Rockhurst University Online NP Programs: AGACNP, FNP, and Dual-Track MSN

What to Expect from the Rockhurst University Online NP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN-FNP, MSN-AGACNP, and MSN dual-track programs must hold a BSN from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher plus an active RN license. Application materials include an application, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Applicants to the FNP or AGACNP post-graduate certificate program must hold an MSN degree from an accredited institution with the same requirements as listed for the above programs.

No GRE or work experience is required although nurses typically have nursing experience upon entering the program.

State Restrictions: Rockhurst University accepts students from Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Students outside of Missouri should inquire with the Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Rockhurst University and their state Board of Nursing to determine licensure requirements and out-of-state distance learning eligibility.

Study Plan: Start dates for the FNP programs land in the fall, spring, and summer. Students move through as a cohort with either a part-time or full-time plan. The MSN-FNP and MSN-AGACNP programs take six semesters to complete full-time or eight semesters on a part-time basis. The FNP and AGACNP post-graduate certificate programs take four semesters to complete. The MSN dual-track program takes eight semesters to complete full-time or ten semesters part-time. 

The AGACNP and the FNP/AGACNP programs require attendance at two campus immersions, while the FNP programs require completion of one campus immersion and one virtual immersion. Clinicals are completed local to the student and clinical placement services are available.

MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises 49 credits plus 600 clinical hours. Core courses include professional roles, quality and safety for advanced nursing practice; theoretical foundations in nursing practice; advanced pathophysiology and disease states; policy, organization, and leadership; advanced healthcare research; advanced pharmacology; health promotion, health protection, and disease prevention; advanced health assessment and physical diagnosis; informatics for advanced nursing practice; and applied statistics for advanced nursing practice.

FNP specialty courses include family nurse practitioner  I-III: diagnostics and intervention;  family nurse practitioner I-III:  diagnostics and intervention practicum; women’s and child health for FNP: diagnostic and intervention; mental health for family nurse practitioners; and family nurse practitioner immersion  I-II.

MSN – AGACNP Curriculum: The online MSN – AGACNP program comprises 49 credits plus 600 clinical hours. Core courses follow those for the MSN-FNP program. Specialty courses include advanced acute care topics; adult-gerontology acute care  I-III: diagnostics and intervention; adult-gerontology acute care  I-III: diagnostics and intervention practicum; and advanced acute care immersion  I-II. 

MSN Dual Track – FNP/AGACNP Curriculum: The online MSN Dual Track – FNP/AGACNP program comprises 62 credits plus 1,000 clinical hours. The core courses listed in the MSN-FNP curriculum section are completed by dual-track students and several courses from the specialty courses listed for the FNP and AGACNP curricula. 

AGACNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: This program includes completing at least 20 credits, including the AGACNP specialty courses, plus 600 adult-gerontology acute care clinical hours. Other necessary courses will be determined through a Gap Analysis.

FNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: FNP certificate students must complete at least 20 credits, including the FNP specialty courses and any other courses determined through a Gap Analysis.

Online Experience: Rockhurst University’s online nursing programs have both synchronous and asynchronous components. Students can ask questions and interact with fellow students and faculty through live sessions. Each student is assigned to a dedicated student success adviser who works with students throughout the program. There are also optional Zoom sessions for classes and social groups for students. Resources for online students include: 

• The Aylward-Cunn Learning Center offers online tutoring, study skills help, and virtual group study sessions. 
• eLearning helps students through email with the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and Zoom.
• The Help Desk assists with technology issues.
• The Love in Action program offers grants to cover the costs of computers and equipment needed for online learning and textbooks and other costs.
• The Greenlease Library offers online research guidance through virtual librarians.

Other services may include academic advising, career counseling, and faculty office hours.

On-Site Requirements: The AGACNP and dual-track MSN programs require attendance at one clinical immersion at the Kansas City, Rockhurst campus and one virtual immersion. At these Advanced Acute Care Immersions students complete simulations, receive hands-on training in AGNP nursing skills, and complete objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) to demonstrate competencies. 

The FNP programs require attendance at one, two-day clinical immersion at the Rockhurst campus and one virtual synchronous immersion. As with the AGACNP immersions, students practice skills, complete simulations, and complete OSCEs. All other coursework is online with local clinicals.