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Online Master of Science in Nursing 鈥 Family Nurse Practitioner

Earn your Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner online with the 星空影视. 星空影视鈥檚 MSN-FNP program is designed for working registered nurses who want to advance into family-focused primary care while expanding their clinical scope and preparing for advanced nursing practice across the lifespan.

More so than many other NP programs, Saint Mary provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements for MSN-FNP students

The program combines online coursework, more than 700 clinical hours, faculty mentorship, and extensive support in securing practicum placements. Students can complete the 50-credit program in as little as two years, with start dates in January and August.

MSN-FNP Program Snapshot

NP students

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Program Length: As little as two years
  • Total Credits: 50 credit hours
  • Post-Master's Cert: Certification-only pathway available. Learn more about 星空影视's graduate nursing programs.
  • Format: Online coursework with required on-ground intensive experience
  • Start Dates: January and August
  • Clinical Hours: More than 700 clinical hours
  • Tuition: $785 a credit hour; additional fees may apply
  • Practicum Support: 星空影视 provides extensive assistance securing practicum placements
  • Accreditation: The master鈥檚 degree program in nursing is accredited by
  • State Authorizations - Please note: 星空影视's MSN and NP programs may not accept students who reside in Louisiana, Tennessee, or New York. Contact us with any questions.

Why Choose 星空影视鈥檚 Online MSN-FNP?

The 星空影视鈥檚 MSN-FNP program is built for nurses who want a rigorous, supportive, and practice-focused path into advanced nursing. The program emphasizes primary care, clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and ethical leadership grounded in 星空影视鈥檚 mission and values.

Practicum Placement Support

One of the biggest challenges for online nurse practitioner students can be finding appropriate practicum placements. 星空影视 provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements for MSN-FNP students, helping reduce one of the most stressful parts of the graduate nursing experience.

More Than 700 Clinical Hours

星空影视 MSN-FNP students complete more than 700 clinical hours, giving graduates substantial hands-on experience as they prepare for advanced nursing practice.

Online Courses Designed for Working Nurses

Coursework is offered online, making the program accessible for registered nurses balancing graduate study with work and family responsibilities.

Hands-On Intensive Experience

Students attend a required three-day on-ground intensive during the program. This experience includes skills check-off and practice, standardized patients, oral boards, and poster presentations. 星空影视 has an on-campus Human Anatomy Lab: Benefit from experiential learning opportunities during Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Classes

Strong Preparation for Advanced Practice

星空影视 strengthens student preparation through an FNP board certficiation course, standardized patient experiences, simulations, advanced practice faculty, and a curriculum focused on the needs of modern health care professionals.

Hear From a Student

鈥淭he nursing professors at 星空影视 are absolutely the best! They are fully invested in helping you find your true potential while building in the knowledge and skill you will need to succeed.鈥

鈥 Sylvia Gillis, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner?

A Family Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who provides primary care for patients across the lifespan. FNPs may assess patients, diagnose conditions, manage acute and chronic illness, prescribe medications as allowed by state law, and promote health and disease prevention.

describes nurse practitioners in primary care as clinicians who diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic diseases while emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention.

A Glance at the NP Profession

  • Licensed for all ages (family)
  • Differential diagnosis and treatment of patients
  • Care for own panel of patients
  • Prescribe medications independently, including controlled substances (as determined by state)
  • Co-manage patients with specialists

What Can I Do with an NP Career?

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) like Family Nurse Practitioners are part of one of the fastest-growing areas in health care. , the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $132,050 in May 2024. Employment for these advanced practice roles is projected to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.


Curriculum

The MSN-FNP program consists of 6 semesters and 50 total credit hours. Courses must be taken in order because of the cohort progression structure. Classes are offered online, and students complete more than 700 clinical hours.

Students must attend one required three-day on-ground intensive during their program. This is held during the first Summer term, and will include things like skills check-off and practice, standardized patients, virtual boards, and poster presentations. 

  • NU 701 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice 鈥 3 credits
  • NU 703 Analysis and Utilization of Research 鈥 3 credits
  • NU 706 Healthcare Policy and Ethics Across Populations 鈥 3 credits
  • NU 714 Quality, Safety and Informatics 鈥 3 credits
  • NU 760 Evidence Based Project I 鈥 1 credit
  • NU 761 Evidence Based Project II 鈥 1 credit
  • NU 762 Evidence Based Project III 鈥 1 credit

  • NU 770 Advanced Pathophysiology 鈥 3 credits
  • NU 772 Pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN Prescriber 鈥 3 credits
  • NU 774 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning 鈥 3 credits
  • NU 775 Advanced Health Assessment Lab and Clinical 鈥 2 credits
  • NU 781 Primary Care I: Management of Adult and Geriatric Populations 鈥 4 credits
  • NU 783 Primary Care I: Management of Adult and Geriatric Populations Clinical 鈥 4 credits
  • NU 785 Primary Care II: Management of Pediatric and Childbearing Families 鈥 4 credits
  • NU 787 Primary Care II: Management of Pediatric and Childbearing Families Clinical 鈥 4 credits
  • NU 788 Primary Care III: Clinical Practicum and Capstone 鈥 4 credits
  • NU 789 Primary Care III: Clinical Practicum and Capstone Clinical 鈥 4 credits

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the MSN-FNP program are prepared to use advanced nursing knowledge, research, technology, and clinical judgment to provide care for patients across the lifespan.

  • Analyze and differentiate complex data sets for independent and collaborative health care decision making for patients across the lifespan.
  • Communicate in both verbal and written form to provide clear, concise, and complete performance and documentation of patient care.
  • Apply theory and research in managing and providing care for patients from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan.
  • Use various technologies to provide optimal care in various settings.
  • Practice within the scope of the advanced practice role of their state. 
  • Evaluate and function in complex environments.  

as the framework for curriculum content and expected competencies for graduates of baccalaureate, master鈥檚, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.


Admissions Requirements

Admission to the MSN-FNP program is completed through NursingCAS. Admission is competitive and based on academic preparation, nursing experience, professional readiness, and fit for graduate nursing study. There are two start dates a year: In January and August.

Applicants must demonstrate and provide:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited nursing program
  • Verification of current unrestricted RN license in the state of intended clinical practicum
  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate nursing study
  • Official transcript(s) from undergraduate/professional school
  • Two professional evaluations that attest to the applicant's potential to successfully complete a graduate program of study, with emphasis on professional nursing competency, relationship with team members, leadership skills, and personal responsibility/accountability. (These are submitted through NursingCAS.)
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Written response to three questions (300 words or less each) demonstrating your commitment to nursing and your reasons for seeking graduate education
  • At least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse. You may seek admission prior to the completion of this requirement but must have completed the full year of RN clinical practice prior to enrollment in FNP practicum courses.
  • Students will be invited for a remote information session with the Graduate Program Coordinator and/or the MSN Program Director, FNP Concentration Lead, or the PMHNP Concentration Lead.
  • Please note: 星空影视's MSN and NP programs may not accept students who reside in Louisiana, Tennessee, or New York. Contact us with any questions.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Jessica Sweet at jessica.sweet@stmary.edu or 913-758-6328.


Tuition and Financial Aid

The MSN-FNP program tuition rate is $785 a credit hour. Some additional fees may apply depending on term and course load. Tuition is subject to change from year to year.

Financial aid packages are designed to help students manage education expenses based on need determined by the .


Program Mission

Committed to the mission and values of the 星空影视, the MSN and nurse practitioner programs build upon the knowledge, skills, and values of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse. The program prepares students for advanced nursing practice as leaders, change agents, and innovators in administration, education, and across all domains of advanced practice.

At 星空影视, advanced nursing education is also rooted in ethical leadership and service. Students are prepared to advance professionally and provide care with compassion and respect for human dignity.


Meet the Faculty

Michelle Krakar, DNP, PMHNP-BCMichelle Krakar, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Assistant Professor & Post Licensure and Graduate Program Director
michelle.krakar@stmary.edu
706-615-7355


Highlights:

Dr. Krakar received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Columbus State University and her Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy State University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the 星空影视. She then received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri鈥揔ansas City and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

Dr. Krakar has experience teaching in undergraduad master鈥檚 programs. Her favorite courses are medical surgical. Clinically, Dr. Krakar has experience in emergency, medical-surgical, telemetry, and forensic nursing. She extensively volunteers with the American Red Cross by providing medical services.

 


Ginger Vaughn-Pullin, DNP, NE, FNP-BCGinger Vaughn-Pullin, DNP, NE, FNP-BC

Associate Professor of Nursing
Ginger.Vaughn-Pullin@stmary.edu
913-758-6295
Berchmans 315

Highlights:
Dr. Ginger Vaughn-Pullin received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing (FNP focus) from the University of Kansas. She then completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership from Graceland University. Her research focus is on stress reduction in caregivers of individuals with special needs. She maintains certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Dr. Vaughn-Pullin has experience teaching in graduate and doctoral programs. Some of her favorite courses to teach have been advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pediatrics, and epidemiology.

Clinically, Dr. Vaughn-Pullin has experience in emergency medicine, intensive care, functional medicine, pediatrics, and family practice. She currently maintains clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner working with the uninsured and underserved in the Kansas City metro area.

 


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Frequently Asked Questions

Students earn a Master of Science in Nursing and are prepared to sit for their certification board exams.

The program can be completed in as little as two years.

The MSN-FNP program requires 50 total credit hours.

Yes. Classes are offered online. Students also attend a required three-day on-ground intensive during the program.

Yes. 星空影视 provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements for MSN-FNP students.

The program includes more than 700 clinical hours.

The MSN-FNP tuition cost is $785 a credit hour. Additional fees may apply depending on term and course load.

Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited nursing program, an unrestricted RN license, a qualifying GPA, official transcripts, recommendations, a CV, written responses, RN clinical experience, and a remote information session.

No. 星空影视鈥檚 MSN and NP programs may not accept students who reside in Louisiana, Tennessee, or New York. Prospective students should contact 星空影视 to confirm eligibility.

Take the Next Step with 星空影视鈥檚 Online MSN-FNP

If you are ready to advance your nursing career and prepare for a future in family-focused primary care, the 星空影视 online MSN-FNP program can help you take the next step.

Have Questions? Contact Us.

Nancy Hernandez, MBA
Division of Nursing
nancy.hernandez@stmary.edu
913-758-6166

See recommendations provided by the department of education regarding educational requirements for licensure within a state

CCNE Logo

The master's degree program in nursing at the 星空影视 is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. 
KSBN Seal

The Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate of Nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN).

Graduation from a 星空影视 nursing program and passage of the NCLEX exam does not guarantee licensure. Learn more

Related Articles

Have Questions? Contact Us.

Nancy Hernandez, MBA
Division of Nursing
nancy.hernandez@stmary.edu
913-758-6166

See recommendations provided by the department of education regarding educational requirements for licensure within a state

CCNE Logo

The master's degree program in nursing at the 星空影视 is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. 
KSBN Seal

The Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate of Nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN).

Graduation from a 星空影视 nursing program and passage of the NCLEX exam does not guarantee licensure. Learn more

Related Articles