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The post master’s FNP certificate program is designed for MSN-prepared nurses that wish to expand their scope of practice and become a family nurse practitioner. This hybrid program offers online and in-person courses. It prepares advanced practice nurses to become board-certified family nurse practitioners (FNPs) with a special focus on practicum experiences in rural and/or medically underserved settings.
Though no GRE is required to apply, enrollment in the FNP certificate program is limited, and selection is competitive.
Students who complete the post master’s family nurse practitioner certificate program may go on to work as family nurse practitioners in a variety of care settings.
Find out more about the FNP certificate program. No GRE is required to apply. The application deadline is October 16!
Our faculty members are highly-skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds and a comprehensive blend of clinical practice, content expertise, and educational experience.
Entry point to becoming an FNP - You can expand your skill set and prepare yourself to become a family nurse practitioner. Our courses prepare you for advanced work in your career by giving you practicum coordinated by program faculty and seminar experiences.
Complete in one year - The post master’s certificate family nurse practitioner program can be completed in either one or two years, depending on course waivers. The program consists of 18-29 credit hours with 600 hours of clinical practice that gives you hands-on experience.
Hybrid program - Courses in the FNP post master’s certificate program are delivered in both an online and blended teaching format, allowing you the flexibility to study and work on your schedule.
Rigorous curriculum - During the FNP certificate program, you’ll take practicum and seminar courses that immerse you in the work you’ll do as an FNP. If you complete the program in two years, you’ll also take advanced courses in topics such as physiology and pharmacology that prepare you for your career. Learn more about the curriculum.
The post master’s certificate FNP program ONLY admits every spring. Application and accompanying documents are due by September 16 for spring (January) admission. Students who meet the below admission requirements will be invited to an interview. Applicants invited for an interview will be required to pay a $70 fee to complete an Emotional Intelligence assessment.
Admissions requirements for the FNP certificate program include:
Current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in any state with eligibility for licensure in Louisiana at the time of application and enrollment.
Baccalaureate and master’s degree in nursing from an accredited CCNE, ACEN or CNEA nursing institution.
Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in undergraduate and graduate coursework. Please submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
A minimum of 1-year full time experience as RN prior to starting FNP clinicals.
Academic preparedness for advanced sciences and advanced clinical skills.
Current BLS certification; official copy must be submitted.
Three (3) professional letters of recommendation (one from current immediate supervisor).
One-page professional goal statement for a family nurse practitioner.
Current immunizations; official copy must be submitted.
Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition/Fees | Course Fees | Total |
1 | 3 | $2,581.75 | $2,581.75 | |
2 | 8 | $6,138.00 | $410.00 | $6,548.00 |
3 | 6 | $4,004.25 | $60.00 | $4,064.25 |
4 | 4.5 | $3,293.00 | $3,293.00 | |
5 | 9 | $6,849.25 | $550.00 | $7,399.25 |
*Total | 29 | $22,866.25 | $1,020.00 | $23,886.25 |
*This table represents the two-year curriculum plan. Tuition costs do not include textbooks or any additional costs associated with this program.
Scholarships are available to FNP certificate students. FranU also has financial aid counselors available to assist students with finding financial aid opportunities that work for them. Additionally, all students are encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You may complete the FNP certificate program in either one or two years, depending on your previous coursework.
The program is composed of sequential and integrated courses designed to facilitate the achievement of its program graduate learning outcomes. Courses will be delivered in a blend of online and in-person learning.
Students who have completed the three Ps (pathophysiology, pharmacology and physical assessment) at an advanced practice level as part of their initial MSN plan may request a waiver of these courses if they were completed within three (3) years of applying.
Courses requested for waiver will be analyzed in comparison to the requirements of the University’s MSN-FNP program. Courses will be waived if they meet the required course objectives, are deemed equivalent by the FNP faculty workgroup and were passed by the applicant with a grade of B or above.
We’re proud to be named one of Baton Rouge’s top choices for higher education. This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success and community impact.
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 1 YEAR CURRICULUM PLAN | |
| **Students will follow this plan if the course waivers for pathophysiology, physical assessment, and pharmacology are accepted.** | |
| Year 1 - Spring | |
| NURS 5610 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Practice I (Practicum) | 6 |
| Year 1 - Summer | |
| NURS 5615 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Health II (Practicum) | 4.5 |
| Year 1 - Fall | |
| NURS 5355 - Senior Seminar | 3 |
| NURS 5620 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Health III (Practicum) | 6 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 19.5 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 2 YEAR CURRICULUM PLAN | |
| Year 1 - Spring | |
| NURS 5330 - Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
| Year 1 - Fall | |
| NURS 6340 - Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion | 3 |
| NURS 6340L - Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion for Family Practice Lab | 1 |
| NURS 6420 - Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing | 4 |
| Year 2 - Spring | |
| NURS 5610 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Practice I (Practicum) | 6 |
| Year 2 - Summer | |
| NURS 5615 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Health II (Practicum) | 4.5 |
| Year 2 - Fall | |
| NURS 5355 - Senior Seminar | 3 |
| NURS 5620 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Health III (Practicum) | 6 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 30.5 |
Total Credit Hours: 18-29
Total Practicum Hours: 750
Total Laboratory Hours: 45
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