Marymount University Online NP Programs

What to Expect

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN-FNP and BSN-to-DNP programs must hold a BSN from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. These applicants must have at least one year of RN experience past the bachelor’s degree. Post-master’s certificate applicants must hold an MSN. All applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license in their state of practice. 

International students must provide proof of English language proficiency and hold an unencumbered U.S. RN license. Course evaluations may be necessary for foreign transcripts or courses transferred into the programs.

Applications must include official transcripts, a resume or curriculum vitae, and proof of RN licensure in the U.S. No GRE is required. Other items may be required, such as a personal essay and references.

State Restrictions: Marymount University accepts students from several states and Washington D.C with the following exceptions: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Students outside of Virginia should inquire with the Malek School of Nursing Professions at Marymount University and their state Board of Nursing to determine licensure requirements and out-of-state distance learning eligibility.

Study Plan: Start dates for the NP programs land in the fall, spring, and summer. The MSN-FNP program can be completed in seven semesters, and the programs are only offered part-time. The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in a little over three years. The post-master’s certificate can be completed in 20 months. Students attend one to two campus residencies during the programs. Clinicals are completed locally, and students have access to free clinical placement services.

MSN-FNP Curriculum: The online MSN-FNP program comprises 45 credits plus 700 clinical hours. Courses include population health; advanced pharmacology; theoretical, ethical, and professional foundations of advanced nursing practice; advanced pathophysiology; leadership, quality, and ethics in healthcare; advanced assessment and health screening for the family nurse practitioner; healthcare data analysis; advanced assessment and health screening for the family nurse practitioner; introduction to primary care of the family; primary care of the family I-II;  evidence-based practice; innovative models of care delivery; and policy and advocacy in healthcare. 

BSN-to-DNP FNP Curriculum: The online BSN-to-DNP FNP program comprises 70 credits and requires the completion of at least 1,200 clinical hours. 700 of these hours are gained through family nurse practitioner clinicals. The rest must be earned in the DNP practicum. In addition to the courses listed for the MSN-FNP program, BSN-to-DNP FNP students complete epidemiology; research methods and applications; multivariate analysis; accounting basics for healthcare managers; residency; doctoral project; and independent study. 

Post-Master’s Certificate FNP Curriculum: The online post-master’s FNP certificate comprises 30 credits plus 700 clinical hours. Courses include population health; advanced pharmacology; advanced pathophysiology; leadership, quality, and ethics in healthcare; advanced assessment and health screening for the family nurse practitioner; introduction to primary care of the family; and primary care of the family I-II.

Online Experience: Marymount online programs offer mostly asynchronous coursework with some synchronous elements. Through the Canvas learning management system (LMS), students log in and complete assignments, take assessments, participate in discussion boards and access any synchronous activities. Students communicate with instructors through email, discussion boards, and during online office hours and the two campus residencies. 

Student services may include technical support, a student success advisor, online tutoring, career counseling, academic advising, library and bookstore services, and disability services.

On-Site Requirements: The FNP and the BSN to DNP-PMHNP programs require attendance at two campus residencies in Arlington, VA. The first residency takes place before the beginning of clinical experiences. Lasting two to three days, the first residency seeks to allow students to practice advanced health assessment skills. Students will observe and conduct a head-to-toe physical examination. In addition, students may work with genitourinary teaching assistants who will guide students in performing rectal, prostate, breast, testicular, and GYN examinations under their supervision. 

The second residency offers the opportunity to participate in a primary care patient experience in which common patient complaints and diseases are identified and addressed. Other activities include an OB/GYN workshop and skills practice, a simulation of office experiences in the primary care setting, and training for common office procedures. Students also meet with a Congress member to discuss health policy. MSN-PMHNP and PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate students come to campus once. All other coursework is online with local clinicals.