Missouri Baptist University Online MSN-FNP Program
“Our program at Missouri Baptist University is set up well for the working RN, but establishing strong communication with faculty, preceptors, and peers will enhance the learning experience and provide valuable support.”
Tara Hommelson, DNP, Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing, Missouri Baptist University
Missouri Baptist University (MBU), located in Saint Louis, Missouri, offers nursing professionals a fully online master of science in nursing degree program with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration.
The MSN-FNP curriculum features a holistic approach to patient care. FNP degree students develop skills in the principal healthcare practices necessary to treat adults and children and the particular care needs unique to women. This program is designed for working nurse professionals. Graduates have the skills necessary to pass FNP national certification exams successfully. Full-time students can complete this program in as little as six semesters. Students can work part- or full-time while completing the program.
Beginning in the autumn of 2025, MBU will expand its offerings by launching a fully online MSN degree program with a concentration as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Prospective applicants should check the university’s website for more information as this date nears.
Missouri Baptist University’s MSN-FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Meet the Expert: Tara Hommelson, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CNE
Dr. Tara Hommelson currently serves as the associate dean of graduate nursing at Missouri Baptist University, overseeing the family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse executive leadership tracks. She has worked as a registered nurse since 2008 and her nursing background includes pediatric medical-surgical, pediatric hematology and oncology, and pediatric research. Additionally, she is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and has worked with adolescent medicine and pediatric plastic surgery patients in this capacity.
Dr. Hommelson earned her BSN in 2008 from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, her MSN from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2013, and her DNP from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2022. Dr. Hommelson was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in 2008. In 2013, she was awarded the Shirley A. Martin Distinguished Nurse Award, and in 2022, she got the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty. Dr. Hommelson’s article, “Mindfulness Meditation to Decrease Stress in Pediatric Nurses” was published in Missouri Nurse and earned a spot as the featured article on the front cover of the Summer 2022 edition. She is a member of the National Association for Nurse Practitioner Faculty and the Coalition for Nurse Well-Being.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Missouri?
Dr. Hommelson: I wish the public understood that accredited online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Missouri uphold the same rigorous standards as traditional in-person programs. These programs are designed to provide high-quality education, combining flexible online coursework with essential in-person clinical training. Online NP programs are not “easier” or less demanding; they require a significant commitment to self-discipline, critical thinking, and hands-on clinical experiences to ensure graduates are fully prepared for advanced practice.
Our MSN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) and follows their rigorous standards to ensure excellence in nursing education. This accreditation signifies that our curriculum meets high-quality benchmarks for preparing safe, competent, and ethical nurse practitioners.
Additionally, several of our courses have gone through the Quality Matters (QM) certified review process. QM adds even more value to a program by ensuring that courses meet the highest standards for online education. QM certification signifies that the program follows evidence-based best practices in course design, engagement, and student support, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes. I wish students knew to look for programs that follow the QM rubric, as this leads to a well-structured, interactive, and high-quality online education experience!
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Hommelson: For students considering an online NP program, I encourage them to be proactive, organized, and fully engaged in their learning. Time management is critical, as balancing coursework, clinical hours, and personal responsibilities can be challenging. Our program at Missouri Baptist University is set up well for the working RN, but establishing strong communication with faculty, preceptors, and peers will enhance the learning experience and provide valuable support.
One of the greatest strengths of our MSN FNP program at MBU is the presence of supportive and caring faculty who are deeply invested in student success. In our program, faculty members serve not only as educators but also as mentors and advocates. They provide guidance throughout coursework, help students navigate clinical placements, and offer encouragement during challenging times. I encourage students to take advantage of this support by actively seeking feedback, asking questions, and building relationships with faculty who are committed to their growth.
What to Expect from the Missouri Baptist University Online MSN-FNP Program
Admission Requirements: Applicants submit an online application. As part of their application, individuals must possess a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program, provide proof of a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale, and prove they have an active, unencumbered RN license. No GRE or GMAT scores are required as part of the application.
State Restrictions: Out-of-state and international applicants should contact MBU directly to verify admission eligibility and application requirements. No information regarding such applicant backgrounds is currently available on the MBU website.
Study Plan: Students can work part- or full-time while completing their coursework. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as six semesters within a twenty-four-month period.
MSN-FNP Curriculum: MBU’s MSN-FNP program is a 46-credit program consisting of 18 hours of core credit coursework and 28 hours of courses specific to the FNP concentration.
Concentration courses include advanced courses in pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacology, primary care for adult, geriatric, pediatric, and women patients, and a series of three practicum courses.
Online Experience: The MBU MSN-FNP program features a fully online learning delivery model. This model enables working nurses to more easily integrate concurrent additional education into their schedules, thereby broadening the pool of nursing professionals who will pursue such education and ultimately advance their careers.
On-Site Requirements: Students complete their clinical requirements at a placement of their choosing. The high level of ownership students may assume when choosing their clinical placement allows them to customize their learning further in alignment with their unique career goals.
Paying for the Missouri Baptist University Online MSN-FNP Program
The tuition for the MBU online MSN-FNP degree program is listed in the tables below. Students entering the healthcare industry should recognize that the costs they will incur to complete their training and obtain licensure are often substantial.
To apply for financial aid from MBU, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). MBU offers students a variety of financial assistance customized to each student’s unique circumstances and needs.
Aid packages may include federal financial assistance, merit-based awards that must not be paid back, work-study funding, and assistance set aside for particular groups like veterans. Prospective students should contact the MBU Office of Student Financial Services for full tuition information and to answer any questions they may still have after reviewing online information.
Missouri Baptist University offers an online MSN with a family nurse practitioner specialization and coursework that can be completed online, as well as a preceptorship that can be completed at an approved facility.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
One College Park Drive
St Louis, Missouri 63141
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Spring
Yes
0
46
750
NLN CNEA – National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CA, LA, MA, NY, OR, TN, UT, WA
Program Tuition
46
$745.00
$34,270.00
$745.00
$34,270.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].