Herzing University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP

What to Expect from the Herzing University Online NP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Herzing online NP programs must have a current, unrestricted RN license in the state in which they live, or have a multi-state, compact state license for residents of compact license states. All applicants complete an interview with an admissions representative or the graduate program chair. As part of the admissions process, students must have the proper immunizations, pass health checks, required drug tests, and background checks. Online applications include an application fee, transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. In addition, students must provide a copy of their RN license. No GRE or GMAT is required.

• Program Specific Admission Requirements
• MSN: Hold a BSN from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; it is expected that licensed RNs have clinical experience
• Accelerated RN to MSN: Hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma from an accredited program with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Post-Master’s NP Certificate: Hold an MSN degree from an accredited institution; it is expected that licensed RNs have clinical experience

State Restrictions: Herzing University accepts students from most states into the NP programs, however, in certain states it has not been determined whether the programs meet state requirements. The following states are undetermined for all specializations: Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, Herzing University has not determined eligibility for the PMHNP and AGPCNP specializations in the following states: Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and Tennessee. As always it is the student’s responsibility to verify enrollment eligibility with the institution as well as verify practicum requirements with their state Board of Nursing.

Study Plan: The Herzing University online NP programs offer start dates six times per year. The MSN – FNP and AGPCNP programs can be completed in just 20 months or five semesters on a full-time basis. The MSN – PMHNP takes about 24 months.

The accelerated RN to MSN program takes 24 months to complete. Students do not earn a BSN in this accelerated program. There is also an RN to BSN to MSN program pathway for students interested in earning both a BSN and MSN degree which takes about 32 months to complete.

The Post-Master’s Certificate FNP program takes 16 to 20 months, with 16 months for full-time, and 18 to 20 months for part-time. The PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate takes 20 months to complete.

Herzing University has dedicated clinical coordinators who help students secure approved clinical sites and preceptors for clinical practicums. This is possible through their Clinical Guidance Process along with established relationships with healthcare providers across the country. Students complete the required courses online and participate in 585 to 675 hours of clinical practicum depending on their specialization. Each specialization features a 180-hour immersion experience that prepares graduates to earn their first job as a nurse practitioner.

Students also have access to two preparation courses to improve their success: the Clinical Readiness Course prepares students to be successful in the five clinical practicums; the Virtual Bootcamp helps prepare students for the NP certification exams.

MSN Curriculum: The online MSN program concentrations comprise 48 credits. FNP students complete at least 675 clinical hours, AGPCNP students complete 585 clinical hours, and PMHNP students complete 540 clinical hours. Core courses and direct care courses for all specializations include Health Policy and Management; Theoretical Foundations for Nursing; Technology in Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice; Organizational Systems and Behaviors; Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Advanced Pharmacology.

FNP concentration courses include Health Promotion Across the Lifespan; Adult Health Care; Roles for Nurse Practitioners; Geriatric Health Care; Health Care of Women Across the Lifespan; and Health Care of Infants, Children, and Adolescents.

AGACNP concentration courses include Health Promotion Across the Lifespan; Roles for Nurse Practitioners; Women’s Health for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner I-II; and AGPCNP Practicum.

PMHNP concentration courses include Roles for Nurse Practitioners; Advanced Psychopharmacology and Health Promotion; Clinical Decision-Making in Psychiatric Mental Health; Counseling and Psychotherapy; Psychiatric Mental Healthcare I-II; and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum.

Accelerated RN to MSN Curriculum: The accelerated RN to MSN program with FNP, AGPCNP, and PMHNP concentrations comprises 64 credits including the entire MSN curriculum plus the following bridge courses: English Composition II; Statistics; Nursing Leadership and Management; Community Health Nursing; and Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice. Graduates of this program do not earn a BSN. Those interested in earning both a BSN and MSN should check into the RN to BSN to MSN program.

Post-Master’s FNP and PMHNP Certificate Curriculum: The online Post-Master’s FNP and PMHNP Certificate programs require completion of 33 credits and at least 675 clinical hours for FNPs and 540 for PMHNPs. There is no AGPCNP certificate offered at this time. Direct Care courses include Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Advanced Pharmacology. FNP and PMHNP concentration courses follow the MSN pathways as listed above.

Online Experience: Herzing University FNP students begin with an online orientation to familiarize themselves with the online platform. Herzing utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are mainly delivered asynchronously with any synchronous sessions scheduled in advance. Resources may include recorded lectures, readings, assignments, assessments, discussion forums, video conferencing, and chat rooms. Student services include admissions counseling and faculty office hours, an online library, an online bookstore, career counseling, online tutoring, and 24/7 technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the program courses are 100 percent online with practicums completed locally. Students are welcome to visit one of the Herzing University campuses around the country and to participate in graduation.