Family Nurse Practitioner
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Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program at South University’s Columbia campus is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses and pursue a more advanced position in today’s challenging healthcare environment. The program blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that will prepare students to work within a health care organization or educational setting.
The South University Columbia nursing program focuses on advanced health sciences knowledge and skills to prepare advanced clinicians to deliver leading edge, community-based primary health care to individuals and families across the lifespan. The program places a strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors for clients at different developmental and age stages. FNP students share course content with fellow students in the Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) programs where appropriate. This structure exposes students to a variety of expert specialty faculty and supports development of inter-specialty relationships in client management.
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs**
** South University, Online Program offerings may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The criteria to determine admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission
- A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- Provisional Admissions: A cumulative GPA of 2.75 -2.99. Students must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first two terms/quarters to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
- Provisionally admitted students are permitted one attempt per course for the first two terms/quarters. Students who do not receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses will have the provisional admission rescinded. There is no appeal for rescinding provisional status.
Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 10 weeks after the initial start date.
A valid and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments and clinical rotations, for entry and maintenance of admission to the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet their state/territory requirement for nursing licensure).
Course Requirements
Offered at South University, Austin; South University, Columbia; South University, High Point Off-Campus Instructional Site; South University, Montgomery; South University, Online Programs; South University, Orlando Off-Campus Instructional Site; South University, Richmond; South University, Savannah; South University, Tampa; South University, Virginia Beach; and South University, West Palm Beach.
The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for the current and evolving primary healthcare system. The South University College of Nursing program focuses on advanced health sciences knowledge and skills to prepare advanced clinicians to deliver leading edge, community-based primary healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan. The program places a strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors for clients at different developmental and age stages. FNP students share select course content with fellow students in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs where appropriate. This structure exposes students to a variety of expert specialty faculty and supports development of inter-specialty relationships in client management.
The South University program is designed to prepare graduates to provide the full range of primary care services to individuals during the ante- partum period, infancy, childhood and adolescence through the adult lifespan. Competencies include provision of preventive care to children and adults as well as the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health problems. In addition to direct patient care, students also participate in clinical translational efforts, education, and policy activities relevant to advanced practice nursing and diverse population healthcare issues. National certification is available upon program completion through the national certifying bodies (ANCC; AANPCP).
The South University College of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program meets the Core Competencies for Family Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Upon graduation and entry into practice, family nurse practitioners are proficient in the following areas:
- Providing health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment.
- Assessing health status.
- Diagnosing health status.
- Creating a plan of care and implementation of treatment.
- Ensuring a professional, collegial, and collaborative approach to care.
- Serving as a teacher and coach to patients.
- Committing to advancing the profession.
- Assisting patients in managing and negotiating the healthcare delivery system.
- Monitoring and ensuring high quality healthcare practice.
- Demonstrating cultural competence
The plan of study and required courses for the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program includes the Master's Core requirements (20 credits) with the addition of the following clinical course requirements (42 credits):
Specialization Outcomes
Graduates should be able to:
- Integrate specialty standards of advanced practice nursing to deliver culturally competent, quality health care services to individuals, families, populations and systems.
- Exercise effective leadership, critical thinking and communication skills in the development and implementation of advanced nursing practice services in Primary Care.
- Integrate professional nursing standards, values and accountability into role and self-development as an advanced practice nurse.
- Utilize information technology and an evidence-based research approach development of nursing knowledge and design of health care services for clients, populations and systems.
- Ensure advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in the implementation and evaluation of evidenced based care to diverse individuals and populations.
*
*If the student receives a failing grade in NSG6021, the student must enroll in and successfully pass the following four (4) credit course: NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 780 hours in the five supervised clinical practicum courses that are designed to provide the opportunity for skill development and practice in the Family Nurse Practitioner role.
**South University, Online Programs may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Standardized Testing Policy
All students enrolled in an MSN course will be required to utilize the standardized testing policy in place at the time of their course.
- Standardized testing platform
- The selected 3P exam: The minimum score for the exam is average/score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%.
- The Pre-Predictor exam: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The Pre-Predictor exam is 5% of the MSN FNP (NSG6440) and MSN AGPCNP (NSG6430) course grade. A score of less than the minimum passing score is 0 points. Students who scored lower than the minimum passing score on the Pre-Predictor can complete a faculty driven remediation plan to receive 2% of the MSN FNP (NSG6440) and MSN AGPCNP (NSG6430) course grade.
- The University Predictor: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The University Predictor exam is worth 10% (100 points) of the final grade in MSN FNP (NSG6440) and AGPCNP (NSG6340). Students who scored lower than the minimum passing score on the Predictor can complete a faculty driven remediation plan to receive 6% (60 points) of the final grade in MSN FNP (NSG6440) and AGPCNP (NSG6340). A score of less than the minimum passing score is 0 points.
- Remediation
- Individualized and faculty driven remediation provides an opportunity for students to review study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the assessment and improve the opportunity to be successful on the second attempt of any exam.
- In addition to faculty driven remediation, self-review is required for all standardized testing assessments. Students are required to use their test results to complete remediation.
- Failure to comply with the standardized testing policy may result in a course failure.
- Retesting is required for any student who scores lower than the minimum passing score on the 3P exam. Retesting of the 3P exam will take place during the final week of NSG6023.
- A different test version will be used for retesting. Students who score the minimum passing score or higher on the 3P exam in NSG6023 will receive an 80% for the grade. Students who do not score the minimum passing score will be dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs.
- The Dean's or designee's approval is required for reordering of standardized testing products.
- Comprehensive Testing Program
| Courses | Assignments/Resources |
| APRN Program of Study | Students are required to purchase a clinical guideline per the syllabus or established book list. |
| NSG5003 - Advanced Pathophysiology | Course Assignment: 10% of the course grade |
| NSG6005 Pharmacology (FNP and AGPCNP) | Course Assignment: 10% of the course grade |
| NSG6001 Advanced Nursing Practice I (FNP & AGPCNP) and practicum courses | Recommended: Students purchase a coding resource as outlined in the syllabus and master book list. |
| NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment (FNP, AGNP, & NE) | Recommended: Students purchase a Dermatology resource to supplement learning from Physical Assessment Course Assignment: 10% of the course grade |
| NSG6021 | Concurrent course with NSG6020. The student must meet the benchmarked score on the 3-P exam to pass the course. If unsuccessful, the student will be enrolled into NSG6023. Course assignments per syllabus. |
| NSG6420 (FNP) or NSG6320 (AGNP) Practicum I-Family or Adult Health: Adults and Gerontology | Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade |
| NSG6430 (FNP) Practicum II Women's Health | Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade |
| NSG6330 AGNP Reproductive Health | Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade |
| NSG6435 (FNP) Practicum III: Family Health Pediatrics | Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade |
| NSG6340 (AGNP) Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care | Access to an online review course continues. Students must complete all assignments with a score of 80% or better. Students must complete all the online review materials and assignments to be eligible to take the Predictor exam. Completion of Online review materials and assignments: 15% Discussions: 5% Assigned Case Studies: 10% Exam #1: 10% Exam #2: 10% Final Exam: 25% Pre-Predictor: 5% Predictor Exam: 10 % SOAP Notes: 10% |
| NSG6440 (FNP) Practicum IV (IV: Family Health: Primary Care) | Access to an online review course continues. Students must complete all assignments with a score of 80% or better. Students must complete all the online review materials and assignments to be eligible to take the University Predictor exam. Completion of Online review materials and assignments: 15% Pre-Predictor: 5% University Predictor Exam: 10% Assigned Case Studies: 20% Remediation of Areas of <80% on Pre-Predictor: 10% Comprehensive Final Exam: 35% Class Discussion/Participation 5% (online) Case Studies/Participation 5% (campus-based) |
Outcomes
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.
All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.
The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.
Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates should be able to:
- Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
- Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
- Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
- Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
- Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.
Comments and Concerns
All Fields Are Required
The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.
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