The Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program is designed for baccalaureate registered (BSN) nurses to gain advanced nursing education and practice with a focus on family practice nursing. Students in the family nurse practitioner master’s program obtain advanced training in primary health care for patients across their lifespans, preparing students for careers as board-certified family nurse practitioners.
The FranU MSN-FNP program offers a unique structure for educational access to advanced study in nursing. The design promotes sharing resources and responsibilities through a collegial and collaborative relationship among nursing faculty and students representing diverse educational backgrounds and experiences in nursing and higher education.
The mission of the FNP program is to strengthen the knowledge of highly-skilled nurses in preparation for advanced practice as Franciscan servant leaders in various settings, with a focus on rural and medically-underserved settings. The program achieves its mission by creating a respectful educational environment that embraces cultural diversity, emphasizes collaboration and interprofessional healthcare teams and promotes evidence-based primary healthcare across the lifespan.
Upon program completion, graduates will meet certification requirements to sit for the FNP certifying examination.
Graduates who obtain a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) degree often become certified family nurse practitioners. CFNPs work in a family practice (primary) or specialty care setting treating patients of all ages.
Nurse Practitioner Ranked #1 in U.S. News 2025's 100 Best Jobs.
Reach the next level in your career in a flexible, affordable program. Our competitive hybrid online/in-person program equips working nurses with the specialized knowledge and hands-on training to become family nurse practitioners through rigorous coursework and high-quality practicums. Contact us to find out more about FranU’s BSN to MSN-FNP degree program.
We are happy to announce that the FNP program's graduating class of December 2023 has a 100% pass rate on their certification examination!
There are three ways to apply to the MSN family nurse practitioner program. The traditional route is designed for current working baccalaureate registered nurses seeking to advance their education through an MSN program to become family nurse practitioners.
For currently enrolled or soon-to-be graduates of BSN programs, the expedited entryway allows you to transition seamlessly from your bachelor’s degree to the MSN-FNP program. Master’s degree holding nurses can also advance their careers through FranU’s post-master’s degree FNP certificate program.
Are you a current RN, BSN interested in advanced practice as an FNP?
Are you a current or soon-to-be graduate of a BSN program?
Are you a Master’s prepared nurse that would like to expand your scope of practice?
FranU’s faculty members are highly skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds, representing a comprehensive blend of clinical practice, content expertise and educational experience.
Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program should fulfill the following criteria to be considered for admission:
Students who meet the above admission requirements will be invited to an interview.
The FNP admissions cycle at FranU opens every March 1. The application deadline is September 16. Entrance into the family nurse practitioner program is competitive and is based on the stated admission requirements.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are submitted by the published deadline to be considered for an interview. Interviews will be conducted monthly. Applicants invited for an interview will be required to pay a $70 fee to complete an Emotional Intelligence assessment. Qualified applicants are interviewed by program representatives. Once admitted to the program and before beginning coursework, the student must obtain RN licensure in the State of Louisiana.
The MSN-FNP program requires the completion of 44 credit hours and 750 clinical hours over 2 or 3 years.
The goals of the family nurse practitioner master’s degree program include:
Sharing resources and talent with other programs and health professionals to maximize student learning.
Coordinating consistent practicum learning experiences in predominately medically underserved and/or rural settings.
Offering a curriculum that promotes collaborative, culturally appropriate, ethical, evidence-based care of individuals, families, communities and populations.
The graduate program learning outcomes are derived from the mission and core values of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, the 2021 AACN Essentials Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (Domain), and the 2022 NONPF NP Role Core Competencies (CC).
Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:
Yes, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended.
Your goal statement should address, in detail, your intellectual and clinical interests, your interest in the specific specialty to which you are applying, and your fit with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s MS in nursing-family nurse practitioner program.
The following components should be included in your resume/CV:
The acceptable file formats are .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Yes, after review of your application, the admission committee will select those applicants who will be invited for an interview. You will be contacted directly by a member of the faculty admissions committee.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University requires that applicants to its graduate nursing programs hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or equivalent degree, e.g. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL).
While the majority of students admitted to the program have a cumulative undergraduate GPA greater than 3.0 (and an equally strong science GPA), each applicant is reviewed holistically by the faculty admissions committee. Commitment to scholarship, leadership, and clinical inquiry are crucial components in a competitive application. Academic rigor, clinical experience, best fit with the program, and advanced specialty are also considered during the application review process.
For information on tuition and fees, please see the tuition and fee schedule for the most current rates.
FranU prides itself on being one of the most affordable Catholic universities, providing the utmost care and respect when helping students and their families find financial aid opportunities that work for them. Complete information on need-based financial aid and supplemental loan programs is available on the Office of Financial Aid page.
The EQ-i 2.0 is completed by all applicants who are invited to interview with the program. The assessment is composed of 133 statements, and you rate each using a 5-point Likert scale. The EQ-i 2.0 will measure a set of emotional and social skills that influence the way we:
1. perceive and express ourselves,
2. develop and maintain social relationships,
3. cope with challenges, and
4. use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way.
The EQ-i 2.0 model of emotional intelligence is comprised of fifteen factors across five categories of functioning. These skills, which form the building blocks of abilities such as communication, resilience, and time management, can be mapped theoretically and empirically to job competencies, productivity, academic performance, and other measures of success to help predict and improve functioning.
There is no way to prepare for the assessment. The assessment should be completed in one sitting and answers provided should be honest and truthful. It should take between 15 and 20 minutes to complete the assessment.
No, registration is not required. Applicant names and email addresses are entered into the system and the link is emailed directly to your personal email. When you take the assessment, you will be asked to provide your age and gender. That is all the information required. Once you complete and submit the assessment, no other actions are required.
Dr. Alicia Bates is the contact person for the EI assessment for the program. You can email her directly if you have any questions.
For information about our SACSCOC accreditation, please visit our Institutional Accreditation page.
The Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program including the Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, including the Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) is Continuing Accreditation.
To view the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program, please visit then ACEN website.
The program is fully approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN), 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, (225)755-7500.
Note: Prospective students should visit the State Authorization page to verify that Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is authorized to offer online courses and programs in your respective state. Prior to enrollment, students are also encouraged to visit their state educational agency or licensing board to ascertain whether or not they can utilize their degree program for additional compensation, initial licensing or renewal, as well as any other benefits.
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