University of Michigan Online Nursing Programs

The School of Nursing at the University of Michigan offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) with three specializations: adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), primary care family nurse practitioner (FNP), and primary care pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP). Although the coursework is mainly online, students in the primary care FNP and AGPCNP programs come to campus each semester for up to three days. In contrast, those admitted to the digital PNP program are required to attend a two-day intensive session on campus each term. Post-master’s certificates and BSN to DNP programs in these specializations are only offered on campus at this time.

The aim of the online launch is to provide more people with the opportunity to become nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners have opportunities to work in primary care clinics, private practice, schools, government facilities, long-term healthcare, and home healthcare. Potential students should carefully consider whether they are interested in working in primary care settings and with patients across the lifespan. This can help determine which of the primary care programs that the University of Michigan offers might be right for them.

The curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of teaching modalities, including peer/faculty and peer-to-peer discussions, case studies, clinical encounters, research, clinical practicums, and on-campus intensives. These serve to engage students, reinforce concepts, and promote clinical decision-making. One unique facet of the nursing programs at the U of M is the fact that the university pharmacy faculty teach the pharmacology courses.

Graduates of the MSN programs will be eligible to take their respective exams for credentialing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). The University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

What to Expect from the University of Michigan Online Nursing Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan must hold a current, unencumbered RN license and hold a BSN or be in the process of completing a BSN from an AACN, CCNE, or NLN-accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants fill out a NursingCAS application online that includes a non-refundable application fee and the following requirements: official transcripts, resume or CV including volunteering and other experiences and achievements (max two pages), a personal statement, and three recommendations. The applicant must also provide documentation of professional licensure and earned certifications. No GRE is required.

Should the applicant have little or no work experience in nursing, it is recommended by the institution that volunteering or job-shadowing be completed to understand the APRN role better. International students are not accepted at this time.

State Restrictions: The University of Michigan is an NC-SARA participant and accepts students from most states, excluding the following: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. If students reside outside of Michigan, it is wise to check with the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan to make sure they are eligible for the nursing programs. In addition, prospective students should contact their state licensing board to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.

Study Plan: The University of Michigan online MSN programs are structured to help nurses advance their education while accommodating work and personal commitments. Most courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students flexibility. Each program combines online learning with essential campus-based intensives.

Students in the primary care FNP and AGPCNP tracks attend on-campus sessions each semester, typically lasting up to three days. These intensives include competency assessments, simulation experiences, and skill-building activities. Students in the primary care PNP track participate in a two-day on-campus intensive each term, focusing on clinical skills, assessment, and collaborative learning.

NP programs begin in the fall. The MSN is offered in a two-year plan that takes five terms to complete or a three-year plan that takes eight terms to complete. The two-year plan requires more credits per semester and thus reduces the ability of nurses to work as much outside of schooling and clinicals.

MSN Curriculum: The MSN-FNP program comprises 55 credits plus 560 clinical hours, the MSN-AGPCNP program requires completion of 49 credits plus 504 clinical hours, and the MSN-PNP program requires completion of 44 credits plus 672 clinical hours.

The following courses are required for all specializations: applied biostatistics for clinical practice; advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan; advanced health assessment for advanced practice nurses; pharmacotherapeutics I-II; interprofessional team-based care; models and theories to inform advanced nursing practice with individuals, communities, and complex systems; role transition to APRN; and advanced practice specialty procedures and skills for primary care.

  • AGPCNP Specialty Course: Advanced primary care I; advanced primary care nursing of chronic illness in adults and their families; special populations in primary care; advanced primary care nursing of adults and families with complex systems; and advanced primary care practicum I-II – AGPCNP.
  • FNP Specialty Courses: Advanced primary care I; infant, child, and adolescent health: wellness and management of common illness; advanced primary care nursing of chronic illness in adults and their families; special populations in primary care; advanced primary care nursing of adults and families with complex systems; and advanced primary care practicum I-II – FNP.
  • PNP Specialty Courses: Infant, child, and adolescent health: wellness and management of common illness; infant, child, and adolescent health: primary health care across multiple settings; and advanced pediatric nurse practitioner clinical practicum I-III.

Online Experience: The University of Michigan utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). The MSN curriculum will include innovative digital education modalities, including simulation, animation, and storyboarding. In addition, recorded lectures, discussion boards, online chat, assignments, and assessments will be part of the program. Online students will have access to similar resources as campus students, including an online library, admissions counseling, academic counseling, tutoring services, faculty office hours, career counseling, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: While the University of Michigan’s online MSN programs offer the flexibility of primarily asynchronous online coursework, students are required to participate in on-campus intensives. For the FNP and AGPCNP tracks, students must attend campus each semester for up to three days. Students in the PNP track participate in a two-day on-campus intensive each term. The combination of online learning and scheduled campus visits ensures graduates are well prepared for national certification and advanced clinical practice.

Paying for the University of Michigan Online Nursing Programs

University of Michigan online NP program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Travel expenses for campus visits are not included in the tuition costs. Interested students should contact the College of Nursing through the University of Michigan for a complete picture of tuition costs and fees.

University of Michigan graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans according to the FAFSA. In addition, nursing students may check with their employers concerning a tuition reimbursement program. Finally, students may investigate grants and scholarships from outside organizations.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers MSN – FNP and AGPCNP programs that engage students through peer/faculty discussions, research, case studies, peer collaboration, campus intensives, and clinical preceptorships.

APRN Programs

MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Campus Address

426 N. Ingalls St.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

University of Michigan – MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

6

Credits Needed to Graduate

49

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

504

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

CA, DC, NY, NC, PR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

49

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,848.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$90,552.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$2,181.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$106,869.00

University of Michigan – MSN – Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

6

Credits Needed to Graduate

55

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

560

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

CA, DC, NY, NC, PR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

55

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,848.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$101,640.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$2,181.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$119,955.00

University of Michigan – MSN – Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

6

Credits Needed to Graduate

44

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

N/A

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AR, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, LA, MO, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, SC, TN, UT, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

44

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,848.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$81,312.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$2,181.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$95,964.00

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.

Farheen Gani

Farheen Gani

Writer

Farheen Gani is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).

Sara Navratil

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.