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Lauren Wuertz

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nursinginfo@nnu.edu

Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing
Are you a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree looking to advance your career? Consider NNU’s online Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP) program! Our program prepares you for the role of an NP in family healthcare, with campus residencies complementing your education. With a graduate degree and national licensure as an FNP, you’ll be fully equipped as an Advanced Practice Clinician. Join our compassionate and skilled nurse practitioners community to elevate your nursing career.
Graduate nursing students will be able to apply to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Exam (FNP) to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.
  • PREPARES registered nurses for national licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner
  • COURSES ARE OFFERED in an online learning environment along with clinicals in your home state and residency hours on the NNU campus
  • LEARN from caring faculty with over 160 years of combined experience

Unlock New Opportunities with Our Family Nurse Practitioner MSN

Take the first step toward unlocking new opportunities with our Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program. With flexibility and relationships at its core, this online program is tailored for today’s working registered nurse. The online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a graduate degree in nursing and prepares you for national licensure as an FNP. With courses in an online cohort learning environment, clinicals in your home state and residency hours on the NNU campus, you’ll get the education you deserve from caring faculty with over 160 years of combined experience.

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degree details

Master of Science in Nursing

Online

$840 per credit, $150 per semester technology fee

The Benefits of Our Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Degree Program

  • Earn an MSN degree without having to relocate
  • Develop specialized knowledge and skills through the FNP track
  • Get ready for national licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Receive a comprehensive education modeled after the National Task Force Criteria
  • Benefit from an interactive learning environment with experienced faculty
  • Obtain hands-on clinical experience through online courses, clinicals in your home state and residency hours on campus
  • State-of-the-art labs and equipment in the Thomas Family Health and Science Center
  • Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • A faith-centered setting and curriculum that emphasizes providing comprehensive patient care, fostering empathy and compassion
  • Northwest Nazarene University’s Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Program has been ranked in the top five best in the nation for 2021

Master of Science in Nursing Program Goals & Outcomes

  • Prepare advanced practice nurses to excel in clinical practice
  • Role model Christ-like ethical behavior; be exemplars of integrity and honesty in the role of a nurse with an advanced degree
  • Describe the foundations of care and the art and science of nursing practice in relation to individuals, families and clinical populations across the lifespan
  • Show academic engagement by applying evidence-based practice and translating research findings into clinical care for delivering high-quality treatment
  • Role-model clinical, leadership and educational expertise to improve health outcomes of communities served in diverse healthcare settings
  • The graduate nurse advocates for diverse populations and demonstrates social justice in healthcare delivery
  • Promote and preserve healthy communities through collaboration with the interprofessional healthcare team

Additional Information About NNU’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Degree

MSN Program Detail

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares registered nurses to assume the role of Advanced Practice Clinician in nursing. Upon completing the program, the student will have earned a graduate degree in nursing and be prepared for national licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

  • Entry options: Baccalaureate in Nursing to MSN FNP
  • A cohort model is utilized for all courses that support an interactive learning environment as well as collegiality throughout the student’s progress
  • Built upon the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing (2011), National Task Force Criteria for Advanced Practice in Nursing, the Standards for Advanced Practice Nursing from the Idaho Board of Nursing and the Institution’s accrediting agencies

The MSN FNP program comprises 48 credits for the Baccalaureate in Nursing entry option. The core classes (first semester) provide foundational information on which the program builds before the commencement of the FNP track. All courses are sequential and must be taken in order.

FNP Program Goal

NNU’s Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program aims to provide optimal primary care to the communities the graduates serve. The program prepares advanced practice nurses who excel in clinical practice by providing patient and family-centered care in the context of Christ-like behavior in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation.

Role of the FNP
Northwest Nazarene University defines the FNP role as an Advanced Practice Nurse who practices independently and collaboratively with other members of the healthcare profession in an acute, ambulatory or long-term care setting.

The FNP utilizes the scientific process in assessing clients throughout their lifespan and formulates a diagnosis based on collected data from the physical assessment and diagnostic test results. The FNP then develops a treatment plan for health promotion and disease prevention by ordering additional lab and diagnostic tests (if needed), prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions and provides education specific to the client’s needs. Finally, the FNP completes a follow-up evaluation with the client, determines the success of the treatment plan and modifies the plan as needed.

Additionally, NNU is committed to producing FNPs who are competent clinicians and practice the institutional values and core themes of NNU and the Department of Nursing.

Accreditation

The master’s degree in nursing program at Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Notice: Northwest Nazarene University is not regulated in Texas under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 132. NNU’s regulatory agencies are the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBON). For inquiries or to make contact with the NWCCU or IBON, the following is provided:

Notice to Out-of-State Students

Since this nursing degree program leads to professional licensure, prospective students should review important information about NNU’s participation in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and Professional Licensure about this program. Individual states often have different expectations for professional licensure, so it is in a prospective student’s best interest to investigate whether NNU’s degree program will help them achieve licensure in their home state and become a nurse practitioner.

 

NC SARA Seal 2021

Registered nurses with a bachelor's degree can use nurse practitioner programs to further their careers in MSN family nurse practitioner faculties, psychiatric mental health, nursing informatics, health education, and other healthcare professionals.

Career Paths for MSN Graduates

As an MSN graduate, you can become an advanced practice registered nurse in specialized areas such as adult gerontology, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or educator, or contribute to nursing research. With an MSN degree, the potential for job opportunities and career growth in nursing is vast.

Nurse Practitioners

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Meet Our Faculty

I pursued the Family Nurse Practitioner program at NNU because I wanted a program that would allow me to get a quality, personalized education that works around my timeframe while living thousands of miles away.
Logan Minkevitch

Master of Science in Nursing

Frequently Asked Questions About NNU’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Below are frequently asked questions that prospective nursing students often have about our master’s degree in nursing.

What makes NNU's Family Nurse Practitioner Program different from other MSN programs?

At Northwest Nazarene University, our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program stands out from other MSN programs, offering a transformative educational experience that prepares you for success in your nursing career.

  • One of the key benefits of our FNP MSN degree program is the flexibility it offers. You can earn your MSN degree without having to relocate, allowing you to continue working and fulfilling your commitments while pursuing your education.
  • Our program focuses on developing specialized knowledge and skills through the FNP track, ensuring you receive comprehensive training to excel as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
  • As you progress through the program, you will be prepared for national licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner, opening up new opportunities for advanced practice nursing roles.
  • Our curriculum is designed to meet the highest standards of nursing education, modeled after the National Task Force Criteria, providing you with a comprehensive education that aligns with industry standards.
  • You will benefit from an interactive learning environment with experienced faculty who are passionate about your success. They will guide you through the program, offering their expertise and support.
  • Hands-on clinical experience is a vital component of our program. Through online courses, clinicals in your home state and residency hours on campus, you will gain practical skills and real-world experience to enhance your clinical competence.
  • Our Thomas Family Health and Science Center has state-of-the-art labs and equipment, providing a cutting-edge learning environment to enhance your skills and knowledge.
  • Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, our program meets rigorous quality standards, ensuring you receive an education of the highest caliber.
  • In addition, NNU’s FNP program is rooted in a faith-centered setting and curriculum, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive patient care and fostering empathy and compassion.
  • It is worth noting that Northwest Nazarene University’s Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Program has been ranked among the top five best programs in the nation for 2021, further highlighting the excellence and reputation of our program.

Join us at NNU and embark on a transformative journey that will equip you with the knowledge, skills and values to make a meaningful impact in nursing.

Is the Master of Science in Nursing program accredited?

Northwest Nazarene University offers accredited programs that provide a solid foundation for your academic and professional journey. Our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, including the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track, is accredited, ensuring you receive a high-quality education that meets rigorous standards.

Accreditation is essential when choosing an educational institution, as it indicates that the program meets or exceeds established criteria for excellence in nursing education. Our MSN program at NNU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

CCNE accreditation signifies that our program aligns with the highest standards of nursing education, assuring students that they will receive a comprehensive and robust curriculum designed to develop their knowledge, skills and competence as advanced practice nurses.

By choosing NNU’s accredited MSN program, you can rest assured that you receive a quality education that prepares you for success in your nursing career. Our program provides you with the necessary clinical skills and emphasizes the importance of holistic care, ethical practices and compassionate service to patients.

When you graduate from NNU’s MSN program, you will possess the knowledge, expertise and confidence to excel as a Family Nurse Practitioner, positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities you serve. Join us at NNU and embark on a transformative journey to become an exceptional healthcare professional backed by the accreditation that ensures the quality and integrity of our MSN program.

What kind of clinical experience can I expect in this program?

Northwest Nazarene University proudly offers an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, including the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track. Our commitment to excellence and quality education is reflected in our accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program at NNU is explicitly designed for working professional nurses like you, providing a flexible and convenient learning experience. Through an online cohort learning environment, you can access courses that fit around your busy schedule while still receiving personalized attention and support from our caring and experienced faculty.

With over 160 years of combined experience, our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program. They are dedicated to equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a Family Nurse Practitioner. As you learn from them, you will receive a high-quality education and be prepared to pass on your knowledge and experience to others in the field.

The MSN FNP program track consists of 48 credits for the Baccalaureate in Nursing entry option. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation, building upon core classes that cover foundational information before progressing into the specialized FNP track. The sequential nature of the courses ensures a comprehensive learning experience that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of the profession.

By choosing NNU’s accredited MSN program, you can be confident that you will receive a top-quality education that meets industry standards and prepares you for a successful career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Join us at NNU and embark on a transformative journey that will equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to impact the lives of individuals and communities you serve positively.

What will a nurse practitioner MSN do for my career?

Obtaining a nurse practitioner MSN degree can transform your nursing career, opening up a world of opportunities and advancement. At Northwest Nazarene University, our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become an advanced practice nurse in various specialized areas.

With an MSN degree, you can pursue a specialization as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator or even contribute to nursing research. The possibilities are vast, and your career options become more diverse and exciting.

As an advanced practice nurse, you can be crucial in assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, making diagnoses, creating patient care plans and providing comprehensive healthcare services. You’ll have the opportunity to significantly impact patient outcomes and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Beyond the immediate job prospects, an MSN degree can also lead to career growth and advancement. As a nurse practitioner, you may have greater autonomy, take on leadership roles and even explore avenues for teaching and mentoring future nurses.

The demand for skilled nurse practitioners continues to grow, with competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $121,610. However, please note that salaries vary based on location, experience and specialization.

You will receive a high-quality education rooted in a faith-centered setting by choosing NNU’s Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program. Our program prepares you clinically and instills values of compassion and comprehensive patient care. You’ll have the chance to join a vibrant community of healthcare professionals and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Invest in your future and embark on a rewarding career as a nurse practitioner with an MSN degree from NNU.