Pennsylvania Western University Online MSN-FNP
Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus. this program is offered jointly through Clarion and Edinboro campuses.
Most coursework is online and is delivered asynchronously with any synchronous sessions scheduled in advance. There are 34 hours of labs that are completed on campus in three to four campus visits. Students also complete their preceptorships at approved facilities local to them.
The FNP programs are designed to prepare nurses for service as nurse practitioners and promote lifelong learning and preparation for doctoral education. Graduates of these programs will be eligible to take the FNP certification exams through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Graduates will be able to utilize nursing, science, and humanities knowledge; operate from a professional, legal, ethical value system; utilize critical thinking skills and effective communication with patients, peers, and others; Investigate and evaluate practice through theory and scientific evidence; and advocate, collaborate, and effectively utilize resources in practice.
PennWest University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The online FNP programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Pennsylvania Western University has multiple Pennsylvania campuses, including Clarion and Edinboro, PA.
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What to Expect from the PennWest Online FNP Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the FNP programs must have a current, unrestricted RN license in the state in which they will complete their preceptorship, hold a BSN from an accredited program with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and have passed college-level statistics with a “C” or higher. Additionally, applicants should have one year of full-time or two years of part-time RN work experience equal to 2,000 hours.
Online applications require an application, non-refundable application fee, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a one- to two-page personal statement. In addition, students must provide a copy of their RN license. All students considered for admission will complete an online or phone interview in October of each year through the Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. No GRE or GMAT is required.
State Restrictions: PennWest University accepts students from all states except California into their MSN-FNP program. Applicants outside of Pennsylvania should check with their state Board of Nursing to be aware of the practicum requirements in their state while attending an out-of-state university.
Study Plan: The PennWest online FNP program is delivered both part-time and full-time, however part-time is advised by the university. The start date is in the Fall. Students come to the PennWest Edinboro campus for 30 hours of skill labs and a 4-hour lab session. These are spread over 3-4 campus visits. The MSN can be completed full-time in two years plus one summer, and part-time in three years plus one summer.
MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises 51 credits and at least 765 clinical hours. Courses include Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology; Pharmacologic Applications; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Health Assessment Practicum; Primary Care I & II, Primary Care I & II Practicums, and more.
Online Experience: Courses are typically delivered asynchronously with any synchronous sessions scheduled in advance. In addition, synchronous sessions are recorded and saved for viewing at a later time. Delivery materials may include lectures, course documents, individual and group assignments, assessments, discussion forums, Zoom video conferencing, and more.
On-Site Requirements: FNP students are required to come to the Edinboro, PA campus for 30 hours of skill labs and a 4-hour session focusing on minor procedures such as suturing. These hours are spread out over 3-4 campus visits. All other coursework is online and practicums are completed locally.
Paying for the PennWest Online FNP Program
PennWest University offers lower tuition for online students who are Pennsylvania residents. Estimated NP program tuition for both residents and non-residents is listed in the tables below. Prospective students should contact the university to verify tuition and fees.
Graduate students have access to federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans according to the FAFSA. Nursing students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program or tuition discounts. Clarion University of Pennsylvania students may also seek other opportunities to fund their FNP degree including outside scholarships and grants.
PennWest University offers an online MSN-FNP program that includes 3-4 visits for labs and local practicums.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
840 Wood Street
Clarion, Pennsylvania 16214
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3-4
51
765
ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
CA
Program Tuition
51
$557.00
$28,407.00
$568.00
$28,968.00
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.