Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)

Program Location: Los Angeles Campus Only

Program Semester Credits: 26

Program Length: 3 Semesters – 60 weeks

The Institute of Medicine Future of Nursing recommendations are asking private and public funders, health care organizations, nursing education programs, and nursing associations to expand opportunities for nurses to lead and manage collaborative efforts with physicians and other members of the health care team to conduct research and to redesign and improve practice environments and health systems.  These entities should also provide opportunities for nurses to diffuse successful practices.  The family nurse practitioner (FNP) meets the health care needs of the family by providing health assessments, direct care, and guidance, teaching, or counseling as appropriate, particularly around family self-care.  The FNP typically works collaboratively with family primary care physicians and other professionals within the health care system.  The demand for more Nurse Practitioners continues to grow as they present a viable solution to the growing trend of fewer physicians entering the field of family practice.  FNP certification is through the State of California and nationally through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) Program must:  

1. Have graduated from an accredited master's or doctoral program in nursing.
2. Have a cumulative graduate GPA of3.0
   1. Applicants with a cumulative graduate GPA of 2.7 to 2.99 may be considered for admission on probation, but must achieve a "B" (3.0) or better in the first 6 credits in the certificate program to be removed from probation.  Sutdents who do not achieve a "B" or better in the first 6 credits will be dismissed from the certificate program.
3. Have a RN license in CA or be eligible for RN licensure prior to clinical practicum courses.
   1. One year of full-time work experience as an RN. (One year recent clinical experience recommended.)
4. Pre-requisite coursework:  Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment.  (One year recent clinical experience recommended.)

Program Information and Disclosures

FNP Certificate Disclosure Regarding the CA Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

After successful completion of the West Coast University Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program, and passing a National Certification Exam, graduates will be able to apply for certification with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) through "Method Two". 

For more information about Certification application requirements, please visit the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) at, http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/np-app.pdf .

FNP Accreditation & Approvals Disclosure

The Family Nurse Practitioner coursework is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, [phone]. 

Approval Note: The FNP coursework is not required to be approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).  WCU's FNP coursework must be in operation for at least one year prior to seeking BRN approval.  WCU plans to apply for BRN approval once eligible.  Upon receiving the BRN approval, WCU graduates will be eligible to apply for an FNP Certification with the BRN through "Method One" or "Method Two". 

Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) Curriculum

Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) Coursework

HCM 530	Information Systems for Health Care Programs	3.0
NURS 600	Principles of Teaching and Learning	3.0
NURS 660	Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing	1.0
NURS 661	Family Theory and Assessment	2.0
NURS 662	Primary Care Across the Lifespan	2.0
NURS 663L	Primary Care Across the Lifespan Practicum	2.0
NURS 664	Primary Care Procedures	1.0
NURS 665	Advanced Therapeutics	3.0
NURS 667L	Advanced Therapeutics Practicum	3.0
NURS 668L	Family Nurse Practitioner Residency I	3.0
NURS 669L	Family Nurse Practitioner Residency II	3.0
Total Credit Hours:		26.0

Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) Certificate Program Costs

For program costs, please see the Graduate Tuition and Fees section.