  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options

  • Admission to both the School of Business and the School of Nursing is required

  • Applicants may be required to complete six credits of prerequisite business courses to ensure a strong foundation for success

Online
MSN — Master of Science in Nursing

MSN — Master of Science in Nursing

Southern Adventist University’s Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice, education, and leadership roles. Graduates have a strong record of job placement and excellent certification exam pass rates, equipping them for career advancement in a growing healthcare market. The program combines practical clinical experiences with a Christ-centered approach to nursing leadership and patient care.

Program Highlights

  • Advanced practice nursing program for registered nurses

  • 50 to 56-credit program

  • Offers five areas of emphasis to align with career goals

  • Classes held on Tuesdays to accommodate working professionals

  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options

  • Completed in approximately 2 to 2.5 years of full-time study

  • 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 completing clinical experiences outside the State of Tennessee must verify that the state is a member of NC-SARA and obtain approval from the relevant State Board of Nursing. Clinical placements in some states may not be available due to state-specific nursing regulations.

Online + In-person
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RN to MSN - Accelerated

Southern Adventist University’s accelerated RN to MSN program allows registered nurses to move quickly through nursing requirements and earn a Master of Science in Nursing without receiving a separate bachelor’s degree. This Christ-centered program prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership, and education roles, equipping graduates to meet the growing demand for highly skilled nursing professionals.

Program Highlights

  • Accelerated pathway for registered nurses to earn an MSN without a separate BSN

  • 50–62 credit program, depending on emphasis and prior coursework

  • Completed in approximately 2 to 3 years of full-time study

  • Combines undergraduate-level general education and nursing courses with graduate-level MSN courses

  • Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options

  • 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 completing clinical experiences outside the State of Tennessee must verify that the state is a member of NC-SARA and obtain approval from the relevant 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
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Post-Master's Nursing Certificates

Southern Adventist University’s Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate programs are 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 (DNP) degree. Grounded in a Christ-centered approach, these programs prepare advanced practice nurses to gain additional expertise, enhance their leadership, and pursue certification in a new area of nursing practice.

Program Highlights

  • Post-master’s certificate programs for MSN-prepared nurses

  • Flexible, individualized programs of study based on previous coursework and professional goals

  • 17–34 credits, depending on emphasis selected

  • Completed in approximately 1 to 1.5 years of full-time study

  • Designed for working professionals with full-time or part-time enrollment options

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
Southern Adventist University Aerial

DNP Specialist Certificates

Southern Adventist University’s DNP Specialist Certificate programs are 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, these programs provide advanced expertise, preparing DNP-prepared nurses to assume leadership roles and pursue additional certification in a specialized area of nursing practice.

Program Highlights

  • Post-doctoral certificate programs for DNP-prepared nurses

  • Flexible, individualized programs of study based on prior coursework and professional goals

  • 17–34 credits, depending on emphasis selected

  • Completed in approximately 1 to 1.5 years of full-time study

  • Designed for working professionals with full-time or part-time enrollment options 

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

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: Apr 1
Winter: Oct 1		 Fall: Apr 1
Winter: Oct 1		 Fall: May 1
Winter: Sep 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 Schoolf 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
BUSINESS
  • Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  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. 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.
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 statement describing your purpose and goals for pursuing this degree.
  5. Resumé: Submit your current resumé through your Application Status Page.
  6. Interview with faculty.
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

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?

Southern has long been recognized as a leader in nursing education.

Accredited

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

State of the art facilities

AdventHealth Hall includes well equipped classrooms, high-tech skills and assessment labs, Sim labs with high-fidelity simulators, and a 68-computer station Learning Resource Center.

Recognized Leadership

Our Christian philosophy, friendly environment, recognized leadership in nursing education, qualified faculty, well-equipped skills lab, and the Assisting Students to Achieve Professionally (ASAP) program provide academic excellence.

Meet the 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

Christine Moniyung, PhD

Adjunct

Eunice Kim

Adjunct

Ronda Christman, PhD

Professor