Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) Program Requirements

Faculty

• Sheryl Steadman, Dean
• Sue Jones, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Program Director

• Elizabeth Hanna, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

• Ronda Lucey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

• Shauna Olsen, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

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Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Program

The Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program builds on a baccalaureate nursing degree to prepare advanced practice nurses in the areas of primary health care.

After graduation, FNP students are eligible to take the American Nurse Credential Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam and apply for Utah licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) with prescriptive authority.

Philosophy

The Family Nurse Practitioner program is based on a philosophy of holistic health care for patients and families in today’s dynamic and complex health care environment. Graduates will use their clinical competence and political efficacy to improve both individual health outcomes and the overall quality of the healthcare system.

Mission

The Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at Westminster University provides students the expertise required in advanced nursing practice and leadership. The program builds on a baccalaureate nursing education to develop attributes essential to providing comprehensive, holistic healthcare across the lifespan. Students integrate clinical judgment and critical thinking for culturally appropriate patient-centered care. Students will establish an advanced understanding of the art and science of nursing and are encouraged to seek additional continuing education and volunteer their services to the local community.

Program Outcome

FNP graduates will:

• Establish therapeutic relationships and use a holistic, culturally appropriate, evidence-based approach to assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatments for individuals, families, and clinical populations.
• Assume a leadership role in the development and implementation of health promotion interventions for individuals, families, and communities.
• Analyze healthcare policy and the effect of these policies on nursing practice and healthcare delivery in order to advocate for improved public healthcare outcomes and the profession of nursing.
• Integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment, research, and interprofessional perspective to improve practice and associated health outcomes for patient populations.
• Employ interprofessional collaborative strategies utilizing information and communication technologies in the design, coordination, and evaluation of patient centered care.

Progression in the Program

The student must:

• Receive a grade of B or higher in all courses. Cumulative test/quiz scores must average 80% or higher in all courses, or the student will not be able to progress. If a student does not achieve 80% or higher, the course grade will reflect only the average test/quiz scores achieved by the end of the course.
• Complete the program in 4 years from time of initial admission.
• Maintain a current, unencumbered Utah RN license.
• Complete all scholarly paper requirements according to identified time schedules.
• Maintain a background check free of arrest and/or criminal incidents. Report any arrests and/or incidents related to legal and/or licensure concerns to the Program Director within 24 hours.
• Maintain a negative drug screen. Report any change or prescribed use of mind-altering substances, including narcotics, within 24 hours to the Program Director.
• Remain in good standing at clinical sites.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree, students must satisfy the following conditions to qualify for graduation from Westminster University:

• Meet all credit hour and other course requirements
• Maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above
• Be enrolled at Westminster University during the semester in which they wish to graduate
• Maintain good academic standing
• Earn a grade of B or higher in all graduate courses

Please note that the program requires that students must earn a grade of B or higher in all graduate courses to qualify for graduation, regardless of their cumulative GPA. The final responsibility for being informed about, and adhering to, graduation requirements rests with the individual. Continued communication with the faculty advisor is recommended.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 42 semester hours is required for graduation. The acceptance of transfer credit, up to 9 hours, is individually evaluated. The minimum number of clinical practice hours for the program is 720 hours.

Recommended Plan of Study

Note: One (1) academic credit hour of clinical equals sixty (60) clock hours