Program Description
4-18 Months – 10-37 Semester Credits
The Family Nurse Practitioner is designed to expand the knowledge of the nurse as it relates to the role of the family nurse practitioner and advanced nursing practice. Family nurse practitioners serve as the primary health care providers in many diverse practice settings including, but not limited to, private medical offices, health clinics and acute care settings. The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master program integrates theory and practical application through lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences to address a wide range of primary care needs, order diagnostic tests, apply evidence-based research when caring for the family and manage common acute, chronic health problems of individuals from infancy through late adulthood. The FNP program focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver nursing care to persons of all ages across primary care settings. This program prepares the successful and licensed graduate for an entry level position as an advanced practice nurse.

Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements and procedures, applicants wishing to be considered for admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master Certificate program must:

1. Hold an earned Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education or a foreign master’s degree evaluated by an approved agency indicating equivalency to a Master of Science Degree in Nursing earned at an accredited institution in the U.S. (Official University transcript or evaluation must be received before the end of the first term)
2. Be eligible to meet externship/preceptorship requirements
3. Hold current nurse practitioner certification and licensure
4. Complete a gap analysis for degree plan evaluation

Prerequisite Requirements
Successful completion of the Ethics, Information Literacy and Professional Writing Seminar prior to starting the program.

General Program Information
Applicants accepted into the Family Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate program may be required to complete additional background checks and drug screenings during or at the completion of the program.

Credential Issued
Post Master’s Certificate

Programmatic Accreditation Status
The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Delivery Mode
This program is offered face-to-face (onsite).

Preceptorship
A clinical preceptorship is required throughout various courses in the program. Students are required to secure their own preceptor. Preceptors must be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs prior to the start of the preceptorship. Please refer to the student handbook for additional information. Students who do not provide a preceptor will be appointed one by the University, for an additional fee.

Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master Certificate Degree Plan

*Current Certified Nurse Practitioners
Applicants must hold a current nurse practitioner certification. Following a gap analysis, applicants may only need to complete 10-16 credits depending on their current certification specialty. Each applicant will be considered individually based on transcripts from their previous nurse practitioner program, their current board certification and clinical experience as a nurse practitioner. Certifications Currently Considered include:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Pediatric Primary Care NP
• Acute Care NP Adult Care NP

The following courses may be required based on review of individual transcripts, certification and experience:

All candidates must have evidence of graduate coursework in advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology.

Graduate Nursing Concentration Course Failure
Only one repeat of the SAME nursing concentration course (MSN) is permitted for students enrolled in the nursing program. A second failure of the SAME nursing concentration course (MSN) will result in the student being dismissed from the nursing program. Failing two nursing concentration courses (MSN) of any combination, including courses repeated, will result in the student being dismissed from the nursing program. A grade of “WF” is treated as a course failure. Students with two “W” grades for the same course shall be considered as a single course failure. A student with a total of three “W” grades in the same course or with a total of three “W” grades in any combination of nursing concentration courses shall be dismissed from the nursing program.

Specific Course Grading Requirements
Students must successfully pass all components of nursing (MSN) concentration courses to receive a passing grade. Failing any component (lecture, lab, simulation and externship) will result in a recorded grade of “F” for all components of the course attempted.

Failure to Complete Required Practicum Hours
Students must complete all required practicum hours with a University approved preceptor. Failure to complete all required hours prior to the last day of the course shall result in a course failure to include all associated course components (Lecture/Lab, etc.). Failure to complete all practicum requirements such as logs, case lists, documentation, or failure to submit a completed end of course evaluation signed by the preceptor, clinical instructor and student by the last day of the course shall result in a course failure. Falsification of time logs, misrepresenting practicum hours or false documentation to include client encounters shall result in course failure and further disciplinary action up to and including program dismissal.

A Post-Master’s Certificate will be issued to each student who successfully completes the program requirements and satisfies graduation requirements:

1. Student has a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
2. Student has completed and passed all required externship hours
3. Student is current with financial obligations to the University
4. Student has met with the Office of Career Services for assistance with job placement or provides documentation of employment
5. Student has completed Exit Interview with the Office of Financial Aid
6. Student has completed the Graduation Clearance form and submitted it to the Office of the Registrar at least 60 days before the last day of class.