Gonzaga University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, PMHNP

The School of Nursing and Human Physiology at Gonzaga University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializations. These programs require five to eight campus visits depending on the specialization and completion of local preceptorships.

Students can enter the MSN and DNP programs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an RN license and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree will need to take up to four foundational nursing courses before beginning the graduate MSN or DNP programs. As well, students can earn a second master’s degree through the MSN program.

Gonzaga University is a Jesuit university following the value of Cura Personalis which includes educating the entire person including body, mind, and spirit. Graduates are known for their outstanding preparation for nursing positions with skills in system improvement, quality improvement, organizational change, teamwork, collaboration, solving health policy issues, and evidence-based practice and research.

Students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are accepted into the Gonzaga nurse practitioner programs. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for entry into the MSN program and 3.3 for the DNP program. Designed for working nurses, the online programs provide maximum flexibility. During clinicals, however, it is recommended that students work no more than 20 hours per week outside of clinical hours.

Family nurse practitioners care for patients across the lifespan from infants to the elderly, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic health issues, and focusing on disease prevention and education. Graduates are eligible to take the FNP certification exam through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). FNPs may work in primary care facilities, schools, government facilities, and home health care situations.

Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners work with patients across the lifespan with mental health issues. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat patients through psychiatric/mental health modalities. PMHNPs also prescribe medications when necessary. PMHNPs may work with individuals, families, and groups in counseling, school, and rehabilitative facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam through the ANCC.

Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, Washington.

What to Expect from the Gonzaga University Online NP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the nursing programs at Gonzaga University must have an unrestricted RN license in their state of residence in approved states. BSN degrees must be from a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing program, and all undergraduate degrees must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher for MSN programs and 3.3 or higher for DNP programs. No GRE or GMAT is required. A phone interview may be requested.

Application materials include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation for the MSN and three for the DNP, a statement of purpose, current RN license, current resume or CV, and transfer credit form if applicable.

State Restrictions: Gonzaga University must procure authorization from states outside of WA for students to participate in the online nursing programs. Authorization for the nurse practitioner specializations has been granted for Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Study Plan: The MSN-FNP and PMHNP programs are designed to be completed in nine semesters. The BSN to DNP program typically takes five years to complete. MSN core courses last eight weeks while nurse practitioner core and specialty courses last 16 weeks in the Fall and Spring and 12 weeks in the Summer. Some pathways begin in the Fall, Spring, and Summer while others begin in May and August.

The Clinical Operations Group (COG) helps students secure clinical placement sites and the necessary preceptors and paperwork. Students must provide their own transportation to and from clinical sites and should calculate this cost in addition to tuition. Clinical sites should be secured at locations outside of the current workplace to expand networking and learn and grow in additional environments. Exceptions may be made with faculty approval.

Clinical practicums are completed local to the student in approved states. Students can continue to work, although the recommendation is to work no more than 20 hours per week during FNP and PMHNP clinicals.

MSN Core Curriculum: MSN core courses for both specializations and all entry points are Information Technology and Data Management; Theoretical Foundations for Healthcare Improvement; Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety; Contemporary Health Care Environment; and Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations.

Nurse practitioner core courses include Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Health Assessment: Advanced Nursing Practice; and Advanced Health Assessment Practicum.

RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree must take additional courses such as Statistics; Community Health Nursing; Research; and Community Health Practicum.

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Curriculum: The FNP track comprises 47 credits plus 660 clinical hours for BSN to MSN and second master’s degree earners, and 59 credits for RNs with non-nursing bachelor’s entry. In addition to the core curriculum above FNP students take Primary Care: Adult/Geriatric I-II and Practicums I-II; Primary Care: Infant, Child, and Adolescent and Practicum; and Primary Care: Gender-Based and Practicum.

MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Curriculum: The PMHNP track comprises 47 credits plus 660 clinical hours for BSN to MSN and second master’s degree programs, and 59 credits for the non-nursing bachelor’s entry. The program includes the core curriculum plus the following courses: Psychopharmacology; Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts I-III and Practicums I-III; and Psychiatric-Mental Health Practicum Extension.

BSN to DNP Curriculum: The BSN to DNP program requires the completion of 78 credits and 1,000 practicum hours. RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s take an additional 12 credits for a total of 90 credits. In addition to the courses listed above for the MSN, DNP courses include Introduction to the DNP Role; Inferential Statistics; Quality Improvement and Leadership in Healthcare; Translational Research and Advanced Practice; Population Health Outcomes; Theoretical Underpinnings of Advanced Practice; Health Policy, Ethics, and Advocacy; DNP Project Readiness; DNP Project Seminar I-III; and DNP Practicum I-III.

Online Experience: The online nurse practitioner programs are delivered asynchronously with the flexibility of 24/7 login access. Online students will need a computer or laptop, microphone, headset, and Microsoft Office. Student support is offered 6 days per week. Students also have access to a faculty advisor, the Foley Library, the IT Help Desk, Grad Student Association, Career Center, University Ministry, and disability access.

On-Site Requirements: The nurse practitioner programs require five to eight campus visits to Spokane, WA. Campus immersions consist of Culminating Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCEs) which include a focused history and exam of an example patient including diagnosis, differential diagnoses, and a plan of care. Visits are as follows:

  • MSN-FNP: 6 visits
  • MSN-PMHNP: 5 visits
  • DNP-FNP: 8 visits
  • DNP-PMHNP: 7 visits 

DNP visits average one per semester in the fifth through twelfth semesters. For ID, MT, OR, and WA, faculty will visit sites during each practicum course for the MSN-FNP. Students living in approved states outside of ID, MT, OR, and WA need to add an additional day during the MSN-FNP immersions for each practicum course to fulfill the faculty site visit requirement.

PMHNP students will have at least three site visits from faculty during practicum courses. More visits may be required in some instances. All other coursework is online with clinical preceptorships local to the student.

Paying for the Gonzaga University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Gonzaga University online NP program tuition is listed in the tables below. Travel expenses for the immersions are not included in tuition costs. Interested students should contact the Gonzaga University School of Nursing and Human Physiology for cost clarifications and updates.

Graduate students may seek funding through unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans through the FAFSA, tuition reimbursement programs or tuition discounts through employers, and outside grants and scholarships. There may also be graduate scholarships available through the Gonzaga Financial Aid Office.

Gonzaga University

APRN Programs

BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN (Second Master's Degree) – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN (Second Master's Degree) – Psychiatric Mental Health NP
MSN – Family NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Campus Address

502 East Boone Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99258

Gonzaga University – BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

8

Credits Needed to Graduate

78

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.3 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

78

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$88,920.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$88,920.00

Gonzaga University – 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, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

7

Credits Needed to Graduate

78

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.3 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

78

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$88,920.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$88,920.00

Gonzaga University – MSN (Second Master's Degree) – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May, August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

6

Credits Needed to Graduate

35

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

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…)

AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

35

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$53,580.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$53,580.00

Gonzaga University – MSN (Second Master's Degree) – Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

5

Credits Needed to Graduate

35

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

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…)

AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

35

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$53,580.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$53,580.00

Gonzaga University – MSN – Family NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May, August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

6

Credits Needed to Graduate

62

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

Yes (MAT Required)

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

62

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$67,260.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$67,260.00

Gonzaga University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May, August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

6

Credits Needed to Graduate

47

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

Yes (MAT Required)

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

47

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$53,580.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$53,580.00

Gonzaga University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May, August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

5

Credits Needed to Graduate

62

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

Yes (MAT Required)

GPA Required?

3.0 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

62

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$67,260.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$67,260.00

Gonzaga University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May, August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

5

Credits Needed to Graduate

47

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

Yes (MAT Required)

GPA Required?

3.0 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

47

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$53,580.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,160.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$53,580.00

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.