Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family (Individual) Across the Life-Span 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 (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner degree.
This program will help you 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.
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 (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner serves as the basis for doctoral studies and lifelong learning.
For your convenience, this program is offered at all four of our campuses (Oakland, Westmoreland*, Cranberry* & Online). (*available based on enrollment)
95% AANP & 97% ANCC certification exam pass rate
Credits required:
49 credits
Cost per credit:
$918/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 28 months
Delivery:
On-campus (hybrid/twice monthly classes) & 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.
Hybrid classes are offered one evening every other week. For all students, clinical practica require clinical hours (600 hours) over the course of the program in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
100% ANCC pass rate
95% AANP pass rate
The curriculum for the MSN Family (Individual) Across the Life Span 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 4 locations: Oakland, Online, Greensburg*, Cranberry* (*available based on enrollment)
- Build a professional, resourceful network for your future
- Pursue doctoral studies (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)
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.
HRSA IMPACT Grant
Carlow University was approved for a 2.6-million-dollar HRSA Grant with disbursement of funds over the next 4 years ending in 2027. This grant focuses on placing FNP students into medically underserved areas to complete their primary care rotations and a specialty rotation with a focus on women’s and behavioral health. The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities” . Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement.
HRSA Grant Faculty
Shannon Robertson, MSN, MBA, CRNP, FNP-C, CMC, Project Coordinator
Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP, Project Director, Clinical Coordinator
Monte Stone, Administrative Assistant
Career opportunities for MSN: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span 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.
76 Years of Nursing Excellence
For 76 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
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 current direct-care clinical nursing experience prior to starting clinical rotation.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall (hybrid and online) & Spring (online program only)
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.
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.
Vivian Boyer Adjunct Lecturer
Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor
Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor
Lea Ochs Adjunct Lecturer
Study Abroad Opportunities:
This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence.
A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu.
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.
© Copyright 2025 Carlow University. All rights reserved.
Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.