Oct 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, M.S.


The M.S. in Nursing presents a vibrant, challenging, future-oriented program of study that prepares graduates for practice in diverse health care settings. Coursework builds on the baccalaureate degree in nursing and is based on theory and research in nursing and related disciplines. The program provides the foundation for continued professional development and for doctoral study. Students are prepared to provide leadership and to initiate collaborative relationships with others for the purposes of improving nursing and health care and influencing health policy. Master’s students in nursing gain skill and knowledge that builds on their clinical experience and generalist undergraduate preparation and extends their clinical expertise in working with individuals, families, and high risk populations. Master’s students gain skills in clinical decision making and differential diagnosis; in case management and consultation; in client/patient teaching; in assessments and interventions; and in program design, implementation, and evaluation.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares an advanced practice nurse who functions as a primary care practitioner to individuals across the lifespan, families, groups, and communities. Graduates who complete this program are eligible to sit for national certification as a family nurse practitioner.

Program Requirements


The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is 5-6 semesters in length for students taking 6-12 credits per semester or 7-8 semesters for students taking 3-9 credits per semester. Both full-time and part-time studies are available during the pre-clinical component of the program. A total of 49 credits is required for completion of the FNP program.

The number of required clinical hours (contact hours) is based on national certification examination requirements, not on a credit hour to contact hour basis. The FNP program has a total of 600 clinical hours: 112 hours in clinical semester one, 244 hours in clinical semester two, and 244 hours in clinical semester three.