Family Nurse Practitioner Program | FNP MSN

Program Overview

Southern New Hampshire University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track prepares nurses for primary care roles. The 51-credit program emphasizes advanced practice knowledge, evidence-based practice, interprofessional leadership, and global health awareness. Graduates meet the educational requirements for the FNP national certification exam and gain real-world experience through clinical practicums and an immersion experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner

Overview:

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is an affordable online program designed to prepare nurses for roles as primary care providers in various healthcare settings. This 51-credit track aligns with the latest AACN Essentials, emphasizing advanced practice knowledge across the lifespan, evidence-based practice, interprofessional leadership, and global health awareness. Upon completing the program, graduates will have met the educational requirements to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification examination.

Objectives:

• Assess, diagnose, and manage the health of individuals across the lifespan with various health needs
• Employ clinical technological tools and applications
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals
• Provide primary care services to individuals, families, and populations

Program Description:

This 51-credit program combines hundreds of hours of clinical practice and an immersion experience to prepare students for future success. The MSN track promotes advanced practice knowledge across the lifespan, grounded in evidence-based practice, interprofessional leadership, and global health awareness, enabling graduates to deliver quality care to diverse patient populations.

Outline:

Core Courses:

• Role Development and the Transformation of the MSN Nurse
• Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare
• Epidemiological and Biostatistical Applications in Healthcare
• Global Health & Diversity
• Evidence-Based Practice & Scholarly Inquiry

FNP-Specific Courses:

• Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology
• Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
• Advanced Pharmacology for the Prescriber, Immersion
• Primary Care of Adults and Gerontological Patients
• Primary Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents
• Primary Care for Women
• Primary Care for Mental Health

Immersion Experience:

As part of the FNP track, students will participate in a multi-day immersion experience in New Hampshire, where they will engage in simulation activities and perform assessments with standardized patients. This hands-on learning experience will supplement their educational journey and prepare them for their clinical practicums.

Clinical Practicum Experiences:

Careers:

Career Outlook:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse practitioners are the fastest-growing occupation in the country, with a projected 38% growth through 2032, accounting for 123,600 new jobs. In May 2022, nurse practitioners reportedly earned a median annual salary of $125,900.

Potential Career Paths:

• Urgent Care Clinic: Provide medical care to patients with illness and injury in a walk-in setting.
• Primary Care Provider: Work within a team to care for individual patients and help them achieve health and wellness.
• Public Health Departments: Help build programs and advocate for public health in your community.
• Outpatient Settings: Provide quality care to patients and families undergoing procedures that don't require hospital stays.
• Urgent Care Clinic: Provide medical care to patients with illness and injury in a walk-in setting.

Opportunities:

The skills developed as an FNP can also lead to roles precepting nurse practitioner students and participating in post-pandemic virtual visits for acute and wellness care.