Online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Program
Request Information
Earn Your MSN Online and Pursue Becoming an FNP
South University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program is built to prepare you to deliver primary care for individuals and families. Family nurse practitioners are a vital part of communities and healthcare systems, known for building relationships and providing care across the lifespan. The MSN degree is part of South University’s online programs.
By enrolling in the online* MSN with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program, you can learn the skills needed to further your nursing career. The program focuses on preparing students for caring for patients, regardless of their age by promoting positive health behaviors and preventative care. In addition, the courses can help with clinical judgement, critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities.
South University’s MSN with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner program meets the Core Competencies for Family Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials. After successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the examinations** through national certifying bodies (American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC]; American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP]).
*Clinical/Medical programs have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
**Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Clinical Hours
750 hrs
Required clinical hours to complete this degree program.
Per credit hour
$660
for the MSN degree program.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. 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 accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale; or a master's degree in nursing (MSN/MN) from an accredited institution.
- Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
- 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).
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Course Requirements
Note(s):
*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.
*If the student is unsuccessful in NSG6998_F please refer to Program Progression Policy for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Students
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Students will demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the delivery of quality care associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice
- Students will collaborate directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Students will synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Students will formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Students will model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare system improvements.
- Develop plans of care based on theories of development, assessment findings, and best-practices to provide holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan.
- Formulate and document for various differential and presumptive diagnoses for patients, with meticulous detail, so coders and billers can apply the correct codes for appropriate reimbursement.
- Organize interprofessional associations to provide culturally competent, and sensitive patient-centered care for individuals and families across the lifespan.
Career Outlook
Upon completing your degree, you’ll be able to work* as a Family Nurse Practitioner and utilize the skills you learned in your program.*Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment or salary amounts.
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
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.
Success! Your request was submitted. We’ll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs here
What's New
Latest News and Blogs
Oct 08, 2025
Business Alumni Spotlight: A Leader in Senior Care
DBA graduate B. Christian Randolph holds four degrees from South University that have helped her launch and grow her senior care business.
Oct 08, 2025
South University’s Dr. Gil Singletary Speaks at HEPN Miami Conference
South University's Dr. Gil Singletary spoke at the HEPN conference and shared his insights into education.
Oct 07, 2025
What Makes a Good Pharmacist?
Explore the top qualities of a good pharmacist, from a passion for helping others to strong communication skills and attention to detail.
Oct 06, 2025
The Psychology of Motivation: Why We Do What We Do?
Learn the psychology behind our behavior and what motivates us to make certain choices.
Oct 01, 2025
BSN Alumni Spotlight: From Medical Assistant to RN
Meet Rochelle Antoine and learn about her journey from medical assistant to becoming a registered nurse; despite several setbacks, she persisted to achieve her goal.
Sep 24, 2025
Ways Earning a Degree Could Change Your Life
Discover some of the ways that earning a degree could change your life and how those changes can affect other areas of your life.
Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.
Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404.
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.
