La Salle University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – AGPCNP, FNP

What to Expect from the La Salle University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for La Salle University’s online MSN programs, applicants must possess a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 may still be considered, provided they submit MAT/GRE scores demonstrating performance above the 50th percentile in verbal and quantitative skills. Applicants must also have an unencumbered RN license and prove they have at minimum one year of relevant clinical experience as a registered nurse before beginning required clinical experiences.

Applicants must submit an online application, a current professional resume, one letter of reference from a supervisor or an academic reference, transcripts from the college or university where the applicant earned a bachelor’s degree, a copy of their RN license, and a personal statement that describes professional values, educational goals and the reasoning for the chosen track option. The program does not ask for GRE or GMAT scores but, as noted above, may request scores for those who do not meet the required GPA threshold. La Salle University does not charge an application fee for online programs.

State Restrictions: La Salle University accepts applicants from outside Pennsylvania and abroad. Applicants should always check with La Salle University and the respective state, territory, or nation where they plan to ultimately practice to determine what training and certification or licensure requirements must be met in order to practice.

International students must submit an application, English language translations of all official transcripts and secondary school reports from all high schools attended, copies of all qualifying exams taken throughout secondary school, a completed school counselor recommendation and school report form found within the common application, an additional academic letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or school administrator, a personal essay or statement, and proof of English proficiency. Given the complexity of the application process common for international students, such applicants are strongly recommended to consult with personnel within La Salle University’s International Student Admissions section.

Study Plan: La Salle University’s online MSN programs are designed for completion within as little as 28 to 36 months. The programs are delivered in an accelerated format suitable to the needs of working professionals. Applicants may pick from two different start times in the autumn and two start times in the spring. Each academic term is seven weeks in length. The AGPCNP and FNP tracks both require the completion of clinical training experiences for which students receive academic credit.

MSN Curriculum: The AGPCNP and FNP MSN programs both require completing a common set of courses. These include core courses, advanced core courses, concentration/theory courses, and field/clinical courses. Both degree tracks also feature elective courses. The core and APRN core coursework requirements are the same for both degree programs. The programs differ in the total number of credits required for concentration and field study/clinical courses and the particular focus of the content dictated by which track students choose.

AGPCNP Specialization Courses: The AGPCNP program curriculum comprises 13 courses totaling 41 credits. Students complete six credits of concentration/theory courses and eight credits of field study/clinical courses. The clinical coursework requirement necessitates the completion of 512 clinical hours.

FNP Specialization Courses: The FNP program curriculum comprises 16 courses totaling 45 credits. Students complete ten credits of concentration/theory courses and 11 credits of field study/clinical courses. The clinical coursework requirement necessitates the completion of 692 clinical hours.

Online Experience: La Salle University offers its MSN degree programs using an online learning system designed to accommodate the needs of busy nursing professionals. This learning delivery model helps students integrate new knowledge and skills more easily into their current work compared to programs that require students to attend a strictly on-campus program. 

On-Site Requirements: Both MSN programs feature a clinical training experience that requires students to complete on-site learning at their clinical placement site. Out-of-state students should contact La Salle University to clearly understand the process for securing a local clinical experience that will fulfill this aspect of the degree program requirements.