Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Graduate Nursing Program is designed for students who have already earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited program and who wish to continue their education in order to earn their Master of Science in Nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse to provide comprehensive family-focused healthcare with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

The purposes of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program are to prepare students who are: Advanced practice nurses (family nurse practitioners or nurse educators who are able to practice nursing in changing and diverse health care settings); Beginning researchers, and; Highly knowledgeable individuals who are capable of influencing policy-making that impacts health care delivery.

At the completion of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, the graduate will be able to: Engage in professional and scholarly activities that promote the profession of nursing and individual development in advanced practice nursing through the implementation of evidence-based practice for both direct and indirect patient care. (IOM 4, AACN Essential 1).; Integrate synthesized knowledge of behavioral and natural sciences, humanities, technology, and nursing science to perform advanced practice nursing roles to improve patient care and decrease healthcare costs. (IOM 1, 5: AACN Essential III & IX).; Exhibit expertise in the advanced-practice nursing role of clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, or nurse educator while incorporating scientific and ethical principles to improve health care outcomes for a diverse population. (IOM 9, AACN Essential IV); Assume advanced leadership roles, including collaborating with members of interdisciplinary teams, and influencing policy-making that impacts positively on health care delivery. (IOM 2, 6, 7; AACN Essential 11, VI); Participate as a researcher and a consumer of research in advancing nursing science and practice in disease outcomes for a diverse population. (IOM 9, AACN Essential IV); Critically analyze health care data in order to promote optimal health. (IOM 3, AACN Essential I).

Nursing Applicants Must Submit:

1. Complete graduate admissions application.
2. All official transcripts from all institutions attended and must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program.
3. Prospective Family Nurse Practitioner applicants must have at least 1 year of clinical experience (required), preferably within an adult medical-surgical environment
4. Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or 2.0 (on a 3.0 scale).
5. Submit two references regarding professional accomplishments and academic potential and two recommendation forms. (if the references submitted to the Graduate School are not professional references).
6. Submit copy of malpractice insurance (proof of malpractice insurance is not required until the student begins clinical).
7. Have documentation of current Professional Nursing Licensure in their state of practice prior to entering the functional track.

The student who intends to practice or satisfy clinical requirements within the state of Georgia must also provide documentation of current Professional Nursing Licensure in Georgia. Arrange for a personal interview with the Graduate Nursing Programs Director and complete a FNP or Nurse Educator Application with the department.

Please Note:

Students must have completed the following undergraduate prerequisite courses:

Health Assessment (NURS 3510 or NURS 3640), Pathophysiology (NURS 3320 or NURS 3620), Nursing Research (NURS 4131 or NURS 4510), and Introductory Statistics (MATH 2411).

A student who has failed (C, D, F, or WF) two (2) graduate nursing courses—whether at ASU or another graduate-level program—will be ineligible for admission (or continuation) in the nursing program at ASU. Students who have been dismissed for two (2) nursing failures or for cause may request readmission after two (2) years of receiving notice of dismissal. For readmission policies, please refer to the appropriate section in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook.