Message from the Director

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Nursing program at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. Our school is fully accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and fully approved by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. We prepare registered nurses for advanced leadership roles in nursing as either a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or as an administrator and educator.

The 44-hour FNP track prepares graduates to function in clinical settings providing health care to all age groups. The FNP track has an international option for nurses interested in missionary nursing where part of the clinicals can be completed in an international setting. The FNP track includes didactic and clinical education and prepares the graduate to sit for national certification examination offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Graduates are qualified to seek recognition from the Board of Nurse Examiners as Advanced Practice Nurse.

The 38-hour administration and education track prepares nurse leaders for roles in administration and education. Graduates are prepared to apply for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's certification examination in administration and the National League of Nursing educator examination.

Individual student success is our priority and is reflected by the fact that our graduates exceed state and national averages for successful completion of various certification examinations. We look forward to helping you achieve your professional goals.

Amy Toone, RN, PhD, FNP-C
Graduate Director and Professor