The MSN degrees open the door to careers in two healthcare professions in high demand: Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
Recognizing the increasing demand for skilled nurse practitioners, Houston Baptist University has launched two online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs that provide students the first step toward securing rewarding positions in family-focused healthcare and pediatric primary care.
Both MSN programs provide the flexibility and affordability of online degree programs while offering the practical skills and knowledge employers are looking for in their nurse leaders.
“The need for nurse practitioners far outstrips the supply, and that is a trend that does not look to change in the coming years,” said Dr. Kathryn Reveles, director of Graduate Programs for the HBU School of Nursing and Allied Health. “We are excited to offer these two MSN nursing programs that provide nurses the education they need to qualify for positions at the top of their profession.”
Dr. Cindy Simpson, HBU provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said, “HBU has a long and successful tradition of training nurses and other medical professionals. Our graduates are known for exercising both competency and compassion in the field. These new degree offerings provide even more opportunities for students to train for meaningful and lasting careers.”
The new MSN degree programs follow a Competency-Based Educational (CBE) format; CBE provides a student-centric and personalized experience. The program competencies are industry-aligned and blend employer requirements with those of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. This ensures the curriculum is high-quality and targeted to the skills nurse practitioners need to succeed today. The competencies also strongly support clinical and preceptor experiences. Additionally, the HBU MSN students in this program will utilize next-generation educational technology as they earn their degree.
The 40-credit Family Nurse Practitioner program includes 621 clinical contact hours. Students can complete the program within 24 to 26 months. The 36-credit Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care program includes 504 clinical contact hours. Students can complete the program in 24 months. Both degree programs are comprised of a blend of online courses and direct, hands-on clinical work with local healthcare providers.
It is a great time for licensed nurses interested in pursuing an advanced degree to begin their studies, as opportunities for those with a nurse practitioner degree continue to grow.
The number of nurse practitioners nationwide is expected to increase 31 percent by 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In Texas, the demand is even higher. State projections indicate the need for nurse practitioners will grow 46.3 percent by 2030, with 25 percent of that demand not met, according to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies.
The two new MSN programs from Houston Baptist University are open to nurses licensed in the state of Texas who have completed their Bachelor’s of Nursing degree at a regionally accredited higher education institution and are currently residents of Texas.
HBU President Dr. Robert B. Sloan said, “The significant expansion of HBU’s online offerings, and the critical need for nurses in our community, plus our history of excellence in nursing, have led us to the implementation of these new degree programs in nursing.”
BLS page on job growth.
Texas report on NP growth and demand.