Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
The Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program enlarges the focus of nursing, using as its foundation the Master of Science in Nursing program. The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses to perform in the expanded role, caring for families in a variety of settings. The student's area of study incorporates a blend of theory and research with an emphasis on guided practice in clinical areas.
The curriculum builds on the core master’s courses with the addition of essential Family Nurse Practitioner courses. All didactic and clinical courses are planned following the guidelines of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) to meet the requirements for national certification.
The Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program is primarily provided via the internet. It is designed to allow practicing RNs to pursue further graduate work within their home community. Students complete the requirements for certification through a combination of online courses and preceptor guided practicums in the student’s community. Those post MSN students who need Advanced Health Assessment and/or those who elect to take the Advanced Practice Procedures course will be required to come to one focus session at the Independence campus.
Students admitted to the Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Program are not matriculated for a graduate degree. A certificate is received upon completion of the coursework and students are then eligible to sit for the national certification exam as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Post-Master's program requires a total of 28 semester hours. A minimum of 18 semester hours must be taken through Graceland University.
