Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family (Individual) Across the Life-Span Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program
Gain the clinical knowledge, hands-on training and confidence to become a skilled, compassionate provider and ethical leader in Carlow’s CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner degree.
Rooted in the traditions and values of the Sisters of Mercy, the CCNE-accredited MSN FNP program has a reputation for producing some of the region’s most highly qualified and well-prepared board-certified nurses. With 760 hours of clinical experience built in, you’ll graduate both confident and competent in your ability to deliver compassionate, ethical care in your ability to deliver ethical and compassionate patient-centered care. Students complete the program in an average of two and a half years and are prepared to sit for AANP or ANCC national board certification.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is educated to provide comprehensive longitudinal care to patients with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention (NONPF, 2024). The FNP manages patients with episodic illness and injury, chronic disease management, and patients requiring palliative or end-of-life care. The FNP curriculum prepares graduates to care for individuals across the lifespan, including infants through the end of life (NONPF, 2024).
Credits required:
49 credits
Cost per credit:
$946/credit
Time to degree:
24 months full time
36 months part time
Delivery:
On-campus (hybrid/twice monthly classes)
Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum
Quick facts
- Enroll part time or full time
- Hybrid available at Oakland location and online.
- Build a professional, resourceful network for your future
- Clinical sites provided for students
Program Outcomes: These overarching outcomes for all MSN Program Tracks reflect the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials.
- Provide Comprehensive Care: Formulate medical diagnoses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and order/interpret diagnostic tests for patients of all ages.
- Achieve Certification: Meet all educational requirements to successfully sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification exams.
- Lead and Collaborate: Supervise healthcare teams, lead interdisciplinary collaborations, and integrate cost-containment and care coordination strategies.
- Advocate and Educate: Design community health education programs and collaborate with policymakers to improve patient access to care.
- Serve Underserved Communities: Apply specialized training—bolstered by Carlow’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) initiatives—to treat medically underserved and disadvantaged populations.
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.
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.
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
- No GRE or GMAT required
- One year of clinical experience is required prior to beginning clinical rotations.
- A current and valid unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Completed and approved undergraduate statistics course
**Post MSN Certification Program – NP graduates in another NP specialty must show evidence of current licensure and certification. A gap analysis will be completed to determine study plan and clinical hours.
**Applicants with pre-licensure master of nursing degrees may be required to take additional courses from the graduate nursing common core curriculum to meet all program requirements, if equivalent coursework was not completed in their prior master’s program.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall (hybrid and online) & Spring (online program only)
Post MSN Certification Program – NP graduates in another NP specialty must show evidence of current licensure and certification. A gap analysis will be completed to determine study plan.
Applicants with pre-licensure master of nursing degrees may be required to take additional courses from the graduate nursing common core curriculum to meet all program requirements, if equivalent coursework was not completed in their prior master’s program.
The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants.
Family Nurse Practitioner Faculty
Carlow University’s FNP program faculty are clinically active in their specialties and engage in evidence-based scholarly activities.
Zachary Walker, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor
Michelle Vitale, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC Coordinator, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Jean Dean, DNP, MSN, RN Director of Clinical Education
Marissa Cullen PharmD, BCPP Adjunct Faculty
Carl A. Ross, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP Adjunct Faculty
Dawn Ball DNP FNP-BC, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty
Nicholas Pertile, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty
Megan Rodriguez, DNP, MSN, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty
Miranda E. Jones DNP, FNP-BC, MSN, IBCLC Adjunct Faculty – Pediatrics
Mary G. Hoberg, PhD, MSN-ED., RN Assistant Professor
Our responsive faculty and supportive community care deeply for students and work hard to help you meet your goals. With the assistance of a dedicated program-level faculty adviser, you’ll prepare to grow your healthcare career.
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.
Contact: Margaret Smith DNP MSN CRNP-BC Graduate Chair
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. The impact grant application is closed to new students.
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
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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, Carissa Monaco at titleix@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.