Samuel Merritt University offers an online MSN program with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner for registered nurses who wish to work with patients across the lifespan with a special emphasis on medical care within the family unit. This program prepares students to create and implement ongoing patient care plans, perform comprehensive physical examinations, make diagnoses, and participate in graduate-level nursing research for peer review. The program cover topics in research methods, evidence-based practice, health protection and promotion, and family-centric advanced practice nursing.
Coursework for Samuel Merritt University's Online FNP Program
This program is composed of 49 course credits, which students can complete over the course of 20 months of full-time study or 36 months of part-time study. Classes that are part of the program include Research Methods, Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Practice Nursing, Care of Acute and Episodic Conditions, Professional Advocacy for Entry to the Advanced Practice Role, Analysis of Health Policy Issues, and Advanced Pharmacology. Coursework is fully online, and no campus visits are required.
In addition to academic coursework, students must fulfill 630 hours of clinical practicum over the course of three semesters. Students complete their hours at a medical facility that is local to them, under the supervision of a clinical preceptor and a faculty member from the program.
Admission Requirements for Samuel Merritt University's Online FNP Program
Applicants to this program must hold an active and unrestricted registered nurse license in their state of residence, and hold a bachelor's degree in nursing from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited institution. RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. A minimum of 12 months of professional nursing experience and the completion of at least one course in statistics are preferred, but are not required for admission. At present, this program only accepts students from Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. To apply for this program, candidates must submit a personal statement, transcripts of all post-secondary education, and two letters of recommendation.
Overview: Samuel Merritt University: School of Nursing
Department: School of Nursing
Programs Offered: FNP
Degree Types: MSN (BSN or Non-Nursing Bachelors accepted)
Accreditation: CCNE
Instruction Methods: Classes use asynchronous instruction and students interact with classmates and instructors through the Canvas online learning management system.
Phone Number: (877) 670-4629
Samuel Merritt University Online FNP Programs
Online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program
Program OverviewProgram Specialty: Family Nurse PractitionerDegree Type: MSN (BSN or Non-Nursing Bachelors accepted)Program Structure: Online instruction with clinical hours requirementsWebsite: www.samuelmerritt.edu
Program RequirementsClinical Hours Requirements: 630 clinical hours requiredNumber of Credits Required: 49 credits needed to graduateNumber of Campus Visits Required: 0
Program OptionsCurriculum Options: Full-time and Part-timeProgram Length: Full-time program takes approximately 20 months to complete; Part-time program takes 36 months to completeProgram Start Date: Three starts per year: Fall, Spring and SummerNumber of Terms: Full-Time: 5 semesters; Part-Time 9 semesters
Requirements and TuitionApplication Requirements: Bachelor's degree required; current RN license; at least 12 months of clinical experience is preferred, but not requiredGPA: Minimum GPA 3.0Standardized Testing: Not requiredTuition: ~$63,161 + feesCost Per Credit Hour: $1,289 per credit hour
Eligibility Restrictions: Program currently only accepts students from Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas and Virginia