Program Overview

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Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs

Overview

Pursue a family nurse practitioner master's, doctoral, or post-master's certificate degree and elevate your career in an advanced role as a certified FNP to provide quality care in a variety of settings to individuals across the lifespan.

At a Glance

• Offered as: Master's (MSN), Doctorate (DNP), Post-MSN Certificate
• Format: Hybrid (In-Person & Online)
• Credits & Avg. Completion Time:
  • MSN: 45 Credits
  • DNP: 73 Credits
  • Post-MSN Cert: 24 Credits
• College/School: School of Nursing
• Campus Location: Chester, PA

Program Overview

Our FNP program emphasizes a holistic approach to the management of family health through interdisciplinary collaboration. You’ll be prepared to provide primary care in a number of settings including family practices, community health centers, hospital out-patient clinics, urgent care facilities, and ER fast-track.

After this program, you will be eligible to apply for the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners certification exam.

The master's degree program in nursing at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001.

FNP Program Options

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)

The family nurse practitioner master's program program focuses on a holistic approach to management of family health through interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, decision making, leadership, and more.

The master's program can be completed either full-time or part-time at your own pace within the five-year time limit post matriculation.

View the curriculum and coursework for family nurse practitioner MSN program and the accelerated RN/MSN track.

Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

This hybrid online and on campus RN-DNP prepares you to provide a holistic approach to primary care in a number of settings including family practices, community health centers, hospital out-patient clinics, urgent care facilities, and ER fast-track.

Widener's nursing DNP programs can be completed either full-time or part-time at your own pace within the 7-year time limit post-matriculation. BSN-DNP students have the opportunity to earn an MSN while progressing toward their DNP degree, enabling accelerated career advancement.

View curriculum & coursework requirements for the Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP program.

Post-Master's Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner post-master's certificate focuses on the development of the advanced practice in nursing (APRN) role of the CNS for individuals with a master's degree in another nursing area.

View the academic catalog for program curriculum and coursework requirement

Licensure By State

Students enrolled within the Widener University School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification. To view Widener’s licensure qualifications by state, please visit the School of Nursing Licensure by State webpage or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) directly.

Outlook & Outcomes

• Voted a Top Job: U.S. News & World Report voted Nurse Practitioner as the #1 best health care job, #2 of the top 100 jobs, and #2 of the top STEM jobs in 2022.
• Industry Growth: Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 9% by 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Potential Careers:
  • Primary care nurse practitioner
  • Family practice nurse practitioner
  • Nurse educator
• Avg. Salary: $123,172

Why Study to Be a Family Nurse Practitioner at Widener?

• Elevate Your MSN Journey by Joining a Dynamic Cohort: Join a dynamic MSN cohort, where you'll connect with a diverse group of nursing faculty and peers right from the start.
• Receive Mentorship & Support from an Engaged Nursing Community: You'll thrive in a learning community that is guided by expert faculty with close mentorship and one-on-one support.

Program Highlights

• Best Master of Science in Nursing: Recognized as the best hybrid MSN program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.
• Top 30 in Nation: Our School of Nursing is proud to rank #28 out of more than 1,100 private institutions evaluated across the nation.
• College of Distinction for Nursing: Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.
• National Center of Nursing Excellence: 1 of 13 schools nationwide to be recognized as a National Center of Nursing Excellence.
• Renowned in the Region: Our School of Nursing was ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

• MSN Admissions Requirements:
  • Complete online application
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent from an accredited program
  • Minimum of 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in a BSN program
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics/research course with a grade of C or better
  • Two recommendations, preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees, regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing
  • Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse
  • Personal Statement
  • Updated resume
• DNP Admissions Requirements:
  • Completed online application
  • $35 application fee
  • Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions
  • Minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Undergraduate statistics course with a grade of at least C (2.0)
  • Two references—one from an educator or advanced practice nurse and one from an employer with a graduate degree
  • Goal statement that highlights the applicant’s interests with emphasis on health care practice improvement
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Valid RN license
  • Interview with a nursing faculty member (arranged after a preliminary review of application materials)
• Post-MSN Certificate Admissions Requirements:
  • Registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
  • Completed online application
  • Transcript from completed master’s degree program
  • Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse

Application Deadlines

• August 15—for matriculation in the fall semester
• December 15—for matriculation in the spring semester
• April 15—for matriculation in summer sessions

Transfer to Widener

Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.

International Admissions

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Paths to Savings

85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid

Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement

Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don’t see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.

Widener Scholarships

A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.

20% Discount for Widener Alumni

(some restrictions apply)

If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don’t offer "double discounts", we’ll make sure you’ll get the biggest financial benefit you’re eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.

Program Cost

• BSN-MSN: $1,060 per credit, 45 total credits, $47,700 total cost
• BSN-DNP: $1,060 per credit, 73 total credits, $77,380 total cost
• Post-MSN Certificate: $1,060 per credit, 24 total credits, $25,440 total cost

Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.