Mar 29, 2024  
2012-2013 Saint Joseph’s College Online 
    
2012-2013 Saint Joseph’s College Online [Archived Catalog]

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner


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The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Specialty is a 48 credit CCNE-accredited graduate program intended to prepare RNs with an undergraduate degree in nursing, or those who have successfully completed the equivalent undergraduate foundation in nursing, for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares the graduate to sit for the National FNP certification exam to allow for employment in all states. This integrated MSN curriculum includes course work in Ethics, Leadership, Research, and Policy in addition to advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced physical health assessment.

The student will complete 600-720 supervised clinical hours with pre-approved preceptors in their own geographic areas. This is to ensure students have met various skill and role competencies at different levels throughout their program.

Students must receive a grade of B or higher in each FNP course in order to continue in the program.

Family Nurse Practitioner Courses


The catalog software lists courses by default in numerical order, however, that is not the order they are to be taken.  Please click on each course to view the course description and course pre-requisites.  Note: The FNP Theory and Clinical courses are sequential. 

Capstone Core


Program Enrollment Requirements


The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization has a competitive admissions process. Successful applicants will meet the following additional admissions criteria:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point scale).
  • Submission of GRE or MAT test scores.
  • Submission of a resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Evidence of a minimum of 1,000 RN clinical hours worked prior to admission. Clinical hours must have been worked within the past five years.
  • An active unrestricted U.S. RN license, that can be verified and is recognized by the State Board of Nursing where the applicant is licensed Experienced RNs must have held an active unrestricted RN license for two years prior to application, and provide their license number to SJC for verification. RNs who have been licensed for less than two years must hold an active and unrestricted RN license since the time of licensure.
  • Proficiency in English (SJC/GPS requirements for TOEFL).
  • Ability to meet clinical agency requirements for health status verification, malpractice insurance and background checks.
  • Submission of three letters of reference required, two professional and one personal.
  • Submission of a five hundred (500) word essay.

The essay provides the Admissions Committee a first-hand example of writing skills and ability to present ideas in a clear, logical and coherent manner. In lieu of a face to face interview, the essay provides the Admissions Committee with a personal perspective on professional contributions, academic and clinical strengths as a student, and prior professional experiences. Proofread your essay carefully! Please address the following items in the 500 word essay:


1. Define your professional goals and how this program will contribute to achieving them.

2. Explain why you have chosen the advanced nursing practice FNP track in the MSN program.

3. Discuss how your professional experiences have prepared your for success in the FNP MSN program.

4. Discuss your academic and clinical strengths and weaknesses.


Pre-Admission Requirement

All applicants with a baccalaureate degree in another field who are graduates of a diploma or associate degree program in nursing must successfully complete two one-credit courses (NU510/NU511) with a grade of an A.  NOTE: Successful completion of these courses does not guarantee acceptance into the MSN-FNP program.

NU 510- Community Health Nursing Assessment (counts as 1 nursing elective credit) NU 510 (Community Health Nursing Assessment) ONLY per director approval with appropriate documentation. This course is offered as a 1 credit elective to provide an opportunity for the RN who holds a bachelors in another field to enter the MSN program by demonstrating BSN level course outcomes competence AND earn the 1 graduate nursing elective credit by analyzing and reflecting upon Patricia Benner’s ‘From Novice to Expert’.

NU 511-Leadership Nursing Assessment (counts as 1 nursing elective credit) NU 511 (Nursing Leadership Assessment) ONLY per director approval with appropriate documentation. This course is offered as a 1 credit elective to provide an opportunity for the RN who holds a bachelors in another field to enter the MSN program by demonstrating BSN level course outcomes competence AND earn the 1 graduate nursing elective credit by analyzing and reflecting upon Patricia Benner’s ‘From Novice to Expert’.

Masters degree applicants may be able to transfer up to 6-credits if they have earned at least a B in equivalent courses.

Affords current nursing majors the transferring of 6-credits into the program. 


Post MSN-FNP Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

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