Program Overview
North Park University's Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses with master's degrees to become FNPs. The program equips students with advanced skills in primary care, health promotion, and population-specific care for adults, children, women, and the elderly. Graduates are qualified to provide holistic healthcare in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Post-Master's Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Overview:
North Park University's Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is designed for individuals who possess a master's degree in nursing and desire to advance their careers and become FNPs. The program aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to work with varied clients across diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes. Graduates may enter employment as primary care providers in various organizations.
Objectives:
- Gain advanced capabilities for primary care provision to individuals in family-oriented contexts.
- Foster proficiency in the evaluation of diverse health concerns among children, adults, and seniors.
- Develop and apply evidence-based strategies for holistic care.
Outline:
Required Nurse Practitioner (NP) Core & Role Courses:
Role Concepts and Transitions (2 SH) NURS 5503
Examines the fundamental principles underpinning NP roles within healthcare systems, encompassing their legal obligations, ethical considerations, and collaborative practices.
Advanced Pathophysiology (3 SH) NURS 5505
Delves into the intricacies of pathological processes occurring across various organ systems, underscoring their clinical manifestations and effects on patient outcomes.
Advanced Pharmacology (3 SH) NURS 5510
Provides advanced-level knowledge of pharmacology principles as applied to healthcare, addressing medication selection, therapeutic uses, and implications for NP practice.
Advanced Health Assessment (4 SH) NURS 5515
Enhances students' expertise in conducting comprehensive physical examinations for a wide range of conditions, with an emphasis on differential diagnoses and identification of potential health concerns.
Health and Wellness Promotion (3 SH) NURS 5520
Equips students with the tools essential for promoting health and wellbeing across individuals and families, covering topics such as disease prevention, health screening, and behavioral counseling.
Required NP Population-Specific Courses:
Adult Health I Primary Care (6 SH) NURS 5531
Provides students with comprehensive coverage of primary care management for adults, addressing the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of prevalent acute, chronic, and complex diseases.
Adult Health II Primary Care (3 SH) NURS 5540
Builds further upon Adult Health I, offering students in-depth exposure to managing advanced health complications encountered in diverse adult patients.
Adult Health II Practicum (1 SH) NURS 5545
Provides practical, supervised training in adult primary care settings, enabling learners to apply their theoretical knowledge, improve their critical thinking skills, and refine their clinical judgment.
Pediatric Primary Care (5 SH) NURS 5561
Develops students' proficiency in the management of pediatric primary care, exploring the developmental, physiological, and psychological complexities of children's health.
Women's Health Primary Care (4 SH) NURS 5571
Offers students advanced training specializing in women's health concerns, equipping them with the competence to manage reproductive, gynecological, and other pertinent healthcare issues.
Advanced Practice Gerontologic Nursing I Primary Care (2 SH) NURS 5610
Examines the unique health challenges, assessments, and interventions associated with caring for the older adult population.
Residency: Family Practice (3 SH) NURS 5791
Provides immersive, comprehensive experiences in various family practice settings, allowing students to apply their skills and expand their clinical capabilities.
Capstone Project (2 SH) NURS 5990
Culminates the program through a research project in which students demonstrate mastery of NP practices, apply evidence-based strategies to resolve healthcare issues within families, and contribute to scholarly dissemination of findings.
Assessment:
The Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program utilizes diverse assessment methods to ensure students' knowledge comprehension and skill acquisition. Written examinations assess students' theoretical foundations, while supervised clinical practice allows faculty to evaluate the translation of theoretical knowledge into patient care. Additionally, students engage in regular presentations of their work in progress through the completion of a comprehensive Capstone Project, demonstrating their scholarly inquiry and problem-solving capabilities.
Teaching:
Students in the program enjoy opportunities to learn from a dedicated faculty of experienced nurse practitioners and healthcare professionals. Class discussions foster active and participatory learning, while state-of-the-art simulation facilities enhance practical expertise with cutting-edge technology. The program's commitment to individualized mentorship offers tailored guidance based on learners' aspirations and areas for improvement.
Careers:
Upon the completion of the Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner, graduates are poised to embark on fulfilling careers in the healthcare arena. As licensed FNPs, they can secure opportunities in a broad range of settings where they can provide holistic healthcare to families within communities of need. These roles may span hospitals, clinics, schools, occupational and community health centers, and other diverse healthcare facilities.
