The Master of Science in Nursing prepares advanced practice nurses to care for individuals and families. The curriculum builds on the nursing and scientific knowledge base of the baccalaureate prepared nurse and focuses on advanced clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills. Graduates are prepared to accurately and critically assess the health and illness experiences of individuals and families, to develop health interventions and to evaluate health-care outcomes. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers three options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, and a variation in the Family Nurse Practitioner option for BSN-prepared nurse midwives and nurse practitioners. The program begins in the fall. Nursing 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, and 690 require up to two days per week for daytime clinical hours. NURS 633 requires one day per week for daytime clinical hours. Clinical experiences take place under the guidance of experienced advanced practice nurse or physician preceptors. The Nurse Practitioner programs may be completed in two academic years plus one summer of full-time study. Students may take up to six years of part-time study to complete the program. Faculty advisors work closely with each student to plan an appropriate course of study and to ensure progress through the program. There is also a bridge sequence of courses to the MSN for RNs with a non-nursing baccalaureate.