Masters of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

South University is currently offering a new format in addition to on-campus classes, called South VR [South Virtual Remote] which is a live instruction, interactive virtual classroom experience. This temporary learning format that was created to help our students continue their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program (MSN) at South University’s Orlando Learning Site in Orlando, FL, is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses and pursue a more advanced position in today’s challenging healthcare environment. The program blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that will prepare students to work within a health care organization or educational setting.

The Orlando Learning Site nursing program focuses on advanced health sciences knowledge and skills to prepare advanced clinicians to deliver leading-edge, community-based primary health care to individuals and families across the lifespan. The program places a strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors for clients at different developmental and age stages. FNP students share course content with fellow students in the Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) programs where appropriate. This structure exposes students to a variety of expert specialty faculty and supports the development of inter-specialty relationships in client management.

South University’s MSN with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner program meets the Core Competencies for Family Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials. After successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the examinations* through national certifying bodies (American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC]; American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP])

*South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Outcomes

Graduates of the MSN program will be able to:

• Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
• Analyze current scientific research for the application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
• Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
• Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to the improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
• Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and analysis of systems of healthcare.
• Model a professional leadership role that fosters the improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
• Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
• Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

Course Requirements

Offered at South University, Austin; South University, Columbia; South University, High Point Learning Site; South University, Montgomery; South University, Online Programs; South University, Orlando Learning Site; South University, Richmond; South University, Savannah; South University, Tampa; South University, Virginia Beach; and South University, West Palm Beach.

The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for the current and evolving primary healthcare system. The South University College of Nursing program focuses on advanced health sciences knowledge and skills to prepare advanced clinicians to deliver leading-edge, community-based primary healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan. The program places a strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors for clients at different developmental and age stages. FNP students share select course content with fellow students in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs where appropriate. This structure exposes students to a variety of expert specialty faculty and supports the development of inter-specialty relationships in client management.

The South University program is designed to prepare graduates to provide the full range of primary care services to individuals during the antepartum period, infancy, childhood, and adolescence through the adult lifespan. Competencies include the provision of preventive care to children and adults as well as the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health problems. In addition to direct patient care, students also participate in clinical translational efforts, education, and policy activities relevant to advanced practice nursing and diverse population healthcare issues. National certification is available upon program completion through the national certifying bodies (ANCC; AANPCP).

The South University College of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program meets the Core Competencies for Family Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Upon graduation and entry into practice, family nurse practitioners are proficient in the following areas:

Providing health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment. Assessing health status. Diagnosing health status. Creating a plan of care and implementation of treatment. Ensuring a professional, collegial, and collaborative approach to care. Serving as a teacher and coach to patients. Committing to advancing the profession. Assisting patients in managing and negotiating the healthcare delivery system. Monitoring and ensuring high-quality healthcare practice. Demonstrating cultural competence

The plan of study and required courses for the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program includes the Master's Core requirements (20 credits) with the addition of the following clinical course requirements (42 credits):

Specialization Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Integrate specialty standards of advanced practice nursing to deliver culturally competent, quality healthcare services to individuals, families, populations, and systems.
• Exercise effective leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills in the development and implementation of advanced nursing practice services in primary care.
• Integrate professional nursing standards, values, and accountability into role and self-development as an advanced practice nurse.
• Utilize information technology and an evidence-based research approach in the development of nursing knowledge and design of healthcare services for clients, populations, and systems.
• Ensure advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based care to diverse individuals and populations.

Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner): 62 Credits

MSN Core Courses: 20 Credits

• NSG5000 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse: Transformational Leadership in Advanced Practice, 4 Credit Hours
• NSG5002 Advanced Theoretical Perspectives for Nursing, 4 Credit Hours
• NSG5003 Advanced Pathophysiology, 4 Credit Hours
• NSG6002 Health Policy and Health Promotion in Advanced Nursing Practice, 4 Credit Hours
• NSG6101 Nursing Research Methods, 4 Credit Hours

Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner: 42 Credits

• NSG6001 Advanced Nursing Practice I, 4 Credit Hours
• NSG6005 Advanced Pharmacology, 4 Credit Hours
• NSG6006 Pre-Specialty Evaluation, 0 Credit Hours
• NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment, 6 Credit Hours
• NSG6021 Pre-Clinical Evaluation, 0 Credit Hours*
• NSG6420 Practicum I: Family Health - Adult and Gerontology, 6 Credit Hours
• NSG6430 Practicum II: Family Health- Women's Health, 6 Credit Hours
• NSG6435 Practicum III: Family Health - Pediatrics, 6 Credit Hours
• NSG6440 Practicum IV: Family Health - Primary Care, 6 Credit Hours
• NSG6999 Graduate Project in Nursing, 4 Credit Hours

Note(s): *If the student receives a failing grade in NSG6021, the student must enroll in and successfully pass the following four (4) credit course: NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 780 hours in the five supervised clinical practicum courses that are designed to provide the opportunity for skill development and practice in the Family Nurse Practitioner role.

South University, Online Programs may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.

All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territories in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.

The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. The program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.

Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

• Advanced media content
• Personalized navigation
• Simplified online learning atmosphere
• Access to digital books
• Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

How to apply

We make the application process as smooth as possible so you can start earning your degree right away. Our admissions representatives will guide you through our three-step process.

To get started, call 888-444-3404, to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out our request information form. An admissions representative will review our degree programs with you, give you an overview of the admissions process, and help you complete the application process. You can take a guided tour of our campus or a virtual tour online. Apply Now A Finance Counselor will work with you to discuss options and qualifications and to develop a payment plan that works for you. Programs with alternative application procedures.

2020-21 Starting Dates

South University provides a warm, supportive learning environment that will encourage you to engage with a community of faculty, staff and students eager to play a role in helping you achieve your educational goals, on-campus and online. We take pride in the South experience of small classes that offer a hands-on experience that will be important to help shape your skills and excellence in your chosen field, but also help shape your character through community involvement, volunteerism, and pursuit of lifelong learning.

South University is an academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. To achieve this purpose, the institution offers focused and balanced programs at the associate’s, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. A broad-based core curriculum is offered, promoting critical thinking, effective verbal and written communication, and skills for life-long learning. Additionally, the University focuses on developing the requisites to appreciate knowledge as well as a pursuit of lifelong learning.