M.S. in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)

Credit Hours

Month Completion

Class Type

Online courseworkSee state availability

Next Start Date

Jun 26, 2023

Placement Tests

GMAT/GRE not required for admission

Accreditation

CCNE

Request Info Apply Today Cost Estimator

Home / Degrees / Master's Degrees / MSN Programs / Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)

Expand your role in patient care with an MSN-FNP

If you are a registered nurse with a desire to expand your role in patient care, Franklin’s M.S. in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) track is a great option for you. You’ll be prepared to work in the primary care setting managing the health of individuals and families. You’ll gain the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for the assessment and management of common acute and chronic illnesses, health promotion and disease prevention for individuals throughout their lives. Upon completion of your degree, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Program Availability

Online

On Site

Other nursing programs that are available in :

Finish in as Few as 27 Months

Earn your degree and prepare for advancement faster.

Accredited

The master's degree program in nursing at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

100% Pass Rate

To date, all of Franklin’s grads have passed the FNP certification exam.

Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with other work-life commitments.

Contemporary Curriculum

Evaluate and study trending nursing topics throughout the program.

Learn from the Best

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

MSN-FNP Program Overview

Transform the patient experience

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the number of new nurse practitioners graduating each year is rising rapidly and within the next few years, will likely exceed the number of new physicians completing training. The shift provides an opportunity for providers and organizations to meet growing healthcare needs in a more cost-effective manner including filling gaps in specializations and populations. For new and aspiring nurse practitioners, the shift provides more autonomy and more career options.

As a graduate-level nursing student, you will strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to coordinate healthcare programs in a time of ongoing reform. You’ll examine the role of the advanced practice nurse in the delivery of care, leadership and collaboration. You’ll earn your degree in approximately 27 months, by completing 6, 12 and 16-week online courses. During your last year of study, you’ll participate in a required on-site skills lab, as well as on-site clinicals 1 or 2 days per week depending on the course requirements in an approved healthcare setting.

Perfect the art of diagnosis and treatment with the help of simulation software

As part of Franklin’s commitment to providing a relevant education, you’ll be exposed to current and emerging technologies. In addition, you’ll consistently merge coursework with your existing knowledge in order to develop a theoretical basis to guide your practice to promote high quality, effective, patient-centered care. In order to provide a dynamic online learning experience, you will have access to Shadowhealth, state-of-the-art simulation software, to sharpen your foundational skills prior to beginning your clinical experience – a unique benefit for Franklin MSN-FNP students. The use of simulation software continues with iHuman, which is used in many of the didactic courses including the clinicals.

Maximize your learning with concept-based study and competency-based clinicals

You won’t attend online lectures as part of your MSN-FNP experience. The highly structured, online MSN-FNP coursework requires a great deal of engagement. It is recommended that you attend our live sessions to enrich your understanding. Because the program is designed for working nurses, the live sessions will also be recorded for viewing at a later time. You will progress through your clinicals and demonstrate mastery in primary care. Once mastery is achieved, you are able to spend time in a specialty practice to enrich your diagnostic and management skills.

Tailor your MSN-FNP to your professional goals

You will have the opportunity to select the location of your clinical practice site. However, it must meet requirements and be approved by the faculty. Once you reach the MSN-FNP courses, you will spend 150 hours at your clinical practice site per semester for four semesters for a total of 600 clinical hours. This equates to about 1 1/2-2 days a week during courses that require clinical.

Earn an accredited nursing degree and qualify to apply to take the national certification exam

The master’s degree program in nursing at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). As a student, you can be confident that your MSN will prepare you for advanced practice or doctoral-level study.

Once you complete your degree, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Passing the certification exam is necessary to receive a license to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in most states. Currently, Franklin’s first two cohorts of FNP graduates have a 100% pass rate on the certification exam.

Transfer up to 12 credits and finish your MSN faster

If you have previously taken MSN courses at a CCNE-accredited institution, you may be able to transfer credit and save time and money toward your Franklin MSN. Franklin offers course-for-course credit for advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced physical assessment, as long as they have been completed within 3 to 5 years of your enrollment at Franklin. To see if your previous coursework can be used to satisfy degree requirements, you’ll need to submit a syllabus for the course(s) you’d like to have evaluated for transfer credit. Your admissions advisor will be happy to assist you in any way.

Future Start Dates

Your Best Value MSN-FNP

Affordable Tuition

$670

PER CREDIT HOUR

Affordable tuition rates for the accredited MSN-FNP provide value and quality.

Lower Fees

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

Source: Internal research of leading programs (May 2022)

Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

Highly Recommended

97%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

97% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Fall 2021)

MSN-FNP Courses & Curriculum

41 Semester Hours

Major Area Required

NURS 612 - Role of the Master's Prepared Nurse (3)

This course assesses the various roles of the master's prepared nurse. The influence of the health care delivery systems, health care policy, diversity, ethics, quality, safety, theory, evidence based practice, and information systems on the role of the master's prepared nurse will be explored.

NURS 693 - Evidence Based Practice & Quality Improv (3)

This course will explore and analyze methods to improve nursing practice and health outcomes. Collaborative efforts and ethical concerns are considered. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating evidence-based practice and quality assurance initiatives.

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 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.

HCM 752 - Health Policy (4)

This course will explore the essential conceptual and analytical understanding of health policymaking and politics, including their impact on health administration and leadership. Selected policy issues will be explored through the application of political concepts and behavioral models, including a system model of policymaking. The emphasis will be on understanding the health leaders approach to the policymaking system, become involved in it, and work through it to attain their objectives and those of their organization.

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 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 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.

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).

Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today's dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin's degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

Learn More

MSN-FNP Program Details

Tuition Costs

2021 - 2022 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$670
Current service members	$536
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526

2022 - 2023 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$670
Nursing programs MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, MSN-AGPCNP, Post-Graduate FNP Certificate, Post-Graduate AGPCNP Certificate and Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate	$670
MSN-Generalist and MSN-Nurse Administrator	$598
RN-MSN Pathway (NURS 500)	$298
Current service members	$536
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526

M.S. in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner Track Fees	Cost
Background check and clinical/practicum screening fee (NURS 612)	$125
Background check (NURS 703)	$80
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+

Learn More

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 M.S. Nursing matrix.

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.
Complete the residency requirement:
- FNP students must earn at least 29 of the 41 required credits at Franklin University – in any modality.
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.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics. Click here to view the Admissions Checklist: Graduate Nursing Programs.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's or associate degree/diploma from an institution accredited by a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.*

Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned associate or bachelor’s degree 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.

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 graduate-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 an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

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 MSN-FNP practicum experience, students should consult the Nursing MSN-FNP 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 MSN-FNP program. For questions regarding the handbook or form, please contact the MSN Program Chair. The handbook and form can be accessed here.

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 available in” list at the top of this page, or visit our State Authorization Map.

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 Franklin University’s Professional Licensure Information.

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

Request Information

Step 1 of 3

Get Started >< Back Next >Submit

In submitting my contact information, I understand that I will receive phone calls, text messages and email about attending Franklin University. I may opt out of these communications at any time.

Your privacy is important to us. Privacy Policy

MSN-FNP Career Opportunities

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners work with patients of all ages and can perform examinations, diagnose illnesses, interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications under the conditions of the nurse practice act in each state.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses monitor patients, provide treatment and provide instructions for disease prevention and follow-up care to patients and their families.

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators work at community colleges, at hospitals or at four-year institutions to teach aspiring nurses by developing curriculum, teaching courses or observing students in clinical environments.

MSN-FNP Employment Outlook

11%

From 2021-2031, jobs for Nurse Practitioners are expected to increase by 11%

All Occupations

2021	3,368,301 jobs
2031	3,739,735 jobs

Show Details >

Nurse Practitioners

2021	235,175 jobs
2031	336,473 jobs

Registered Nurses

2021	3,133,126 jobs
2031	3,403,262 jobs

Source information provided by Lightcast.

MSN-FNP Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Patient Assessment and Management

Formulate and initiate comprehensive patient treatment
Evaluate outcomes of care delivered to patients and initiate changes in the approach accordingly
Manage the care and treatment of patients as indicated in the professional scope of practice and within current standards and protocols
Develop a comprehensive plan of care with the patient/family
Maintain accurate, complete and concise documentation of patient medical records and maintain confidentiality in regard to patient information

Diagnostic and Prescriptive

Initiate orders for routine diagnostic procedures, follow-up studies and therapeutic measures
Interpret and synthesize data to determine preliminary diagnosis and therapeutic plan and procedures
Interpret and evaluate findings of studies/tests and schedule diagnostic and operative procedures
Initiate consultation and referrals based on procedure and disease requisites
Discriminate between normal and abnormal findings to recognize early stages of serious physical, emotional or mental problems
Prescribe and administer medication (may vary by state)

Patient Care and Advocacy

Practice advanced-practice nursing using sound judgment and adhere to ethical considerations
Provide direct health care in the presence of illness or disability in order to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce distress and enhance coping ability
Perform therapeutic procedures, such as immunizations, injections, suturing and wound care, and managing infection
Provide after-care/ongoing care information and resources to patients and their families
Delegate and make sound clinical judgments with patient safety as a top priority
Counsel and educate patients about preventive measures to avoid illness

MSN-FNP Frequently Asked Questions

What does MSN-FNP stand for?

MSN-FNP stands for M.S. in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner track (MSN-FNP). The MSN is a professional degree that prepares registered nurses for greater levels of patient care and FNP is a specialized track within the degree.

What can you do with an MSN-FNP?

Although the scope of practice varies by state, in general, the MSN-FNP enables you to elevate your patient care to include examination, diagnosis and prescription authority, or work toward a doctorate.

Why get an online MSN-FNP?

An online MSN-FNP provides more flexibility than an on-site equivalent. While your coursework can be completed online, you must complete an on-site clinical 1-2 days per week depending on the course requirements during your last year. The degree positions you for advancement.

What makes Franklin’s MSN-FNP degree unique?

Coursework for Franklin’s accelerated program can be completed online and course curriculum is brought to life using Shadowhealth and iHuman, state-of-the-art simulation software. Through the software, students will be exposed to assessment, diagnosis, planning and management prior to the on-site clinical experiences.

How long is an online MSN-FNP program?

Franklin's MSN-FNP is designed specifically in-career professionals -- that means you could finish your MSN degree in as few as 27 months.

When can I start an MSN-FNP degree?

The MSN-FNP has multiple start dates per year.

How much will my MSN-FNP 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.

What is the 2-day skills lab?

Successful completion of NURS 700 requires participation in a virtual skills lab. The session, scheduled over a weekend, will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their physical assessment skills and provide hands-on simulated experiences in basic office procedures such as suturing, biopsies and more.

See All >

Back to College Blog

Related Programs

Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

Franklin University
201 S Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700
Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
admissions@franklin.edu

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (1.800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

This institution is authorized by the Indiana Board for Proprietary Education, 101 W. Ohio St., Suite 670, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1984.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Class Type

Next Start Date

About Start Dates

Fall 2023

Placement Tests

Placement Information