| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-08-01 | - |
| 2026-08-01 | - |
| 2027-08-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the Family Nurse Practitioner Program
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at Washington State University College of Nursing is a dynamic and highly rewarding path within the realm of advanced nursing practice. This track prepares graduates for national certification as a family nurse practitioner and advanced practice licensure at the state level.
Program Overview
The FNP program is designed to equip nurses with the expertise and leadership skills required to make a profound impact on health care delivery. Unlike the traditional PhD, which focuses on research, the DNP is tailored for those nurses aspiring to excel in the practical aspects of their profession.
DNP Transformational Project
The DNP Project is a unique and important culminating experience. At the WSU College of Nursing, the DNP Project is developed, implemented, evaluated, and disseminated through a series of courses in the final four semesters. These courses will have a low faculty-to-student ratio to provide support and guidance necessary to successfully complete this project.
Admission Requirements
- Post-baccalaureate DNP applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program within a regionally accredited higher education institution.
- Post-master’s DNP applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or another field from a regionally accredited higher education institution and a master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, comprised of all college coursework ever taken.
- Official transcripts from all previous college work.
Practice and Professional Requirements
- Students must hold a current, unencumbered RN license in the catchment area of their campus.
- Fall 2025 cohort applicants: 1 year of full-time nursing practice preferred.
- New Requirement Effective Fall 2026: Applicants will be required to have 936 hours of nursing experience at the time of application submission.
Program Requirements
Technical Standards
Nursing education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of skills and professional attitudes and behaviors.
Graduate Clinical Passport Requirements
The College of Nursing calls the combination of proof of licensure, immunizations, required trainings, and certifications the “Clinical Passport.”
Required Courses
Select a plan based on the program you’re interested in to see an example of how the program might look.
Program Outcomes
The Mission of the DNP program is to prepare nurse leaders who are experts in evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality health care for patients, families, communities, and populations.
General DNP Outcomes
At the conclusion of the program, the DNP graduate will be able to:
- Apply biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral, sociopolitical, cultural, economic, and nursing science to improve health care practice and delivery systems.
- Analyze organizational structure, functions, and resources to improve the delivery of care.
- Translate evidence-based research into practice to improve health care delivery and outcomes for all.
- Use information systems/technology to support and improve patient care and health care systems.
- Advocate for the nursing profession through the development, implementation, and evaluation of health care policy.
- Collaborate with other health professionals to improve health care access and health outcomes for individuals and populations.
- Advocate for ethical policies and practice that prevent illness, promote health and social justice, and reduce disparities for patient populations in urban, rural, and global settings.
- Apply advanced knowledge and skills within an area of specialized nursing practice.
Paying for the Program
- Visit the WSU Student Financial Services website for information on tuition and expenses at the program and campus level.
- The program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which allows students living in a 16-state region to utilize in-state tuition.
Personal Budgeting
- Transportation: You will have to travel to different clinical sites, up to 50 miles from the base campus.
- Computer Needs: If you do not already have a computer, one option is the agreement between WSU and Dell.
- Housing Needs: If you are moving to the campus, make sure you are considering rent costs and locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Campus and Course Delivery
- Which WSU College of Nursing campus sites offer the DNP program? The DNP program is offered at WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, WSU Vancouver, and Yakima.
- Is the FNP program offered online? The program is considered “hybrid” with most of the instruction offered online.
Program Requirements
- Can I complete my clinical hours where I work? Clinical/practicum hours in the workplace follow strict requirements.
- What is the difference between “direct-care” and “non-direct care” practicum hours? Direct-care practicum hours are clinical experiences where students are working directly with individual patients to provide health care in a clinical setting. Non-direct care practicum hours are leadership experiences or DNP project work.