Carson-Newman University Online FNP Programs: MSN & PMC (Post-Master’s Certificate)
Carson-Newman University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) and a post-master’s certificate (PMC) with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization. These programs include fully online coursework, a single three-day campus residency, and local clinicals.
Nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) may apply to the MSN-FNP program, while MSN-prepared nurses may complete the post-master’s FNP certificate. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer with courses lasting 15 weeks each. Students typically complete the MSN-FNP in 32 months and the PMC in 24 months.
Carson-Newman University’s Christian affiliation offers nurses the opportunity to learn in an environment of Christian behaviors, values, and ethics. The programs combine faith and learning to prepare nurse practitioners to serve in an evidence-based, ethical manner. Outcomes of the FNP programs focus on advanced nursing practice skills, independent decision-making, critical thinking skills, leadership, collaborations, research application, economics, health policy, technology, and ethical conduct.
The three-day residency in Jefferson City, Tennessee is part of the advanced health assessment course required for both FNP programs. Students conduct a comprehensive health assessment and practice the advanced nursing skills required for FNPs. The residency covers how psychological, sociocultural, and physiological factors affect patients and holistic healthcare.
Family nurse practitioners are able to perform many of the same primary care duties as family doctors with patients of all ages. FNPs assess and diagnose illnesses, administer treatment, prescribe medicines, and provide holistic health information on creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Graduates of the Carson-Newman online FNP programs are eligible to take the FNP certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Carson-Newman University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online FNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Carson-Newman University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
What to Expect from the Carson-Newman University Online FNP Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MSN-FNP program must hold a BSN from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants to the PMC program must hold an MSN from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
With the application, students must provide official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, proof of unencumbered RN licensure, and a letter of personal goals and aspirations. PMC applicants must also provide a resume or CV.
In addition, FNP students must complete a criminal background check and have a drug screening. No GRE is required.
State Restrictions: Carson-Newman University accepts students from most states, with the following exceptions: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Washington DC, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.
All students outside Tennessee should inquire with the Department of Nursing at Carson-Newman University and their state board of nursing to verify enrollment eligibility and licensure requirements.
Study Plan: Start dates for the FNP programs land in the fall, spring, and summer. The MSN-FNP program can be completed in 24 months on a full-time basis or 32 months on a part-time basis. The post-master’s FNP certificate can be completed in 24 months. Class sizes are small, and all coursework is online except for the three-day residency and local clinicals.
MSN-FNP Curriculum: The online MSN-FNP program comprises 46 credits plus 630 clinical hours. Courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment; advanced primary nursing care for women; theories of nursing; advanced statistics; global health and nursing; research methods and design in nursing; advanced primary nursing care for children and adolescents; advanced primary nursing care for adults; accountability for advanced nursing practice; and comprehensive examination: FNP.
In addition, MSN students choose an advanced practice project, a collaborative research project, or a master’s thesis.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: The online PMC program comprises 32 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment; advanced primary nursing care for women; advanced primary nursing care for children and adolescents; advanced primary nursing care for adults; accountability for advanced nursing practice; and comprehensive examination: FNP.
Online Experience: The FNP programs are delivered asynchronously through the Canvas online Learning Management System (LMS). The platform allows for classroom learning with peer/faculty relationship-building. Online FNP students work with a student success advisor throughout the programs to receive guidance, gain access to resources, and stay afloat in the online learning community.
The Department of Nursing provides clinical sites and preceptors for all students, taking the pressure off of securing these requirements on their own. Online student services may include library services, career counseling, tutoring, and academic advising. Nursing faculty also keep online office hours for student help.
On-Site Requirements: All FNP students are required to come to the Jefferson City, TN campus for one three-day campus immersion. All other coursework is online and students complete local clinical practicums.
Paying for the Carson-Newman University Online MSN & PMC Programs
Carson-Newman University charges $650 per credit plus fees for the online FNP and PMC programs. Prospective students should contact the Carson-Newman Department of Nursing for current tuition information.
Carson-Newman University seeks to keep tuition low for graduate nursing students. However, some students may need financial assistance, which could come in the form of unsubsidized federal student loans secured through the FAFSA, employer tuition reimbursement programs, employer tuition discounts, and outside scholarships and grants. Finally, some students may wish to secure private loans in addition to these options.
Carson-Newman University combines faith and learning with a holistic approach to healthcare to prepare FNPs through fully online coursework, one 3-day campus residency, and affordable tuition
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
1646 Russell Ave
Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
46
630
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, LA, MN, MO, NV, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
46
$650.00
$29,900.00
$650.00
$29,900.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
32
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CA, CT, DC, LA, MN, MO, NV, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WV, WY
Program Tuition
32
$650.00
$20,800.00
$650.00
$20,800.00
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.