Carson-Newman University Online FNP Programs
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Carson-Newman University offers online family nurse practitioner programs for nurses who want to continue their education in a flexible format while building advanced practice and leadership skills. The programs covered in this article are the master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner (MSN-FNP), the post-master’s family nurse practitioner certificate, and the BSN-to-DNP – family nurse practitioner.
These programs are designed for working nurses and are offered in a 100 percent online format, with clinicals, residency, and on-campus certification review included outside of the online coursework. The programs are built to support work-life balance, and students receive help through student success advisors, enrollment support, and clinical placement support.
The MSN – FNP program prepares registered nurses to become holistic family nurse practitioners and advance their primary care skills. It is part-time and streamlined, and students can complete it in as few as 32 months. The post-master’s FNP certificate is designed for nurses with an MSN who want to advance into the FNP role, and it can be completed in as few as two years or less.
The BSN-to-DNP – FNP program is designed for nurses with a bachelor’s degree who want to expand into advanced practice and healthcare leadership. It can be completed in as few as 32 months, or eight semesters.
Students in these programs learn from experienced faculty who are active nurse practitioners in their communities and are supported by a close, faith-based, holistic educational environment. The online learning system has no mandatory class login times, and students may have one or more on-campus residency experiences depending on the program.
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, collaboration, research application, economics, health policy, technology, and ethical conduct.
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 regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its master’s degree and doctoral programs in nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. 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. The BSN-to-DNP – FNP program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally and nationally 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.
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, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and 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: Carson-Newman University’s MSN-FNP program is part-time and can be completed in as few as 32 months. It includes 48 credits, 13 courses, and 780 clinical hours. The post-master’s FNP certificate is also part-time and can be completed in as few as two years or less, with nine fifteen-week courses, 36 credits, and 780 clinical hours.
The BSN-to-DNP – FNP program is part-time and can be completed in as few as 32 months, or eight semesters. It includes 74 credits, 22 courses, and 1,200 clinical hours, including DNP project hours.
All programs are 100 percent online for coursework, with clinicals, residency, and on-campus certification review completed outside of the online classes. Each program is designed for working nurses and includes student support such as a dedicated student success advisor.
The MSN-FNP and post-master’s FNP certificate programs each include one three-day residency, while the BSN-to-DNP – FNP program includes two three-day residency experiences. The residency for each program is paired with the coursework and is part of the overall learning experience.
MSN-FNP Curriculum: The online MSN-FNP program comprises 48 credits plus 780 clinical hours. Courses include advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; applied biostatistics and epidemiology; theory and evidence-based practice; advanced health assessment; advanced primary nursing care for women; advanced primary nursing care for children and adolescents; advanced primary nursing care for adults; advanced primary nursing care; accountability for advanced nursing practice; comprehensive exam: family nurse practitioner; advanced practice project, and master’s thesis. It also includes a capstone experience, and students may choose either an advanced practice project or a master’s thesis.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: The 36-credit post-master’s FNP certificate includes courses such as 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; advanced primary care; accountability for advanced nursing practice; and comprehensive exam: family nurse practitioner. It also includes 780 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP – FNP Curriculum: The 74-credit BSN-to-DNP – FNP curriculum includes advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; DNP introductory; applied biostatistics and epidemiology; scholarship in nursing practice; policy, ethics, and advocacy in healthcare; advanced health assessment; advanced skills for the nurse practitioner; translational research and quality and safety practices in healthcare; advanced primary nursing care for women; principles of project planning and evaluation methods; DNP/DNAP project proposal; advanced primary nursing care for children and adolescents; DNP project implementation; advanced primary nursing care for adults; leading change with complex healthcare systems; advanced primary care; DNP/DNAP project dissemination and evaluation; certification examination; healthcare finance; and healthcare transformation through technology.
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. The MSN-FNP and post-master’s FNP certificate programs each include one three-day on-campus residency, while the BSN-to-DNP – FNP program includes two three-day residency experiences. During residency, students come to campus for hands-on skills practice and an advanced assessment physical exam.
Paying for the Carson-Newman University Online FNP Programs
Carson-Newman University online FNP program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective students should contact the Carson-Newman Department of Nursing for cost clarifications and updates.
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.
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
1646 Russell Ave
Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
74
1,000
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, MA, MN, MO, ND, NH, NV, NY, OR, PR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
74
$650.00
$48,100.00
$650.00
$48,100.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
48
690
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, MS, MO, NV, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
48
$650.00
$31,200.00
$650.00
$31,200.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
36
660
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, MS, MO, NV, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WV, WY
Program Tuition
36
$650.00
$23,400.00
$650.00
$23,400.00
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.