Carlow University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP for APRNs, 2nd Specialty)
- Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP for non-NPs)
- Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP for APRNs, 2nd Specialty)
- Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP for non-NPs)
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
Carlow University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) and post-master’s certificate programs with family nurse practitioner (FNP) and women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP) specializations. Both APRNs desiring a second specialty and non-APRNs can apply to the certificate programs. The graduate nursing programs require one four-day campus intensive in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All other coursework is online and clinical preceptorships are completed local to the student.
During the four-day intensive, students participate in hands-on simulations and learning at Carlow’s Celtic Simulation Center for Innovative Learning (CSCIL). This simulated hospital environment allows students to work with lifelike patients, medication delivery systems, digital patient records, telehealth, and more. Simulated patients include an infant, child, mother, and a simulator that can mimic a variety of ages and genders. The SimMan 3G, for example, can talk, bleed, sweat, cry, and have physical reactions such as a seizure. The CSCIL offers nursing students a safe environment to gain hands-on experience with lifelike patients.
Carlow University is a Catholic university, seeking to follow the tenets of the Sisters of Mercy. The core value of mercy flows through everything the university does including interactions with students, faculty, and the lives they touch through their education. Carlow prepares students to be compassionate, ethical, responsible leaders who serve others with mercy, practicality, reflection, and understanding.
Post-master’s certificate applicants may earn an initial advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialty, or seek a second specialty, in which case the course load is significantly reduced. Interested nurses outside of Pennsylvania should check with the Carlow University Nursing Department to verify eligibility. Due to state licensure requirements, Carlow determines eligibility on a state-by-state basis.
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) work with patients across the lifespan with preventive care, healthcare education, chronic and acute illnesses, and disease management. Graduates of the Carlow MSN-FNP and certificate programs are eligible to take the FNP certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Family nurse practitioners may work in primary care clinics, home healthcare situations, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, emergency rooms, research facilities, and government institutions such as schools.
Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) are trained to serve women across the lifespan including during the child-bearing years. Upon graduation, MSN and certificate students will be eligible to take the WHNP certification exam through the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Graduates may go on to positions in hospitals, birthing centers, women’s health facilities, and OB/GYN clinics.
Carlow University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSN and certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Carlow University is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| Carlow University Online NP Programs | |
|---|---|
| MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Visit Site |
| MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) | Visit Site |
| Post-Master's Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP for non-NPs) | Visit Site |
| Post-Master's Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP for APRNs, 2nd Specialty) | Visit Site |
| Post-Master's Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP for non-NPs) | Visit Site |
| Post-Master's Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP for APRNs, 2nd Specialty) | Visit Site |
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
What to Expect from Carlow University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Admission Requirements: MSN applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Provisional admission may be available for those with less than a 3.0 GPA. Post-Master’s Certificate applicants must hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) from an accredited college or university. Application materials include a graduate application and fee, official transcripts, proof of unencumbered RN licensure, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a current resume or CV. Undergraduate statistics is required with a grade of C or higher.
State Restrictions: Applicants to the Carlow University nursing programs should first contact the School of Nursing to verify enrollment eligibility. Carlow determines eligibility on a state-by-state basis. Eligibility is dependent on each state’s requirements for licensure.
Study Plan: The MSN degrees can be completed in 2.5 years by taking six to eight credits per term. The certificate programs may be completed in one to two years depending on the entry point. Those who already hold APRN licensure and are earning a second specialty can complete the certificate program in as little as one year.
Courses for the MSN and certificate programs typically last eight weeks. Students may begin the MSN-FNP and FNP certificate programs in the fall and spring. MSN-WHNP students may begin in the fall, spring, and summer. The WHNP certificate begins in the Fall only. Courses for all programs are online, with one four-day campus intensive and local clinical sessions.
MSN Core Curriculum: The MSN program comprises 49 credits and 600 clinical hours. Core courses for the MSN program include Human Pathophysiology; Scholarly Writing; AON Role in US Healthcare System; Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostics; APN Pharmacology; Ethical and Legal Healthcare Issues; Organizational Leadership; Health Promotion in Families and Communities; Quality and Data Analytics; APN as Scholar; Health Policy and Healthcare Economics; Clinical Practicums; Clinical Skills Practicum; Differential Diagnosis; and Professional Transitions.
- FNP Specialty Curriculum: Specialty courses include Chronic and Episodic Management I-II; Advanced Practice Role in Communities Clinical; Advanced Practice Nursing: Women; and Advanced Practice Nursing: Pediatrics.
- WHNP Specialty Curriculum: Specialty courses include Chronic and Episodic Management I; Advanced Practice Nursing: Women; Advanced Practice Nursing in Women’s Health II-III; and Advanced Practice Role in Community Practicum.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The FNP certificate comprises 17 to 35 credits plus 600 clinical hours. The WHNP certificate comprises 18 to 35 credits plus 600 clinical hours. The number of credits depends on the level of entry and previous education. Those without APRN licensure typically complete all 35 credits.
Courses for both certificates may include Chronic and Episodic Management of the Family I plus Practicum; Advanced Practice Role in the Community plus Practicum; Advanced Practice Nursing Pharmacology; Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostic plus Practicum; Health Promotion in Families and Communities; Differential Diagnosis; Professional Transitions; Primary Care Clinical Skills Lab; and Advanced Practice Nursing in Women’s Health plus Practicum.
- FNP Specialty Courses: Chronic and Episodic Management of the Family II plus Practicum II; Advanced Practice Nursing in Pediatrics and Practicum
- WHNP Specialty Courses: Advanced Practice Nursing in Women’s Health Theory II; Advanced Practice Nursing in Women’s Health II-III Practicum
Online Experience: Carlow University uses CelticOnline as its online Learning Management System (LMS). This web-based platform allows for course delivery and collaboration. Courses are delivered asynchronously and allow for nursing students to work and maintain family responsibilities while earning an advanced degree. Carlow University faculty make it a priority to connect with their students individually to develop personal relationships and offer support. Students also have access to academic advising, academic coaching, individual and group tutoring, 24/7 technical support, mental health services, and more.
On-Site Requirements: MSN and post-master’s certificate students are required to come to the Pittsburgh, PA campus for a four-day intensive where they will participate in activities and simulations in the Celtic Simulation Center for Innovative Learning (CSCIL).
Paying for Carlow University Online NP Programs
The Carlow University online MSN and certificate program tuition numbers are listed below. Interested students should contact the Carlow University School of Nursing for cost clarifications and updates. Travel and other costs related to the campus intensive are not included in tuition numbers.
Carlow University graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by applying through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are also encouraged to check with their employers as to the option of a tuition reimbursement program or tuition discount. Finally, students may seek outside funding opportunities such as organizational or community funding.
Carlow University offers MSN and Post-Master's Certificate Programs with FNP and WHNP specializations, one campus visit, and local clinicals, seeking to prepare compassionate, responsible leaders following the values of the Sisters of Mercy.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP for APRNs, 2nd Specialty)
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP for non-NPs)
Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP for APRNs, 2nd Specialty)
Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP for non-NPs)
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
1
49
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 (Provisional admission possible <3.0)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
49
$918.00
$44,982.00
$918.00
$44,982.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
49
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 (Provisional admission possible <3.0)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
49
$918.00
$44,982.00
$918.00
$44,982.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
1
18
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 (Provisional admission possible <3.0)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
18
$918.00
$16,524.00
$918.00
$16,524.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
1
36
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 (Provisional admission possible <3.0)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
36
$918.00
$33,048.00
$918.00
$33,048.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
18
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 (Provisional admission possible <3.0)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
18
$918.00
$16,524.00
$918.00
$16,524.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
35
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 (Provisional admission possible <3.0)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
35
$918.00
$32,130.00
$918.00
$32,130.00
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.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara 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.