University of Connecticut Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

What to Expect from The University of Connecticut Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admission Requirements: All applicants must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the required degree as well as hold an unencumbered RN license in the state where clinicals will be completed. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner applicants must have at least two years of full-time RN work experience in a level three neonatal intensive care unit. All applicants must have completed at least 2,080 direct patient care hours prior to application. No GRE is required. Proof of English language proficiency if applicable.

• MSN Requirements: Earned BSN, Graduate School application and fee, proof of RN licensure, written response to required questions, three letters of reference, current resume, unofficial transcripts, proof of required direct care RN experience hours.
• BSN-to-DNP Requirements: Earned BSN, Graduate School application and fee, proof of RN licensure, three letters of reference, current resume/CV, official transcripts, proof of required direct care RN experience hours, answers to essay questions.
• Post-Graduate Certificate Requirements: Earned MSN, Graduate School application and fee, proof of RN licensure, three letters of recommendation, current resume/CV.

State Restrictions: UConn is authorized to offer the online NP programs in all states, however licensure requirements may not be met in all states. The AGACNP, AGPCNP, NNP, and FNP programs meet state requirements in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The NNP program also meets licensure in California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Students outside of Connecticut should inquire with the UConn School of Nursing as well as their State Board of Nursing to determine eligibility for NP licensure.

Study Plans: The MSN programs can be completed in four to five semesters on a full-time basis, or seven to eight semesters part-time. The BSN-to-DNP can be completed in about nine to 10 semesters on a full-time basis, or 13 on a part-time basis. The Post-Master’s Certificate Programs can be completed in about five semesters. Campus visit requirements vary depending on the specialization.

The NNP specialization admits students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. All other specializations admit students in the Fall only. The MSN – AGACNP, AGPCNP, and FNP specializations require passage of a final exam. NNP students must participate in an intensive immersion experience which is simulation-based.

The MSN requires the completion of 720 supervised clinical hours. The BSN to DNP requires fulfillment of at least 1,000 supervised clinical hours, submission of a scholarly portfolio, and completion of a general exam and DNP project.

MSN Core Curriculum: Core courses for the MSN specializations include Nursing Science and Patterns of Knowing; Statistical Methods in Nursing; Nursing Research in Advanced Practice; Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan; Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (or Neonatal Population-focus for NNPs); Advanced Pharmacodynamics and Implications for Nursing Actions; Health Promotion, Prevention, and Common Health Problems in APN Practice; Application of Genetics to Health Care; and Health Policy and Population-Based Advocacy for the Scholarship of Application.

• MSN – NNP Curriculum: The MSN – NNP comprises 44 credits and requires the completion of at least 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Advanced Embryology and Neonatal Physiology; Advanced Neonatal Nursing Theory I-III; and Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum I-III.
• MSN – AGACNP Curriculum: The MSN – AGACNP comprises 45 credits plus at least 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Common and Chronic Health Problems in APN Practice II; Common and Comorbid Health Problems in AGNP Acute Care Practice III; APN Clinical Practicum I; and AGNP Acute Care Clinical Practicum II-III.
• MSN – AGPCNP Curriculum: The MSN – AGPCNP comprises 45 credits plus at least 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Common and Chronic Health Problems in APN Practice II; Common and Comorbid Health Problems in APN Primary Care Practice III; Complex and Comorbid Health Problems in APN Primary Care Practice IV; APN Clinical Practicum I; and AGNP Primary Care Clinical Practicum II-III.
• MSN – FNP Curriculum: The MSN – FNP comprises 48 credits plus at least 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Management of Childbearing Women and Children; Common and Chronic Health Problems in APN Practice II; Common and Comorbid Health Problems in APN Primary Care Practice III; Complex and Comorbid Health Problems in APN Primary Care Practice IV; APN Clinical Practicum I; and FNP Primary Care Clinical Practicum II-II.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s Certificates follow the specialty courses for the MSN, plus Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Advanced Pharmacodynamics and Implications for Nursing Actions; Health Promotion, Prevention, and Common Health Problems in APN Practice; and Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan. Any courses completed previously may be waived upon approval of the School of Nursing. The AGACNP and AGPCNP certificates comprise 30 credits, the NNP certificate comprises 29 credits, and the FNP certificate comprises 36 credits. As with the MSN program, at least 720 clinical hours must be completed.

BSN to DNP Curriculum: The BSN to DNP requires the completion of 72 to 76 credits depending on the specialization. The MSN portion of the program follows the courses listed for the MSN and specializations.

DNP courses include Evidence-Based Practice; Quality and Organizational/Systems; Health Service Statistics and Research Methods; Scientific and Theoretical Underpinnings; Responsible Conduct of Research; Leadership and Management; Health Policy and Advocacy for the Scholarship of Application; DNP Seminar: Topic Identification; Information Systems; and DNP Residency I-III.

Online Experience: UConn seeks to make online programs collaborative and engaging, utilizing discussion boards, Blackboard Collaborate, interactive messaging, chat, email, and phone interaction. Blackboard Learn is the online Learning Management System (LMS) utilized by UConn which they dubbed HuskyCT or Husky Course Tools. Courses are mainly asynchronous and organized into modules focused on a specific topic. Each module provides students with rubrics, assignments, and weekly tasks. Online students have access to 24.7 technical support and all applicable student services.

On-Site Requirements: The FNP and NNP MSN and Post-Master’s NNP Certificate programs are 100% online with local preceptorships. The AGACNP and AGPCNP MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate programs require three campus visits to the Storrs, CT campus. The BSN to DNP program requires attendance at two intensive format courses in August and January as outlined by the program, plus the three visits for the MSN portion of the program. For more information, students may inquire with the admissions department of the School of Nursing.

Paying for The University of Connecticut Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

UConn charges $925 per credit plus fees for the online graduate nursing programs, regardless of residency. Travel costs for any required campus visits are not included in tuition and fees. Prospective students should inquire with the Office of Financial Aid for current and full costs.

UConn may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students according to the FAFSA. In addition, UConn offers several graduate nursing scholarships and some fellowships. Graduate nursing students may also inquire with their employers as to the possibility of a tuition reimbursement program. Finally, UConn online students may wish to explore unique pathways to fund their graduate education such as community and organizational scholarships, grants, and private loans.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara 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.