Find your nursing degree at Carlow

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.

100% NCC certification exam pass rate

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)

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.

Admission requirements and application process

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

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.

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.”

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) 

Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health nurse practitioner will allow you to promote women’s health issues while also advancing your nursing career.

National workforce data indicates that many women’s health nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. Carlow University is responding to this critical need by offering the only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania. This MSN program is leading the way with many regional providers of women’s health care by providing qualified, compassionate and dedicated women’s health nurse practitioners specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care.

Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients in collaboration with a physician and as part of a health care team. They may order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Women’s health nurse practitioners provide preventive care for women in private practice settings. They may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care. 

Carlow’s MSN program is a foundation for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. Upon completion, you will be prepared to take leadership positions in nursing and will contribute to the discipline of nursing through evidence-based practice efforts.

MSN: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum

The program curriculum meets the requirements for national board certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure in all U.S. states and territories. Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification as a women’s health 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.

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time
• Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Greensburg and Cranberry
• Complete 600 clinical hours in a mix of urban and rural health care agencies

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 an additional 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.

Admission requirements and application process 

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

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 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. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Empower patients as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for individuals and families. The post-master’s certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in home health agencies, physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, family health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural communities.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to be certified as family/individual nurse practitioners across the life span.

As a certified nurse practitioner, you’ll diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic illness, working with a physician and as part of a health care team. Nurse practitioners may order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays and may prescribe medication.

Post-Master’s Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

You will complete 36 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.

Quick facts

• Prepare for FNP certification
• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Take classes in Oakland, Greensburg or Cranberry

Alternate certificate completion option

Online Certificate

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

Admission requirements and application process

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 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. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Advance your career as a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP)

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for women’s health. The post-master’s nursing certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in OB/GYN offices, hospital-based women’s clinics, inpatient prenatal and postpartum settings, and clinics in both urban and rural medically underserved communities.

Graduates are eligible to be certified as women’s health nurse practitioners across the life span.

Once certified, women’s health nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings where they provide preventive care such as well-woman exams, breast cancer screenings, Pap tests or contraceptive care. WHNPs may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.

Post-master’s nursing certificate curriculum

You will complete 35 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.

Quick facts

• Position yourself for an in-demand career
• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab (CSCIL)
• Take classes in Oakland, Greensburg or Cranberry
• Prepare for WHNP certification

Alternate certificate completion option

Online Certificate

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

Admission requirements and application process

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 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.

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Find your education degree at Carlow

Whether your interest is in art education, childhood development or special education, Carlow University’s education programs will prepare you for a successful career and professional licensure. You’ll learn from national experts in the field and get hands-on experience with local apprenticeship programs and at Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School. If you’re an established educator, you can further your career with a variety of graduate and certificate programs. Education courses are offered in a combination of on campus and online formats.

Help children reach their full potential

In Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create healthy environments and relationships where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. 

Rooted in constructivism, the program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies.

Carlow is one of the few private schools that accepts the following state-sponsored scholarship opportunities: TEACH Scholarship, Rising Stars and PASSHE

Early Childhood Education degree curriculum

You’ll take courses in advanced child development, play as learning, math and science for the developing child, and community support. The infant-toddler and curriculum methods courses include practicums, which are in addition to the student teaching requirement.

This program is also offered at our Greensburg and Cranberry campuses.

Quick facts

• Explore STEM and learn programming, robotics, computational thinking and inquiry skills
• Network with educators through professional development opportunities and community fairs, and visit with community organizations that support learning  
• Engage in practicum and student teaching experiences in the Carlow Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center, and work with infants through fourth-graders

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math or meet equivalent course, ACT or SAT requirements.

Certification requirements: Carlow’s early childhood education program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation.

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Help children with special needs reach their full potential

The Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program at Carlow focuses on nurturing the dignity, worth and uniqueness of children with special needs from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to address the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in multiple settings.

Rooted in constructivism, the program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies.

You will take additional special education courses and participate in special education practicum experiences and student teaching placement with children with unique needs.

Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with Special Education Certification

You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia. 

This program is also offered at our Greensburg and Cranberry campuses.

Quick facts

• Gain experience with multiple diagnostic tools
• Employ special education strategies and assessments in multiple practicum placements
• Participate in special education practicums and student teaching experiences 
• Learn from dyslexia specialist instructors
• Gain early intervention experience

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.  

Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.

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Unique apprenticeship model for full-time child care providers

If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need.

Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.

Curriculum for degree in early childhood development

Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model for full-time child care providers. You can learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.

You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.

This program is also offered at our Greensburg and Cranberry campuses.

Quick facts

• Participate in grant-funded projects that make sustainable changes to the early childhood workforce 
• Complete an individualized senior capstone internship
• Utilize the CREATE Lab

Become part of a supportive community

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

— Bailey Pallus ’20

Admission requirements and application process

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Find your healthcare degree at Carlow

Carlow University’s healthcare degree programs will help you learn how to become a good leader and teach you the skills needed to provide the best in patient care. You’ll master skills highly sought after by employers.