Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

Shenandoah University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate program empowers RNs with MSN degrees to become primary health care providers. Through online instruction and clinical experiences, graduates gain the knowledge, skills, and certification eligibility to manage the health needs of individuals and families across the lifespan. The program prepares nurses for careers in various primary care settings, offering a rewarding and in-demand career path.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) program at Shenandoah University is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The program aims to provide nurses with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to transition into the role of a primary health care provider in various clinical settings.

Objectives:

• Prepare graduates to manage the health care needs of individuals and families across the lifespan.
• Equip graduates with the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat common acute and chronic health conditions.
• Empower graduates to prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests.
• Develop graduates' expertise in health promotion and disease prevention strategies.
• Foster graduates' ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

Description:

This fully online program utilizes synchronous class meetings and incorporates didactic and clinical components. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Certificate Program: Completion of the program requires 31 credits and 780 clinical hours.
• Program Duration: The program can be completed in 5 semesters (including summer and fall terms).
• Program Format: The program is offered fully online with weekly synchronous class meetings.

Course Schedule:

• Summer I: Mental Health in Primary Care (3 credits)
• Fall I:
• Primary Care of Families: Chronic (3 credits)
• Primary Care of Families Practicum (240 clinical hours) (4 credits)
• Advanced Practice Roles, Ethics & Policy (3 credits)
• Spring I:
• Primary Care of Families: Acute (3 credits)
• Primary Care of Families Practicum (240 clinical hours) (4 credits)
• Summer II: Primary Care of Women & Children (3 credits)
• Fall II:
• Primary Care of Families Advanced Practicum (300 clinical hours) (5 credits)
• Diagnostics & Procedures (1 credit)
• Advance Nurse Practitioner Role Development (2 credits)

Individual Modules:

• Mental Health in Primary Care: Explores mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in primary care settings.
• Primary Care of Families: Chronic & Acute: Focuses on the management of chronic and acute health conditions in families.
• Primary Care of Women & Children: Addresses the unique healthcare needs of women and children across the lifespan.
• Primary Care of Families Practicum: Provides hands-on clinical experience in various primary care settings.
• Primary Care of Families Advanced Practicum: Offers advanced clinical experience in primary care settings.
• Advanced Practice Roles, Ethics & Policy: Examines the ethical and legal responsibilities of advanced practice nurses.
• Diagnostics & Procedures: Covers diagnostic procedures and techniques used in primary care.
• Advance Nurse Practitioner Role Development: Develops leadership and professional skills for advanced practice nurses.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Case studies
• Clinical evaluations
• Portfolios
• Simulations
• Assessment Criteria: The program uses a competency-based approach to assessment, focusing on students' ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for successful practice as a family nurse practitioner.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs diverse teaching methods, including:
• Interactive lectures
• Case-based learning
• Group discussions
• Simulations
• Online learning modules
• Faculty: The program features faculty with extensive clinical experience and expertise in family practice.
• Unique Approaches: The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online instruction with clinical experiences.
This allows students to learn at their own pace while gaining practical experience.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of career paths in primary care settings, including:
• Private practice
• Hospital-based clinics
• Community health centers
• Public health agencies
• Schools
• Salary Potential: According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the average practicing nurse practitioner salary is $110,000 annually.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates are also eligible to pursue further education in areas such as nursing informatics, education, or research.

Other:

• The FNP program curriculum meets the educational requirements for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Shenandoah University offers a tuition discount to alumni.
The program's curriculum, teaching methods, and clinical experiences prepare graduates for successful careers in primary care settings.