University of Connecticut Online NP Programs

What to Expect from the University of Connecticut Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admission Requirements: All applicants must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their required degree and hold an unencumbered RN license in the state where clinicals will be completed. Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) applicants must have at least two years of full-time RN work experience in a level three neonatal intensive care unit. All applicants must have completed at least 2,080 direct patient care hours prior to application. GRE scores are not required. Proof of English language proficiency is required if applicable.

• MSN Requirements: Applicants must have an earned bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), complete the Graduate School application, submit the application fee, provide proof of RN licensure, submit written responses to required questions, provide three letters of reference, a current resume, unofficial transcripts, and proof of the required direct patient care RN experience hours.
• BSN-to-DNP Requirements: Applicants must hold a BSN degree, complete the Graduate School application, submit the application fee, provide proof of RN licensure, three letters of reference, a current resume, official transcripts, proof of the required direct care RN experience hours, and complete answers to essay questions as part of the application process.
• MS-to-DNP Requirements: Applicants must hold an MSN degree, complete the graduate school application and fee, provide proof of RN licensure, submit three letters of reference, a current resume or CV, official transcripts, and verification of clinical hours completed in prior graduate nursing education. Applicants must also demonstrate competencies in foundational DNP coursework or complete prerequisite courses as determined by program advisors.
• Post-Graduate Certificate Requirements: Applicants must have earned a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, complete the graduate school application, submit the application fee, provide proof of RN licensure, three letters of recommendation, and a current resume or CV.

State Restrictions: UConn is authorized to offer the online NP programs in all states; however, licensure requirements may not be met in all states. The AGACNP, AGPCNP, NNP, and FNP programs do not meet state requirements in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, DC.

Notably, the following programs enroll only certain specialities: Arizona (NNP and AGACNP only); Kansas (DNP only); New York (can accept applications and enroll students in all tracks, but cannot place AGACNP or FNP students in clinical experiences); Utah (NNP only); and Washington (AGACNP, NNP, DNP only).

Students outside of Connecticut should inquire with the UConn School of Nursing as well as their State Board of Nursing to determine eligibility for NP licensure.

Study Plan: The MSN programs can be completed in four to five semesters on a full-time basis or seven to eight semesters part-time. The BSN-to-DNP programs generally take nine to ten semesters full-time or thirteen semesters part-time. The master of science to doctor of nursing practice (MS-to-DNP) programs are designed for students who have completed an MSN and vary in length based on prior coursework and clinical hours; students complete additional doctoral-level courses focusing on advanced leadership, evidence-based practice, and DNP projects. Post-master’s certificate programs can be completed in about five semesters. Campus visit requirements vary depending on specialization.

The NNP specialization admits students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, while other specializations admit students in the fall only. The MSN AGACNP and FNP specializations require a final exam. NNP students participate in a required simulation-based intensive immersion experience.

The MSN requires 720 supervised clinical hours. The BSN-to-DNP and MS-to-DNP require fulfillment of program-specific clinical hours, scholarly portfolio, and DNP project requirements as outlined in the plan of study for each track.

MSN Core Curriculum: Core courses for the MSN specializations include nursing science and patterns of knowing; statistical methods in health sciences research; nursing research in advanced practice; advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan; advanced health assessment across the lifespan (neonatal population-focus for NNPs); advanced pharmacodynamics and implications for nursing actions; health promotion, prevention, and common health problems in APN practice; and health policy and population-based advocacy for the scholarship of application.

• MSN – NNP Curriculum: The MSN – NNP comprises 44 credits and requires completion of at least 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include advanced embryology and neonatal physiology; advanced neonatal nursing theory I-III; and advanced neonatal nursing practicum I-III.
• MSN – AGACNP Curriculum: The MSN – AGACNP comprises 45 credits and requires completion of at least 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include common and chronic health problems in APN practice II; common and comorbid health problems in AGNP acute care practice III; APN clinical practicum I; and AGNP acute care clinical practicum II-III.
• MSN – FNP Curriculum: The MSN-FNP program comprises 48 credits plus at least 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include management of childbearing women and children; common and chronic health problems in APN practice II; common and comorbid health problems in APN primary care practice III; complex and comorbid health problems in APN primary care practice IV; APN clinical practicum I; and FNP primary care clinical practicum II and III.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The post-master’s certificates follow the specialty courses for the MSN, plus advanced health assessment across the lifespan; advanced pharmacodynamics and implications for nursing actions; health promotion, prevention, and common health problems in APN Practice, and advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan. Previously completed courses may be waived upon approval by the School of Nursing. The AGACNP certificate comprises 30 credits, the NNP certificate 29 credits, and the FNP certificate 36 credits. At least 720 clinical hours are required.

BSN-to-DNP Curriculum: The BSN-to-DNP requires completion of 72 to 75 credits, depending on the specialization. The MSN portion of the program follows the courses listed for the MSN and specializations.

DNP courses include evidence-based practice; quality and organizational/systems leadership; health service statistics and research methods; scientific and theoretical underpinnings; responsible conduct of research; leadership and management; health policy and advocacy; DNP seminar: topic identification; information systems; and DNP residency I through III.

MS-to-DNP Curriculum: MS-to-DNP students build on their MSN foundation with additional doctoral-level coursework, including research methods; advanced leadership; quality improvement; health policy; and scholarly projects. The number of credits varies based on prior coursework and clinical hours.

Online Experience: UConn seeks to make online programs collaborative and engaging, utilizing discussion boards, Blackboard Collaborate, interactive messaging, chat, email, and phone interaction. Blackboard Learn is the online Learning Management System (LMS) utilized by UConn, which they call HuskyCT or Husky Course Tools. Courses are mainly asynchronous and organized into modules focused on specific topics. Each module provides students with rubrics, assignments, and weekly tasks. Online students have access to 24/7 technical support and all applicable student services.

On-Site Requirements: The FNP and NNP MSN and post-master’s certificate programs are 100 percent online with local preceptorships. The AGACNP MSN and post-master’s certificate programs require three campus visits to the Storrs, CT campus. The BSN-to-DNP program requires attendance at two intensive format courses in August and January, as outlined by the program, plus the three visits for the MSN portion of the program. For more information, students may inquire with the admissions department of the School of Nursing.

Paying for the University of Connecticut Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

UConn online NP program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Travel costs for any required campus visits are not included in tuition and fees. Prospective students should inquire with the Office of Financial Aid for current and full costs.

UConn may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students, according to the FAFSA. In addition, UConn offers several graduate nursing scholarships and some fellowships. Graduate nursing students may also inquire with their employers as to the possibility of a tuition reimbursement program. Finally, UConn online students may wish to explore unique pathways to fund their graduate education, such as community and organizational scholarships, grants, and private loans.

Farheen Gani

Writer

Farheen Gani is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.