Research
In Our DNA SC - Downtown Charleston Event
- calendar_today Thursday, Nov. 20
Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing
book_2 Learning Mode: Online
Program Overview
The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing at the MUSC College of Nursing invite bold thinkers to advance as clinicians and leaders. Delivered in a hybrid format, the experience brings together flexible online coursework, focused time on campus and guided clinical practice with expert preceptors. You will study evidence based care, population health, quality improvement and leadership while practicing the communication and teamwork that drive better outcomes. Faculty mentors, simulation resources and clinical partnerships connect learning with the needs of communities across South Carolina. Graduates finish ready to improve access, shape care delivery and lead teams that help patients and families thrive.
Application Timeline
Spring
Jul 1 – Sep 15
Fall
Aug 15 – May 1
Learning Experience
Through online classes and multi-day on-campus intensives, students deepen expertise across specialties while engaging in collaborative learning with faculty and peers.
Curriculum
Year 1, Spring
| NRPHD 708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| NRDNP 846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 1, Summer
| NRDNP 830 | Applied Health Care Economics and Finance | 3 |
| NRDNP 860 | Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 4 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
Year 1, Fall
| NRDNP 838 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NRDNP 856A | Advanced Clinical Assessment and Reasoning A | 3 |
| NRDNP 836 | Informatics in Health Care Delivery | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 2, Spring
| NRDNP 856B | Advanced Clinical Assessment and Reasoning B | 3 |
| NRDNP 842 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 4 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
Year 2, Summer
| NRDNP 864 | Advanced Care Management I | 6 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 2, Fall
| NRDNP 865 | Advanced Care Management II | 6 |
| NRDNP 873 | Scientific Underpinnings IV | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 3, Spring
| NRDNP 866 | Advanced Care Management III | 6 |
| NRDNP 858 | Evidenced Based Practice, Quality and Safety | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 3, Summer
| NRDNP 848B | Role Practicum | 7 |
| NRDNP 862 | Practice Inquiry and IRB | 3 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
Year 3, Fall
| NRDNP 850 | Organizational Theory & Health Care Systems | 3 |
| NRDNP 890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
Year 4, Spring
| NRDNP 890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 76 |
Clinical Education
Clinical education is a central component of the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing programs. Through precepted experiences, students apply classroom learning in direct patient care settings, developing advanced clinical judgment, leadership and practice skills. Faculty partner closely with students to ensure they gain exposure to a range of patient populations and meet established program outcomes. This guided approach prepares graduates with the depth of experience and confidence needed to advance practice and improve health outcomes.
Areas of Study
You’ll choose one area of study to guide your advanced practice journey. Each prepares you to meet today’s health care challenges with clinical expertise, compassion and purpose.
As an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP), you'll care for the most vulnerable patients, children and young adults, with complex, critical and often life-threatening health conditions. This advanced practice role is grounded in fast-paced environments such as pediatric intensive care units, emergency departments and specialized hospital settings.
At MUSC, students in this area of study develop advanced diagnostic reasoning, procedural skills and interprofessional leadership needed to stabilize acute pediatric conditions. You'll learn to manage multisystem illnesses, lead rapid response interventions and guide families through high-stakes decisions with empathy and clarity. This role is ideal for nurses who thrive in high-acuity settings and want to make a life-saving impact from day one.
The Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program will open in Fall 2026.
An Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) is uniquely prepared to provide primary care to adults across the continuum of life, from early adulthood through advanced age. This area of study focuses on complex care management, disease prevention and wellness promotion in settings such as internal medicine practices, long-term care and specialty clinics.
You'll gain expertise in chronic disease treatment, geriatric syndromes, medication management and navigating age-related transitions. As an AGNP, your advanced training prepares you to serve as a primary provider and care coordinator, addressing the multifaceted needs of adults and older adults through an inclusive, evidence-based approach. You'll empower patients to maintain quality of life and independence while leading care teams that prioritize dignity and personalized support.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are trusted primary care providers who deliver person-centered care to patients of all ages. This area of study is ideal for nurses who want to provide continuity of care through every stage of life, from pediatrics to geriatrics. FNPs build deep relationships with families and individuals, managing both routine and complex health needs.
Through MUSC's program, you'll develop advanced assessment, diagnostic and treatment planning skills within a holistic care model. This program prepares graduates to deliver accessible and culturally responsive primary care in a variety of settings, including rural clinics, urban health centers and private practices. Whether addressing acute illness or chronic conditions, you'll play a vital role in supporting lifelong health and wellness.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) specialize in promoting and protecting the health of children from infancy through young adulthood. This area of study prepares you to deliver primary care with a focus on preventive health, developmental milestones, disease management and family-centered education.
MUSC's PNP curriculum emphasizes both the science and art of pediatric care. You'll gain clinical skills to diagnose and treat common pediatric illnesses, manage behavioral health challenges and support children with chronic conditions. Equally important, you'll develop the communication and advocacy tools needed to collaborate with families, educators and multidisciplinary teams. PNPs serve as a vital bridge between clinical excellence and compassionate care during a child's most formative years.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) play a critical role in addressing one of the most urgent health issues of our time: mental wellness. This area of study equips nurses to provide comprehensive psychiatric care for individuals across the lifespan, integrating psychotherapy, medication management and holistic support.
At MUSC, you'll develop skills in differential diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and care coordination for patients experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. You'll be prepared to work in outpatient clinics, telehealth, hospitals, correctional facilities and integrated primary care settings. As a PMHNP, you'll advocate for mental health parity and help reduce stigma while making compassionate, high-quality care more accessible for individuals, families and communities.
Engage with our Community
Students connect with the College of Nursing through open houses, workshops, information sessions and virtual events that showcase our supportive hybrid community.
Psychiatry
Tobacco Dependence Treatment: Best Evidence, Controversies, and What's New
- calendar_today Friday, Nov. 21
Your Path to Admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must have the following:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited program by the initial date of enrollment
- Unencumbered, active registered nursing (RN) licensure in the state where practicums will be conducted by the initial date of enrollment
- Undergraduate coursework in Statistics
Preference is given to applicants with a nursing GPA of 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice. You can view the full list of minimum abilities by visiting the Minimum Abilities page.
Application Process
- The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Submit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) NursingCAS application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, it usually takes four to six weeks to process and verify the application. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
- Review the MUSC admissions process.
- Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.
- To apply to the full-time program in the Fall, select the ‘Flex Fall’ option.
- To apply to the part-time program in the Fall, select the ‘Part-time – Flex Fall’ option.
- To apply to the full-time program in the Spring, select the ‘Flex Spring’ option.
- Once both applications are complete and the AACN NursingCAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Application Requirements
- NursingCAS Application: All applicants must submit the NursingCAS application. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
- Letters of Recommendation: All applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, including one academic reference.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal essay: All applicants must submit a personal essay.
- Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experiences. It is highly recommended that applicants have work or volunteer experience in a health care setting.
- MUSC Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC Application.
- Supplemental Materials: In addition to the application itself, the applicant must review supplemental materials specific to the program to which they are applying. These forms are sent via email once an application has been submitted.
- Immunization Records: Due to the clinical components of this program, official immunization records are required for all students upon admission and matriculation.
- Out-of-state Clinical Experiences: Out-of-state applicants and students are responsible for contacting their State Board of Nursing to determine any requirements that are needed in order to complete clinical rotations as a distance student. The NCSBN provides a quick search of Prelicensure Distance Education Requirements per state. Students should notify their Program Director upon entry if there are requirements that our school must complete for Board of Nursing approval. Currently, we cannot accept applications from students from Washington, Arizona, Louisiana and Oregon.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores: The score report of the TOEFL is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. A TOEFL score of at least 80 is required.
International Applicants
MUSC's College of Nursing degree programs are unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.
Funding your Path Forward
This section will guide prospective students toward tuition, cost of attendance and scholarship options to support their academic journey.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $50 | |||
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $485 | |||
| Course Fees | ||||
| Clinical Course Fee (per course) | $250 | |||
| NRDNP 890, Residency | $233 | |||
| Online Program Fee (additional fee per credit hour) | $70 | |||
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted. |
||||
Full-time |
||||
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
| In-state Tuition | $8,116 | $8,116 | $8,116 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $10,858 | $10,858 | $10,858 | - |
| Program Fee | $560 | $560 | $560 | - |
Part-time |
||||
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
| In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $835 | $835 | $835 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,120 | - |
| Part-time Student Fee | $861 | $861 | $861 | - |
| Program Fee | $285 | $285 | $285 | - |
Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.
Cost of Attendance
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||||
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $24,348/$32,574 | $24,348/$32,574 | $16,232/$21,716 | $64,928/$86,864 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $3,780 | $11,340 |
| Fees | $4,180 | $4,180 | $2,880 | $11,240 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $32,383/$40,534 | $32,383/$40,534 | $22,892/$28,376 | $87,508/$109,444 |
| Indirect Costs | ||||
| Housing/Food | $24,882 | $24,882 | $18,096 | $67,860 |
| Personal | $2,640 | $2,640 | $1,920 | $7,200 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $2,970 | $2,160 | $8,100 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $8,019 | $4,881 | $1,650 | $14,550 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $38,511/$38,511 | $35,373/$35,373 | $23,826/$23,826 | $97,710/$97,710 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $70,819/$79,045 | $67,681/$75,907 | $46,718/$52,202 | $185,218/$207,154 |
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.
Program Faculty
Carrie L. Cormack, DNP, APRN, CPNP-BC, FAAN, FPCN
Lead Faculty
Carrie Cormack is an Associate Professor and lead palliative care faculty in the College of Nursing (CON) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
Dr. Cormack focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals living with serious illness through palliative care education and practice. Under her leadership, the CON prioritized palliative care nursing education and aligned with national recommendations, by successfully embedding palliative care across all undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. In addition, she led the development and successful implementation of the nation’s first Post-Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Lifespan Palliative Care program. As faculty with the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC), Fellow with the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (FPCN), and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), Dr. Cormack teaches palliative care to interprofessional healthcare clinicians and students locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Concurrent to her faculty work, Dr. Cormack practices as a pediatric nurse practitioner in perinatal palliative care honoring patient and family values as they navigate receiving difficult news during pregnancy.
Dr. Cormack received her BSN from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, and her MSN and Doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Natalia M Davila, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Instructor
Department of Nursing
mail
davilanm@musc.edu
call
(843) 792-3054
View Faculty Profile
open_in_new
View Provider Profile
open_in_new
Natalia Davila is an Instructor in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at The Medical University of South Carolina. She received her BSN, MSN to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, and DNP from The Medical University of South Carolina. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She also received an MA in Clinical Psychology from The Citadel, focusing on the management and care of children with ADHD.
Dr. Davila has practiced pediatric nursing since 2009—first as a bedside nurse in a pediatric cardiology step-down unit, then as a nurse practitioner in pediatric orthopedics and pediatric primary care. Dr. Davila recently returned from Centralia, Washington, where she ran a solo pediatric practice within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). While in Centralia, she was recognized at the state level for having the clinic with the highest immunization record for 2017. She will be providing primary care for pediatric patients at Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton FQHC in Port Royal, South Carolina. The clinic serves a large Spanish-speaking population, and Dr. Davila speaks Spanish and French in her practice. She is passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes. Dr. Davila is also committed to global health initiatives and has participated in two important global health missions: Indigenous Health International 2013 in Panama and the Madaktari Project 2011 in Tanzania.
Dr. Davila teaches in the DNP program and serves as the preceptor liaison within the HRSA ANEW grant, which focuses on recruiting, training, developing, supporting, and evaluating preceptors as program partners to enhance community-based clinical and didactic nursing education. In this role, she coaches students and preceptors, oversees the preceptor toolbox, and manages the implementation of preceptor online training.
Dr. Davila is certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Her research interests include pediatric obesity, ADHD, pediatric telehealth, global health, and the preceptor-student relationship.
Elizabeth Harmon, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Assistant Professor
Department of Nursing
Dr. Elizabeth Harmon is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. She received her BSN from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1978 and her MSN and DNP from The Medical University of South Carolina, in 2001 and 2013 respectively. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Harmon is a first-generation college graduate from a western Pennsylvania milltown. As a registered nurse, Dr. Harmon worked in many nursing disciplines within a hospital setting including general duty, cardiac and surgical intensive cares and supervisory positions. After a lengthy career as a bedside nurse, she furthered her education with an interest in primary care throughout the lifespan. During her graduate program she received the Rural Health Fellowship allowing her to focus on healthcare disparities and barriers to primary health care. Her doctoral project addressed shared-decision making in the primary care setting to improve health care outcomes.
Dr. Harmon initially joined MUSC as clinical faculty in 2003 and as instructor in 2013. In 2018 Dr. Harmon was promoted to Assistant Professor. In addition, Dr. Harmon successfully earned her CNE certification. Her experience of clinical practice provides a strong foundation for her role in preparing the next generation of advanced practice registered nurses. Her passion for excellence in providing healthcare now extends to her care and guidance of the FNP student family with her role as FNP Lead Faculty.
Keywords: primary care practice, advanced practice nursing, shared decision-making, advanced health assessment, problem-based learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
MUSC accepts applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program from students who live in all states except the following: Louisiana, Arizona, Oregon, Mississippi and Washington.
Our Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee review each application in its entirety. Undergraduate and BSN GPA, professional goals and references are used in the decision-making process. Another important aspect is what an applicant shares in their essay, as well as their leadership and volunteer experiences.
Living in Charleston
Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.
Guided by Purpose and Principles
Grounded in a practice-focused doctorate, this program emphasizes excellence in patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration and leadership commitment.
Objectives
The DNP/MSN program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Function as scholarly leaders who integrate advanced clinical expertise with rigorous inquiry to inform evidence‑based practice
- Engage in sustained, ethically grounded translational scholarship that bridges clinical innovation and population‑level health improvement
- Navigate and influence complex health systems and policy landscapes to advocate for equitable, quality care informed by empirical evidence
- Pursue sustained professional growth across clinical, leadership, educational and research trajectories in nursing and interdisciplinary environments
Competencies
Upon completion of the DNP/MSN program, graduates should be able to:
- Critically appraise and synthesize empirical literature to inform and implement evidence‑based clinical and organizational interventions
- Design, conduct and disseminate applied practice inquiries or improvement projects that demonstrate methodological rigor and ethical integrity
- Exercise advanced clinical judgment and decision‑making in complex patient care environments, integrating pathophysiological, informatics and pharmacotherapeutic knowledge
- Lead and collaborate in interprofessional teams, employing effective health systems, policy‑led and financial strategies to enhance health care delivery
- Advocate for patient and population well‑being through palliative and behavioral health‑integrated practice strategies
- Influence health care policy, quality improvement and systems innovation through scholarly communication and leadership grounded in ethical principles
Vision
To lead a bold new era in nursing.
Mission
To transform health care through education, practice and research.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories Worth Sharing
Featuring alum success, faculty research and student reflections that highlight how our graduates are shaping health care across varied communities.
Accreditation & Recognition
MUSC's College of Nursing holds national accreditations and consistently ranks among the top graduate nursing programs in the country.
The DNP and MSN programs at MUSC are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the AACN. CCNE accreditation means that our program meets or exceeds established standards for a professional program leading to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. Whereas accreditation applies to training programs, licensure applies to individuals.
Our program prepares students for and makes them eligible to sit for national certifications in their specified tracks:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Passing these exams meet the requirements for professional licensure in the state of South Carolina but other states may have additional requirements.