Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

The post-graduate family nurse practitioner (FNP) certificate program is designed for master prepared registered nurses who are not prepared as nurse practitioners or are prepared as practitioners in one specialty and desire to prepare themselves for FNP specialty.  MSN graduates who wish to take the FNP program of study in preparation for sitting for FNP certifications examination may apply for non-degree FNP Certification status.  Admission to this option is competitive and is granted for the entire series of clinical required in the program of study except for practicing nurse practitioners.

Students in FNP certification program are prepared to obtain and assess health history and physical exam data, order/interpret appropriate diagnostic tests, identify any potential health problems, and formulate with the patient and/or family a comprehensive plan of therapeutic measures that promote, maintain, or restore health.  This plan may include consultation with other health professionals or referral for complicated medical management.  Upon completion of the nurse practitioner program of study, the student is eligible to sit for FNP certification examinations offered by American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.  Graduates will achieve the same competencies and objectives and expected outcomes as it is described for Master of Science in Nursing family Nurse Practitioner curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner track will be able to demonstrate the following specific competencies:

• Management of patient with acute and chronic illness
• The nurse practitioner-patient relationship
• Teaching-coaching function.
• Professional role.
• Managing and negotiating health care delivery. 

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission into the Post Graduate Certificate are as follows:

• Complete WSSU Graduate Program Application
• Master’s degree in Nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body
• A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater
• Three letters of reference. The letter should reflect the applicant’s intellectual ability, academic achievement, and professional commitment. 
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from all previous academic work (MSN and BSN)
• Documentation of an active and unencumbered North Carolina or Compact State registered nurse license
• Copy of Nurse Practitioner Certification for Nurse practitioner applicants
• Submit an Admission essay of 350-500 words describing the reason for choosing the MSN program at WSSU, short and long term goals, and your understanding of the advanced nursing role (ANE or FNP).
• Undergraduate courses in statistics, research, and health assessment with a grade of “C” or higher.

Post Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate Courses

Fall Year One
Course Number/ Course Title		Credit Hours
NUR 6511 - Advanced Health Assessment, Health Promotion, and Diagnostic Reasoning		5
NUR 6310 - Advanced Pathophysiology		3
Total Fall Year One Credit Hours		8
Spring Year One
Course Number/ Course Title		Credit Hours
NUR 6312 - Advanced Pharmacology		3
NUR 6423 - Primary Health Care of Adults/Older Adults Practicum (192 Practicum Hours)		4
NUR 6325 - Primary Health Care of Adults/Older Adult in Families		3
Total Spring Year One Credit Hours		10
Summer Year One
Course Number/ Course Title		Credit Hours
NUR 6322 - Primary Health Care of Women in Families		3
NUR 6327 - Primary Health Care of Women in Families Practicum (144 Practicum Hours)		3
Total Summer Year One Credit Hours		6
Fall Year Two
Course Number/ Course Title		Credit Hours
NUR 6307 - Advanced Nursing Technologies  (optional)		3
NUR 6324 - Primary Health Care of Children in Families		3
NUR 6326 - Primary Health Care of Children in Families Practicum (144 Practicum Hours)		3
Total Fall Year Two Credit Hours		6/9
Spring Year Two
Course Number/ Course Title		Credit Hours
NUR 6444 - Residency Practicum (192 Practicum Hours)		4
NUR 6243 - Nurse Practitioner Role Preparation and Transition		2
Total Spring Year Two Credit Hours		6
Total Credits:  36-39 /Total Clinical:  672

Revised: 6/15/2012 7/16/2013, 8/20/2015 DRS, 5/2019 LCA, 6/1/2021 LCA

Note: Nurse Practitioner applicants will be evaluated based on their specialty area for the required credits and the clinical hours.

This is a sample curriculum plan of study. An individual course of study and program completion time may vary. All course work must be completed within six years.

 

Departmental Links

Graduate Programs Webpage

Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Webpage