University of North Dakota Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, PMHNP
#12 Most Flexible NP School
The College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines through the University of North Dakota (UND) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program with two specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Students complete coursework 100 percent online and are not required to come to campus. Preceptorships are also completed at approved facilities local to the student.
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) serve patients across the lifespan in clinical settings, hospitals, long-term care facilities, government facilities and home health care situations. FNPs work with care teams, patients and their families to improve patient health care. FNPs are trained to assess, evaluate, diagnose and treat routine health issues as well as acute and chronic health conditions. The FNP focuses on the person as a whole with preventive medicine and healthcare education at the forefront of their practice.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are trained to assess, evaluate, diagnose and treat mental illness and other mental health issues. PMHNPs work with healthcare teams to provide treatment plans for patients suffering from addiction and mental health issues. Services provided or recommended may include psychiatric therapy, mental health counseling, substance-abuse treatment programs, and psychotropic or other medications. PMHNPs may work in private practices, schools, treatment centers, correctional facilities, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and other mental health organizations.
Graduates will be eligible to sit for the respective national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
What to Expect from the University of North Dakota Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Admissions Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 60 credits of coursework or most recent degree. Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution and have at least one year of relevant RN experience, preferably in the area in which the student plans to specialize, and hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
Application materials include an application, application fee, official transcripts, verification of RN license, a two-page statement of goals, professional resume or CV, and three letters of recommendation. No GMAT or GRE is required. With admission, students must pass a criminal background check and drug screen, have the proper immunizations, and be in good health according to the Department of Nursing policies. International students must provide proof of English language proficiency depending on where they earned their bachelor’s degree.
State Restrictions: The University of North Dakota has determined that the program meets licensure eligibility for North Dakota and Minnesota. Therefore students from other states must inquire with their state board of nursing to determine licensure eligibility. UND accepts students for online study from other states, however, students should check with the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines at UND to determine program restrictions. The University of North Dakota is an NC-SARA participant.
Study Plan: The MSN program may be completed in as few as eight semesters and has three start dates per year in the spring, fall, and summer. UND offers clinical placement assistance. Please note that clinical placements may not be available in all states, therefore students should check with the nursing department to verify placement possibilities. Students should plan extra time for clinical hours and may not be able to work full-time during their program of study.
MSN Foundation Curriculum: All three specializations complete the following courses: Theories and Concepts in Nursing; Health Promotion; Evidence For Practice; Ethical, Legal, and Health Policy Issues; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Independent Study/Scholarly Project.
- MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises 49 credits plus a minimum of 625 clinical hours. Courses may include Family-Centered Advanced Practice Nursing; Maternal and Child Health in Primary Care; Management of Health Conditions – Primary Care I-II; Advanced Clinical Practicum I-III; Pharmacotherapeutics for Primary Care; and Role Development of the NP.
- MSN – PMHNP Curriculum: The online MSN – PMHNP program comprises a minimum of 49 credits plus clinical hours. Courses may include Psych Diagnostic Reasoning; Role Development of the NP; Psychopharmacology; Individual Therapy; Group and Family Therapies; Management of Psychopathology I-II; and Advanced Clinical Practicums I-III.
Online Experience: UND delivers online courses through Blackboard. Coursework is asynchronous and 100% online. Modes of learning may include audio and video material, hands-on assignments, readings and assessments.
Student services include online library access, admissions counseling, career counseling, online tutoring services, writing help and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the MSN program features 100% online coursework with preceptorships local to the student. Nursing students may take part in graduation on campus and visit campus as desired.
Paying for the University of North Dakota Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
The University of North Dakota charges $815.50 per credit hour plus fees for the online MSN program. Prospective students should contact UND’s Department of Nursing for current tuition costs as tuition may change from year to year.
The University of North Dakota offers federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans according to the FAFSA. Nursing students may wish to check with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program. University of North Dakota students may also seek outside opportunities for funding such as community scholarships and grants.
The 100% online MSN program with FNP and PMHNP specializations include local practicums and do not require any campus visits.
Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Gustafson Hall – Room 103, 3264 Campus Road Stop 9021
Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
49
625
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
$815.50
$39,959.50
$815.50
$39,959.50
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
49
Not specified
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
$815.50
$39,959.50
$815.50
$39,959.50
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.