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