Samford University Online NP Programs

What to Expect

Admission Requirements: No GRE or GMAT is required for these programs. Application materials for all programs include a video submission, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose first language was not English must submit proof of English language proficiency.

The following is also required for each program path:

• BSN to MSN: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Also, applicants must have completed an undergraduate nursing research course with a grade of C or higher and an undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B or higher.
• ADN to MSN: Applicants must have an Associate of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Also, applicants must have completed at least 72 credits of college-level coursework which meet the general education prerequisite requirements.
• DNP: Applicants must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) from a nationally accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. ENP and PMHNP applicants must hold national FNP licensure to apply.
• Post-Master’s Certificates: Applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from an accredited program and an unencumbered RN license. FNP applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. PMHNP applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher plus hold national FNP certification. ENP applicants must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA plus hold national FNP certification, and emergency room or critical care work experience is preferred.

State Restrictions: While Samford University accepts students from most states, applicants outside of Alabama should check with the nursing admissions department to make sure they are eligible for the nursing programs. Samford University is not able to offer online programs that include on-ground experiences or field experiences to residents of California, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, and Oregon.

It is highly recommended that students also contact the licensing board of their specific state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.

Study Plan: The MSN – FNP begins in January and August and can be completed in five to six semesters or about two years depending on point of entry. The MSN – ENP begins in January only and can be completed in seven semesters or a little over two years. The Dual MSN – FNP/PMHNP begins in August only and can be completed in seven semesters.

The ADN to MSN programs begin in May only. The FNP specialization can be completed in eight semesters or a little under three years, while the FNP with ENP and dual FNP/PMHNP specializations can be completed in three years.

The DNP – FNP program begins in January and August and takes approximately two years to complete full-time, or three years on a part-time basis. The DNP – ENP and PMHNP programs begin in May only and take about two years to complete.

The FNP Post-Master’s Certificate begins in January and August and can be completed in four semesters taking two courses per session. Plans of study depend on a Gap analysis and times for completion vary. The ENP and PMHNP Certificates begin in January only and can be completed in one year taking one to two courses per session.

Students in all specializations and program paths come to campus one to five times depending on their program and complete clinical practicums at approved local sites.

BSN to MSN Curriculum: The BSN to MSN nurse practitioner specializations include a range of credits from 42 to 59, depending on the path and entry point chosen. Core courses comprise 12 credits and include the following courses: Population Health and Policy; Research, Theory, and Quality Improvement; Statistics for Advanced Practice Nursing; and Ethical Leadership and Collaboration.

• MSN – FNP: Family Nurse Practitioner courses comprise 30 credits of the program and may include Common Diagnostics and Procedures; Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology; Advanced Physical Assessment; Family Practice I: Care of Adults; Family Practice II: Care of Women; Family Practice III: Care of Children; Family Practice IV: Practicum; and Pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs. When earning the MSN – FNP by itself, the program includes 42 credits and 660 clinical hours.
• MSN – FNP with ENP: The MSN – FNP with ENP comprises a total of 54 credits plus 1,020 clinical hours. In addition to the FNP courses, ENP courses span 12 credits and include Emergency Care I-II and Emergency Care Clinical I-II.
• Dual MSN – FNP/PMHNP: The MSN – FNP/PMHNP track comprises a total of 59 credits plus 1,200 clinical hours. In addition to the FNP courses, dual degree students complete 17 PMHNP courses including Psychiatric Mental Health I-III and Psychiatric Mental Health II-III Clinicals.

RN to MSN Curriculum: The RN to MSN bridge courses comprise 15 credits and include Transition to Professional Nursing Practice; Health Assessment; Clinical Prevention and Population Health; Leadership and Management; and Healthcare Research and Introduction to Statistics. All other courses follow those listed above for the BSN to MSN pathways.

With this entry point, the FNP program alone includes a total of 57 credits and 660 clinical hours. The FNP with ENP includes 69 credits and 1,020 clinical hours. And the Dual FNP/PMHNP includes 74 credits plus 1,200 clinical hours.

DNP Curriculum: The MSN to DNP program options vary from 37 to 52 credits plus clinical hours. The DNP core courses comprise 24 credits and may include Theory and Philosophy of Nursing Practice; Biostatistics; Methods for Evidence-Based Practice; Information Systems and Technology; Leadership, Economics, and Quality; Policy for Population Health; Advanced Practice Practicum I; and DNP Project I-II.

Students in each track then take the courses listed above in the BSN section. The DNP – FNP includes a total of 52 credits plus 670 clinical hours. The ENP track includes a total of 37 credits plus 540 clinical hours. The PMHNP track includes a total of 41 credits plus 600 clinical hours.

Post-Master’s Certificate FNP Curriculum: The FNP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises 30 credits plus 660 clinical hours and is designed for those who hold an MSN degree without an NP specialty. Courses follow the FNP courses listed above for the BSN to MSN.

Post-Master’s Certificate ENP Curriculum: The ENP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises 12 credits plus 360 clinical hours and is designed for those who already hold an MSN degree with an FNP specialty. Courses include Emergency Care I-II and Emergency Care Clinical I-II.

Post-Master’s Certificate PMHNP Curriculum: The PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises 17 credits plus 540 clinical hours and is designed for those who hold an MSN degree with an FNP specialty. Courses include Psychiatric Mental Health I-III and Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical II-III.

Online Experience: Samford University delivers and manages courses through Blackboard Learn CE8. Several workshops are offered to help students navigate the system. Samford offers cutting-edge distance learning in a mostly asynchronous environment. Faculty members give personal support to students throughout their programs.

Online students have access to the Samford Academic Success Center which provides consultations with students to further their academic goals and to help find the resources necessary to be successful in their program. Services through the success center may include tutoring, study tips, educational resources, and other student support. As well, online students have access to the Samford Career Development Center which provides online assessments, a career library, and assistance with resumes, finding jobs, and other resources. Other online student services include an online library and bookstore, the Communication Resource Center (CRC), counseling services, disability services, the Technology in Learning Center (TLC), and the Office of Spiritual Life.

On-Site Requirements: All graduate nursing students come to the Birmingham, Alabama campus at least once throughout their programs. MSN and DNP students attend sessions three to four times while certificate students come to campus once. ADN to MSN students come to campus four to five times throughout their programs.