Keiser University Online Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN – FNP) Program

What to Expect from the Keiser University Online MSN – FNP Program

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Graduate School at Keiser University must have a BSN from a nationally or regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for undergraduate coursework. Online applications must include proof of an active, unrestricted RN license, an application fee, official transcripts, a successful background check, a successful drug screen (may be completed before clinicals), three letters of recommendation, a writing assessment, and a formal resume with education and nursing work history. In addition, applicants chosen will conduct an interview with MSN – FNP faculty. Proof of English language proficiency is required for students whose first language is not English. Applicants must have at least one year of clinical work experience with patients. RNs must also secure a nursing practice site for clinicals. No GRE or GMAT is required.

State Restrictions: While Keiser University accepts students from most states into their MSN – FNP program, applicants outside of Florida should check with their State Board of Nursing to be aware of the practicum requirements in their state while attending an out-of-state university and to make sure they are eligible to study with Keiser University. Currently, the FNP program does not meet the requirements for residents of Maryland.

Study Plan: The Keiser University online MSN – FNP is delivered in 8-week sessions and students take one to two courses each session. Students also come to campus for two 4-day residencies and complete a minimum of 510 clinical hours locally. The FNP degree may be completed in 28 months but students have up to 5 years to complete the program. Classes begin every 8 weeks with the exception of school breaks.

MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises a minimum of 49 credits and at least 510 clinical hours. Courses include Leadership and Professional Development in Nursing; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Nursing Theory for Practice; Health Systems, Policy and Resource Management; Primary Health Care of the Family I-IV; Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan; Advanced Pathophysiology for Practice; Principles of Pharmacology for Advanced Practice II; Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning; and Research for Evidence-Based Practice and Outcome Management. Students also complete Primary Health Care of the Family Practicums I-IV, Family Nurse Practitioner Integration; and Family Nurse Practitioner Integration Practicum.

Online Experience: Keiser University utilizes Blackboard Learn as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Online students are required to attend the virtual classroom a specified number of times per week, and attendance is monitored. Log-on times are determined by a student’s schedule and are flexible. Students have access to an online orientation to improve computer skills. Students must complete assignments and participate in classroom discussions within a given timeframe. Tools utilized include online lectures, document sharing, threaded discussions, online chat, and email interaction, as well as phone calls. Online students have access to academic advising, 24/7 technical support, the online bookstore, online library, and career services.

On-Site Requirements: Keiser FNP students are required to come to the Fort Lauderdale, FL campus for two 4-day residencies. During this time students will practice nursing skills, prepare for practicums, and develop relationships with faculty and peers. All other coursework is online and practicums are completed locally.