Clarion University of Pennsylvania Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
The College of Health Sciences and Human Services at Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificate with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus. These programs are offered jointly through Clarion and Edinboro Universities. Graduates of the MSN program receive a joint degree. Most coursework is online and is delivered asynchronously with any synchronous sessions scheduled in advance. There are 34 hours of labs that are completed on campus in three to four campus visits. Students also complete their preceptorships at approved facilities local to them.
The FNP programs are designed to prepare nurses for service as nurse practitioners and promote lifelong learning and preparation for doctoral education. Graduates of these programs will be eligible to take the FNP certification exams through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Graduates will be able to utilize nursing, science, and humanities knowledge; operate from a professional, legal, ethical value system; utilize critical thinking skills and effective communication with patients, peers, and others; Investigate and evaluate practice through theory and scientific evidence; and advocate, collaborate, and effectively utilize resources in practice.
Clarion University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The online FNP programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Clarion University of Pennsylvania is located in Clarion, PA.
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What to Expect from the Clarion University of Pennsylvania Online FNP Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the FNP programs must have a current, unrestricted RN license in the state in which they will complete their preceptorship. Online applications require an application and non-refundable application fee, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a one- to two-page personal statement. In addition, students must provide a copy of their RN license. All students considered for admission will complete an online or phone interview in October of each year through the Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. No GRE or GMAT is required.
- Program Specific Admission Requirements
- MSN-FNP: Hold a BSN from an accredited program with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; one year of full-time or two years of part-time RN work experience equal to 2,000 hours; college-level statistics passed with a “C” or higher
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate: Hold an MSN degree from an accredited program; one year of full-time or two years of part-time RN work experience equal to 2,000 hours; college-level statistics passed with a “C” or higher
State Restrictions: Clarion University of Pennsylvania accepts students from the following states into their FNP programs: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. States that are not listed are pending approval. Certain states restrict the number of field experience placements from one out-of-state institution, therefore students should clarify with the College of Health Sciences and Human Services as to clinical practicum eligibility for states like New Jersey and Ohio. In addition, applicants outside of Pennsylvania should check with their state Board of Nursing to be aware of the practicum requirements in their state while attending an out-of-state university.
Study Plan: The Clarion University of Pennsylvania online FNP programs are delivered both part-time and full-time, however part-time is advised by the university. The start date is in the Fall. Students come to the Edinboro University campus for 30 hours of skill labs and a 4-hour lab session. These are spread over 3-4 campus visits. The MSN can be completed full-time in two years plus one summer, and part-time in three years plus one summer. Time required to complete the Post-Master’s FNP Certificate depends on prior schooling, as a program will be specifically designed on a student-by-student basis.
MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises 45 credits and at least 600 clinical hours. Courses include Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology; Pharmacologic Applications; Evolution of Nursing Theory; Advanced Concepts in Nursing Research; Health Promotion–Family and Community Perspectives; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Health Assessment Practicum; Clinical Decision-Making I-III; Clinical Decision-Making Practicum I-III; Family Nurse Practitioner Role Development; Nursing and Public Policy; Family Nurse Practitioner Internship; and Thesis/Scholarly Project.
A “second specialization” MSN is also offered, comprising at least 30 credits. Interested students may contact the College of Health Sciences and Human Services for more information.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: A gap analysis will be conducted for each student admitted to the Post-Master’s program. Clarion requires, at minimum, the completion of 24 credits to earn the certificate. Courses required come from the MSN-FNP degree.
Online Experience: Clarion University of Pennsylvania utilizes Desire2Learn Brightspace (D2L) as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are typically delivered asynchronously with any synchronous sessions scheduled in advance. In addition, synchronous sessions are recorded and saved for viewing at a later time. Clarion utilizes Mediasite by Sonic Foundry to capture lectures and stream them anytime. Delivery materials may include lectures, course documents, individual and group assignments, assessments, discussion forums, Zoom video conferencing, and more. Clarion offers an online student orientation, online library, financial services, an online writing center, student tools, disability support services, career services, online tutoring services, and round-the-clock technical support. There is also an online bookstore.
On-Site Requirements: FNP students are required to come to Edinboro University at the Edinboro, PA campus for 30 hours of skill labs and a 4-hour session focusing on minor office procedures such as suturing. These hours are spread out over 3-4 campus visits. All other coursework is online and practicums are completed locally.
Paying for the Clarion University of Pennsylvania Online FNP Programs
Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers lower tuition for online students who are Pennsylvania residents. Estimated NP program tuition for both residents and non-residents is listed in the tables below. Prospective students should contact the College of Health Sciences and Human Services to verify tuition and fees.
Graduate students have access to federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans according to the FAFSA. Nursing students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program or tuition discounts. Clarion University of Pennsylvania students may also seek other opportunities to fund their FNP degree including outside scholarships and grants.
Clarion University offers joint FNP programs with Edinboro University that begin in the fall and include 3-4 visits for labs and local practicums.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
840 Wood Street
Clarion, Pennsylvania 16214
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
45
600
ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
AL, AK, AZ, CT, DC, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
45
$676.60
$30,447.00
$770.10
$34,654.50
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
24
600
ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
AL, AK, AZ, CT, DC, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
24
$676.60
$16,238.40
$770.10
$18,482.40
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.