Rider University announced on Thursday it has launched an online Master of Science in Nursing program.
Graduates of the program, the Lawrence Township-based university said, will be set up with the skills to become a nurse practitioner.
“The health care environment is constantly evolving and adapting to new evidence-based practice guidelines, emerging diseases and complexities in navigating health care systems,” Dr. Lori Prol, assistant professor and director of the Master of Science in Nursing program, said. “Rider’s program will not only provide students with the critical thinking and clinical skills required to transition to the role of the nurse practitioner, but it will prepare them to make autonomous decisions in the care of patients within their expanded scope of practice.”
The part-time, flexible program has six start days beginning in fall 2020. Newly-enrolled students are eligible to receive a 20% tuition remission on courses they take in fall 2020, spring 2021 or summer 2021.
The MSN splits into two concentrations: adult-gerontology primary care or family nurse practitioner. In addition to the coursework being online, students are required to complete clinical hours in a primary care setting. There is also no requirement to meet on-campus.
“Graduates of this program will advance their nursing role and expand their competencies and skills,” Prol says. “Rider’s MSN program will develop innovators and leaders with a commitment to life-long learning. They will be prepared to collaborate with health care professionals and key stakeholders to provide quality, equitable care and improve health outcomes for their patients and their families.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a nurse practitioner is $109,820.
