Harding University Online FNP Programs

What to Expect from the Harding University Online MSN Programs

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN-FNP program, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing with an upper division nursing major from a nursing program that is accredited by a nursing accreditation body and offered within a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (conditional acceptance may be considered for individuals with a GPA below 3.0). In addition to these academic performance requirements, applicants must also be legal residents of the USA, have an unencumbered current, compact, or state RN license, and provide evidence of current immunizations and health-related requirements. 

To apply to Harding University’s online MSN-family nurse practitioner (FNP) program, applicants must use a centralized application service. This service, called NursingCAS, is provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Program admission is available in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

State Restrictions: The Harding University Carr College of Nursing accepts applications from a diverse applicant pool. Applicants may reside outside Arkansas, as well as international students and former graduate students. Individuals interested in enrolling in the MSN degree or certificate program as readmission or international students should visit the corresponding sections of the Harding University website, as the process can be pretty lengthy. For example, international applicants must do several things including submit an online application, a nonrefundable fee, transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores, a copy of their passport, pay an international student deposit, and more. Readmission students must submit a readmission application, complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), and more. 

These programs do not accept applications from students residing in all fifty states within the USA. Given the potential complexity of the admission process all prospective applicants are advised to thoroughly review admissions information listed on the university website and also contact the school with any remaining questions.

Study Plan: Harding University’s MSN-FNP degree and certificate programs may be completed within five to eight semesters. The ultimate length of study depends on the chosen program, the pace of study, pre-existing transfer coursework that may reduce the total time commitment and other factors. The traditional MSN-FNP program features a requirement of 750 clinical practicum hours. 

MSN-FNP Curriculum: The curriculum students complete ultimately depends on which program they select. The MSN-FNP program consists of 45 credit hours and 750 clinical practicum hours. The second MSN program, which is available to students who previously completed an MSN in another emphasis, is also a 45-credit program. Students may transfer up to 15 credit hours of essential MSN courses towards completing their second MSN. Finally, students who complete the certificate program option may complete up to 32 credit hours of coursework from the MSN FNP curriculum. Upon completion of the required courses, certificate program students will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam for FNPs.

Examples of required courses include leadership; healthcare policy and economics; epidemiology and vulnerable populations application; faith, ethics, and interprofessional collaboration in advanced practice; advanced practice role development; advanced pathophysiology; and family health and theory.

Online Experience: As previously noted, Harding University uses a hybrid approach to deliver its MSN degree and certificate programs. Online coursework can more readily accommodate the needs of working nurses who may seek to continue in their current positions while concurrently completing their program.

On-Site Requirements: Harding University’s emphasis on training nurses who demonstrate a commitment to Christian principles is well served by the on-site requirements of its MSN programs. In addition to online coursework, students are required to attend on-campus intensives three times throughout their studies. These intensives support critical skills and relationship building with faculty and student colleagues and provide another means to verify the progress of student learning beyond online assessments alone. On-site healthcare mission experiences outside the United States represent an additional opportunity for students to expand their clinical skills and cultural sensitivity.