The MSN, Post-Master’s NP Certificate, and DNP programs at Maryville University are accredited by
the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.




Take a holistic approach to care, cure, and your career.
At Maryville University, we take a holistic approach to emphasize the expert care and career importance of family nurse practitioners. With the United States facing a physician shortage, millions of Americans have already turned to nurse practitioners for their family care, not as a second choice — but as a premier solution. Our advanced family practitioner programs help experienced RNs excel in primary care settings and manage health needs for patients of all ages.
Get Curriculum Details“I am pleased with my education through this program and have had three of my colleagues enroll in the online MSN-FNP course because of my glowing reports!”
— Allison E. Martin, Maryville Grad

100% online with no campus visits required

No GMAT, GRE, or Statistics required for admission

Complete clinicals locally in your preferred setting

No waiting list once you’re accepted
Four Online FNP Programs
Online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP)
We created this specialized educational opportunity for practicing BSN RNs who want to pursue one of the most rewarding and fast-growing career choices available today. You can complete our online family nurse practitioner program in 15 courses and 100% online. Everything about our program is designed to benefit working RNs who seek to make more of a difference in the lives of families, while gaining leadership and autonomy in return.
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program – Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (BSN to DNP FNP)
If you’re looking for a streamlined path to a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and would like to focus on family care, then consider our online BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program. Our online BSN to DNP with an FNP concentration can be completed in as few as 40 months and 100% online. Focus on treating individuals from childhood through adulthood, and enjoy the autonomy that comes with advanced education and leadership skills.
Online Post-Master’s Certificate — Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNPC)
Do you already have your MSN and want to specialize your education even further? Complete your post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate in just 24 months and 100% online. Focus on caring for families and gain the autonomy you deserve by developing your expertise and leadership in this critical area of practice.
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Practitioner Concentration — Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP FNPC)
Go from your MSN to your DNP with an FNP concentration, and you can earn a terminal degree that helps bring you back into the clinical setting. You’ll earn your FNP along with attaining your DNP, allowing you to practice at the highest level and lead interdisciplinary teams.
Why become an FNP?
A holistic approach is essential in family practice nursing
You can make a difference for patients from birth through end of life. Family nurse practitioners take a true holistic approach to patient care. Learn to expand your knowledge and skill beyond treatment to providing disease prevention and management, counseling, and health and wellness education for families — from newborns to seniors. Enroll in Maryville and expect an emphasis on bringing “care” to the forefront of patient care.
More autonomy
Millions of Americans are receiving healthcare benefits for the first time as a result of the Affordable Care Act. There is no other way to provide quality care for the influx of families except to expand the role of nurse practitioners to work more autonomously.
Why choose Maryville?
We’re a private, four-year institution ranked as one of America’s Best Colleges by both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. We’re also proud to have been named to the Military Friendly Schools List for the 6th consecutive year. When you choose us, you receive a highly flexible and highly regarded education with the added convenience of being delivered 100% online. Here are a few more reasons why we offer you the best path:
- Streamline your time and talent to earn a post-master’s certificate.
- Graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Enjoy a flexible and convenient 24/7 online learning model.
- Explore important topics that will help pave the way to a better future for yourself and the nurses who follow in your footsteps.
- Take the opportunity to conduct research via clinical inquiry courses that will challenge your assumptions.
- Learn from an expert faculty of nursing leaders who openly share their experiences and insights regarding public health and the nursing profession.
What is the career outlook for FNPs?
Higher demand and greater pay
- Nurse practitioner ranked No. 1 on the 2013 list of “Today’s Hottest Jobs” as chosen by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for NPs are expected to increase 31% through 2022.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for nurse practitioners is $94,460 annually.
Increased job opportunity
- It is anticipated that by 2025, the nation will be short at least 100,000 family medicine doctors. Nurse practitioners provide a viable, and vital, solution to this impending crisis.
- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners estimates more than 155,000 nurse practitioners work in the U.S. According to a RAND Corp. projection, the future nurse practitioner workforce is expected to surge to 244,000 by 2025.
FNP Curriculum
Four curriculum models. One rewarding career specialty.
MSN FNP Concentration
Online Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP)
You can complete your FNP in 15 courses. Begin your coursework the semester after you enroll with six entry points per year (January, March, May, July, August, and October).
MSN | Core Courses
NURS 600 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
A master's-prepared nurse is expected to critique, evaluate and utilize appropriate theory within his/her practice. This course focuses on the application of theoretical and conceptual frameworks to guide decision making that enhances health for culturally diverse populations. A variety of theories, e.g., developmental, systems, psychodynamic, physiological, and nursing theories relevant to health and illness care and organizations are explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 601 | Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 Credits |
Evidence-based practice is the deliberate use of current best practice in making informed decisions about patient care. This course emphasizes evidence-based practice as it relates to changing and improving nursing practice. Students systematically explore and evaluate current nursing knowledge for scientific and clinical merit. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 602 | Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
The advanced practice nurse needs to understand the complexities and functioning of health care delivery systems, health care financing systems, and the development and implications of health care policies that guide those systems. The philosophical and sociocultural underpinnings of health care policy are examined. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 619 | Leadership and Quality | 3 Credits |
This course focuses on preparing the graduate nursing student to assume leadership roles on interprofessional teams that effectively implement patient safety and quality improvement initiatives. The course explores using a complexity science and systems theory approach to analyze organizations and the provision of health care within those organizations, as well as plan change strategies to improve the care environment. Budget and marketing principles will also be discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. Students will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) | ||
NURS 615 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 Credits |
Nurse practitioners diagnose and prescribe treatment regimens for persons with common acute and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens for illnesses that affect individuals. Also included are illness prevention and non-pharmacological primary care for individuals and populations at risk. Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed. (3 credit hours) |
For the FNP concentrations you will need:
NURS 620 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care I | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems are studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 621 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 623 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care II | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 624 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older-aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 629 | Pediatric/Family Health Care | 3 Credits |
Care of childbearing women, pediatric clients, and their families experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. This course prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to develop expertise and assume responsibility for health promotion, maintenance, and management of children and women in their reproductive years. Emphasis is placed on the child within the framework of the family. Stages of development are explored from biophysiological, cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural perspectives. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 630 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum | 3 Credits |
The nurse practitioner practicum experience provides the student with an opportunity to assume responsibility for the primary health care services of individuals and families under the supervision of an established nurse practitioner and/or physician preceptor. The student is expected to assume increasing responsibility for planning and implementing therapeutic processes and for documenting and evaluating outcomes of care. The role of the FNP in health problem management, family involvement, health promotion and teaching, health maintenance, and continued collaboration with health professionals is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
BSN to DNP FNP Concentration
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (BSN to DNP FNP)
You can complete your program in 74 credit hours and 100% online. You can begin your coursework the semester after you are accepted, in spring, summer, or fall.
BSN to DNP | Core Courses
NURS 600 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
A master's-prepared nurse is expected to critique, evaluate and utilize appropriate theory within his/her practice. This course focuses on the application of theoretical and conceptual frameworks to guide decision making that enhances health for culturally diverse populations. A variety of theories, e.g., developmental, systems, psychodynamic, physiological, and nursing theories relevant to health and illness care and organizations are explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 601 | Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 Credits |
Evidence-based practice is the deliberate use of current best practice in making informed decisions about patient care. This course emphasizes evidence-based practice as it relates to changing and improving nursing practice. Students systematically explore and evaluate current nursing knowledge for scientific and clinical merit. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. Students will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) | ||
NURS 615 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 Credits |
Nurse practitioners diagnose and prescribe treatment regimens for persons with common acute and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens for illnesses that affect individuals. Also included are illness prevention and non-pharmacological primary care for individuals and populations at risk. Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 700 | Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. The fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics are explored with particular emphasis on applications in epidemiology, public health, global health, disease surveillance and outbreak analysis, health care administration, and the social and biological sciences. Basic statistics, including exploratory data analysis, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and ANOVA methods are presented. Evaluating and using output from statistical computing software are also addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 701 | Foundations of Clinical Scholarship | 3 Credits |
As the first course in the DNP program, this course is designed to refine students' scholarly writing skills through a variety of strategies. Along with important works in nursing, literature in other disciplines is also explored. The process of concept analysis is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 702 | Integrating and Synthesizing Research | 3 Credits |
This course emphasizes an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge according to scientific principles and rules. The conceptual consequences imposed by science on philosophies of knowledge are also discussed. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated in an effort to prepare students for the design of research proposals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 703 | Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to present ethical principles and decision-making models for the highest level of nursing practice. Evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature are used to analyze ethical dilemmas that arise in professional practice. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 704 | Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Theoretical perspectives of quality and patient safety factors and the use of selected process improvement tools will be examined. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 705 | Clinical Inquiry I | 3 Credits |
In this course, students design an evidence-based research study that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this research initiative is explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students complete the human subjects training and write a proposal. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 706 | Clinical Inquiry II | 3 Credits |
In this course, students implement their clinical project and complete data collection. Students apply integrated research concepts as they pertain to their clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 707 | Clinical Inquiry III | 3 Credits |
In this course, students complete data analysis of the clinical project. Based upon the results of data analysis, students disseminate their evidence-based research through written and oral delivery. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 708 | Organizations Theory and Systems Leadership | 3 Credits |
Organizational, management and social science theories are analyzed in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 709 | Advanced Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
In this course knowledge of the American healthcare system is used to identify economically and politically feasible and viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system's delivery of health care. The policy-making process is examined to prepare students to be effective advocates for health policy change. (3 credit hours) |
For the FNP concentrations you will need:
NURS 620 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care I | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems are studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 621 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 623 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care II | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 624 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older-aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 629 | Pediatric/Family Health Care | 3 Credits |
Care of childbearing women, pediatric clients, and their families experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. This course prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to develop expertise and assume responsibility for health promotion, maintenance, and management of children and women in their reproductive years. Emphasis is placed on the child within the framework of the family. Stages of development are explored from biophysiological, cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural perspectives. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 630 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum | 3 Credits |
The nurse practitioner practicum experience provides the student with an opportunity to assume responsibility for the primary health care services of individuals and families under the supervision of an established nurse practitioner and/or physician preceptor. The student is expected to assume increasing responsibility for planning and implementing therapeutic processes and for documenting and evaluating outcomes of care. The role of the FNP in health problem management, family involvement, health promotion and teaching, health maintenance, and continued collaboration with health professionals is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
Online Post-Master's Certificate FNP Concentration
Online Post-Master’s Certificate — Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNPC)
You can complete your family nurse practitioner certification in 11 courses. Begin your coursework the semester after you enroll with six entry points per year (January, March, May, July, August, and October).
Graduate Nursing Core Courses
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) |
Nurse Practitioner Core Courses
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. Students will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) |
NURS 615 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 Credits |
Nurse practitioners diagnose and prescribe treatment regimens for persons with common acute and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens for illnesses that affect individuals. Also included are illness prevention and non-pharmacological primary care for individuals and populations at risk. Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed. (3 credit hours) |
For the FNP certificate you will need:
NURS 620 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care I | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems are studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 621 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 623 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care II | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 624 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older-aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 629 | Pediatric/Family Health Care | 3 Credits |
Care of childbearing women, pediatric clients, and their families experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. This course prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to develop expertise and assume responsibility for health promotion, maintenance, and management of children and women in their reproductive years. Emphasis is placed on the child within the framework of the family. Stages of development are explored from biophysiological, cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural perspectives. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 630 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum | 3 Credits |
The nurse practitioner practicum experience provides the student with an opportunity to assume responsibility for the primary health care services of individuals and families under the supervision of an established nurse practitioner and/or physician preceptor. The student is expected to assume increasing responsibility for planning and implementing therapeutic processes and for documenting and evaluating outcomes of care. The role of the FNP in health problem management, family involvement, health promotion and teaching, health maintenance, and continued collaboration with health professionals is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
Online DNP-NP Program FNP Concentration
Doctor of Nursing Practice Foundation Courses (15 credit hours)
NURS 700 | Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. The fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics are explored with particular emphasis on applications in epidemiology, public health, global health, disease surveillance and outbreak analysis, health care administration, and the social and biological sciences. Basic statistics, including exploratory data analysis, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and ANOVA methods are presented. Evaluating and using output from statistical computing software are also addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 701 | Foundations of Clinical Scholarship | 3 Credits |
As the first course in the DNP program, this course is designed to refine students' scholarly writing skills through a variety of strategies. Along with important works in nursing, literature in other disciplines is also explored. The process of concept analysis is emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 702 | Integrating and Synthesizing Research | 3 Credits |
This course emphasizes an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge according to scientific principles and rules. The conceptual consequences imposed by science on philosophies of knowledge are also discussed. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated in an effort to prepare students for the design of research proposals. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 709 | Advanced Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
In this course knowledge of the American healthcare system is used to identify economically and politically feasible and viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system's delivery of health care. The policy-making process is examined to prepare students to be effective advocates for health policy change. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 710 | Graduate Statistics | 3 Credits |
Understanding the measurement of phenomena is a critical component of the research process. Procedures for selecting, applying and interpreting the correct statistical application to a research problem will be presented with students processing the results. (3 credit hours) |
Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Courses (18 credit hours)
NURS 703 | Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to present ethical principles and decision-making models for the highest level of nursing practice. Evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature are used to analyze ethical dilemmas that arise in professional practice. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 704 | Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Theoretical perspectives of quality and patient safety factors and the use of selected process improvement tools will be examined. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 705 | Clinical Inquiry I | 3 Credits |
In this course, students design an evidence-based research study that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this research initiative is explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students complete the human subjects training and write a proposal. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 706 | Clinical Inquiry II | 3 Credits |
In this course, students implement their clinical project and complete data collection. Students apply integrated research concepts as they pertain to their clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 707 | Clinical Inquiry III | 3 Credits |
In this course, students complete data analysis of the clinical project. Based upon the results of data analysis, students disseminate their evidence-based research through written and oral delivery. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 708 | Organizations Theory and Systems Leadership | 3 Credits |
Organizational, management and social science theories are analyzed in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
Graduate Nursing Core Courses (6 credit hours)
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) |
Nurse Practitioner Core Courses (11 credit hours)
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. Students will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) |
NURS 615 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 Credits |
Nurse practitioners diagnose and prescribe treatment regimens for persons with common acute and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens for illnesses that affect individuals. Also included are illness prevention and non-pharmacological primary care for individuals and populations at risk. Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed. (3 credit hours) |
Family Nurse Practitioner (18 credit hours)
NURS 620 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care I | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems are studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 621 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 623 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care II | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 624 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older-aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision-making within a multidisciplinary context. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 629 | Pediatric/Family Health Care | 3 Credits |
Care of childbearing women, pediatric clients, and their families experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. This course prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to develop expertise and assume responsibility for health promotion, maintenance, and management of children and women in their reproductive years. Emphasis is placed on the child within the framework of the family. Stages of development are explored from biophysiological, cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural perspectives. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 630 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum | 3 Credits |
The nurse practitioner practicum experience provides the student with an opportunity to assume responsibility for the primary health care services of individuals and families under the supervision of an established nurse practitioner and/or physician preceptor. The student is expected to assume increasing responsibility for planning and implementing therapeutic processes and for documenting and evaluating outcomes of care. The role of the FNP in health problem management, family involvement, health promotion and teaching, health maintenance, and continued collaboration with health professionals is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which includes ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.