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University of Saint Mary MSN-FNP Program

The University of Saint Mary offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty track. This program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice nursing focused on primary care, integrating both theory and application in a mixed learning approach.

Program Overview

The MSN-FNP program consists of 12 terms, 50 total credit hours, and can be completed in as little as two years. Classes are offered online, with one required three-day on-ground intensive during the first Summer term. This intensive includes skills check-off and practice, standardized patients, oral boards, and poster presentations.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• Required Common Core:
  • NU 701 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
  • NU 703 Analysis and Utilization of Research (3)
  • NU 706 Healthcare Policy and Ethics Across Populations (3)
  • NU 714 Quality, Safety and Informatics (3)
  • NU 760 Evidence Based Project I (1)
  • NU 761 Evidence Based Project II (1)
  • NU 762 Evidence Based Project III (1)
• Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration:
  • NU 770 Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
  • NU 772 Pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN Prescriber (3)
  • NU 773 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5)
  • NU 781 Primary Care I: Management of Adult and Geriatric Populations (4)
  • NU 783 Primary Care I: Management of Adult and Geriatric Populations Clinical (4)
  • NU 785 Primary Care II: Management of Pediatric and Childbearing Families (4)
  • NU 787 Primary Care II: Management of Pediatric and Childbearing Families Clinical (4)
  • NU 788 Primary Care III: Clinical Practicum and Capstone (4)
  • NU 789 Primary Care III: Clinical Practicum and Capstone Clinical (4)

Program Outcomes

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

1. Analyze and differentiate complex data sets for independent and collaborative health care decision making for patients across the lifespan.
2. Communicate in both verbal and written form to provide clear, concise, and complete performance and documentation of patient care.
3. Apply theory and research in managing and providing care for patients from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan.
4. Use various technologies to provide optimal care in various settings.
5. Practice within the scope of the advanced practice role of their state.
6. 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

Admission to the FNP program is competitive and based on:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited nursing program
2. Verification of current unrestricted RN license in the state of intended clinical practicum
3. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate nursing study
4. Official transcript(s) from undergraduate/professional school
5. Two professional or academic letters of recommendation
6. Current curriculum vitae
7. Written response to three questions demonstrating commitment to nursing and reasons for seeking graduate education
8. At least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse
9. Personal interview with FNP Program Admissions Committee

Tuition

The MSN-FNP program is competitively priced at $785 per credit hour, with some additional fees depending on term/course load.

Career and Salary

Demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) is expected to grow "much faster than average" with an estimated 40 percent increase between 2023 and 2033. The mean annual wage for nurse practitioners is $123,780.

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 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).