Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online
Explore advanced concepts in care from child to adult.
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Family Nurse Practitioner FNP, MSN Overview
The Earl and Nancy Hutto Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) online program at the University of West Florida provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary so you can provide primary care across the lifespan in outpatient primary care settings. This full-time program will prepare you for a national certification exam through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) — a common requirement for nurses to obtain their license as an advanced practice registered nurse. Upon completion of the FNP, you’ll be prepared to embark on your career as an advanced practice registered nurse in a variety of health care settings.
Taught by practicing NPs, nurse educators, and clinical leaders with many years of passionate experience in primary care, this online program (except for practicum courses) allows professional nurses the possibility to study from a variety of locations while carefully balancing work with school in order to meet the requirements of the program.
University of West Florida FNP graduates have a 3-year average pass rate of 93% on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners FNP Certification Exam.
Some of the key topics you will study include:
- The theoretical and clinical principles of advanced health assessment
- Evaluating, diagnosing and managing acute and chronic health problems in an individualized patient-centered care approach
- The mechanisms producing various symptoms of diseases
- A foundation in the concepts and theories of nursing
- Implementation of evidence-based theories and concepts to improve nursing practice
- Use of organizational theory and leadership to influence positive change in complex healthcare systems
- How diverse populations influence health issues
Accreditation
The master’s degree in nursing at UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Our online FNP program will prepare you for a career in primary care for patients throughout their entire lives, from childhood through their geriatric years.
To earn our online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner degree, you’ll complete 600 direct patient care hours to give you the experience you need to step into practice. Our practicum courses will provide you an opportunity to learn and implement new skills aimed at assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute and long-term health needs of patients across the lifespan in rural and urban outpatient primary care settings.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Experienced Bachelor of Science degree nurses who want to advance into high-demand family nurse practitioner (FNP) roles
- Experienced BSN nurses who seek a higher level of responsibility as a primary care provider (FNP) and have a genuine passion in making a difference in vulnerable and underserved communities.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize, critically evaluate, and apply advanced nursing and interdisciplinary knowledge from the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences to lead clinical judgment, drive innovation in healthcare practice, and transform health outcomes in complex and diverse care environments.
- Critically appraise, translate, integrate, and disseminate research findings in decision-making to improve healthcare outcomes.
- Evaluate and apply evidence-based, person-centered care to meet the complex health needs of diverse populations, utilizing advanced clinical judgment, interprofessional collaboration, and a comprehensive holistic care approach across the lifespan.
- Leverage advanced nursing expertise to integrate community resources and shape equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive care across the healthcare continuum, driving initiatives in disease and injury prevention, and advancing health equity for diverse populations.
- Design and implement strategies to optimize resource management in complex health systems, enhancing the delivery of safe, quality, and equitable care for diverse populations while driving systemic improvements in healthcare.
- Strategically employ advanced information and communication technologies to collect, critically analyze, and apply healthcare data, driving clinical judgment and informed decision-making to enhance healthcare outcomes in diverse complex environments.
- Actively engage in self-reflection and advanced nursing endeavors that elevate personal well-being, resilience, and professionalism, fostering continuous lifelong learning and advancing the development of nursing expertise and leadership.
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online FNP program includes a total of 45 credit hours and must be taken full-time.* The program covers both foundational and advanced topics in nursing, along with practicums that focus on the care of children, adults, women and families.
*A full-time course load for graduate students is six credits hours or more per semester.
- NGR 6002 - Advanced Health Assessment
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Health Assessment
This course advances foundational health assessment skills by deepening theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise that are crucial for advanced nursing practice. Students will conduct comprehensive physical, psychological, and cultural assessments across the lifespan, emphasizing the collection and analysis of critical data related to common health issues. By integrating advanced assessment techniques with a strong theoretical foundation, students will enhance their health assessment capabilities and skills.
- NGR 6172 - Advanced Pharmacology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pharmacology
This course provides an in-depth study of pharmacology, covering advanced pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, adverse effects, and evidence-based prescribing, along with ethical, legal, and pharmacogenomic considerations in advanced nursing practice. Students will gain knowledge to manage patients safely and effectively across the lifespan, implementing safe, quality care, cost-effective pharmacotherapeutic interventions, and prescribing practices to optimize patient outcomes.
- NGR 6140 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pathophysiology
This course offers an in-depth study of disease as disordered physiological function, emphasizing the mechanisms behind signs and symptoms. Students will explore genetic, biochemical, and environmental influences on pathophysiology, refining their diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking for effective clinical decision-making. The course equips students to identify disease mechanisms, develop rational therapies, and apply diagnostic tools proficiently in advanced practice.
- NGR 6002 - Advanced Health Assessment
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Nursing Science
This course emphasizes the synthesis of concepts, principles, and theories from nursing and related disciplines for advanced practice roles. Students will integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical judgment to navigate complex healthcare scenarios. The course will enhance students' ability to analyze patient care, refine decision-making skills, and develop the advanced practice competencies required for effective healthcare delivery.
- NGR 6803 - Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course prepares students to critically appraise and integrate evidence into advanced nursing practice, focusing on translating research into clinical practice. Students will learn advanced methods for evaluating research, applying evidence to improve patient outcomes and leading evidence-based initiatives. The course includes formulating clinical questions, conducting systematic literature reviews, developing evidence-based intervention plans, and exploring ethical considerations in healthcare policy and practice.
- NGR 6893 - Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
This course emphasizes the organizational structure and leadership within healthcare systems, with a focus on healthcare financing, economic impacts, and the role of advanced practice providers in advocating for systemic change and quality improvement. Students will critically analyze and integrate organizational policies, considering socio-economic, ideological, historical, and technological factors. Through practical application, students will develop competencies in aligning processes with strategic organizational goals to enhance healthcare delivery and drive effective change.
- NGR 6638 - Population Health Promotion and Management
3 Credit Hours
Population Health Promotion and Management
This course focuses on complex concepts and theories relevant to population health within the healthcare delivery continuum. Students will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills, applying systems thinking throughout the four spheres of care to optimize population health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the role of the advanced practice nurse in optimizing population health outcomes, engaging in effective partnerships, and advocating for strategies that mitigate health inequities.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
- NGR 6201 - Family Nurse Practitioner I Seminar
3 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner I Seminar
This course equips students to integrate advanced skills in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic health conditions in the adult and geriatric populations. With a focus on applying advanced clinical judgment, students will learn to manage both common and complex conditions, integrating pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics to create evidence-based plans of care. Emphasizing holistic care, students will also explore strategies for disease management, health promotion, and illness prevention in adults and older adults. Prerequisite: NGR 6002 AND NGR 6111 AND NGR 6140 AND NGR 6172 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6893. Co-requisite: NGR 6201L
- NGR 6201L - Family Nurse Practitioner I Practicum
3 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner I Practicum
This practicum course allows students to apply advanced clinical judgment in assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute and chronic health conditions in adult and geriatric populations. Under clinical supervision, students will complete practical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, implementing evidence-based plans of care, that integrate pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics. Through practical experiences, students will develop competencies in disease management, health promotion, and illness prevention, while critically evaluating and adjusting treatment strategies to meet the complex needs of adult and older adult patients. Prerequisite: NGR 6002 AND NGR 6111 AND NGR 6140 AND NGR 6172 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6893. Co-requisite: NGR 6201.
- NGR 6202 - Family Nurse Practitioner III Seminar
3 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner III Seminar
This advanced course focuses on the integration of complex clinical judgment and evidence-based approaches for the management of multi-system and co-morbid conditions in adult and geriatric patients. Students will refine their clinical judgment skills in managing patients with complex, multi-system conditions and varying levels of acuity, with an emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, healthcare technologies, and the development of innovative plans of care that optimize patient outcomes, while also exploring legal, ethical, and policy considerations in caring for diverse aging populations. Prerequisite: NGR 6301/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6202L.
- NGR 6202L - Family Nurse Practitioner III Practicum
3 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner III Practicum
This practicum offers students the opportunity to apply advanced-level clinical judgment and leadership skills in the management of complex, multi-system conditions in adult and geriatric patients. Students will complete supervised practical experiences in diverse health care settings. Students will lead interprofessional teams, design and evaluate innovative plans of care, and utilize advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to enhance patient outcomes. Special emphasis will be placed on navigating ethical dilemmas, managing system-level challenges, and promoting best practices in care delivery for patients with complex, multi-system health conditions and varying levels of acuity. Prerequisite: NGR 6301/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6202.
- NGR 6301 - Family Nurse Practitioner II Seminar
3 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner II Seminar
This course emphasizes person- and family-centered, developmentally appropriate care across the lifespan, cultivating advanced competencies in health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of common acute and chronic conditions. Students will enhance their clinical judgment in diagnosing and managing patient care by applying evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions. The course highlights culturally responsive care, ensuring that tailored, person- and family-centered approaches address the unique needs of individuals at various stages of life. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6301L.
- NGR 6301L - Family Nurse Practitioner II Practicum
2 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner II Practicum
This course provides practical experiences in delivering person- and family-centered, developmentally appropriate care across the lifespan. Students will apply health promotion and disease prevention strategies while managing common acute and chronic conditions in diverse patient populations. Through supervised clinical practice, students will enhance their clinical judgment, diagnostic reasoning, and intervention skills, utilizing evidence-based approaches. Emphasis will be placed on providing culturally responsive care that addresses the unique needs of individuals and families at various developmental stages, fostering improved patient outcomes and healthcare equity. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6301.
- NGR 6835L - Family Nurse Practitioner IV Practicum
4 Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner IV Practicum
In this capstone practicum course, students will gain practical experiences in diverse care settings, applying their advanced practice skills as advanced practice nurses. Focusing on managing complex, multi-system conditions across the lifespan, students will demonstrate advanced clinical leadership and collaboration with interprofessional teams. This course emphasizes evidence-based care, professional accountability, and quality improvement, preparing students for independent practice and promoting health equity and outcomes. Prerequisite: NGR 6202/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6835.
- NGR 6201 - Family Nurse Practitioner I Seminar
Students who plan to conduct their clinical hours in a state other than Florida must know about each state’s board of nursing regulations and licensure post-graduation. Students must check with their respective state board of nursing to ensure compliance with rules for conducting practicum and, in addition, to be eligible to obtain licensure to practice after graduation/certification.
The University has determined that its Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN/FNP) program cannot have students perform clinicals in the following states: California, Louisiana, and New York
Students are encouraged to thoroughly review the guidelines provided by their State Board of Nursing to avoid any potential complications during clinical rotations. Understanding boards of nursing rules for your respective state ensures compliance with regulations and will allow for a smooth and successful clinical experience and licensure after graduating. The Clinical Placement Coordinator can handle any questions regarding state regulations. Students can also check The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for more information.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the University graduate admission requirements, the School of Nursing bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the following criteria are used to assess the potential success of each applicant:
- An earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited nursing program with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale OR a 3.0 (GPA) on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of coursework on the BSN.
- Evidence of a completed undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
- A current unencumbered Registered Nurse license to practice nursing in a state or territory of the United States.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) that includes: work history, educational background, community service involvement with dates, national certification entity, and professional organization memberships.
- A career goals statement that includes a written narrative of the following:
- How have your past nursing experiences prepared you to pursue and successfully complete graduate studies and contribute to the healthcare field as a family nurse practitioner?
- Based on your diverse life and professional experiences, what lessons have you learned that you believe will support you on your graduate journey?
- Your answers will serve as an example of your critical thinking and writing skills. Citations and references are not required. Submission should be typed and between 150-200 words.
Admission to the FNP program is competitive and selective. Applicants are reviewed by the School of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee. Please note, students who are not eligible to register in the college or university last attended, for academic or disciplinary reasons, will not be admitted to the FNP program.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended
- Submit a copy of your curriculum vitae
- Submit career goals statement
- Submit copy of your RN license.
Application Deadlines
Summer 2025 – February 21, 2025 (Early Acceptance)
Summer 2025 – March 28, 2025
*The Early Acceptance option provides an opportunity for interested students to apply and be considered for admission to the FNP program prior to the regular admission review cycle. Students who apply but are not offered admission through Early Acceptance will be placed in the regular review pool.
Upon admission, the FNP students will receive information concerning additional UWF School of Nursing requirements for enrollment. These include but are not limited to: physical examination and immunizations; Level 2 criminal background check; drug screen; VECHS fingerprinting; AHA BCLS certification; proof of professional liability insurance; and proof of personal health insurance.
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Online Program Tuition | $500 per credit hour | $22,500.00 |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) | $500 per credit hour | $18,000.00 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to six semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our family nurse practitioner online program, you can pursue a variety of careers within different practice fields. Nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $126,260, and employment is projected to grow 38 percent through 2032.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Family Nurse Practitioners
Family practice covers the full lifespan and focuses on the care and wellness of the family as a unit. Typically, family practice involves working in ambulatory care (ex: rural health clinics, community outpatient clinics, federally qualified health centers, and community health units) or private practice settings.