The nurse practitioner is a skilled health care provider who uses expert clinical judgment and decision making in conducting comprehensive health assessments, making differential diagnoses, and prescribing of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions in the direct treatment of health problems. Nurse practitioners function as care providers, case managers, researchers, consultants, and educators.

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses who are competent clinicians focused on managing health conditions and preventing disease for patients across the lifespan. FNPs review medical histories, perform comprehensive and focused physical exams, order diagnostic tests, diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans. FNPs practice in a variety of settings, such as private practice, community health, health care systems, and universities. FNPs can practice independently or collaborate with a physician, depending on their state’s practice laws.

Please note: FNP track is a hybrid program with on-campus and online components. Classes typically meet every other Wednesday except where noted.

Fall Admission Plan of Study Summer Admission Plan of Study

Primary Care

Primary Care-Family/Individual across the lifespan total clinical hours:
To meet the program objectives, you are required to complete a total of 720 clinical hours. Of the total 720 hours, 600+ direct patient care clinical hours is regarded as a minimum.

It is expected the NP student provide 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 exceed the minimum 600 hour direct patient care clinical hour requirement.
— National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (2016)

The 600+ direct patient care hours must be in primary care. The remaining hours would include clinical seminar, pre-approved CE’s (12 per semester), simulation experiences and other pre-approved (by Nurse Practitioner Coordinator) primary care related specialties.