ALLIANCE, Ohio — The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) officially approved the University of Mount Union’s new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, with applications now being accepted for the first start date in August.

The Mount Union MSN degree offers a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), a 46-credit-hour program that can be completed in as few as 22 months. This ensures the opportunities for nurses seeking to advance their careers are accelerated and bridge the current primary care practice gap. 

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 30,000 new Advance Practice Registered Nurses needed each year through 2031, Mount Union’s MSN program will help meet the surging workforce demand.

Also approved by the HLC was Mount Union’s unique Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) certification with its MSN degree program. This offering enhances nurses' skillsets and opens the door for more career opportunities. Those who have previously earned an FNP can also earn this certification as a standalone offering. The start date for those interested in the standalone ENP will be May 2025.

“We are excited to build on Mount Union’s successful nursing program to prepare nurse practitioners and offer the only Emergency Nurse Practitioner program in Ohio,” said Dr. Betty Allen, associate professor and director of the Department of Nursing at Mount Union. “The approval of our MSN program by the HLC illustrates our continued dedication to developing nurses with quality education and thoughtful attention.” 

Detailed information about the MSN degree’s admission requirements and cost, as well as the ENP certification, can be found at mountunion.edu/msn.

Mount Union has worked hard to fill the region’s nursing shortage. Its nursing program also offers a Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a three-year accelerated nursing program for first-time college students. Learn more about the University’s entire nursing offerings at mountunion.edu/department-of-nursing.