M.S. in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
41
Credit Hours
27
Month Completion
Class Type
Online courseworkSee state availability
Next Start Date
Jan 6, 2025
Placement Tests
GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Accreditation
CCNE

Expand your role in patient care with an MSN-FNP

If you are a registered nurse with a desire to expand your role in patient care, Franklin’s M.S. in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) track is a great option for you. You’ll be prepared to work in the primary care setting managing the health of individuals and families. You’ll gain the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for the assessment and management of common acute and chronic illnesses, health promotion and disease prevention for individuals throughout their lives. Upon completion of your degree, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Program Availability

Online
On Site

Finish in as Few as 27 Months

Earn your degree and prepare for advancement faster.

Accredited

The master's degree program in nursing at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

100% Pass Rate

To date, all of Franklin’s grads have passed the FNP certification exam. 

Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with other work-life commitments.

Contemporary Curriculum

Evaluate and study trending nursing topics throughout the program.

Learn from the Best

Benefit from the experience of your instructors – seasoned, in-field practitioners.

MSN-FNP Program Overview

Transform the patient experience 

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the number of new nurse practitioners graduating each year is rising rapidly and within the next few years, will likely exceed the number of new physicians completing training. The shift provides an opportunity for providers and organizations to meet growing healthcare needs in a more cost-effective manner including filling gaps in specializations and populations. For new and aspiring nurse practitioners, the shift provides more autonomy and more career options. 

As a graduate-level nursing student, you will strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to coordinate healthcare programs in a time of ongoing reform. You’ll examine the role of the advanced practice nurse in the delivery of care, leadership and collaboration. You’ll earn your degree in approximately 27 months, by completing 6, 12 and 16-week online courses. During your last year of study, you’ll participate in a required on-site skills lab, as well as on-site clinicals 1 or 2 days per week depending on the course requirements in an approved healthcare setting. 

Perfect the art of diagnosis and treatment with the help of simulation software 

As part of Franklin’s commitment to providing a relevant education, you’ll be exposed to current and emerging technologies. In addition, you’ll consistently merge coursework with your existing knowledge in order to develop a theoretical basis to guide your practice to promote high quality, effective, patient-centered care. In order to provide a dynamic online learning experience, you will have access to Shadowhealth, state-of-the-art simulation software, to sharpen your foundational skills prior to beginning your clinical experience – a unique benefit for Franklin MSN-FNP students. The use of simulation software continues with iHuman, which is used in many of the didactic courses including the clinicals. 

Maximize your learning with concept-based study and competency-based clinicals

You won’t attend online lectures as part of your MSN-FNP experience. The highly structured, online MSN-FNP coursework requires a great deal of engagement. It is recommended that you attend our live sessions to enrich your understanding. Because the program is designed for working nurses, the live sessions will also be recorded for viewing at a later time. You will progress through your clinicals and demonstrate mastery in primary care. Once mastery is achieved, you are able to spend time in a specialty practice to enrich your diagnostic and management skills.  

Tailor your MSN-FNP to your professional goals

You will have the opportunity to select the location of your clinical practice site. However, it must meet requirements and be approved by the faculty. Once you reach the MSN-FNP courses, you will spend 150 hours at your clinical practice site per semester for four semesters for a total of 600 clinical hours. This equates to about 1 1/2-2 days a week during courses that require clinical.

Earn an accredited nursing degree and qualify to apply to take the national certification exam

The master’s degree program in nursing at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). As a student, you can be confident that your MSN will prepare you for advanced practice or doctoral-level study.

Once you complete your degree, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Passing the certification exam is necessary to receive a license to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in most states. Currently, Franklin’s first two cohorts of FNP graduates have a 100% pass rate on the certification exam.

Transfer up to 12 credits and finish your MSN faster

If you have previously taken MSN courses at a CCNE-accredited institution, you may be able to transfer credit and save time and money toward your Franklin MSN. Franklin offers course-for-course credit for advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced physical assessment, as long as they have been completed within 3 to 5 years of your enrollment at Franklin. To see if your previous coursework can be used to satisfy degree requirements, you’ll need to submit a syllabus for the course(s) you’d like to have evaluated for transfer credit. Your admissions advisor will be happy to assist you in any way.  

Read more >

Nancy R.

MSN-FNP Graduate

"I really loved Franklin’s FNP program and have proudly told people about the program and my training. I’m so glad I found this program! It is definitely what I was looking for. I appreciate all the instructors I had and could feel their genuine compassion for wanting students to succeed. That was important to me."

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, post-graduate APRN certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Franklin University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Learn More

Future Start Dates

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Spring 2025
January
6
Recommended Register By:
Dec 27
Spring 2025
February
17
Recommended Register By:
Feb 7
Summer 2025
June
30
Recommended Register By:
Jun 20
Fall 2025
August
18
Recommended Register By:
Aug 8
Fall 2025
September
29
Recommended Register By:
Sep 19
Spring 2026
January
5
Recommended Register By:
Dec 26
Spring 2026
February
16
Recommended Register By:
Feb 6
Summer 2026
June
29
Recommended Register By:
Jun 19
Fall 2026
August
17
Recommended Register By:
Aug 7
Fall 2026
September
28
Recommended Register By:
Sep 18

Your Best Value MSN-FNP

Choose Franklin’s MSN-FNP and you’ll get more for your money while you make the most of your time. Complete your degree in as few as 27 months with online coursework and built-in clinical hours.

Affordable Tuition

$670
PER CREDIT HOUR

Affordable tuition rates for the accredited MSN-FNP provide value and quality.

Lower Fees

Save thousands of dollars in fees by choosing Franklin over other leading programs for your MSN-FNP.

Source: Internal research of leading programs (May 2022)

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Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

Highly Recommended

98%
STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

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Non-Profit = Student Focused

Unlike for-profit universities, Franklin invests in student success, not shareholder gain.

Instructor Led

Online courses taught by in-field experts = a winning combo for you.

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MSN-FNP Courses & Curriculum

41 Semester Hours
Major Area Required
NURS 612 - Role of the Master's Prepared Nurse (3)

This course assesses the various roles of the master's prepared nurse. The influence of the health care delivery systems, health care policy, diversity, ethics, quality, safety, theory, evidence based practice, and information systems on the role of the master's prepared nurse will be explored.

NURS 693 - Evidence Based Practice & Quality Improv (3)

This course will explore and analyze methods to improve nursing practice and health outcomes. Collaborative efforts and ethical concerns are considered. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating evidence-based practice and quality assurance initiatives.

NURS 644 - Advanced Pathophysiology (3)

This course provides an in-depth study of the physiological changes and responses to altered health states and their impact on the functional status of patients. Students will focus on the essential knowledge of human health and disease across the lifespan. Pathophysiological theories and evidence-based research serve as a basis for applying content to population groups.

NURS 648 - Advanced Pharmacology (3)

This course focuses on the concepts, principles, and application of pharmacotherapeutics used in the management of health problems encountered in primary care. Emphasis is placed on theories and principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics, which provide a foundation for critical thinking, and the application of research finding. The focus on pharmacology is aimed at the treatment of acute and chronic health problems in populations over the lifespan. Prescriptive authority for nurses is explored.

NURS 698 - Diagnostic Methods for the Nurse Practitioner (2)

This course will provide students with content regarding common diagnostic tests applicable to APN practice, the rationale for these tests, expected results and common abnormal results. Topics include selection of appropriate diagnostic tests, procedures for collecting specimens, analyzing selected tests and evaluating results. The role of the APRN is to be knowledgeable about evidence-based support for the choice of diagnostic testing and use critical thinking to evaluate the significance of this testing in the context of the test?s sensitivity specificity the disease prevalence and the patient?s likelihood for the condition. The APRN is an advocate for the patient when weighing the risk/benefit factors for testing while also being a good manager of resources and avoiding unnecessary testing which contributes to the high cost of medical care. The APRN needs to be familiar with legal implications of testing such as protecting the privacy of medical information, timeliness of providing test results, and laws concerning mandatory reporting. The ethics of autonomy and the right to refuse a test need to be considered as the APRN shares decision making with the patient. Socioeconomic factors and social determinants of health can influence create barriers to access to care and also need careful consideration.

HCM 752 - Health Policy (4)

This course will explore the essential conceptual and analytical understanding of health policymaking and politics, including their impact on health administration and leadership. Selected policy issues will be explored through the application of political concepts and behavioral models, including a system model of policymaking. The emphasis will be on understanding the health leader?s approach to the policymaking system, become involved in it, and work through it to attain their objectives and those of their organization.

NURS 646 - Advanced Physical Assessment (3)

This course builds upon the student?s previous health assessment knowledge offering more advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for advanced professional nursing roles. This course emphasizes knowledge of health assessment, including physical, psychosocial, spiritual health assessment, risk assessment, and functional assessment in diverse populations in the promotion of health and prevention of disease. To maintain a nursing focus on patient responses to health, illness, or the threat of illness, the nurse must exhibit effective communication and client teaching, which is incorporated throughout the course. The importance of effective documentation and health record keeping is included.

NURS 700 - Foundations of Nurse Practition Practice

This course introduces the practice of primary health care. Principles of safety, quality, and the art of diagnosis and treatment influencing care delivery will be addressed. These include fundamentals in the art of diagnosis and treatment, population health, cultural competency, oral and written communication, and billing and coding. This course has a required basic office procedure skills and assessment lab of 16 hours.

NURS 701 - Primary Care I (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where the students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 702 - Primary Care II (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; used a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 703 - Management of Multidimensional Health (4)

This course focuses on the health care concepts specific to the application of assessment and management of common conditions with special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, and disease detection, with a focus on pediatric and geriatric populations. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records.

NURS 704 - Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Prep (1)

This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully pass the national certification exam. Emphasis will be on best test-taking practices and professional and independent practice in primary care for individuals and families.

NURS 790 - FNP Capstone (4)

This course focuses on the health care concepts specific to the application of assessment and management of physical and mental health with special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, disease detection, and gender-related well-being. Students will advance understanding of core concepts related to well-being and gender-related health in diverse populations. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours, where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients? health records.

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Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today's dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin's degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

MSN-FNP Program Details

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FNP or AGPCNP: Which is the Best Fit for You?

Nursing is a challenging, yet rewarding profession that affords you the opportunity to follow your passion in a rapidly evolving and growing industry. If you are deciding between the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), there are some important similarities between the two programs. Both specializations:

  • Require 600 clinical hours and completion of Primary Care I (NURS 701/701C) + Primary Care II  (NURS 702/702C)
  • Are nationally certified through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
  • Equip you for positions in ambulatory care centers, medical offices and correctional facilities

However, below you’ll find some information on what differentiates the two options. Compare the options and find the best fit for you.

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FNP
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AGPCNP

Age-Range of Patients: Birth to Geriatric

Best Fit: Nurses who enjoy caring for babies and children

Demand Driver: Rural areas with less access to pediatric specialists.

Additional Required Clinical Courses: Management of Multidimensional Health (NURS 703/703C) + FNP Capstone (NURS 790/790C)

Practice Settings: Schools, Rural Health Clinics, Worksite-Based Clinics

Age-Range of Patients: Patients ages 13 and older

Best Fit: Nurses who enjoy caring for teens and adults – especially older adults

Demand Driver: Aging population and absence of physicians specializing in geriatric care.

Additional Required Clinical Courses: Management of the Geriatric Population (NURS 710/710C) + Adult-Gero Primary Capstone (NURS 791/791C)

Practice Settings: Long-term Care Facilities, Assisted Living Centers, University Student Health Centers 

Employment Outlook

14%

From 2022-2032, jobs in Nursing are expected to increase by 14%

Occupation Median Salary (2022) Job Postings (2022) Projected Growth (2022-2032)
Occupation
Nurse Anesthetists $203,091 46,484 15%
Nurse Anesthetists
Median Salary: $203,091
Job Postings: 46,484
Projected Growth: 15%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists37,10580%
Locums Tenens1,9044%
Nurse Anesthetists2,0104%
Locum Tenens Certified Nurse Anesthetists1,6824%
Certified Nurse Anesthetists7842%
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SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Anesthesias9,97255%
Anesthesiology5,98633%
Nursing4,12823%
Pediatrics2,88916%
Surgery2,83816%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians51%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals27%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners5%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)4%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)3%
Other4%
Nurse Practitioners $121,618 391,419 47%
Nurse Practitioners
Median Salary: $121,618
Job Postings: 391,419
Projected Growth: 47%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Nurse Practitioners139,37536%
Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants66,54717%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners39,15210%
Family Nurse Practitioners26,0907%
Nurse Practitioners/Advanced Practice Registered Nurses11,5333%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing74,79833%
Primary Care50,51722%
Patient Education And Counseling32,48714%
Medical Records31,20814%
Treatment Planning30,49913%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians47%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals18%
Outpatient Care Centers9%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners4%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)4%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Other15%
Nurse Midwives $120,890 6,408 12%
Nurse Midwives
Median Salary: $120,890
Job Postings: 6,408
Projected Growth: 12%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Midwives diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Nurse Midwives4,44569%
Nurse Midwives99015%
Dispensing Nurses2113%
Mother/Baby Postpartum Registered Nurses2594%
Postpartum Registered Nurses1422%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Midwifery1,29252%
Nursing1,01041%
Postpartum Care98840%
Obstetrics And Gynaecology98440%
Gynecology91837%
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Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians48%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals20%
Outpatient Care Centers14%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners8%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)2%
Other4%
Registered Nurses $81,224 4,550,317 12%
Registered Nurses
Median Salary: $81,224
Job Postings: 4,550,317
Projected Growth: 12%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Registered Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Registered Nurses1,003,65822%
Medical Surgical Registered Nurses350,5468%
ICU Registered Nurses402,2279%
Operating Room Registered Nurses350,2478%
Home Health Registered Nurses167,2804%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing1,664,45359%
Nursing Care659,72823%
Nursing Process407,57114%
Intensive Care Unit298,42210%
Medication Administration288,95810%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals48%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)8%
Offices of Physicians7%
Home Health Care Services6%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)4%
Other24%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $54,621 1,205,255 11%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median Salary: $54,621
Job Postings: 1,205,255
Projected Growth: 11%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Licensed Practical Nurses618,91451%
Licensed Vocational Nurses166,20114%
Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses73,8986%
Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses68,3836%
Home Health Licensed Practical Nurses39,3413%
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)26%
Home Health Care Services13%
Offices of Physicians12%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals9%
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly7%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Other28%

Source: Employment Outlook data is provided by Lightcast. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

MSN-FNP Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

The Clinical Experience

Meet Your [Clinical] Match

Clinical rotations play a critical role in preparing you to excel as nurse practitioner. Learn how we will support your search and what you can do to personalize the experience to meet your personal and professional needs. 

Info for Students

MSN-FNP Frequently Asked Questions

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