Wheeling University Online FNP Programs
Wheeling University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Post-Master’s Certificate with an FNP specialization. There is also an RN-to-BSN/MSN program for ADN-prepared nurses. All the school’s online nurse practitioner programs require one campus visit, and students must complete clinical preceptorships at approved sites in approved states of study.
As a Catholic institution, Wheeling University focuses on service to others, the pursuit of excellence in education and relationships, and the morals of peace, faith, and justice. In addition, Wheeling University seeks to integrate graduates back into their communities to serve with the values and morals instilled throughout the graduate degree process.
The family nurse practitioner graduate programs integrate the concepts of critical thinking, health systems, advanced practice, and the promotion of change to improve healthcare outcomes. FNPs work with patients across the lifespan, typically in a primary care setting, with preventive healthcare, and acute and chronic health issues. There is also a focus on healthcare education and improved quality of life.
Graduates of the MSN-FNP and FNP certificate programs are prepared to serve in leadership positions in a variety of settings including hospitals, emergency care, primary care, government institutions, schools, long-term facilities, research institutions, and home health care situations. FNP graduates are eligible to take the FNP certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Wheeling University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MSN and certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Wheeling University is located in Wheeling, West Virginia (WV).
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What to Expect from the Wheeling University Online FNP Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN – FNP program must hold a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. RN-BSN/MSN applicants must hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma with the same GPA requirements.No GRE is required unless students do not meet the minimum GPA requirements. Applicants to these programs must have completed an undergraduate course in statistics and research and submit official transcripts, an essay, two letters of recommendation for the MSN, and three for the RN-BSN/MSN.
Applicants to the FNP Post-Master’s Certificate must hold both a BSN and MSN from accredited programs with the same 3.0 minimum GPA requirements. A resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts are required with the application.
State Restrictions: Wheeling University accepts students from most states, however, students from the following states may not enroll at this time: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Washington DC, and Wisconsin. Students in all states outside of West Virginia are encouraged to contact the Wheeling University Department of Nursing to verify enrollment eligibility. As well, the program may not meet licensure requirements in all states.
Study Plan: The MSN degree can be completed in about five semesters by taking approximately nine credits per semester. The RN-to-BSN/MSN can be completed in about three years. The certificate program can be completed in about 12 to 18 months depending on prior education. The programs begin in the Fall. Students come to the Wheeling campus once during Role Seminar. Other visits may be required for Comprehensive Assessment.
MSN Curriculum: The FNP specialization comprises 52 credits plus 728 clinical practicum hours. Core courses for the MSN program include Nursing Theory; Nursing Research; Healthcare Policy and Politics; Healthcare Delivery Systems and Economics; and Health Promotion.
Clinical core courses for the FNP specialization include Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pharmacology; and Role Seminar (during which students attend an on-campus presentation.)
Clinical courses for the FNP specialization include Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of the Infant, Child, and Adolescent; Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Care of Reproductive Health; Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of the Adult; and Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of the Aging Adult.
RN-to-BSN/MSN Curriculum: The RN-to-BSN/MSN program comprises 120 credits for the BSN portion plus 39 for the MSN portion due to 12 credits of courses counting for both the BSN and MSN. Students can transfer in 60 credits from the ADN or diploma, leading to approximately 99 credits plus 728 clinical hours to be completed through Wheeling University. Students must transfer or audit the following courses: Pathophysiology; Nutrition; Fundamental; Health Assessment; Pharmacology; Introduction to Nursing Care; Maternal/Gender; Medical-Surgical I-II; Basic Clinical Practicum; Pediatrics/Genetics; and Critical Care Nursing. Other courses that must be taken include Concepts of Nursing Practice; Basic Nursing Research; Multi-System Nursing Care; Complex Care I; Clinical Practicum II; and Comprehensive Assessment. There may be additional campus visits required for Comprehensive Assessment.
Once the BSN is completed students can apply to the MSN program with an FNP specialization. As the intention is to continue to the MSN, the following courses count toward both the BSN and MSN degree: Nursing Theories; Health Care Policy; Health Care Delivery and Economics; and Health Care Promotion. These courses replace some that would have been taken for just the RN to BSN program. Students then complete the remaining MSN courses.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: The certificate program comprises 24 credits plus 672 clinical practicum hours. There may be fewer credits required if students have already completed Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Pharmacology. Required courses include Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of the Infant, Child, and Adolescent; Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Care of Reproductive Health; Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of the Adult; Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of the Aging Adult; and Role Seminar (which requires one campus visit).
Online Experience: Wheeling University utilizes Blackboard Learn as its online learning management system (LMS). Courses are asynchronous for added flexibility. Student services include admissions counseling, academic advising, financial aid services, disability services, an online library, bookstore, health services, mental health counseling, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: There is one on-site presentation at the Wheeling, WV campus. 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.
Paying for the Wheeling University Online FNP Program
The online MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate FNP programs cost $550 per credit plus fees. The RN-to-BSN/MSN degree costs $400 per credit for BSN courses and $550 per credit plus fees for MSN courses. Interested students should contact the Wheeling University Department of Nursing for updated tuition and fees.
Wheeling University graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by applying through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, students may wish to check with their employers as to a tuition reimbursement program or tuition discounts. As another option, outside funding may include private loans and community and organizational scholarships and grants.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (ADN bridge)
Post Master's Nursing Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
316 Washington Blvd.
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
52
672
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (>286 on two sections of Revised GRE or >400 on MAT)
3.0 or higher
CA, CT, DE, DC, FL, HI, MA, NJ, NY, NC, SC, UT, WI
Program Tuition
52
$550.00
$28,600.00
$550.00
$28,600.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
99
728
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing
Yes (>286 on two sections of Revised GRE or >400 on MAT)
3.0 or higher
CA, CT, DE, DC, FL, HI, MA, NJ, NY, NC, SC, UT, WI
Program Tuition
99
$461.20
$45,658.80
$461.20
$45,658.80
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
24
672
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
CA, CT, DE, DC, FL, HI, MA, NJ, NY, NC, SC, UT, WI
Program Tuition
24
$550.00
$13,200.00
$550.00
$13,200.00
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.