Master of Science in
Nursing (MSN), Family
Nurse Practitioner
(FNP)

Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses (BSN), and is currently accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In keeping with graduate education standards for advanced practice nursing delineated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in the Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nurses, the curriculum and instruction prepare you to assume a leadership role in your particular specialization. You’ll learn and exercise advanced practice nursing skills with the goal of providing and organizing better healthcare delivery.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization prepares advanced practice nurses to manage the care of individuals and families across a lifespan. The program develops your ability to think critically; make differential diagnoses; use evidence-based findings to improve healthcare outcomes; and provide diverse individuals and families with healthcare that includes health promotion, disease prevention, management of acute and chronic health conditions, and primary care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the FNP national certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Admission Requirements

The following candidates are eligible for admission into the MSN program:

• Those who hold a BSN degree from a nursing program that meets one of these criteria: 1) A nationally accredited nursing program

2) A regionally accredited university/school that meets NU requirements for graduate study listed in the general catalog under “Academic Information for Graduate Degrees and Credentials”

• Those currently enrolled in the final course of their RN-BSN program and meet NU requirements for graduate study listed in the general catalog under “Academic Information for Graduate Degrees and Credentials,” including “Admission in the Term Prior to Bachelor’s Degree Completion”

All MSN candidates must:

• Provide proof of current, active, and unencumbered RN license in their state of employment and/or residence.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 will be considered by the MSN admission committee on a case-by-case basis
• Complete the NU graduate admission application.
• Submit the MSN application packet.

Candidates who graduated from a BSN program other than NU must:

• Provide an official transcript from each college or university attended to the registrar’s office.
• Provide two professional recommendations on approved forms, preferably from individuals who hold graduate or doctoral degrees.

Prior to starting specialization courses, all candidates must:

• Provide evidence of current, active professional liability and malpractice insurance coverage throughout the program.
• Provide evidence of specified immunizations, a recent physical examination report, a clear drug screen and background check, and current BLS certification.

Additional Program Information

1. Candidates are required to meet with an admission advisor to review the process for applying to and acceptance into the Nursing program. Topics for review include: program of study, schedule of courses, and requirements for progression in the program. Note: prospective students should review the MSN and post-graduate certificate packet before submitting an application.

2. Students should be proficient in operating a personal computer, including: demonstrated competency in standard computer operating systems and electronic filing systems, basic keyboarding skills, organizing and sorting electronic documents, demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other standard computer applications, and familiarity with internet browsers and standard email systems.

3. The MSN program is an online course of study with a mandatory onsite component. All accepted applicants must attend a virtual online program orientation. In addition, students in the FNP and PMHNP specializations are required to attend three or four one-day objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) either virtually or at an NU campus. FNP and PMHNP practicum courses are offered as immersion experiences conducted in person at faculty-approved, instructor-led clinical settings. FNP and PMHNP specializations carry additional fees. See the “Tuition and Fees” section of the general catalog for course fees.

4. Students who request a change in specialization after having been admitted to a prior specialization must resubmit an application packet that includes a new goal statement and a completed recommendation form addressing the new specialization area. A new resume is not required. All prerequisites must be met prior to admissions into the new specialization. The new application will be resubmitted via the graduate Nursing e-form application in SOAR by the admission counselor.

5. Students who withdraw from the program or withdraw their application prior to beginning the program will not need to reapply if the date of initial application occurred within one year of reapplication. Students requesting to be readmitted after one year of initial application for admissions will need to resubmit a new application packet that includes proof of drug screening, background check, immunizations, and a physical examination. Reapplication does not guarantee acceptance to the program or provide an advantage relative to other applicants.

This program is not available in all 50 States. Please see licensure website https://www.nu.edu/licensuredisclosures/ or consult an enrollment advisor for up-to date information.

Learning Outcomes

Students earning the Master of Science in Nursing degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization will learn to:

• Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge derived from the physical and behavioral sciences and humanities as a basis for advanced clinical nursing practice.
• Devise evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention strategies at the patient, family, organizational, community, and population levels for the purpose of improving healthcare outcomes.
• Utilize current technologies to deliver, enhance, and document care across multiple settings to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Advocate for culturally sensitive healthcare systems and policies that meet ethical and legal standards as a means to improve outcomes and reduce disparity.
• Model collaboration with interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary teams in healthcare systems delivering care to complex, multi-need patients, families, and communities.
• Analyze the impact of national and global health policies on the cost, quality, and access to care in diverse patient populations.