Spring Arbor University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, AGNP, PNP, PMHNP
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- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (ADN bridge)
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (ADN bridge)
- MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP
- MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP (ADN bridge)
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ADN bridge)
- Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care NP
- Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Spring Arbor University’s Department of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificates with four specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). In addition, there are two entry points for the MSN program: BSN to MSN or RN to MSN (ADN bridge). MSN students complete coursework online as a cohort and come to campus for one 3-day residency for the health assessment course. Certificate students do not have a campus residency requirement. Practicums are also completed at approved facilities local to the student.
Spring Arbor University integrates a Christian perspective into the curriculum with a foundation of integrity and faith. Seeking to help nurses continue to work full-time while earning a graduate degree, courses are taken one at a time in a 7-week format with one week of break before the next course. To ensure students have a seamless experience and all the support they need, each student is assigned a personal Student Success Coach.
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) serves patients across the lifespan in clinical, hospital, long-term care, and home health care situations. FNPs collaborate with care teams, patients, and their families to improve patient health care, and typically assess, evaluate, diagnose and treat acute and chronic health conditions. The FNP focuses on a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on preventive medicine and healthcare education.
The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) assesses, evaluates, diagnoses, and treats adult patients from young adulthood to geriatrics. Working with healthcare teams, AGPCNPs provide treatment plans for patients suffering from acute and chronic illnesses, as well as routine health issues. As a nurse practitioner, patient quality of care is of the utmost importance, and healthcare education and prevention plans are key to this specialization.
Primary care pediatric nurse practitioners work with infants, children, and adolescents in ambulatory (non-hospital) settings with primary healthcare. PNP-PCs assess growth patterns, evaluate and document developmental milestones, order common lab tests, and diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Graduates of the MSN and certificate programs will be eligible to sit for their respective national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
Note that RN to MSN students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree before entering the MSN portion of the program. Spring Arbor University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
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What to Expect from the Spring Arbor University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Admissions Requirements: Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 60 credits of coursework and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. For the MSN program, applicants must hold a BSN from a regionally accredited institution. For the RN to MSN program, applicants must have completed an associate’s degree or a diploma from a regionally accredited institution. Post-master’s certificate applicants must have an MSN degree from a regionally accredited institution. Application materials include an application, application fee when applicable, official transcripts, a 2-3 page personal goal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants may be asked to participate in a conference call interview. No GMAT or GRE is required. Prerequisite courses for the MSN include nursing research and statistics. Certificate prerequisites include Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pathophysiology. AGPCNP certificate students must also have completed Adult Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
Before beginning clinicals, students must show proof of nursing liability insurance coverage, have a criminal background check at the federal or international level, and be CPR/BCLS certified. The following must also be completed: Tuberculosis testing, required immunizations, HIPPA training, and vaccinations.
State Restrictions: While Spring Arbor University accepts students from most states into their MSN programs, applicants outside of Michigan should check with their state Board of Nursing to ensure they are eligible to study with Spring Arbor University. Students should also check on the practicum requirements in their state while attending an out-of-state university. Students from the following states are not accepted at this time: Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and South Dakota.
Study Plan: The Spring Arbor University online nursing courses are delivered one course at a time, except clinical and residency coursework, allowing nurses to continue working full-time while earning their MSN degree. Students should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week on coursework, and courses include 20 to 25 students each. Courses are delivered in 7-week intervals with one-week breaks in between. Start dates are offered in August, October, November, February, April, and June. The MSN – FNP specialization can be completed in as little as 30 months, while the other specializations can be completed in as little as 24 months. The RN to MSN degree takes approximately 4 years to complete. The certificate programs take the following times to complete depending on prior education:
- FNP – 8 to 25 months
- AGPCNP – 14 to 18 months
- PNP-PC – 16 to 22 months
- PMHNP – 16-22 months
Students must earn a grade of “B-” or higher in nursing courses for credit toward the MSN degree.
MSN Foundation Curriculum: All specializations complete the following courses: Moral and Ethical Decision Making; Role Development and Leadership; Theoretical Perspectives for Advanced Practice; Applied Research Methods; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Health Assessment; Health Policy; and Population Health.
MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises a minimum of 55 credits plus 625 clinical hours. Courses may include Health Promotion Across the Lifespan; Advanced Practice in Primary Care I-III; Family Systems and Clinical Management of the Child Bearing Family; Integration of Evidence for Advanced Practice; and Clinical Practicums I-III.
MSN – AGPCNP Curriculum: The online MSN – AGPCNP program comprises a minimum of 50 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Courses may include Adult Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Advanced Practice in Primary Care I-II; Integration of Evidence for Advanced Practice; Chronic Disease and Complex Problems in Older Adults; and Clinical Practicums I-III.
MSN – PNP-PC Curriculum: The online MSN – PNP-PC program comprises a minimum of 50 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Courses may include Advanced Pediatric Physical Assessment and Pharmacotherapeutics; Advanced Pediatric Health Care I-III; and PNP Clinical Practicum I-II.
MSN – PMHNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises a minimum of 50 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Courses may include Neurobiology and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan; Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan; Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health I: Adults; Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health II: Children/Adolescents/Young Adults; and PMHNP Clinical Practicum I-II.
RN to MSN Curriculum: Students must complete a total of 90 credits for the RN to MSN – FNP program and 85 credits for the RN to MSN – AGPCNP, PNP-PC, and PMHNP programs. In order to complete the BSN portion of the RN to MSN degree, students must complete the following courses: Biblical Perspectives; Adult Development, Life Planning and Research Writing; Values: Personal and Social; Professionalism/Professional Values; Patient-Centered Care I-II; Clinical Prevention/Population Health; Spiritual Dimension of Health Care; Information Management/Patient Care Technologies; Quality Leadership; Evidence-Based Practice I; and Senior Nursing Project.
The Bridge Courses that count toward the BSN and MSN portion include Moral and Ethical Decision Making and Theoretical Perspectives for Advanced Practice. Students must have a 3.0 minimum GPA at this point before entering the MSN portion of the program.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: The FNP program comprises 23 credits plus up to 625 clinical hours. Courses include Foundation of Post-Graduate Nursing; Advanced Practice in Primary Care I-III; Family Systems and Clinical Management of Childbearing Family; and Clinical Practicum I-III.
Post-Master’s AGPCNP Certificate Curriculum: The AGPCNP program comprises 18 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Courses include Foundation of Post-Graduate Nursing; Advanced Practice in Primary Care I-II; Chronic Disease and Complex Problems in Older Adults; and Clinical Practicums I-II.
Post-Master’s PNP-PC Certificate Curriculum: The PNP-PC program comprises 21 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Courses include Foundation of Post-Graduate Nursing; Advanced Pediatric Physical Assessment and Pharmacotherapeutics; Advanced Pediatric Healthcare I-III; and Clinical Practicum I-II.
Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate Curriculum: The PMHNP program comprises 21 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Courses include Foundation of Post-Graduate Nursing; Neurobiology and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan; Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan; Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health I: Adults; Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health II: Children/Adolescents/Young Adults; and PMHNP Clinical Practicum I-II.
Online Experience: The Spring Arbor University nursing programs begins with a Graduate Online Orientation course. Students are assigned a personal Student Success Coach who helps online students with career, personal, and professional goals, as well as managing work, family, and schooling. Spring Arbor utilizes Blackboard Learn as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Coursework is asynchronous and 100% online, with a 3-day residency required for the health assessment course for MSN students. Spring Arbor University seeks to allow nurses to continue working full-time while earning an advanced degree. As such, students take one course at a time. Coursework includes audio and video material, hands-on assignments, readings, and assessments. Students can access the online library, online bookstore, faculty support, and 24/7 technical support.
On-Site Requirements: Spring Arbor MSN and RN to MSN students are required to come to the Spring Arbor, Michigan campus for a 3-day residency for the health assessment course. All other coursework is online, and clinicals are completed local to the student. The certificate programs are 100% online, plus local clinicals. Students may also take part in graduation on campus.
Paying for the Spring Arbor University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Spring Arbor University charges $752 per credit hour plus fees for the online MSN and certificate programs. RN to MSN students pay $598 per credit hour plus fees for undergraduate coursework, and $752 per credit hour plus fees for the MSN portion. Prospective students should contact Spring Arbor’s Department of Nursing for current tuition costs, as tuition may rise from year to year.
Spring Arbor University offers federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans, according to the FAFSA. Nursing students should check with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program. Spring Arbor University students may also seek other opportunities for funding, including community scholarships and grants.
The Spring Arbor University online FNP and AGPCNP programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of working professionals with a one course at a time model of 7 weeks each with a one week break in between.
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (ADN bridge)
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (ADN bridge)
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP (ADN bridge)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ADN bridge)
Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
106 East Main Street
Spring Arbor, Michigan 49283
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
47
570
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, LA, NY, OR, SD
Program Tuition
47
$782.00
$36,754.00
$782.00
$36,754.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
82
570
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, LA, NY, OR, SD
Program Tuition
82
$713.28
$58,488.96
$713.28
$58,488.96
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
52
625
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, LA, NY, OR, SD
Program Tuition
52
$782.00
$40,664.00
$782.00
$40,664.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
82
570
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, LA, NY, OR, SD
Program Tuition
82
$723.10
$59,294.20
$723.10
$59,294.20
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
50
570
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
50
$782.00
$39,100.00
$782.00
$39,100.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
82
570
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
82
$719.17
$58,971.94
$719.17
$58,971.94
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
50
570
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
50
$782.00
$39,100.00
$782.00
$39,100.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
No
1
82
570
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
82
$719.17
$58,971.94
$719.17
$58,971.94
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
Yes
0
18
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
18
$782.00
$14,076.00
$782.00
$14,076.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
Yes
0
23
625
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
23
$782.00
$17,986.00
$782.00
$17,986.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
Yes
0
21
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
21
$782.00
$16,422.00
$782.00
$16,422.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Aug, Oct, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun
Yes
0
21
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
21
$782.00
$16,422.00
$782.00
$16,422.00
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.