Master of Science in Nursing w/ a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner
South University’s online Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for nurses seeking to advance their careers and skill sets. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization is focused on teaching you how to provide preventative care, promote positive health behaviors, and diagnose and manage common health problems across the lifespan. The FNP specialization helps cultivate your leadership skills and advanced nursing skills to help prepare you to face the challenges in the nursing world.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs at South University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
*Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Course Requirements
Note(s):
*If the student receives a failing grade in NSG6021, the student must enroll in and successfully pass the following four (4) credit course: NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement.
*If the student is unsuccessful in NSG6998_F please refer to Program Progression Policy for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Students
Admissions Requirements
Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The criteria to determine admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission
- A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale; or a master's degree in nursing (MSN/MN) from an accredited institution.
- Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
- A valid and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments and clinical rotations, for entry and maintenance of admission to the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet their state/territory requirement for nursing licensure).
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
Collaborate directly with other healthcare professionals using evidence-based resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare system improvements.
Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the delivery of quality care associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice
- Formulate and document for various differential and presumptive diagnoses for patients, with meticulous detail, so coders and billers can apply the correct codes for appropriate reimbursement.
- Develop plans of care based on theories of development, assessment findings, and best-practices to provide holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan.
Collaborate with interprofessional associates to provide culturally competent, and sensitive patient-centered care for individuals and families across the lifespan.
Career Outlook
Upon completing your degree, you’ll be able to work* as a Family Nurse Practitioner and utilize the skills you learned in your program.
New Student Orientation
The New Student Orientation helps students develop skills and behaviors of a successful college student:
• Learn about South University and the resources available to support their success.• Practice using the same tools they will encounter in their courses, including Discussions, Microsoft Word/PDF document uploads, and Quizzes.
• Build confidence navigating University systems through an interactive Virtual Scavenger Hunt Quiz.
• Actively engage with course content rather than simply acknowledging completion.
BrightSpace
BrightSpace is an online learning management platform that keeps students connected to classwork and instructors.