Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Pursue your MSN - FNP online and deepen your knowledge around best practices in the delivery of primary care.

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MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

8 Weeks

8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

2 On-Site Intensives

Get hands-on practice during in-person immersive experiences that help prepare you for clinical rotations

CCNE-Accredited

This APRN track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1

FNP Track Highlights

Continued Growth

Preparation to provide primary care to families and individuals of all ages

Stethoscope

Skills to help prepare you to work in private practice, clinical environments, and special care units

Nurse

Flexibility designed for working nurses with mobile-accessible learning and study tools

Partners

Hands-on, on-site clinical practice at a facility in your local area

Why Choose an MSN - FNP?

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) play an essential role in community healthcare, delivering primary care services to individuals of all ages. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) has indicated that more than two thirds (69.7%) of NPs focus on family care.1

WCU’s online MSN – FNP specialization offers a dynamic blend of online coursework and hands-on clinical practice. With an evidence-based curriculum and industry-current technology, WCU helps you advance your education and prepare for today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

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Explore the Family Nurse Practitioner program at WCU!

Overview: Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Program Details: MSN – FNP

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

120 Credits

20 Months

5 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

120 Credits

32 Months

8 Trimesters

Curriculum

A student in the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner online program at West Coast University participates in two (2) On-site Intensive (OSI) weekends. The OSI brings students to campus to learn, practice and demonstrate essential hands-on skills and competencies needed by nurse practitioners.

(August 1, 2015 and thereafter) (To locate curriculum for courses begun prior to August 1, 2015, please see the 2015-2016 West Coast University Catalog)

MSN Core

Course Number Course Name Total Credit Hours
Number Name Hours
MSNC 500 Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance 3
MSNC 505 Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice 3
MSNC 510 Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care 3
MSNC 515 Health Promotion and Disease Management 3
Total Credit Hours: 12

FNP Core

Course Number Course Name Total Credit Hours
Number Name Hours
MSNR 550 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
MSNR 555 Advanced Pharmacology 3
MSNR 560 Advanced Health & Physical Assessment 3
MSNF 600 Family Primary Care: Introduction to Advanced Practice 2
MSNF 605 Family Primary Care: Clinical Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis 3
MSNF 610 Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health I 2
MSNF 610C Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Practicum I 2
MSNF 620 Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health II 2
MSNF 620C Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Practicum II 2
MSNF 630 Women’s and Reproductive Health 3
MSNF 630C Women’s and Reproductive Health Practicum 2
MSNF 640 Pediatric & Adolescent Health 3
MSNF 640C Pediatric & Adolescent Health Practicum 2
MSNF 650 Family Primary Care: Intensive I 2
MSNF 650C Family Primary Care: Residency I 2
MSNF 660 Family Primary Care: Intensive II 2
MSNF 660C Family Primary Care: Residency II 2
MSNF 680 Family Primary Care: Transition to Advanced Practice 1
Total Credit Hours: 41

 

Program Credit Distribution
Program Credit Dist.
Core Nursing Semester Credits: 12
Family Nurse Practitioner Track Semester Credits: 41
Total Program Semester Credits: 53

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSN Family Nurse Practitioner online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated*

Degree Type

Master of Science

Prior to Fall I 2024

Master of Science

Effective Fall I 2024

Total Program Credits 53  53
Program Length(full time) 5 trimesters  5 trimesters 
MSN Core(per credit x 18 credits; 12 credits effective Fall I 2024) $635  $680 
APRN Core(per credit cost x 35 credits; 41 credits effective Fall I 2024) $785  $785
Total Tuition Cost $38,905  $38,905 
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $2,500  $2,500 
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 $2,300  $2,300 
Program Fee (Clinical)4 $4,300  $4,300 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $48,005 $49,445 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $48,005  $49,445 

Working Professional*

Degree Type

Master of Science

Prior to Fall I 2024 

Master of Science

Effective Fall I 2024

Total Program Credits 53  53 
Program Length(full time) 8 trimesters  8 trimesters 
MSN Core(per credit x 18 credits; 12 credits effective Fall I 2024) $635  $680
APRN Core(per credit cost x 35 credits'; 41 credits effective Fall I 2024)

$785

$785 
Total Tuition Cost $38,905  $40,435 
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $4,000 $4,000 
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 $2,300 $2,300 
Program Fee (Clinical)4 $4,300  $4,300 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $49,505  $50,945 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $49,505  $50,945 

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year5    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fees $220  $220 $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728 $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656 

$5,566

Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100 $15,932 

Upon enrollment, student selects Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students will complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 As of April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00 per one thousand dollars $1,000 of institutional charges).

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and APRN predictor exams for APRN students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.

Program Fee covers the establishment, on-going management, scheduling coordination, site visits, and any other expenses related to clinical rotations.  

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the program must meet the following requirements (MSN All Track Option): 

  1. Completion of the application for admission.
  2. Complete all university admissions requirements.
  3. Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
  4. A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
    1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
    2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
    3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
  5. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the first week of the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.

*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.

Additional Admissions Requirements Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks Only:

In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:

  1. Recommendation for admission by the Program Dean/Director and admission committee members. Past academic performance and professional achievements will be evaluated using a rubric to determine the applicant’s level of qualification.
  2. Applicants to the APRN tracks must have a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care RN experience before entering APRN core courses.
  3. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care track applicants must have one (1) year of intensive care unit (ICU) experience as a registered nurse (RN) within the past 5 years prior to admission.
  4. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track applicants must have one (1) year of registered nurse (RN) experience in direct patient care or a minimum of six (6) months of direct patient care experience in psychiatric-mental health nursing (preferred) within the last 5 years prior to admission.
  5. Students in MSN APRN tracks will be required to have a Gap Analysis review upon admission.
  6. All students will be required to complete the Supplemental Application Form.

 
For additional requirements, including admission information for CA-based APRN students and international students, visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

New terms begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the FNP track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.

Clinical Placements

fnp online programs

You don’t have to figure out your clinical practicum on your own. Our Clinical Placements team is here to provide assistance! We can help you identify a preceptor and clinical site that are the right fit for you and your program. WCU has numerous healthcare partners, which makes it easier for us to assist students with placements when needed.

You’ll have a coordinator of clinical relations assigned to you, which means you can easily jump on a coaching call whenever you need guidance for improving your clinical practice experience. We’re here to support you from day one through graduation!

Career Services

Our WCU Career Services team is dedicated to helping our FNP graduates with their professional development. Through workshops, one-on-one career planning, and a variety of job search resources, Career Services can provide you with assistance as you search for the right job opportunities.2

As a West Coast University FNP graduate, you will not just get one-on-one support as you prepare for your licensure exam, but we’ll also help you with your job search strategy, which includes helping you find open roles, offering resume tips, providing interview coaching, and more.

Featured Faculty

Cyndi Faudree, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, APRN

Meet the Dean

Cyndi Faudree, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, APRN

Dean, Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Programs

Cyndi Faudree is the Dean of the Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program tracks at West Coast University, as well as an Associate Professor. Dr. Faudree is dual-certified as a family nurse practitioner and acute care nurse practitioner. She provides student-centric strategic and operational direction, as well as leadership of program accreditation and certification.

Prior to joining WCU, Dr. Faudree served as Associate Dean, Associate Director of Medical Practice and Regional Program Director overseeing M.D. and APRN programs at other universities. She was the Director of the Standardized Patient Program and wrote many interactive virtual cases collaborating with national companies. She has served on various committees, holding the roles of APRN Sub-Committee Chair, DNP Sub-Committee Co-Chair, and member of the Graduate Curriculum Committee, Governance Committee for Sigma Theta Tau, and APRN Taskforce.

Dr. Faudree is a member of numerous professional associations, including the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF), and Sigma Theta Tau. She serves her community by being a member of her state’s Board of Health and volunteers her time by contributing to many local health and community events. Dr. Faudree was nationally recognized as the recipient of the Army Achieve Medal for Civilian Service and Program Development in 2012.

Graduation Cap

I loved West Coast University and still do. I like the camaraderie and atmosphere of West Coast. The teachers were always available to give any outside help. They offered tutoring, too. It was just helpful all the way around.”3

– Brittney A.
BSN, MSN-FNP, & DNP Graduate
West Coast University

FAQs

How does the program prepare me for today’s family nurse practitioner healthcare needs?

Our nursing programs deliver a student-centric, evidence-based education that includes topics relevant to an evolving healthcare environment. As an FNP student, you can expect in-depth learning around best practices in the delivery of primary care.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the program?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for transfer credit. WCU may accept credit for previous courses taken from other academic institutions as long as the course meets the requirements of the specific academic program for which it is being considered and a grade of B (80%) or better was achieved for a graduate course as documented on official transcripts. Each program maintains its own transfer credit requirements.

How long does it take to complete the FNP tracks?

Time-to-completion will vary depending on which pace you choose:

  • Accelerated Pace – 20 Months
  • Working Professional Pace – 32 Months

What does a family nurse practitioner (FNP) do?

The roles of a family nurse practitioner will vary depending on the facility they work for. WCU’s online FNP program helps prepare graduates for positions in a variety of fields including (but not limited to) primary and preventative health, community health, nursing management, and academic faculty roles.

Where can I work as an FNP?

FNPs work wherever nurse practitioners are needed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common settings for NPs include:

  • Physicians’ offices
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient care centers
  • Offices of other health practitioners
  • Educational institutions3

What can I expect from clinical placements?

Our program includes clinical hours for practical experience. When it comes to selecting the right facility and preceptor, WCU has a dedicated clinical team to help you find a placement for clinical training that aligns with the requirements of your program.

What is an on-site intensive (OSI)?

Our Family Nurse Practitioner program students will have to complete two on-site intensives (OSIs), which help prepare them for APRN clinical rotations and practice. In addition to providing valuable hands-on experience, OSIs give students the chance to learn unique skills that are relevant to their field of study, and also to get instructor feedback.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

1 American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “NP Fact Sheet,” Updated April 2022

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners, “Work Environment,” Accessed May 31, 2023

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Students enrolled through the Orange County campus must complete their OSI’s in California. Students enrolled through the Texas campus must complete them in Texas. Travel costs are not included in tuition and fees, and students are responsible for arranging transportation.