Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program

Make a difference in the lives of individual patients, entire families and communities as a whole and advance your career with Carlow’s  Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

Throughout the program, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice nursing in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, private offices and practices, clinics, private homes and schools.

For your convenience, this program is offered at all three of our campuses (Oakland, Greensburg & Cranberry). Course format consists of web-based coursework, an evening class twice per month on campus, and required clinical hours (600 hours in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies).

Upon graduation, you will be eligible for board certification and licensure, and prepared to assume a leadership position in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner serves as the basis for doctoral studies and lifelong learning.

five yellow stars in a row

97% AANP & 100% ANCC certification exam pass rate

A family nurse practitioner examines the ear of a patient. She wears glasses and is looking through her otoscope.
Credits required:

49 credits

Cost per credit:

$918/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 28 months

Delivery:

On campus & online

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

Our high-tech, learner-centered curriculum focuses on your development towards advanced nursing practice. You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage acute chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan.

At the core of the curriculum is teamwork and collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to develop a peer network – a valuable career resource.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

The curriculum for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.

Quick facts

  • Enroll part time or full time
  • Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Greensburg and Cranberry
  • Build a professional, resourceful network for your future
  • Pursue doctoral studies (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)
A family nurse practitioner student practices an ear exam on a peer. She is sitting and he is bent over looking into her ear.

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Certificate option

Post-master’s certificate

If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add a credential, we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.

Career opportunities for MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner

Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for health care services from an aging population.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
  • Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a supervisor) that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

Also, you must have:

  • A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
  • Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
  • One year of bedside nursing experience
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall & Spring

An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.

The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants.

Tuition reimbursement or discounts may be available through your current employer, contact your employer to learn more.

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Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Nursing graduate student says Greensburg campus is key

Theresa MacBlane ’21 said Carlow’s Greensburg campus has been key to furthering her education. “I receive quality instruction from doctoral professors still active in the field without driving to Oakland. The intimate classes allow for more one-on-one instruction and student work groups. Greensburg campus is perfect for working professionals.”

Family Nurse Practitioner faculty

Our full-time faculty are doctorally prepared and board certified. Each practice as nurse practitioners in their specialty, within the community of Pittsburgh and conduct research in both clinical and academic settings.

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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