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University of Saint Mary FNP Certificate Program

The University of Saint Mary offers a Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate Program designed for students who have already earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This program allows students to gain a Post Master's FNP certificate in three to four semesters, depending on their credentials.

Program Overview

The FNP post-masters certificate program incorporates 24-35 credits, including 780 clinical hours, and prepares the practitioner through a series of theory, practice-focused clinical courses, and an intense preceptorship. 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.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes the following courses:

• NU 770: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
• NU 772: Pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN Prescriber (3 credits)
• NU 773: Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5 credits, including 3 credit didactic, 1 credit lab, 1 credit clinical, and a 3-day mandatory on-campus intensive with 60 clinical hours)
• NU 781: Primary Care I: Management of Adult and Geriatric Populations (4 credits)
• NU 783: Primary Care I: Management of Adult and Geriatric Populations Clinical (4 credits, 240 clinical hours)
• NU 785: Primary Care II: Management of Pediatric and Childbearing Families (4 credits)
• NU 787: Primary Care II: Management of Pediatric and Childbearing Families Clinical (4 credits, 240 clinical hours)
• NU 788: Primary Care III: Clinical Practicum and Capstone (4 credits)
• NU 789: Primary Care III: Clinical Practicum and Capstone Clinical (4 credits, 240 clinical hours)

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Analyze and differentiate complex data sets for independent and collaborative health care decision making for patients across the lifespan.
• Communicate in both verbal and written form to provide clear, concise, and complete performance and documentation of patient care.
• Apply theory and research in managing and providing care for patients from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan.
• Use various technologies to provide optimal care in various settings.
• Practice within the scope of the advanced practice role of their state.
• Evaluate and function in complex environments.

Program Mission

The mission of the MSN program is to prepare students for advanced nursing practice who are leaders, change agents, and innovators in the specialty areas of administration, education, and across all domains of advanced practice.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for the post-masters FNP certificate, students must:

• Have a graduate degree in nursing from a 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, a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate nursing study, professional or academic letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a current CV, and completion of a writing assignment.
• Have at least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse.
• Students seeking to move directly into the clinical coursework must have already completed the equivalent Specialty FNP Core curriculum.

Cost and Aid

The University of Saint Mary Master of Science in Nursing-FNP program is competitively priced at $785 per credit hour, with some additional fees applicable depending on the term or course load. Financial aid packages are designed to help students manage their education expenses based on need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Accreditation

The master's degree program in nursing at the University of Saint Mary is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Saint Mary Division of Nursing will host an accreditation visit by the CCNE for the FNP and PMHNP post-graduate certificate concentrations. The Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate of Nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN).