Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)
Program Location
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Distance Education/Online Campus
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Program Credits
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32 Credits
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Program Length
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6 Semesters, 96 Instructional Weeks
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Time to Complete
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24 Months
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Total program length may vary. WCU distance education programs may not be available to residents in all states.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1171.00, 25-1072.00
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:
- Have graduated from an accredited master's or doctoral program in nursing.
- Have a cumulative graduate GPA of3.0
- 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 nine credits in the certificate program to be removed from probation. Students who do not achieve a "B" or better in the first nine credits will be dismissed from the certificate program.
- Have a RN license in CA or be eligible for RN licensure prior to clinical practicum courses.
- One year of full-time work experience as an RN. (One year recent clinical experience recommended.)
- Pre-requisite coursework: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment within the last five (5) years.
In addition to meeting the admissions requirements stipulated above, applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner track must also:
- 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.
- Applicants to the FNP track must have a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience within the past five (5) years prior to entering FNP courses.
- Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation from most recent employer (supervisor) and from a professor who can address the applicant's clinical expertise and academic preparation for the program.
Transfer Credits
- All students who have taken Advanced Physical Assessment within three years will also need to pass a written exam and an OSCE - Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation, on campus, performed in the presence of the FNP faculty, to assess their readiness to begin the clinical rotations in the FNP track.
- Students who have previously taken Advanced Pharmacology which was not approved by the BRN as a prescriptive authority will need to pass a 45-Hour Advanced Pharmacology Course to transfer in those credits.
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, graduates will be able to apply for certification with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) through "Method One".
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, (202) 877-6791.
A student in the Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner online program at West Coast University participates in two (2) 3-day 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.
Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) Curriculum
Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) Coursework
| NURS 530A | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1.5 |
| NURS 676A | Advanced Pharmacology - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 530B | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1.5 |
| NURS 676B | Advanced Pharmacology - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 680A | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 601A | APRN Bridge course | 1.5 |
| NURS 680B | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 601B | APRN 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 | Advanced Practice Nursing Role | 1 |
| NURS 664A | Primary Care Women's Health Theory | 1 |
| NURS 664L-A | Primary Care Women's Health: Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 664B | Primary Care Women's Health Theory | 1 |
| NURS 664L-B | Primary Care Women's Health Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 662A | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory | 1 |
| NURS 662L-A | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 665A | Care Management and Coordination - Theory | 1 |
| NURS 662B | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory | 1 |
| NURS 662L-B | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 665B | Care Management and Coordination - Theory | 1 |
| 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.