| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Fairfield University's Family Nurse Practitioner program equips graduates with advanced practice nursing skills to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan. The 51-credit program blends theory with clinical practice, preparing students for diverse career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Graduates are eligible for national certification and are well-equipped to make a significant impact on patient health and well-being.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
program at Fairfield University's Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan, from newborns to older adults. The program prepares graduates to diagnose and manage acute and chronic illnesses, while focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. Graduates work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community health centers.
Objectives:
- Develop advanced practice nursing skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of common health problems across the lifespan.
- Utilize evidence-based practice to deliver high-quality patient care.
- Advocate for patients and their families, promoting health and wellness.
- Collaborate effectively within interprofessional healthcare teams.
- Engage in professional development and lifelong learning.
Program Description:
The 51-credit MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program blends theory with hands-on clinical practice. Students gain experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Adult Health I & II
- Care of Children and Families
- Care of At-Risk Populations
- Healthcare Leadership Roles for Systems Improvement
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Advanced Healthcare Policy
- Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
- Information Technology for Healthcare Improvement
Outline:
Required Courses (51 credits):
- Healthcare Leadership Roles for Systems Improvement
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Advanced Healthcare Policy
- Research Methods for Evidenced-Based Practice
- Information Technology for Healthcare Improvement
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Adult Health I
- Adult Health II
- Care of Children and Families
- Care of At-Risk Populations
- Practicum in Adult Health I
- Clinical Conference Across the Lifespan: FNP Practicum I
- Clinical Conference Across the Lifespan: FNP Practicum II
Course schedule:
Courses are offered on a semester basis, with full-time and part-time options available.
Individual Modules:
Each course provides specific learning objectives and focuses on essential topics related to advanced practice nursing. The modules include lectures, seminars, case studies, simulations, and clinical experiences.
Assessment:
Assessment methods:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Exams (written and oral)
- Quizzes
- Case studies
- Clinical performance evaluations
- Portfolio development
- Research projects
Assessment criteria:
Students are assessed on their knowledge, skills, and abilities in applying advanced practice nursing principles to patient care. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making.
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Interactive lectures
- Small group discussions
- Clinical simulations
- Case studies
- Preceptorship with experienced nurse practitioners
Faculty:
The program boasts experienced faculty members who are dedicated to student success. Many faculty members hold doctoral degrees and have extensive clinical experience.
Unique approaches:
The program integrates technology and innovative teaching methods, such as simulation and case studies, to create an engaging learning environment.
Careers:
Career paths:
Graduates can pursue diverse career opportunities as Family Nurse Practitioners in various settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private practices
- Community health centers
- Urgent care centers
- Schools and universities
- Telehealth services
Career opportunities:
Family Nurse Practitioners are in high demand due to the increasing need for primary care providers. Graduates can work with diverse populations across the lifespan, addressing various health needs and promoting well-being.
Outcome:
The program prepares graduates to excel in the nursing field and make a significant impact on the health and well-being of their patients. Graduates are well-equipped to pass national certification exams and launch successful careers as Family Nurse Practitioners.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exams.
- The program offers various scholarships and financial aid options.
- The program emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, integrating physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being.
- The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can interact and learn from each other.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in research and professional development activities.
