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
- Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, global initiatives and other sciences to improve patient care across the lifespan and in diverse settings.
- Use methods, technology and other tools, performance measures, and standards related to quality improvement and safety with organizations.
- Utilize organizational and systems leadership to promote decisions directed at achieving high quality, safe, and cost efficient patient care.
- Translate and integrate scholarship, educational strategies, and evidence into practice settings to optimize quality patient outcomes.
- Integrate broad organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts to provide evidence-based clinical prevention, care and services to individuals, families, and populations.
- Utilize patient-centered communication technologies to integrate, deliver and enhance health care across the lifespan.
- Collaborate as a member and leader of inter-professional teams to intervene at the system level through policy development processes and employing advocacy strategies to influence health, education and practice.
- Provide care and mentoring in a compassionate manner that respects, protects, and enhances spiritual integrity, human dignity, and cultural diversity.
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 will build upon health assessment skills developed in the professional nurse's basic education program. The theoretical and clinical basis for assessment in advanced nursing practice will be developed. The process whereby the advanced nurse utilizes comprehensive physical, psychological and cultural assessment across the life span to gather specific data relevant to common health problems is demonstrated.
- NGR 6172 - Advanced Pharmacology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pharmacology
This course is designed to expand the advanced practice student's knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics. Broad categories of pharmacological agents are examined. Learning focuses on skills to assess, diagnose and manage a client's common health problems in a safe, high quality and cost-effective manner.
- NGR 6140 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pathophysiology
This course is designed to present an orientation to disease as disordered physiology. It is intended to enable those in advanced nursing practice to understand how and why the symptoms and signs of various conditions appear. In approaching disease as disordered physiology, this course analyzes the mechanism(s) of production of the symptoms and signs of different disease states. In doing so, it recognizes that those in advanced nursing practice need to understand the mechanism(s) underlying the disease and its clinical manifestations so that rational therapies can be devised. Thus, appropriate screening and diagnostic laboratory evaluation methods will also be included.
- NGR 6002 - Advanced Health Assessment
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Nursing Science
The course includes the synthesis of concepts, principles and theories of nursing and related disciplines as applied to the role of the nurse in advanced practice.
- NGR 6803 - Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course explores complex concepts and theories including rapid critical appraisal of evidence in preparation for translation to nursing practice. The course includes the evidence-based practice process and steps in evidence-based quality improvement project implemention. The course prepares the nurse to function as a catalyst for change.
- NGR 6893 - Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
This course assists the learner to synthesize organizational theory and leadership to influence health policy within the context of current complex healthcare systems. The learner will analyze policy from a socio-economic, ideological, political, historical and technological perspective while integrating clinical management processes and utilization of community resources. Content will focus on the organizational structure of healthcare systems, healthcare financing and economic implications and the role of the provider in policy making.
- NGR 6638 - Population Health Promotion and Management
3 Credit Hours
Population Health Promotion and Management
The purpose of this course is to involve the learner in recognizing the span of population health in the healthcare delivery continuum. Learners will explore their role in managing population health by engaging in effective partnerships and advocacy strategies that mitigate health inequities. Emphasis is on the role of the advanced practice nurse in population management through systems thinking, health promotion and illness prevention, to optimize population health outcomes.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
- NGR 6201 - Care of the Adult I
3 Credit Hours
Care of the Adult I
This course provides the opportunity to analyze the theoretical skills for diagnosis, management and evaluation of commonly occurring, complex and/or long term health needs of adults and communities. Content focuses on providing the essentials of current practices in diagnostic reasoning, nursing management and evidence-based practice in the care of 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 - Care of the Adult I Practicum
3 Credit Hours
Care of the Adult I Practicum
This course provides the opportunity to apply the theoretical skills for diagnosis, management and evaluation of commonly occurring, complex and/or long term health needs of adults and communities. Content focuses on the application of current practice in diagnostic reasoning, nursing management and evidence-based practice in the care of adults. This supervised advanced clinical experience focuses on the role of the nurse practitioner in clinical practice. 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 - Care of the Adult II
3 Credit Hours
Care of the Adult II
The course allows the learner to expand on the roles of the advanced practice nurse practitioner in the care of adults and their families across the lifespan. The foundation for synthesizing health information aimed at helping adults and their families to assume responsibility for the prevention of illness and the promotion and maintenance of health are further developed. Available health resources from local, regional, national and global sources are analyzed and incorporated into healthcare plans and decisions. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L AND NGR 6301/L AND NGR 6343/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6202L.
- NGR 6202L - Care of the Adult II Practicum
3 Credit Hours
Care of the Adult II Practicum
The course allows the learner to engage in Advanced Nursing Practice with selected adult populations. Learners further define and expand their practice of adult and family health nursing based on the integration of theory, research, self-evaluation and clinical supervision. A variety of approaches, theories and issues of healthcare service delivery are further explored, especially focused on multiple chronic diseases and their management. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L AND NGR 6301/L AND NGR 6343/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6202.
- NGR 6301 - Care of the Child and Family
3 Credit Hours
Care of the Child and Family
This course provides the opportunity to develop and apply the theoretical skills for diagnosis, management and evaluation of commonly occurring, complex and/or long term health needs of children and their families. Content focuses on the analysis of current practices in diagnostic reasoning, nursing management and evidence-based practice in the care of children. This includes common normal and abnormal variations in physical, cognitive and psychological development and chronic conditions often specific to this population. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L AND NGR 6343/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6301L.
- NGR 6301L - Care of the Child and Family Practicum
2 Credit Hours
Care of the Child and Family Practicum
Supervised advanced clinical experience focused on the roles of the nurse practitioner while dealing with the care of the well and ill child and family. Application of theory and skills for evaluation, diagnosis and management of commonly occurring, complex and/or long term health needs of children and their families. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L AND NGR 6343/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6301.
- NGR 6343 - Care of the Woman and Family
3 Credit Hours
Care of the Woman and Family
This course provides the opportunity to develop and apply the theoretical skills for diagnosis, management and evaluation of commonly occurring, complex and/or long term health needs of women and families. Content focuses on the analysis of current practices in diagnostic reasoning, nursing management and evidence-based practice in the care of women and families, including common normal and abnormal variations in physical, cognitive and psychological development and chronic conditions. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6343L.
- NGR 6343L - Care of the Woman and Family Practicum
2 Credit Hours
Care of the Woman and Family Practicum
Supervised advanced clinical experience focused on the roles of the nurse practitioner when providing care specific to women and families. Application of theory and skills for diagnosis, management and evaluation of commonly occurring, complex and/or long term health needs of women and families. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6343.
- NGR 6835 - Transition to Professional Practice
2 Credit Hours
Transition to Professional Practice
This course focuses on preparing students for transition to independent practice as an advanced practice nurse. Emphasis will be placed on national board certification, scope of practice, standards of care, legislative rules, regulations governing advanced practice nursing, and employment acquisition. Students will use evidence-based research for best practice to analyze current issues affecting the advanced practice nursing role, and build competency toward providing equitable patient care. Prerequisite: NGR 6201/L AND NGR 6301/LAND NGR 6343/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6202, NGR 6202L.
- NGR 6201 - Care of the Adult I
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.