Degree Program Information

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Quick Guide & Recommended Degree Pathway 

 Program Bulletin (2025–2026): View Current Bulletin 

 

 

 

 Program Overview 

 The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles providing primary care across the lifespan. The program combines graduate nursing theory, advanced clinical knowledge, and supervised clinical practice. 

 Graduates are prepared to sit for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and practice in a variety of healthcare settings including primary care clinics, rural health clinics, hospitals, community health settings, and private practices. 

 Total Program Requirements 

 

 

 

 

 

 Category 

 Hours 

 

 

 

 

 Core Courses 

 11 

 

 

 Support Courses 

 9 

 

 

 Advanced Practice Courses 

 21.5 

 

 

 Total 

 41.5 

 

 

 

 

 

 Core Courses 

 These courses provide foundational knowledge in nursing theory, research, policy, and professional practice. 

 

 

 

 NURS 6103 – Research Design and Methodology (3) 

 NURS 6203 – Theory Development in Nursing (3) 

 NURS 6303 – Health Care Issues and Policy (3) 

 NURS 6402 – Professional Role Development in Advanced Nursing (2) 

 

 

 

 Total: 11 hours 

 Support Courses 

 Support courses build advanced clinical knowledge required for nurse practitioner practice. 

 

 

 

 NURS 6003 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3) 

 NURS 6013 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (3) 

 NURS 6023 – Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation (3) 

 

 

 

 Total: 9 hours 

 Advanced Practice Courses 

 These courses include the clinical management sequence and supervised clinical practicum experiences. 

 

 

 

 NURS 6513 – FNP Clinical Management I (3) 

 NURS 6514 – FNP Clinical Management I Practicum (4) 

 NURS 6613 – FNP Clinical Management II (3) 

 NURS 6614 – FNP Clinical Management II Practicum (4) 

 NURS 6753 – FNP Clinical Synthesis Seminar (3) 

 NURS 681V – FNP Clinical Synthesis (Variable) 

 

 

 

 Total: 21.5 hours 

 Recommended Degree Pathway 

 This pathway represents a typical progression for full-time students . Actual course sequencing may vary based on course availability and clinical placement scheduling. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Term 

 Courses 

 Hours 

 

 

 

 

 Term 1 

 NURS 6103 – Research Design and Methodology NURS 6003 – Advanced Pathophysiology 

 6 

 

 

 Term 2 

 NURS 6203 – Theory Development in Nursing NURS 6013 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology 

 6 

 

 

 Term 3 

 NURS 6303 – Health Care Issues and Policy NURS 6023 – Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation 

 6 

 

 

 Term 4 

 NURS 6402 – Professional Role Development in Advanced Nursing NURS 6513 – FNP Clinical Management I NURS 6514 – FNP Clinical Management I Practicum 

 9 

 

 

 Term 5 

 NURS 6613 – FNP Clinical Management II NURS 6614 – FNP Clinical Management II Practicum 

 7 

 

 

 Term 6 

 NURS 6753 – FNP Clinical Synthesis Seminar NURS 681V – FNP Clinical Synthesis 

 7.5 

 

 

 

 

 

 Important Program Tips 

 1. Clinical Placement Planning 

 Clinical placement coordination can take time. Students should: 

 

 

 

 Begin identifying potential clinical sites early 

 Follow all School of Nursing clinical placement procedures 

 Ensure preceptors meet program requirements 

 

 

 

 2. Course Sequencing Matters 

 Many advanced practice courses must be taken in sequence , particularly: 

 

 

 

 FNP Clinical Management I → II 

 Clinical Management courses → Clinical Synthesis 

 

 

 

 Students should not deviate from the recommended pathway without advisor approval . 

 3. Clinical Hour Requirements 

 The FNP program includes significant supervised clinical hours across multiple courses. Students must: 

 

 

 

 Complete required hours 

 Document clinical experiences 

 Maintain required certifications (CPR, RN license, etc.) 

 

 

 

 4. Certification Preparation 

 Upon completion, graduates are prepared to sit for national certification exams such as: 

 

 

 

 ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Certification 

 AANP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification 

 

 

 

 Advising Contact 

 Students should contact their assigned School of Nursing advisor for questions regarding: 

 

 

 Course sequencing 

 Clinical placement 

 Degree progress 

 Graduation requirements