Master of Science in Nursing
Advance your career in nursing with a master's degree from UNMC.
Why Earn a Master's in Nursing?
A Master of Science in Nursing is more than a degree – it’s a gateway to advanced roles in clinical practice and leadership. Whether you’re driven to become a nurse practitioner or to lead teams and initiatives that shape health care delivery, our MSN program prepares you with the expertise and confidence to elevate your impact.
Through our focused advanced practice registered nurse or nurse leadership tracks, you will develop specialized clinical skills or strategic leadership abilities which are essential in today’s complex health environment. You will also expand your earning potential and be well positioned for roles that require graduate-level preparation.
Video Viewbook
Professional Graduate Nursing Programs: Specialty Programs
Why Earn a Master's in Nursing from UNMC?
500-Mile Campus
The College of Nursing is the largest and most far-reaching of UNMC's health colleges with five campuses spanning the state. We have divisions in Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Kearney and Norfolk.
Accreditation
The master's degree program in nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington D.C. 20001. Phone: (202)887-6791.
Competency-Based Education
Our comprehensive curriculum is centered on student learning, patient outcomes and evidence-based practice powered by advanced nursing systems. Whether you’re preparing to lead clinical practice as an advanced practice registered nurse or drive change as a nurse leader, you will be equipped to translate nursing research into forward-thinking, evidence-based solutions to improve care and strengthen health systems.
Program Progression
Students progress with a 3- or 4-year plan of study and work with their faculty advisor for adjustments.
Program Snapshot
Course Load
Duration
Location
Start Date
Nurse Practitioner Specialty Tracks
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
This specialty focuses on the diagnostic reasoning, assessment, and management of acute, complex, and life-threatening health issues in adolescents through older adults in hospital and outpatient settings. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals across Nebraska and beyond.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
This specialty focuses on the diagnostic reasoning, assessment, and management of primary health care needs for adolescents through older adults in ambulatory and community-based settings. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals across Nebraska and beyond.
Family Nurse Practitioner
This specialty focuses on the comprehensive care of individuals and families across the lifespan, including health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic conditions. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals across Nebraska and beyond.
Pediatric Primary Care NP
This specialty focuses on the diagnostic reasoning, assessment, and management of primary health care needs for children from birth through young adulthood. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals across Nebraska and beyond.
Pediatric Primary & Acute Care NP (Dual Certification)
This specialty focuses on preparing providers with advanced knowledge and skills to assess and manage both the primary and acute care needs of children from birth to 21 years. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals across Nebraska and beyond.
Psychiatric Mental Health NP
This specialty focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health conditions across the lifespan, incorporating psychopharmacology, counseling, interprofessional collaboration, and holistic care. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals across Nebraska and beyond.
Women's Health NP
This specialty focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of women’s gynecologic, sexual, reproductive, and primary care needs. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals across Nebraska and beyond. It is the only dedicated women’s health nurse practitioner program in the state of Nebraska.
Non-Nurse Practitioner Specialty Tracks
Nurse Leader/Executive
This specialty focuses on preparing nurses to lead within complex health care systems by responding to clinical, organizational, and fiscal challenges. Students engage in hybrid coursework and complete 500 hours of leadership-focused clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care and lead health system improvement across Nebraska and beyond.
MSN/MBA Dual Degree
This specialty focuses on equipping nurses with integrated clinical and business expertise to lead in dynamic and evolving health care environments. Through a dual-degree format, students earn both an MSN and an MBA, preparing them to navigate strategic decision-making in clinical and administrative roles. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care and lead health system improvement across Nebraska and beyond.
Program Highlights
Outcomes
Graduates of the MSN program are prepared to advance nursing practice and lead in diverse clinical and organizational settings. Whether pursuing a nurse practitioner or leadership track, students gain the advanced knowledge and skills needed to improve health outcomes, influence health care systems, and respond to evolving challenges in nursing and public health. Advanced practice nurses—including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, and nurse executives—work collaboratively within the health care system to promote patient and population health, drive quality improvement, and advance the discipline through leadership, innovation, and evidence-based practice.
Credentialing
Nurse Practitioner Tracks: Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification in their respective NP specialty area (e.g., AANP, ANCC, PNCB, NCC), which is required for licensure and independent practice.
Prerequisites
Prior to admission to the to the MSN program, you'll need:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing degree from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited school of nursing.
- If your BSN and/or MSN degree was obtained from a non-U.S. college, it must be evaluated and be equivalent to a U.S. nursing degree.
- Applicants must have one year of bedside nursing experience unless specified on the Application Information and Key Dates information.
- A license to practice nursing in one of the 50 U.S. states.
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have completed at least one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse. Experience with the specialty population is valuable.
Careers and Outcomes
MSN degree graduates work in many different areas of nursing with enhanced salary potential and a strong job outlook.Job Opportunities
- Hospitals
- Physician practice management
- Clinics
- Schools
- Health departments
- Community health centers
- Home health care management
- insurance companies
- HMOs
- Consulting
- And More...
Employers
- Nebraska Medicine
- Methodist Women’s Health
- Bryan Health
- Catholic Health Initiatives
- Avera Health
- Sanford Health
- Nebraska Methodist Health System
- Children's Hospital and Medical Center
- Omaha VA Medical Center
- St. Francis
- And More...
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