More About the Program
The Master of Science in Nursing [MSN] program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses who are interested in serving as family nurse practitioners, adult/gerontology primary care nurse practitioners, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Briar Cliff University also offers a post-graduate APRN certificate programs focused in family, adult/gerontology primary care, or psychiatric mental health. The MSN program at Briar Cliff University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
In their advanced practice role, graduates will develop caring, holistic relationships with every individual they treat. They will integrate the breadth and depth of knowledge to exercise art and science to promote the health of all individuals, and orchestrate and evaluate evidence from nursing research and assimilate nursing theory into practice. Graduates will be qualified as decision-making leaders in process and policy development in the delivery of healthcare at all levels, while ensuring the ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness, accountability, and teaching/learning opportunities for one's own nursing practice and the practice of others.
Briar Cliff's Nurse Practitioner program is the #2 Ranked Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Program on nursepractitioneronline.com in 2025.
In 2023, Briar Cliff #10 Ranked Online MSN FNP Program on nursepractitioneronline.com
Coursework is convenient to complete in the online space. Students will need a computer with a microphone, web camera, and stable internet connection.
View the 24-25 Nursing Student Handbook
View the 24-25 Nursing Clinical Handbook
Applications are accepted year-round.
Make a difference with a MSN degree.
| Steps to Enroll |
- One copy of the formal application for admission.
- Current resume and/or curriculum vitae.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4 point scale) from the undergraduate program from which they received their bachelor's degree in nursing.
- An official transcript from all prior undergraduate and graduate study (if applying for the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program) documenting a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE, CNEA or ACEN accredited program, with an upper division major in nursing including the following courses:
- Nursing Research
- Statistics
- Evidence of a minimum of 2000 hours of clinical nursing practice as a registered nurse within the two years prior to enrollment in the first nursing specialty course. Employment must be verified by the employer.
- Demonstrate logical thinking and writing skills in the preparation of a goal statement. This statement must:
- Include the applicant's short-term and long-term professional goals in nursing (maximum 250 words)
- Include the applicant's professional leadership and work experience in relation to practice setting, client population served, number of years of experience, and how the experiences prepared them for graduate education (maximum 250 words)
- Include areas of inquiry where the applicant would like to pursue in the graduate studies (maximum 100 words)
- Signature of the applicant and date the statement was written.
- Evidence of Licensure as an RN in state of licensure.
- Computer proficiency in email, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Access to and ability to utilize a functional webcam and microphone are required for the application process and online course participation.
- Submit two letters of reference/recommendation from individuals within the profession; one of which is from an individual with an advanced degree (APRN, DNP, MD, DO preferred).
- Submission of the recorded interview.
- A non-refundable $250.00 matriculation fee will be required to hold the applicant's place in the cohort group. This fee is not due until after the applicant is accepted to the program and will be applied to the first semester tuition.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Q: Can I transfer in nursing courses?
A: A total of 9 graduate credits can be transferred from another institution.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: Visit the Costs and Financial Aid page to see this year's cost.
Q: Are there any "hidden fees"?
A: Each course that has a lab, practicum, or a clinical component in the MSN program has a $75/clinical credit fee. In addition, several courses require clinical application fees, however, our program views these similar to textbook fees, since they assist students as resources within the program. All "resources" will be billed as a fee for the course, and students can therefore pay these fees with their financial aid assistance.
Q: Are there any out-of-pocket costs that are not associated with the University Bill?
A: Textbooks, Clinical Background Check and Tracking, Assessment Tools for clinical, and Lab Coats are required for all students. Students are responsible for these costs.
Q: How long are your programs?
A: We consider our program a part-time graduate program. The MSN program is 3 years or 8 semesters (which includes 2 summers).
Q: Can I utilize financial aid for graduate school?
A: If you are enrolled in 5 or more graduate credits, you should qualify for federal financial aid loans.
Q: Does your institution have any scholarships for graduate students?
A: Unfortunately, we do not have any scholarships offered by Briar Cliff University in the graduate program. However, we have very low and affordable tuition compared to other institutions. Throughout the year, outside scholarship opportunities are identified and shared with students by faculty and advisors.
Q: Will the school find my preceptors?
A: We ask that students share a role in identifying preceptors for clinical experiences, especially those outside of the Siouxland Region. Students will work with the clinical coordinator to identify potential preceptors. The clinical coordinator in collaboration with the NP faculty will vet the preceptors, sites, and establish the clinical contracts.
Q: Can I still work and go to graduate school?
A: Since our program is designed to be part-time, you may be able to work and go to school. However, this highly depends on the person, your study habits, social circumstances, and other support measures that you have in place. Remember, that this is a graduate nursing degree and requires hard work and time to study. We do all that we can to support our students, but in the end, you take ownership of your degree and will be proud of the outcome you worked for at graduation.
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| Clinical Preceptor Program |
Help shape the next generation of health care providers.
Preceptors are needed to facilitate the education of Briar Cliff students enrolled in our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) nurse practitioner programs.
Preceptor Responsibilities
Preceptors act as role models, helping our students strengthen their skills in performing assessments, diagnosis and treatment of diverse patients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. Preceptors provide opportunities for students to interact with other health professionals and learn necessary communication and organizational skills that prepare them for practice. Preceptors assist with the evaluation of student attainment of established competencies.
Preceptor Benefits
Sharing clinical knowledge and skills with the next generation of advanced practice nurses can be both personally and professional rewarding. Our graduate nursing students are dedicated and enthusiastic learners, with a passion for helping people and making a difference in the Siouxland community. Some of the benefits for becoming a BCU preceptor include:
- Appointment as Adjunct Clinical Faculty (ACF)
- Access to BCU Bishop Mueller Library: The library offers access to more than 200,000 volumes in its physical and digital collections, and subscriber access to 20-plus scholarly databases. It is a member of Iowa Open Access. There is also access to UpToDate, an online clinical information database.
- Credit toward recertification (ANCC & AANP)
- Streamlined communication with clinical coordinator
Preceptor Qualifications
Health professionals with the following credentials are qualified to precept BCU graduate nursing students:
- Nurse practitioners, medical doctors and physician assistants
- Active license in state of practice
- Board certification in area of specialty
- Two years of practice in current or similar practice site(s)
- Strong desire to teach and learn
Request to Become a Preceptor
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| Licensure |
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The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs at Briar Cliff University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). All BCU nursing programs are approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and meet the state educational requirements for licensure in the state of Iowa.
- BCU has not made a determination that its MSN and Post-Graduate APRN certificate curricula meet the educational requirements for any other states. Students from other states are encouraged to contact their state licensing boards to determine if the program meets the educational requirements for licensure in that state, by checking each state’s licensing board.
- Completion of the DNP program does not lead to additional licensure.
Learn More
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Career Options
- Health Care Executive
- Nursing Faculty
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Health Care Lobbyist
- Clinical Researcher
- Nursing Professor
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Pathway
Want to learn more about our programs? Join one of our informational webinars! For details, contact Rose Molacek.