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FNP Certification (Post-Masters)

A Convenient Path to Your FNP Certification

Earn your FNP certification with USM's Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Program.

Students who've already earned an MSN can gain a Post Master's FNP certification in either two or four semesters, depending on their credentials coming in to the program.

The FNP post-masters certification program incorporates 24-38 credits, including 720 clinical hours, and prepares the practitioner through a series of theory, practice-focused clinical courses, and an intense preceptor-ship.

Courses are structured to prepare the clinician to provide evidence-based primary health care to clients and families throughout the lifespan while encouraging collaboration with all members of the care team.

  • Flexible: Students can attend courses at either USM's Overland Park or Leavenworth campuses. 
  • Convenient: USM assists with clinical placements

A two-semester option: Prospective students who already hold certification as a nurse practitioner may be eligible for a two-semester schedule incorporates 720 clinical hours and their associated 24 course credits. To qualify, students must be NP-certified in one of the following areas:

  • Pediatric NP
  • Mental Health NP
  • Acute Care NP
  • Adult Gerontology NP

Curriculum

Specialty FNP Core

Summer Terms

  • NU 712 - Quality & Safety (3 credits) | Summer 1
  • NU 770 - Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits) | Summer 2

Fall Terms

  • NU 771 - Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning; 2 Lab Credits, 60 hours lab (3+2=5 credits) | Fall 1
  • NU 772 Pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN Prescriber (3 credits) | Fall 2

Clinical Hours

Spring Terms

  • NU 780 - Primary Care I: Management of the Adult/Geriatric Population (3+3=6 credits); 180 clinical hours | Spring 1
  • NU 782 - Primary Care II: Management of Childbearing Families (3+3=6 credits); 180 clinical hours | Spring 2

Summer Terms

  • NU 784 - Primary Care III: Management of Children, Families, and Populations (3+3=6 credits); 180 clinical hours | Summer 1
  • NU 786 - Clinical Capstone & Practicum for FNP Students (3+3=6 credits); 180 clinical hours | Summer 2

Admissions Requirements

Students who are seeking the post-masters FNP certificate must:

  • Have a graduate degree in nursing from CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited nursing program
  • Meet the standards for admission into the USM MSN-FNP program, including: 
    • Verification of current unrestricted RN license in the state of Kansas and the state of intended clinical practicum
    • Earned minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate nursing study
    • Provide professional or academic letters of recommendation
    • Provide official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schools
    • Provide a current CV
    • Provide a 300-word statement describing professional goals
    • Have at least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse
    • Sit for a personal interview with the FNP Program Admissions Committee
  • Students seeking to move directly into the clinical coursework listed above must have already completed the equivalent Specialty FNP Core curriculum.

 

Cost & Aid

The University of Saint Mary Master of Science in Nursing-FNP program is competitively priced. Financial aid packages are designed to help you easily manage your education expenses, based on need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For the 2019-20 school year, the MSN-FNP cost per credit hour is $775. Some additional fees may apply depending on your term/course load.

*Note: Year to year, cost per credit hour subject to change.