Keiser University Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, WHNP
#11 Most Flexible NP School
Keiser University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree program in the specializations of family nurse practitioner (FNP) and women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP). Keiser University’s MSN programs are designed in accordance with the university’s “Student First” philosophy. Keiser University is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of its students so they can ultimately excel both in their careers and in their lives more broadly. The “Student First” philosophy seeks to enhance access to nursing education and prepare students to provide holistic nursing care that will ultimately improve individual, community, and global health outcomes.
The MSN-FNP program features 100 percent online coursework, two four-day campus residencies, and practicums at approved facilities local to the student. Family Nurse Practitioners are becoming more and more in demand as the shortage of family practice doctors persists and is actually expected to worsen in coming years.
The curriculum design of the WHNP program is similar to the FNP program in that the WHNP program also features coursework and a clinical training practicum component. Coursework covers topics including pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health screening. Keiser University’s WHNP program features a particular focus on serving those who are disadvantaged by gender or sexual health inequality.
FNPs focus on disease prevention and healthcare education for patients, families, and communities while diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses through a holistic pathway. The degree covers patients across the lifespan from infants to adults to the elderly. FNPs may gain positions in local primary care clinics, urgent care clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home healthcare situations, schools, and government organizations.
WHNPs have training in women’s health issues beyond what may typically be found in an FNP program. These practitioners provide comprehensive care for women of all ages and may thus provide care to women of reproductive age, those experiencing menopause, and women experiencing health concerns associated with aging.
Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the certification exam corresponding to their specialty. Keiser University is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with other campuses throughout Florida.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
What to Expect from the Keiser University Online MSN Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Keiser University MSN program 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. Proof of English language proficiency is required for students whose first language is not English. No GRE or GMAT is required.
FNP applicants must have at least one year of clinical work experience with patients. WHNP applicants must also have experience in a women’s healthcare setting. WHNP applicants should contact the program directly to determine what exact amount of experience is necessary. FNP applicants chosen to advance for admission consideration will be invited to an interview with MSN-FNP faculty.
State Restrictions: While Keiser University accepts students from most states into its MSN programs, 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.
Study Plan: The Keiser University MSN-FNP program is delivered in 8-week sessions with students taking one to two courses each session. Students also come to campus for two four-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 five years to complete the program. Classes begin every eight weeks except school breaks. Student online learning is monitored with students being required to log in to the online platform several times per week.
WHNP programs generally require approximately two years to complete. Applicants seeking a shorter program may find an online or accelerated program appealing. The Keiser University MSN-WHNP program also features 8-week course sessions and requires 20 to 30 months to complete.
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.
Students are eligible to take the FNP certification exam upon successful completion of all degree requirements.
MSN-WHNP Curriculum: The MSN-WHNP program is designed in alignment with National Association of Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner guidelines. Students complete 19 courses, four clinical courses, three residencies, and a final review course for a total of 51 credits. Students may transfer up to 12 credits.
Graduate division nursing coursework includes the courses advanced health assessment; advanced pharmacology; research, evidenced based practice and program outcome management; leadership and professional development in nursing; nursing theory for research and practice; health systems, policy, and resource management; roles and contexts for the women’s health nurse practitioner; advanced reproductive health; WHNP I: primary care in adolescents and adults; WHNP II: prenatal care; women’s health care across the lifespan; women’s health synthesis; four clinical courses complementing each of the last four courses listed; and WHNP certification review.
WHNP program graduates are eligible to take the women’s health nurse practitioner certification exam. The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health currently requires 600 clinical hours to qualify for certification.
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. Students have access to an online orientation to improve their 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, library, and career services.
On-Site Requirements: Keiser FNP students must come to the Fort Lauderdale, FL campus for two four-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. The WHNP program is available on multiple Florida campuses and also features a residential learning component.
Paying for the Keiser University Online MSN Programs
Keiser University’s tuition figures are listed below. Prospective students should contact the Graduate School through Keiser University for current tuition information, as tuition costs generally change from year to year.
Keiser University offers federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans, according to the FAFSA. Nursing students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program or discounts. Keiser University students may also seek unique opportunities to fund their MSN degree, including outside scholarships and grants.
Keiser University offers affordable, student-first MSN-FNP and MSN-WHNP programs with no GRE requirement, the flexibility to complete just one or two courses at a time, and clinical placements at approved facilities convenient to the student.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
MSN – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
1500 Northwest 49th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
49
630
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA, DC, NY, NC, PR
Program Tuition
49
$720.49
$35,304.00
$720.49
$35,304.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
51
680
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required (but may be submitted to strengthen application)
3.0 or higher
MD
Program Tuition
51
$759.53
$38,736.00
$759.53
$38,736.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.