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Online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

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Degree Overview

Earn Your MSN Online and Pursue Becoming an FNP

MSN Family Nurse Practioner graduation
2021 South University Online MSN-FNP Graduation

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

Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner): 62 Credits
Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner: 50 Credits
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.

To file an anonymous complaint, please submit the comment, concern, or complaint in a written letter or via email directly to the campus.

Authorization for South University to contact you to collect additional factual information regarding your comment, concern, or complaint

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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.

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If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404.

 

success stories

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.

Yvette Chapman headshot in a pink blazer
Yvette Chapman Grad Alumni
Class of '25
Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Nursing Administration-South University's Online Programs

“Their support, guidance, and encouragement made a significant impact on my learning experience. Knowing I had a professor who believed in my abilities and supported my growth made all the difference.”

Aleksandra Avakova
Aleksandra Avakova Grad Alumni
Class of ’23
South University’s Online Program: Master of Science in Nursing with specialization in Nurse Educator

“I feel incredibly grateful that the education I received at South University opened so many opportunities for me. I can make a real impact on the future of nursing and be able to train and guide a new generation of nurses along this beautiful journey!”

Lidia Gladney
Elizabeth Tran Grad Alumni
Class of '23
Doctor of Nurse Practice - South University, Tampa

The thing that I love about South is that all the professors are very supportive and very responsive. I have nothing but great things to say about the nursing faculty. They try their best to bring out the best in their students.

Scott Wood 2017
Scott Wood Grad Alumni
Class of '17
Post Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner-South University, Online Programs

“The program was very demanding and required me to be proficient in the area of study before graduating, he says. "Also, the program mixed classroom learning with clinical experiences that reinforced the materials presented in a ‘real-world’ setting."”

Michela Mazard
Michela Lambert Mazard Grad Alumni
Class of ‘11 and ‘16
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“I wanted an education that would prepare me to build relationships and treat patients and families throughout their lifespan with interaction among their physical, emotional, and mental systems. I chose South University because I was confident that I would receive a well-rounded education that ensures I am armed with the skill set I need to provide the best care possible. Read more