The purpose of the master of science in nursing degree at MSU is to prepare advanced practice nurses within a rural setting. The MSU graduate nursing program offers three options of study: The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Nurse Anesthetist (NA). The Family Nurse practitioner and Nurse Anesthetist options are full time.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice nurse with five sub-roles: expert practitioner (adult health), educator, researcher, collaborator, and leader (administrator). The CNS is educated in a specialty (such as critical care, oncology, chronic illness, trauma) and practices within institutions, outpatient settings such as clinics, specialty physician offices, and even private practice. In most states, the CNS holds prescriptive authority and third party reimbursement privileges as other advanced practice nurses such as family nurse practitioners and nurse midwives. Although the CNS is educated both didactically and clinically in all of the sub-roles, the CNS can develop an area of practice that incorporates all or some of the sub-roles or choose to focus on one sub-role.

The Family Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who provides primary health care services to all members of the family. Emphasis is placed on health promotion and preventive care across the lifespan. The FNP is prepared to manage a wide range of acute and chronic health problems in a variety of settings.
Note: All degree requirements must be completed within 2 calendar years. (Theory hours = 450; Practicum hours = 765). Clinical hours are based on a 1 credit hour to 3 credit hour ratio.

The Nurse Anesthetist administers anesthesia and provides nursing care specific to anesthetic requirements across the lifespan in a variety of practice settings.

Certification to practice advanced nursing is required by law and is
expected by the Department of Nursing.