DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Credit Hours

23%

Max Transfer Credit

Class Type

Online courseworkSee state availability

Next Start Date

Jan 8, 2024

Years To Complete

Finish in as few as 3 years

Accreditation

CCNE

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Home / Degrees / Doctoral Degrees / Nursing (DNP) / DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Take primary care to a higher level with Franklin’s online DNP-FNP program

Family medicine needs more than caregivers – it needs leaders. Specifically, leaders who can translate community factors, social determinants and health risks into delivering the highest quality patient care. If you’re an advanced practice nurse committed to optimizing patient care through data, technology and other clinical and evidence-based practices, then Franklin’s Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) track is the right choice for you.

Program Availability

Online

On Site

Other nursing programs that are available in :

Built-in Practicum

Apply what you learn while you learn it.

Make an Impact

Become a change agent for primary care.

Finish in as Few as 3 Years

Advance toward your future – faster.

Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with other work-life commitments.

Learn from the Best

Benefit from the experience of your instructors – seasoned, in-field practitioners.

Skip the Dissertation

Complete an evidence-based project to demonstrate your knowledge

DNP - FNP Program Overview

Grow in both your capabilities and responsibilities in the high-demand field of primary care medicine with the DNP-FNP program

Gain the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to innovate, lead, and impact patient care and outcomes at the highest level. As a busy nurse, Franklin’s DNP-FNP track combines learning and practicum hours to accelerate your degree program – a program you can complete in about 3 years.

Apply what you learn while you learn with practicum hours and a scholarly project woven into the program

At Franklin, you can continue working while you advance your career, thanks to convenient online courses designed to challenge and advance your skills. Even better, you’ll progress quickly because our online Doctor of Nursing practice degree features course-based practicum.

For the DNP with FNP concentration, you’ll apply and demonstrate your competency for a total of 1,100 practicum and clinical hours, starting with your major area courses, continuing through your DNP seminar courses and FNP clinical hours. You may be able to achieve 500 hours from transfer credit or residency. Eligible students may be able to transfer up to 12 credit hours in coursework in addition to these 500 clinical hours. Plus, BSN to DNP students who complete the required bridge courses can earn up to 125 practicum hours for those courses.

Advance your capabilities and improve your clinical contributions with a scholarly approach to the nursing discipline

Prepare yourself for an advanced role as a nurse practitioner by earning a clinical doctorate and completing a DNP scholarly project using evidence-based practice that leads to a problem-solving intervention. Franklin’s DNP program is rooted in evidence- and systems-based quality improvement and clinical practice, application and translation. You’ll study in several distinct areas, including major area courses, DNP seminar courses and concentrated Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) courses. Built-in learning outcomes mean you are evaluated and measured as you progress through your program of study.

Meet your personal and professional goals with an in-demand DNP degree that can help put you at the top of the nursing profession

Demand is rising for nurse managers, nurse practitioners, nurse faculty and BSN graduates who are willing to pursue the profession’s highest clinical credentials: the Doctor of Nursing (DNP) degree. Franklin’s DNP program lets you rise up to meet these emerging professional standards of nursing, all the while practicing the techniques and testing quality improvement frameworks and theories you learn along the way.

Earn your DNP degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your DNP degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life. Get started on your future today.

Future Start Dates

Your Best Value DNP-FNP Track

Affordable Tuition

$748

PER CREDIT HOUR

Affordable tuition rates make Franklin's DNP a professional investment you can feel confident about.

Automatic Smart Start Scholarship

$39,644

Total Tuition

$5,000

Automatic Scholarship

$34,644

Tuition with Scholarship

Franklin’s affordable tuition rate and our Smart Start Scholarship puts your degree within reach.

Lower Fees

Save thousands of dollars in fees by choosing Franklin over other leading programs for your DNP-FNP.

Source: Internal research of leading programs (May 2022)

Highly Recommended

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

DNP - FNP Courses & Curriculum

53 Semester Hours

Major Area Required

NURS 810 - Foundations of the DNP (3)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the role of the DNP as a leader and change agent in healthcare. Skill development includes identification of a gap in practice, conducting a needs assessment and describing the scope and significance of the problem. [Practicum hours: 50]

NURS 820 - Evidence-Based Prac & Qual Improvement (3)

Nursing Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement: This course focuses on advanced nursing practice as a form of inquiry, integration, and application of evidence into practice. Skill development includes evaluation of evidence-based practice methods, and use of information systems and patient technology for quality improvement. [Practicum hours: 50]

NURS 830 - Clinical Prevention and Health Care Outcomes (3)

This course prepares students to assess, design, implement and evaluate evidence-based quality health care practices for individual and aggregate patient populations. Skill development includes defining outcomes linked to measures, variables, and data sources; appropriate data collection and evaluation methods. [Practicum hours: 50]

NURS 840 - Leadership, Policy & Interprofessional Collaboration (3)

This course focuses on principles of leadership in relationship to change policy, and membership in high functioning teams to improve health care outcomes within complex systems. Skill development includes assessment of organizational culture, quality and safety data and exploration of principles for effecting change as a member and leader of a team. [Practicum hours: 50]

Project Courses

NURS 850 - DNP Seminar I (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the support and direction needed, in collaboration with the sponsoring facility and preceptor, to develop a proposal for a comprehensive, site specific DNP Project, including an evaluation plan. Skill development includes application of theory, review of the literature and population data to frame the DNP Project to drive cost-effective safe care. [Practicum hours: 125]

NURS 851 - DNP Seminar II (3)

In this course, the student secures school approval and implements the approved project plan. Skill development includes managing time and resources, assessing and managing implementation issues, data collection, and utilizing communication, and leadership and collaboration strategies. [Practicum hours: 125]

NURS 900 - DNP Seminar III (4)

In this course, the student completes and disseminates results of the project. Final projects reflect the student's ability to employ effective communication and collaboration skills, take a leadership role, influence quality and safety, transform practice, lead innovation, and successfully negotiate change in health care delivery. [Practicum hours: 50]

Family Nurse Practitioner Core

NURS 644 - Advanced Pathophysiology (3)

This course provides an in-depth study of the physiological changes and responses to altered health states and their impact on the functional status of patients. Students will focus on the essential knowledge of human health and disease across the lifespan. Pathophysiological theories and evidence-based research serve as a basis for applying content to population groups. Prerequisite NURS 612 or 613. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 648 - Advanced Pharmacology (3)

This course focuses on the concepts, principles, and application of pharmacotherapeutics used in the management of health problems encountered in primary care. Emphasis is placed on theories and principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics, which provide a foundation for critical thinking, and the application of research finding. The focus on pharmacology is aimed at the treatment of acute and chronic health problems in populations over the life span. Prerequisite NURS 612 or 613. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 646 - Advanced Physical Assessment (3)

This course builds upon the student's previous health assessment knowledge offering more advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for advanced professional nursing roles. This course emphasizes knowledge of health assessment, including physical, psychosocial, spiritual health assessment, risk assessment, and functional assessment in diverse populations in the promotion of health and prevention of disease. To maintain a nursing focus on patient responses to health, illness, or the threat of illness, the nurse must exhibit effective communication and client teaching, which is incorporated throughout the course. The importance of effective documentation and health record keeping is included. Prerequisite NURS 612 or 613.

NURS 698 - Diagnostic Methods for the Nurse Practitioner (2)

This course will provide students with content regarding common diagnostic tests applicable to APN practice, the rationale for these tests, expected results and common abnormal results. Topics include selection of appropriate diagnostic tests, procedures for collecting specimens, analyzing selected tests and evaluating results.

NURS 700 - Foundations of Nurse Practition Practice (3)

This course introduces the practice of primary health care. Principles of safety, quality, and the art of diagnosis and treatment, population health, cultural competency, oral and written communication, and billing and coding. This course has a required basic office procedure skills and assessment lab of 16 hours. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 701 - Primary Care I (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where the students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 702 - Primary Care II (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; used a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 703 - Management of Multidimensional Health (4)

This course focuses on the health care concepts specific to the application of assessment and management of common conditions with special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, and disease detection; with a focus on pediatric and geriatric populations. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 790 - FNP Capstone (4)

This course focuses on common conditions with a special emphasis on urgent/emergent and trauma informed care, pain management, mental health concerns and preparation for transition to practice. This course has a clinical practicum of 150 hours. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 704 - Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Prep (1)

This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully pass the national certification exam. Emphasis will be on best test-taking practices and professional and independent practice in primary care for individuals and families.

DNP - FNP Program Details

Tuition Cost

2023 - 2024 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard Tuition	$748
International students	$899

Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner Track Fees	Cost
Background check (NURS 703)	$80
Background check and clinical/practicum screening (NURS 810)	$150
Clinical course fee (NURS 700, NURS 701, NURS 702, NURS 703, NURS 790)	$250 per course
Clinical/preceptor fees – courses with a clinical in a nurse practitioner track only	Varies by preceptor and site, if applicable $0-$2,000+

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the DNP program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (for admission through our BSN to DNP option) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The degree final cumulative GPA must be at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale can petition for admission to the program chair by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program of study. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc. Click here to view the Admissions Checklist: Doctoral Nursing Programs.

If a student is admitted as a result of the petition, the student will need to obtain a “B” average (3.0 GPA) during the first doctoral-level course of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Evidence of Active Nursing License

Applicants must have a valid, active and clear/unencumbered RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN).

Applicants holding the equivalent of an RN licensure or certification outside the U.S. must submit a Credential Evaluation Services (CES) Academic Report from the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
All students must maintain licensure throughout the program of study.
License information should be submitted here.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Catalog.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Program Specific Requirements

Please note: Due to the unique requirements of the DNP practicum experience, students should consult the Nursing DNP Program Handbook for important information on the program’s required practicum component before selecting this major. Applicants must complete and return the Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Handbook form prior to enrolling in the DNP program. For questions regarding the handbook or form, please contact the DNP Program Chair. The handbook and form can be accessed here.

Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Earn in residence at Franklin University at least 41 of the 53 required credits.
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees.
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Program Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. Click HERE to view the matrix.

Licensure Disclaimer

State Licensure Information
In order to be compliant with federal and state regulations related to distance education and professional licensure programs, not all professional licensure programs are open for enrollment or completion of required clinical experiences in every state or U.S. territory. To see which locations are open for Franklin’s nursing programs, please check the “Program Availability” list at the top of this page, or search by program or location through our Program Availability by Location tool.

Franklin University’s advanced practice registered nursing tracks are designed to lead to licensure/certification. Requirements for licensure vary by state and may involve more than successful degree completion. For more information, including a list of locations where Franklin’s programs meet state educational requirements for licensure and state licensure board contact information, please see the Professional Licensure Information section of the State Authorization & Professional Licensure webpage.

Program Advisory Board

The University employs a team approach to planning, developing and maintaining its academic curriculum. An essential element of this process – and a key to the institution’s quality assurance practices – is the Program Advisory Board (and the associated Alumni Advisory Board). A diverse array of business and industry leaders make up these discipline-specific boards that provide guidance on theory-to-practice ideas, global business perspectives, and emerging topics in the field. Each academic year, Program Advisory Boards meet with Division Chairs and faculty for lively and engaged conversations, thus bringing members’ substantial professional experience and expertise into the classroom. In addition, some Division Chairs elect to engage Program Advisory Board members in the assessment of academic program outcomes.

Franklin University Nursing Advisory Board
2021-2022
Name	Title	Company/ Organization

Gordon, Rosetta, BS	Nursing Student Education Coordinator, Patient Family Care Policy Coordinator, professional development	Nationwide Children's
Habor, Judith, PhD, APRN, FAAN	Professor NYU, Executive Director Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice Program	NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Harris, Le-Ann, DNP, RN, NEA-BC	CNO, VP Patient Care	Ohio Health/Grant Medical Center, Grove City Methodist Hospital, Pickerington MC, Westerville MC, and FSED Network
Kelly, Kimberly, BSN, RN, CPN	Alumni; Former member representing Nationwide Children's Hospital	Retired
Kowalesky, Christine, DNP, MHNP-BC	Community resource: Psych NP; Administrator	Crouse Family Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Community Program
Modan, Falaknaz	FNP Student	Franklin University
Nibert, Mary, DHA, BSN, MBA, RN	Alumni (BSN and MBA, DHA)	Fairfield Medical Center
Polimeni, Pat Emilie, BSN, MSN, FNP	Alumni (MSN-FNP)
Powell, Susan	Director of Nursing Excellence	Dayton Children's
Regis, Kimberly, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, PNP-BC, BCC	VP of Operations; Chief Nurse Executive, ambulatory	Nationwide Children's
Roepke, Melinda, MSN, R	Dean, Health Sciences, and Director Nursing Programs	North Central State College
Rohr, Tara, DNP, RN	Assistant Professor	Columbus State Community College
Schramm, Jill, DNP, FNP	Assistant Professor, Adjunct	University of Colorado and Franklin University

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DNP Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DNP degree?

A DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a clinical practice degree, and is different from the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing degree, which is a research degree.

What can you do with a DNP degree?

Plenty! As a DNP graduate, you’ll be prepared to hold a variety of job positions and roles in leadership, administration, informatics and, if you’re prepared as a nurse practitioner, advanced practice.

Why get a DNP degree?

If you want to become an advanced nursing leader, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is considered the terminal degree for clinical practice.

What makes Franklin’s DNP degree unique?

Franklin streamlines your educational experience. We’ll help you finish faster and let you practice what you learn while you learn – thanks to embedded practicum hours and a scholarly project that are included within our courses.

How long is an online DNP program?

Congratulations on wanting to advance your education and career through Franklin’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program! The Franklin online DNP is designed for busy nurses, so, depending on your previous education and area of focus, you may be able to complete your terminal degree in 6-11 trimesters (24-48 months).

When can I start a DNP degree?

Getting started with your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP degree) is easy and convenient at Franklin. We offer two start dates a year in fall and spring. Talk to your admissions advisor to find the start date that's right for you.

How much will my DNP degree cost?

At Franklin, you’ll get a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future right now. Our helpful staff can talk with you about flexible financing options as well as financial aid programs. See current tuition and rates here.

Do I need to have an MSN before starting a DNP program?

Good news! The answer is “no.” You can be admitted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program through Franklin’s BSN to DNP pathway. With this pathway, you will take two bridge courses (NURS 800 and NURS 805) first. Once you successfully complete these courses, you will be fully admitted to the DNP program. By the way, this is the same pathway that anyone with a BSN and a non-nursing master’s degree would follow for the DNP degree.

For the BSN to DNP degree, will I also earn the MSN degree?

No. However, as a prerequisite to full admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, you will complete two bridge courses that cover foundational knowledge from the M.S. in Nursing (MSN) program.

How will I complete the practicum hours for the DNP?

Practicum hours focus on skill development in essential areas, including leadership, informatics, finance and patient safety. Some of your practicum hours will be completed at a practicum site with a preceptor to guide your work. Other hours are considered experiential and will be facilitated by a faculty member as part of your coursework. In addition, as part of your practicum, you will develop a scholarly project using an evidence-based intervention and quality improvement framework that addresses a gap in practice, process, or policy at your practice site. Bottom line? You’ll be able to complete about half of your practicum hours during your coursework!

If I complete the FNP at the same time as the DNP, will I have to do clinical hours?

Yes. You will complete 600 clinical hours in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty at a medical office or clinic.

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