Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Nursing is to be Christ-centered, people-focused, student-oriented, quality-driven, and future-directed in preparing qualified persons to serve a diverse population through the holistic profession of nursing.

Components for Learning

At AU, we offer a flexible program catered to you, the working nurse. If you are a RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you can apply directly to the MSN program.

All classes are offered online, so you can learn anywhere. You will still meet your cohort and professors in person during a 2-3 day session, held once per semester for four consecutive semesters.

In addition to coursework, you will complete hands-on clinical training. Your clinical and in-class experiences at AU will prepare you for the standardized national examinations you must take to  become certified to practice in your field.

Special Requirements for Admission

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum grade point average of 3.2 averaged from all nursing degree programs.
• Active and unencumbered RN license
• CPR certification
• Current immunization record by start of program

Application Process

• Complete online application and pay application fee
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Official Transcripts from all former academic institutions
• Resume

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track is a 47 credit hour program designed to train nurses to function at the level of an Advanced Practice Nurse and be eligible to test with the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners to obtain board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. This mostly online program can be completed in four semesters, full time, and incorporates 600 clinical hours in all populations (pediatrics, adolescents, adults, older adults) and are well positioned to assume roles in family practice, urgent care centers, some specialty practices, emergency departments and retail health.  Students come to campus for 2-3 days mid semester to meet with faculty, interact with their classmates, and learn new skills to help them to be successful in their field.