George Mason University Online Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN – FNP) Program
George Mason University (GMU) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty through the College of Health and Human Services. Coursework for this competency-based curriculum is offered 100% online and practicums are completed at approved facilities local to the student, with no campus visits required. Faculty are active practitioners who are able to understand the current work environment and nurse practitioner needs as well as the needs of today’s patient.
FNP graduates will be able to perform patient assessments for ages across the lifespan, diagnose and treat acute and chronic illness, recommend therapy interventions, create patient care plans and collaborate with health care teams, promote health prevention, and effectively communicate with patients, families, and other caregivers. One of the main focuses of the FNP program is understanding the community in which each professional serves and knowing the needs of their specific patient care population.
George Mason University is an R1 (Research 1) university through which students learn how to carry out evidence-based practice that is informed by the most recent research and findings. In addition, to foster the collaborative nature of today’s family nurse practitioner, Mason Online includes interprofessional experiences throughout the program involving interaction across disciplines such as nutrition, social work, psychology, and health informatics. Finally, the MSN – FNP curriculum is based on the Interprofessional Educational Collaborative Core Competencies (IPEC) which include the respect of patient privacy, promoting the needs of the patient first, and collaborating with other health care providers to improve the quality of patient care.
Graduates of this program are prepared to sit for the certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). FNPs may serve in rural and urban facilities such as public and private practice, home care settings, hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and urgent care centers.
George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MSN – FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia.
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What to Expect from the George Mason University Online MSN – FNP Program
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the George Mason University MSN – FNP program must hold a BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution. All nursing students must hold current CPR certification and an unencumbered RN license. Application materials include an online application, application fee, official transcripts, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Nursing students must maintain health insurance at all times and provide health exam reports, immunization records, and a criminal background check as part of the admissions process.
State Restrictions: While the Mason Online MSN program accepts students from most states, applicants outside of Virginia should check with the College of Health and Human Services at George Mason University to make sure they are eligible for the MSN – FNP program. In addition, prospective students should contact the licensing board of their state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure. Currently, applicants from New York and Puerto Rico are not eligible for the Mason Online MSN program. In addition, DC students must complete clinicals in Virginia.
Study Plan: George Mason University offers both part-time and full-time options for the MSN – FNP degree. The program may be completed in two years on a full-time basis or three years part-time. Courses are taught in 8-week modules. Students may begin the program in Fall, Summer, or Spring.
MSN – FNP Curriculum: The Mason Online MSN – FNP comprises 49 credits and includes over 500 hours of clinical practice time. Core MSN courses include Nursing Informatics Inquiry; Nursing Research and Biostatistics I-II; Organization of Nursing and Health Care Delivery Systems; and Theoretical and Ethical Foundations Related to Nursing.
The second level of core courses includes Community-Oriented Primary Care; Health Assessment in Clinical Practice; Decision Making and Pharmacologic Management in Practice; Physiology and Pathophysiology in Advanced Practice; and a Health Assessment Practicum.
The FNP concentration courses include Family Primary Care II-III and Family Primary Care Practicum II-III.
Online Experience: George Mason University utilizes Blackboard as its Online Learning Management System (LMS). Blackboard features several online interactive tools including discussion boards, blogs, chat rooms, and email. Courses may include recorded videos, readings, assignments, and assessments. Most courses are asynchronous with infrequent synchronous activities and require 8-12 hours of dedicated time per week. Online students have access to the same services as on-campus students such as academic advising, career counseling, admissions counseling, library services, and 24/7 technical support.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the MSN – FNP program is 100% online with practicums completed locally.
Paying for the George Mason University Online MSN – FNP Program
The GMU online MSN – FNP program tuition numbers are listed below, and do not include a per-credit distance learning fee or other fees. Interested parties should contact the George Mason University College of Health and Human Services for tuition and total cost clarifications.
George Mason University offers graduate student loans and financial aid according to the FAFSA which is required every year. Nursing students may also inquire as to a tuition reimbursement program through their employer. In addition, Mason Online students may pursue outside opportunities to fund their nursing degree.
Mason Online offers 100% online coursework with no campus visits and no GRE requirement, as well as a faculty of active practitioners who understand the current demands of the health care industry.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
440 University Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
49
500
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CO, CT, HI, IL, IN, IA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, WA, WI, WY
Program Tuition
49
$885.00
$43,365.00
$885.00
$43,365.00
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.