The Family Nurse Practitioner program
prepares students for the nurse practitioner role with experience to care for patients
across the lifespan. Our faculty provide expertise and mentoring in assessment,
diagnoses, and implementation of advanced practice care to individuals,
families, and groups in the community setting. Ethical dilemmas and legal
issues related to the advanced practice role are addressed. Preparation to
serve as a primary care provider and leader in community practice is acquired
from theoretical knowledge developed through online courses and clinical
practice experience gained through hands-on training in diverse clinical
settings. Students learn to conduct needs assessments to deliver a community-wide
system of health care services.
At the conclusion of the
program of study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing, the
graduate:
- Synthesizes theory and research
from nursing, the biopsychosocial sciences, and the humanities in their
advanced practice role to care for members of diverse populations.
- Is able to conduct research,
collaborate with other researchers from various disciplines, and implement
research findings in practice or educational settings.
- Is able to assume the advanced
practice role of administrator, researcher, or practitioner.
- Is prepared to assume a
leadership role to influence change in health care practice at local, regional,
and national levels.
- Articulates and differentiates
the various advanced practice roles within nursing.
- Has developed an understanding
of the importance of maintaining professional development in their advanced
practice role.
- Actively engages in
collaborative relationships as an advanced practice nurse with professionals
from various disciplines and members of diverse populations to improve health
care.
- Has acquired a foundation for
doctoral study.
Application Procedure
Gannon University and the Villa Maria School of Nursing receives and reviews applications for the Family Nurse Practitioner program and all applicant credentials through The Centralized Application for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS). This includes information
from all previously attended university or college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and supplemental materials. Full application instructions can be found on the Gannon University page by visiting www.nursingcas.org.
Applicants may request a NursingCAS fee waiver by contacting the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@gannon.edu.
Admission Requirements
Professional nurses who have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing are eligible to apply for graduate study. The applicant seeking admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner program must:
- Submit an application for admission (apply.gannon.edu)
- Provide official transcripts of all academic work
- Complete an introductory statistics course and an undergraduate research course with a grade of at least a B in both courses
- Provide three letters of recommendation
- Provide evidence of fulfillment of the legal requirements for the practice of nursing in the United States
- Complete a personal interview (scheduled after all application materials are submitted)
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
For students with an earned
MSN, a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate may be earned by taking the 33 didactic
and clinical course credits indicated with an asterisk.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of
Science in Nursing (Nurse Anesthesia), Master of Science in Nursing (Family
Nurse Practitioner) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Gannon
University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Modality
All didactic courses are asynchronous online
courses and FNP candidates have access to Gannon’s faculty and online
engagement team. FNP candidates are
always welcome to access campus labs and facilities throughout their time in
the program.
Online Student Support
Gannon provides each FNP candidate an Online
Engagement Coordinator who facilitates online orientation for new students,
implements strategies to ensure online students are active in their online
courses, and provides general online student support through a variety of
high-touch methods to engage students and support student retention. Online students can reach out with general
questions about online learning or how to remotely access Gannon's
comprehensive student services.
Part-time Plan of Study
Year 1 - Fall Semester
- GNURS 526 Role Theory
and Professional Issues in Nursing (3 credits)
- GNURS 587 Advanced Pathophysiology 1* (3 credits)
Year 1 - Spring Semester
- GNURS 588 Advanced Pathophysiology 2* (3 credits)
- GNURS 589
Pharmacotherapeutics* (3 credits)
Year 2 - Fall Semester
- GNURS 590 Advanced Physical Assessment* (3 credits)
- GNURS 620 Foundations of Research and Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing (3 credits)
Year 2 - Spring Semester
- GNURS 651 Research Seminar (3 credits)
- GNURS 660 Family Nurse
Practitioner Theory 1* (3 credits)
- GNURS 663 Family Nurse
Practitioner Practicum 1* (3 credits)
Year 2 - Summer Session
- GNURS 661 Family Nurse
Practitioner Theory 2* (3 credits)
- GNURS 664 Family Nurse
Practitioner Practicum 2* (4 credits)
Year 3 - Fall Semester
- GNURS 662 Family Nurse
Practitioner Theory 3* (3 credits)
- GNURS 665 Family Nurse
Practitioner Practicum 3* (5 credits)
*Indicates courses required for
a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Following graduation from the
Family Nurse Practitioner program, individuals must take a national
certification examination to obtain state licensure as a certified nurse
practitioner. Graduates can take one of two national certification examinations
issued by: (1) The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or (2) The American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).