UC to Add New Masters Degree in Nursing

Degree Designed as Preparation for Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner

Charleston, WV – March 5, 2021 – The University of Charleston will offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree designed to prepare graduates for becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), beginning Fall 2021.

The program will be offered online with no more than two residency weekends. The curriculum is 42 credit hours.

The program director for the new degree is Dr. Betty M.L. Beimel, Ph.D., CRNP, FNP-C, CNE. She brings academic experience in traditional and online formats from more than five educational institutions. Most recently, she was a Visiting Professor for the RN to BSN program at Chamberlain University College of Nursing & Public Health.

“Dr. Beimel is an experienced nurse educator with a proven track record of successfully leading the development of high quality, online Family Nurse Practitioner programs,” said University of Charleston Provost Dr. Kim Speizio. “Provost Betty’s leadership will make a great contribution to UC’s continuing commitment to address the workforce and health care needs of West Virginia by offering innovative programs in the health sciences for students of all ages.”

The University of Charleston has offered nursing programs since 1964, and its programs – an Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and online RN to BSN degree were recently recommended by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing’s (ACEN) site review team for an 8-year continuation of their accreditation. The May 2019 graduates from the BSN program had a 95.45% passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Passage rates on the NCLEX-RN examination continue to be significantly above the state and national average.

Family Nurse practitioners may practice in various healthcare settings and specialize in the type of care provided. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, West Virginia employs Family Nurse Practitioners at 2.5 – 3.5 times the national rate.