US University Online MSN-FNP Program | United States University

What to Expect from the US University Online MSN-FNP Program

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN-FNP program must hold a BSN degree from a CCNE-, CNEA-, ACEN-, or NLNAC-accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher. No GRE is required. 

Application materials include official transcripts sent directly from the granting institution, proof of unencumbered RN licensure, and any letters of recommendation and essays required in the application. Upon entering clinical courses, students may be required to upload documentation regarding background clearance, health insurance, drug screening, CPA certification, and other requirements.

State Restrictions: United States University accepts students from most states; however, students from the following states may not enroll at this time: Alabama, Arkansas, Washington DC, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Students in all states outside of California are encouraged to contact the USU College of Nursing and Health Sciences to verify enrollment eligibility. 

As well, the program may not meet licensure requirements in all states, and students outside of California should check with their state Board of Nursing to verify state requirements. Finally, MSN-FNP students may need California RN licensure.

Study Plan: The MSN-FNP program can be completed in about six semesters or two years. Students take one course every eight weeks until the clinical practicums begin in the fifth semester. At that time, clinicals are completed in conjunction with the corresponding classroom instruction on the subject. 

The program begins in the fall, spring, and summer. Students come to a USU campus once during advanced health and physical assessment across the lifespan. All other coursework is online with clinical practicums completed local to the student in approved states. 

MSN Curriculum: The FNP specialization comprises 48 credits plus 540 clinical practicum hours. Core courses for the MSN program include transitions in practice: the role of the advanced practice nurse; theoretical foundations of advanced practice nursing; evidence-based inquiry for scholarship and practice; nursing leadership and health policy; evidence-based capstone project; advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan; advanced pharmacology across the lifespan; and advanced health and physical assessment across the lifespan.

Family nurse practitioner specialty requirements include health promotion, education, and disease prevention across the lifespan; common illnesses across the life span and clinical practicum; primary health of acute clients/families across the lifespan and clinical practicum; primary healthcare of chronic clients/families across the lifespan and clinical practicum; and clinical residency and practice management.

Online Experience: United States University delivers courses synchronously through face-to-face web conferencing, phone conferences, and live chats with faculty and peers. Included is participation in demonstrations, group work with peers and mentors, interaction with computer-simulated patients, case studies, readings, synchronous lectures, videos, evidence examination, and other necessary activities for learning. 

The four-day immersion provides the opportunity for in-person, hands-on learning. Student services include academic advising, tutoring services, faculty office hours, technical support, and student success and career services.

On-Site Requirements: There is one four-day campus immersion that takes place at one of three campuses located in San Diego, CA, Phoenix, AZ, or Tampa, FL. All other coursework can be completed online and clinicals are completed at an approved location near the student in approved states of study. In addition, students are welcome to visit campus and participate in campus graduation ceremonies.