Georgia Southern University Online NP Programs – FNP, PMHNP, AGNP

The School of Nursing at Georgia Southern University offers online Post-BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with four specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Campus visits vary depending on the program and specialization with the DNP program requiring three to seven visits and the certificate programs requiring one visit. Students must also complete clinical preceptorships in Georgia within 250 miles of the Statesboro campus.

The Post-BSN-to-DNP program is unique in that students may opt out after their final clinical specialization course and receive an MSN degree in their chosen nurse practitioner specialization. This would include the completion of 43 credits and 720 clinical hours. Students who choose this option are eligible to sit for their national NP certification exam and have an additional four years to reapply and complete the DNP courses to earn their DNP degree, should they so desire.

The MSN portion of the Post-BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in five semesters on a full-time basis or eight semesters part-time. The Post-BSN-to-DNP program includes 77 credits and 1,350 clinical hours. It takes about 14 semesters or almost five years to complete. Students may complete the program more quickly by taking more courses per semester. The certificates require the completion of 19 credits plus 630 clinical hours and can be completed in three to five semesters.

Graduates of the FNP and AGPCNP specializations are eligible to take the FNP and AGPCNP certification exams through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Graduates of the PMHNP and AGACNP specializations are eligible to take the PMHNP or AGACNP certification exams through the ANCC.

Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA.

What to Expect from the Georgia Southern University Online NP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the nursing programs at Georgia Southern University must hold an unrestricted RN license in their state of residence. International students must show proof of English language through the appropriate TOEFL or IELTS score.

Current Georgia RN license. Out-of-state students must obtain a Georgia RN license for campus portions. One year of full-time registered nurse clinical employment is required prior to entering the Advanced Health Assessment course. Proof of full-time clinical nursing employment is required via resume or CV with work history noted.

One year of Critical Care Nursing employment is required for the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner track within the previous three years.

Once students begin the Advanced Practice Core as described above, all clinicals must be completed in the state of Georgia within a 250 miles radius of the Georgia Southern University Statesboro campus.

Application materials include a College of Graduate Studies online application with fee, official transcripts, proof of RN licensure, a resume or CV, three professional letters of recommendation, the Georgia Southern University Health Services form, and proof of AHA Level C CPR certification. No GRE is required.

  • Post-BSN-to-DNP Requirements: Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a nationally accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; have completed undergraduate statistics and an undergraduate physical assessment course with a grade of C or higher
  • Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements: Hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a nationally accredited program with national certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP, ANP, AGPCNP, FNP, GNP, PNP, PMHNP, WHCNP)
  • State Restrictions: All clinicals must be completed in Georgia within 250 miles of the Statesboro campus. Therefore the program is essentially restricted to GA residents.

Study Plan: Post-BSN-to-DNP students who opt out with an MSN can complete the degree in five semesters full-time or eight semesters part-time. Post-BSN-to-DNP students can complete the degree in about 14 semesters or quicker with more courses per semester. Post-Master’s Certificate students can complete the program in three to five semesters.

The nurse practitioner programs begin in the Fall. The curriculum is 100 percent online plus clinicals in Georgia and varying campus visits depending on the program and specialization.

Post-BSN-to-DNP Curriculum: The Post-BSN-to-DNP program includes the following core courses for all specializations: Theoretical Basis for Clinical Scholarship; Research Design and Dissemination; Psychodynamics of Health; Epidemiology; Role Transition for APRN; Health Policy Concerns in Delivery Systems; Informatics; Pathophysiology and Differential Diagnosis; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical; and Capstone Practice and Professional Issues.

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Courses: The FNP MSN Opt-Out program comprises 43 credits plus 720 clinical hours. In addition to the core curriculum, FNP students take FNP 1 – Pediatrics; FNP 2 – Woman’s Health; FNP 3 – Adult and Gerontology. A corresponding clinical course is included for FNP 1-3 courses.
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Courses: The PMHNP MSN Opt-Out program comprises 43 credits plus 720 clinical hours. The program includes the core curriculum plus the following courses: Vulnerable Populations; PMHNP 1 – Mental Health Care of the Individual; PMHNP 2 – Mental Health Care of the Individual and Family with Substance Abuse; and PMHNP 3 – Complex Health Care of Special Populations. A corresponding clinical course is included for each PMHNP focus course.
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Courses: The AGACNP MSN Opt-Out program comprises 43 credits plus 720 clinical hours. In addition to the core curriculum above AGACNP students take Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I-III plus corresponding clinicals.
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Courses: The AGPCNP MSN Opt-Out program comprises 43 credits plus 720 clinical hours. Along with the core curriculum, AGPCNP students take Adult-Gerontology Primary Care I-III plus corresponding clinicals.
  • DNP Courses: The full Post-BSN-to-DNP program comprises 77 credits plus 1,350 clinical hours. Along with the MSN portion listed above, DNP courses include Scholarly Writing at the Graduate Level; Biometrics; Biomedical Ethics; Outcomes Management; Role Transition for DNP Prepared APRNs; Population Focused Collaborative Initiative; Leadership and Management in Practice Transformation; Clinical Project 1-3; plus three electives.

Post-Master’s Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Curriculum: The FNP certificate program comprises 19 credits plus 630 clinical hours. Courses include Health Promotion, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Management: Nurse Practitioner I-II and Practicums; Life Assessment and Clinical Management: Women’s Health and Practicum; and Health Promotion Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Children and Adolescents and Practicum.

Post-Master’s Certificate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Curriculum: The PMHNP certificate program comprises 19 credits plus 630 clinical hours. Courses include Psychopharmacology; Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care I-II and Practicums; Interpersonal Treatment Modalities for Advanced Practice Nursing and Practicum; and Internship in Advanced Nursing Practice.

Post-Master’s Certificate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Curriculum: The AGACNP Certificate comprises 19 credits plus 630 clinical hours. Courses include Psychodynamics of Health; Capstone Practice and Professional Issues; and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I-III and corresponding clinicals.

Post-Master’s Certificate Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Curriculum: The AGPCNP Certificate comprises 19 credits plus 630 clinical hours. Courses include Psychodynamics of Health; Capstone Practice and Professional Issues; and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care I-III and corresponding clinicals.

Online Experience: Georgia Southern University utilizes iLearn through D2L Brightspace as their online Learning Management System (LMS). Within iLearn, students have the ability to access course materials, syllabi, email, grades, assignments, and assessments. As well, discussion boards and activities are available through D2L. Courses are delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Most work is asynchronous, however, some courses include live sessions.

Online students have access to individual academic advising, career services, financial aid counseling, tutoring, technical support, library services, and mentoring. Georgia Southern University also offers student services through the Center for Academic Success.

On-Site Requirements: The nurse practitioner programs require varying numbers of campus visits depending on the program and specialization. Clinicals are completed in Georgia.

Paying for the Georgia Southern University Online NP Programs

Georgia Southern University online NP program tuition is listed in the tables below. Fees and travel expenses for any campus visits are not included in tuition costs. Prospective students should contact the Georgia Southern University School of Nursing for cost clarifications and updates.

Georgia Southern University graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans through the FAFSA. Other options for funding include private loans, outside scholarships and grants, and the possibility of tuition discounts or tuition reimbursement programs through employers.

Georgia Southern University

APRN Programs

Post-BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-MSN Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Campus Address

PO Box 8158
Statesboro, Georgia 30460

Georgia Southern University – Post-BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

4

Credits Needed to Graduate

77

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,350

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

77

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$29,953.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$29,953.00

Georgia Southern University – Post-BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

4

Credits Needed to Graduate

77

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,350

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

77

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$29,953.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$29,953.00

Georgia Southern University – Post-BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

7

Credits Needed to Graduate

77

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,350

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

77

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$29,953.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$29,953.00

Georgia Southern University – Post-BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

77

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,350

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

77

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$29,953.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$389.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$29,953.00

Georgia Southern University – Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

19

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

19

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$6,802.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$6,802.00

Georgia Southern University – Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

19

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

19

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$6,802.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$6,802.00

Georgia Southern University – Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

19

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

19

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$6,802.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$6,802.00

Georgia Southern University – Post-MSN Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

19

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

DC, NY, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

19

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$6,802.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$358.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$6,802.00

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

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara 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.