Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)

Program Location	Online Campus
Program Credits	32 Credits
Program Length	5 Semesters, 80 Instructional Weeks
Time to Complete	20 Months

 Total program length may vary.

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.  Students 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 within the last three (3) years. 

In addition to meeting the admissions requirements stipulated above, applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner track must also:  

1. Receive a recommendation for admission from the Graduate Nursing Admissions Committee following an interview.  As part of the admissions process, applicants must submit an original essay for evaluation.  Past academic performance and professional activity will be evaluated, e.g., community, organizational, and volunteer service, as well as creative professional accomplishments.  
2. Have achieved at least one (1) year of documented RN experience in direct patient care before beginning FNP courses.  
3. Submission of three (3) letters of recommendation from health care or other non-family professionals who can address the applicant's clinical expertise and academic preparation for the program.  

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

NURS 530A	APRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology	1.5
NURS 676A	Advanced Pharmacology - FNP Specific	1.5
NURS 530B	APRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology	1.5
NURS 676B	Advanced Pharmacology - FNP Specific	1.5
NURS 680A	Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - FNP Specific	1.5
NURS 601A	FNP Bridge Course	1.5
NURS 680B	Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - FNP Specific	1.5
NURS 601B	FNP Bridge Course	1.5
NURS 663A	Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Theory	1.5
NURS 663L-A	Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Practicum	1.5
NURS 663B	Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Theory	1.5
NURS 663L-B	Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Practicum	1.5
NURS 660	Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing	1.0
NURS 664A	Primary Care Women's Health: Theory	1.0
NURS 664L-A	Primary Care Women's Health: Practicum	1.0
NURS 664B	Primary Care Women's Health: Theory	1.0
NURS 664L-B	Primary Care Women's Health: Practicum	1.0
NURS 662A	Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory	1.0
NURS 662L-A	Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum	1.0
NURS 665A	Care Management and Coordination: Theory	1.0
NURS 662B	Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory	1.0
NURS 662L-B	Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum	1.0
NURS 665B	Care Management and Coordination: Theory	1.0
NURS 668L-A	Advanced Health Care Residency	1.5
NURS 668L-B	Advanced Health Care Residency	1.5
Total Credit Hours:		32.0

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

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