Post Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program

Students already possessing a master’s degree in nursing have the opportunity to pursue a family nurse practitioner certificate. Students are admitted to the family nurse practitioner certificate program for the fall semester and complete the requirements in four semesters. After completing coursework, students are eligible to sit for national certification examinations.

Please note: Post master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program is a hybrid program with on-campus and online components. Classes typically meet every other Wednesday except where noted.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites:

There are three required prerequisite/co-requisite courses for the Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Students may complete Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology at UAH or another institution before applying to the program, or they may take them while in the program. Advanced Health Assessment and Advanced Pharmacology are offered during the summer, and Advanced Pathophysiology is offered during the fall. All three courses must not be older than two years at the time of admission.

Post-Master’s Program of Study:

Total clinical: 720 clinical hours

Primary Care:

Primary Care-Family/Individual across the lifespan total clinical hours:
To meet the program objectives, you must complete a total of 720 clinical hours. Of the total 720 hours, 500+ direct patient care clinical hours are a minimum. “It is expected the NP student provides direct patient care to multiple age groups across the lifespan (i.e., the Family Nurse Practitioner student should receive experiences with individuals/families across the lifespan). It is also expected the NP student exceeds the minimum 500-hour direct patient care clinical hour requirement.” National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (2016). The 500+ direct patient care hours must be in primary care. The remaining hours would include clinical seminars, pre-approved CEs (12 per semester), simulation experiences, and other pre-approved (by Nurse Practitioner Coordinator) primary care-related specialties.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must provide a complete application which includes the following:

1. Official transcripts from each university or college attended.
2. Resume/CV including educational history, professional employment, and current certifications.
3. Three evaluations from individuals familiar with your academic or clinical abilities.
4. Proof of unencumbered nursing license.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants for this program must:

• Hold a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
• Current unrestricted RN license in Alabama or eligibility for an Alabama license
  • Alabama license must be obtained before enrollment in graduate courses
• Meet all health and background/drug clearance requirements.