Program Overview
Enrich your career with the online Post Master’s FNP Certificate at NKU
Expand your professional nursing practice with the Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate online from Northern Kentucky University. This accelerated certificate program is a valuable addition to your MSN and prepares you to provide a full range of primary healthcare services, make referrals, and serve as an educator, counselor, and advocate for patients of all ages.
The program's 35 credit hours of coursework emphasize patient interaction in primary care settings; the development of advanced skills in physical, cognitive, nutritional, and functional domains; and the integration of appropriate data and diagnostics so you can transition successfully into the role of an FNP. The comprehensive Post-Master's FNP Certificate online courses cover pediatrics through geriatrics, clinical residency, and a capstone to synthesize your learning.
Our certificate program can be completed in as few as 22 months. Once you complete the program, you will be prepared to take the FNP certification examination.
In this online program, you will:
- Prepare to manage your patients' conditions through health education, disease management, and preventative care
- Advance your understanding of treating psychiatric and mental health disorders through discussing psychopathopharmacological concepts and theories
- Collaborate in interactive courses covering the primary health issues and concerns of patients of all ages—children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly—to become the well-rounded practitioner families seek for care
- Use evidence-based practice to demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability while implementing change to improve healthcare outcomes
- Participate in a series of supervised clinical residencies and engage in health promotion, problem identification, management of acute and chronic illnesses, and integration of advanced assessment
- Explore the history and role of an FNP as a provider, consultant, leader, and administrator as well as legal and ethical issues
- Demonstrate effective communication in order to facilitate nursing practice at an advanced level
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing, postgraduate APRN certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Northern Kentucky University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC, 20001, 202-887-6791.
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of Master of Science in Nursing degrees, an RN to BSN, a Post-Master's DNP, and several nursing certificates online. Check out our other online nursing programs.
Tuition
Learn online and save more with our affordable tuition
The Post-Master's FNP Certificate online program features affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included in the total tuition, and the rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
Tuition breakdown:
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Required Fees | Total With Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | $550 | $1,848 | $21,098 |
Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time.
Some fees are course-based and subject to change based on date student enters such course.
NKU is ranked #6 among “The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky” by TheBestSchools.org (2020)
Calendar
Update your calendar with these important dates
The Post-Master's FNP Certificate program is delivered in a convenient online format with 7-week courses and six start dates a year. View the calendar to find the best class start for you and note the corresponding deadlines.
Now Enrolling:
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 05/08/2023 | 04/26/2023 | 05/01/2023 | 05/04/2023 | 05/08/2023 | 06/23/2023 |
| Summer 2 | 06/26/2023 | 06/14/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/22/2023 | 06/26/2023 | 08/11/2023 |
| Fall 1 | 08/21/2023 | 08/09/2023 | 08/14/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 |
| Fall 2 | 10/18/2023 | 10/05/2023 | 10/10/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 10/18/2023 | 12/08/2023 |
| Spring 1 | 01/08/2024 | 01/02/2024 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/202$ |
| Spring 2 | 03/11/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/04/2024 | 03/08/2024 | 03/11/2024 | 04/26/2024 |
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Northern Kentucky University?
Admissions
Apply quickly and easily to our accredited family nurse practitioner certificate program
The Post-Master's FNP Certificate online program features a simplified admission process. Please review the Program Map to determine eligibility of this program in your state. Requirements for admission include:
View full admission requirements
Post-Master's FNP Certificate Online Admission Requirements
- Completed application for graduate admission
- $40 application fee paid
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate academic work
- Verification of your current, unencumbered RN license with expiration date in the state in which you are licensed and practice
- A criminal background check (state and federal) is required for admission to the program. Applicants are required to use PreCheck StudentCheck to purchase the background check. Instructions on how to purchase and initiate the background check can be found here.
- Master of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in MSN graduate coursework
- 1,000 clinical hours of practice as a Registered Nurse; fill out the verification form here
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Review a summary of our online FNP courses
In order to earn the Post-Master's FNP Certificate online, students must complete 15 MSN courses comprising 35 credit hours. These include nine core courses, five primary care clinical residencies with a total of 600 clinical hours, and 3 credit hours for a capstone project. All courses and clinical residencies are seven weeks in length.
Students must take the following courses:
MSN 610: Diagnostic Reasoning and Advanced Physical Assessment
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Development of advanced skills in assessment of physical, cognitive, nutritional and functional domains: integration of appropriate test data and diagnostic reasoning.
MSN 611: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology and Intervention for APRN's
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Review of pharmacological physiology of selected therapeutic agents; pharmacological management of clients, including drug selection, client/family education, and monitoring and evaluating pharmacological interventions.
MSN 612: Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course explores the history and role of Advanced Practice Nurses. This includes an overview of the role of the Advance Practice Nurse as a Provider, Consultant, Educator, Researcher, Collaborator, Leader and Administrator. Selected legal, practice, and ethical issues are explored. Nursing theory is incorporated into the course.
BIO 669: Human Pathophysiology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A systems-based approach designed to study the physiology and pathophysiology relating to human health. Integrative regulatory mechanisms responsible for homeostasis and cellular adaptation will serve as the foundation for clinical assessment, decision-making, and management in clinical practice.
MSN 620: Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Interactive course covering topics related to the primary care of adults, specifically examining the ears, eyes, nose & throat, neurological, psychosocial, dermatological, musculoskeletal, and abdominal systems. Pathophysiology, principles of health promotion and disease prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of common health problems within these systems will be presented.
MSN 621: Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Interactive course covering topics related to primary care of adults, specifically examining the renal, women's health & gynecology, fetal development, preconception & prenatal, men's health, hematological, immunological, & respiratory systems. Pathophysiology, principles of health promotion, disease prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of common health problems within these systems presented.
MSN 622: Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults III
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Interactive course covering topics related to primary care of adults, specifically examining cardiac and endocrine systems, palliative care, minor emergency care, and common laboratory and diagnostic tests. Pathophysiology, principles of health promotion and disease prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of common health problems within these systems will be presented.
MSN 623: Geriatric Primary Care and Pharmacology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This interactive course focuses on the management of common illnesses affecting and pharmacological management of geriatric patients. Students incorporate principles of health promotion, disease prevention, pathophysiology, and assessment to develop therapeutic management and evaluation strategies for geriatric patients.
MSN 629: Pediatric Primary Care and Pharmacology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course addresses the role of the primary care nurse practitioner in well-child supervision and the clinical management of common pediatric health problems. This advanced pediatric course will integrate principles of child development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, genetics, and cultural considerations in the primary care of children.
MSN 650L: Primary Care FNP Clinical
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
The first in a series of courses comprised of a supervised FNP clinical residency in a variety of primary care settings. Students will engage in health promotion, problem identification, management of acute and chronic illnesses, integration of advanced assessment, and management of pharmacological and other therapeutic interventions.
MSN 651L: Primary Care FNP Clinical II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
The second in a series of courses comprised of a supervised NP clinical residency in a variety of primary care settings. Students will engage in health promotion, problem identification, management of acute and chronic illnesses, integration of advanced assessment, and management of pharmacological and other therapeutic interventions.
MSN 652L: Primary Care FNP Clinical III
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
The third in a series of courses comprised of a supervised NP clinical residency in a variety of primary care settings. Students will engage in health promotion, problem identification, management of acute and chronic illnesses, integration of advanced assessment, and management of pharmacological and other therapeutic interventions.
MSN 653L: Primary Care FNP Clinical IV
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
The fourth in a series of courses comprised of a supervised FNP clinical residency in a variety of primary care settings. Students will engage in health promotion, problem identification, management of acute and chronic illnesses, integration of advanced assessment, and management of pharmacological and other therapeutic interventions.
MSN 654L: Primary Care FNP Clinical V
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
The fifth in a series of courses comprised of a supervised FNP clinical residency in a variety of primary care settings. Students will engage in health promotion, problem identification, management of acute and chronic illnesses, integration of advanced assessment, and management of pharmacological and other therapeutic interventions.
Students must take the following course, totaling 3 credit hours, as part of the Post-Master's FNP Certificate online practicum.
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Practicum synthesizing content from all previous courses in the Advanced Practice Nurse majors. This culminating experience will result in a project synthesizing all previous learning. Prerequisites: MSN 623 and MSN 629. Co-requisite: MSN 652L.
