Samford University Online NP Programs
- DNP – Post-Master's Advanced Practice ENP
- DNP – Post-Master's Advanced Practice PMHNP
- Dual MSN – Family and Psychiatric Mental Health NP
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (with Emergency NP)
- Post-Master's Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-Master's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Samford University’s Moffet and Sanders School of Nursing offers several graduate-level online nurse practitioner (NP) programs including MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with varying entry points and specializations. Dual degree options are also available. The programs include clinical preceptorships local to the student and one to five campus visits, depending on the program.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs have the following options available with both RN (ADN) and BSN entry points:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
- Dual MSN – Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FNP/PMHNP)
The Doctor of Nursing (DNP) programs have online options for post-master’s students in FNP, ENP, and PMHNP specializations. For the FNP track students must have earned an MSN from an accredited program, but no nurse practitioner specialization is required. For the ENP and PMHNP tracks, students must have earned an MSN from an accredited program with family nurse practitioner certification to enter these specializations.
The Post-Master’s Certificate programs have online options for post-master’s students in FNP, ENP, and PMHNP specializations. For the FNP track, a gap analysis will determine the required courses, which may be up to 30 credits. The ENP and PMHNP tracks are designed to serve as second specialties for family nurse practitioners, therefore students must have earned an MSN from an accredited program with national FNP certification for entry into these specializations. Critical care or emergency room work experience is preferred for ENP applicants.
Samford University is a Christian university whose programs are based in rigorous learning and research, awareness and sensitivity to global issues, personal faith and accountability, spiritual growth, integrity, stewardship, honesty, justice, and service. As well, Samford incorporates their identity as a Christian university into their online learning through spiritual growth opportunities in the online classroom.
Samford University is a Quality Matters (QM) subscriber, following the QM Rubric and Course Review Management System (CRMS). Quality Matters is a resource for online and blended learning programs in which course design and delivery, faculty and participant readiness, the learning management system, and more are peer reviewed to ensure quality and success. Reviewers are certified through QM and also actively teach online.
Graduates of the NP specializations are eligible to sit for their specific national certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
FNPs work in a variety of settings including government and school organizations, private practice, primary care, long-term care, home health care, and hospital settings. Work environments for ENPs may include trauma centers, intensive care units (ICUs), emergency rooms, and other acute care and emergency care settings. PMHNPs may work in rehabilitation facilities, schools, counseling centers, and other mental health facilities.
The Samford University MSN, DNP, and NP certificate programs are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Samford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Purdue Global
St. Thomas University
Saint John Fisher University
What to Expect
Admission Requirements: No GRE or GMAT is required for these programs. Application materials for all programs include a video submission, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose first language was not English must submit proof of English language proficiency.
The following is also required for each program path:
- BSN to MSN: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Also, applicants must have completed an undergraduate nursing research course with a grade of C or higher and an undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B or higher.
- ADN to MSN: Applicants must have an Associate of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Also, applicants must have completed at least 72 credits of college-level coursework which meet the general education prerequisite requirements.
- DNP: Applicants must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) from a nationally accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. ENP and PMHNP applicants must hold national FNP licensure to apply.
- Post-Master’s Certificates: Applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from an accredited program and an unencumbered RN license. FNP applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. PMHNP applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher plus hold national FNP certification. ENP applicants must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA plus hold national FNP certification, and emergency room or critical care work experience is preferred.
State Restrictions: While Samford University accepts students from most states, applicants outside of Alabama should check with the nursing admissions department to make sure they are eligible for the nursing programs. Samford University is not able to offer online programs that include on-ground experiences or field experiences to residents of California, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, and Oregon.
It is highly recommended that students also contact the licensing board of their specific state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.
Study Plan: The MSN – FNP begins in January and August and can be completed in five to six semesters or about two years depending on point of entry. The MSN – ENP begins in January only and can be completed in seven semesters or a little over two years. The Dual MSN – FNP/PMHNP begins in August only and can be completed in seven semesters.
The ADN to MSN programs begin in May only. The FNP specialization can be completed in eight semesters or a little under three years, while the FNP with ENP and dual FNP/PMHNP specializations can be completed in three years.
The DNP – FNP program begins in January and August and takes approximately two years to complete full-time, or three years on a part-time basis. The DNP – ENP and PMHNP programs begin in May only and take about two years to complete.
The FNP Post-Master’s Certificate begins in January and August and can be completed in four semesters taking two courses per session. Plans of study depend on a Gap analysis and times for completion vary. The ENP and PMHNP Certificates begin in January only and can be completed in one year taking one to two courses per session.
Students in all specializations and program paths come to campus one to five times depending on their program and complete clinical practicums at approved local sites.
BSN to MSN Curriculum: The BSN to MSN nurse practitioner specializations include a range of credits from 42 to 59, depending on the path and entry point chosen. Core courses comprise 12 credits and include the following courses: Population Health and Policy; Research, Theory, and Quality Improvement; Statistics for Advanced Practice Nursing; and Ethical Leadership and Collaboration.
- MSN – FNP: Family Nurse Practitioner courses comprise 30 credits of the program and may include Common Diagnostics and Procedures; Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology; Advanced Physical Assessment; Family Practice I: Care of Adults; Family Practice II: Care of Women; Family Practice III: Care of Children; Family Practice IV: Practicum; and Pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs. When earning the MSN – FNP by itself, the program includes 42 credits and 660 clinical hours.
- MSN – FNP with ENP: The MSN – FNP with ENP comprises a total of 54 credits plus 1,020 clinical hours. In addition to the FNP courses, ENP courses span 12 credits and include Emergency Care I-II and Emergency Care Clinical I-II.
- Dual MSN – FNP/PMHNP: The MSN – FNP/PMHNP track comprises a total of 59 credits plus 1,200 clinical hours. In addition to the FNP courses, dual degree students complete 17 PMHNP courses including Psychiatric Mental Health I-III and Psychiatric Mental Health II-III Clinicals.
RN to MSN Curriculum: The RN to MSN bridge courses comprise 15 credits and include Transition to Professional Nursing Practice; Health Assessment; Clinical Prevention and Population Health; Leadership and Management; and Healthcare Research and Introduction to Statistics. All other courses follow those listed above for the BSN to MSN pathways.
With this entry point, the FNP program alone includes a total of 57 credits and 660 clinical hours. The FNP with ENP includes 69 credits and 1,020 clinical hours. And the Dual FNP/PMHNP includes 74 credits plus 1,200 clinical hours.
DNP Curriculum: The MSN to DNP program options vary from 37 to 52 credits plus clinical hours. The DNP core courses comprise 24 credits and may include Theory and Philosophy of Nursing Practice; Biostatistics; Methods for Evidence-Based Practice; Information Systems and Technology; Leadership, Economics, and Quality; Policy for Population Health; Advanced Practice Practicum I; and DNP Project I-II.
Students in each track then take the courses listed above in the BSN section. The DNP – FNP includes a total of 52 credits plus 670 clinical hours. The ENP track includes a total of 37 credits plus 540 clinical hours. The PMHNP track includes a total of 41 credits plus 600 clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate FNP Curriculum: The FNP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises 30 credits plus 660 clinical hours and is designed for those who hold an MSN degree without an NP specialty. Courses follow the FNP courses listed above for the BSN to MSN.
Post-Master’s Certificate ENP Curriculum: The ENP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises 12 credits plus 360 clinical hours and is designed for those who already hold an MSN degree with an FNP specialty. Courses include Emergency Care I-II and Emergency Care Clinical I-II.
Post-Master’s Certificate PMHNP Curriculum: The PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises 17 credits plus 540 clinical hours and is designed for those who hold an MSN degree with an FNP specialty. Courses include Psychiatric Mental Health I-III and Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical II-III.
Online Experience: Samford University delivers and manages courses through Blackboard Learn CE8. Several workshops are offered to help students navigate the system. Samford offers cutting-edge distance learning in a mostly asynchronous environment. Faculty members give personal support to students throughout their programs.
Online students have access to the Samford Academic Success Center which provides consultations with students to further their academic goals and to help find the resources necessary to be successful in their program. Services through the success center may include tutoring, study tips, educational resources, and other student support. As well, online students have access to the Samford Career Development Center which provides online assessments, a career library, and assistance with resumes, finding jobs, and other resources. Other online student services include an online library and bookstore, the Communication Resource Center (CRC), counseling services, disability services, the Technology in Learning Center (TLC), and the Office of Spiritual Life.
On-Site Requirements: All graduate nursing students come to the Birmingham, Alabama campus at least once throughout their programs. MSN and DNP students attend sessions three to four times while certificate students come to campus once. ADN to MSN students come to campus four to five times throughout their programs.
Paying for the Samford University Online NP Programs
Samford University online NP program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Neither travel costs for campus sessions nor additional fees are included in tuition costs. Prospective students should inquire with Samford University Moffet and Sanders School of Nursing for scholarship information. Additionally, students may contact Samford One Stop for financial aid information and cost clarification.
Samford University may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students according to the FAFSA. As well, Samford may offer other scholarships and aid to graduate students. In addition, some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs so students are encouraged to look into this option. Finally, online graduate students may desire to seek outside opportunities for funding.
Samford University offers several graduate nursing programs with FNP, ENP, and PMHNP specializations, secondary specializations, and dual degree options, with minimal campus visits and local preceptorships.
DNP – Post-Master's Advanced Practice ENP
DNP – Post-Master's Advanced Practice PMHNP
Dual MSN – Family and Psychiatric Mental Health NP
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (with Emergency NP)
Post-Master's Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Post-Master's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35229
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
January, August
No
3
42
540
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.5 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
42
$980.00
$35,557.00
$980.00
$35,557.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
May
No
3
43
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.5 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
43
$980.00
$42,140.00
$980.00
$42,140.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP & PMHNP – Family Nurse Practitioner Practitioner & Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
61
1,200
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
61
$980.00
$59,780.00
$980.00
$59,780.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
January, August
No
3
42
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
42
$961.00
$40,362.00
$961.00
$40,362.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
January
No
4
54
1,020
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
54
$961.00
$51,894.00
$961.00
$51,894.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
January
No
1
12
360
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
12
$980.00
$11,760.00
$980.00
$11,760.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
January, August
No
1
30
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.0)
3.0 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
30
$980.00
$28,830.00
$980.00
$28,830.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
January
No
1
19
540
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA, CO, LA, NY, OR
Program Tuition
19
$980.00
$18,620.00
$980.00
$18,620.00
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.
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.