Family Nurse Practitioner
Advance your career with a specialized graduate degree.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at Saint Peter’s University is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice in primary care across the lifespan. The program equips graduates with the knowledge, clinical skills, and leadership competencies needed to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse healthcare settings.
The MSN–FNP program offers many benefits:
- Flexible format designed for working nurses
- 46-credit curriculum with 750 clinical hours focused on advanced primary care practice
- Courses designed to build advanced knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based practice
- Clinical experiences in family practice and primary care settings with qualified preceptors
- Opportunities to engage in simulation, clinical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration
Students learn from experienced nursing faculty and clinicians who provide mentorship and individualized support throughout the program. Saint Peter’s University offers a supportive academic environment with resources available to assist students in achieving their professional goals and preparing for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Program Overview
The FNP program consists of 46 graduate credits and 750 supervised clinical hours. The curriculum prepares graduates for national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners through AANP or ANCC.
Program Highlights
- 46-credit Master of Science in Nursing program
- 750 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Preparation for national FNP certification
- Primary care education across the lifespan
- Integration of evidence-based practice and population health
Clinical Education
Clinical education includes rotations in adult primary care, geriatrics, pediatrics, women’s health, and a family practice capstone experience.
Expected Outcomes
- Prepare graduates for advanced primary care practice
- Improve access to primary care services in the region
- Support workforce development for nurse practitioners
Comparison of the FNP and AGNP
| Category | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) |
| Degree | Master of Science in Nursing | Master of Science in Nursing |
| Total Credits | 46 credits | 39 credits |
| Clinical Hours | 750 hours | 600 hours |
| Population Focus | Lifespan: pediatrics, adolescents, adults, women’s health, and geriatrics | Adult and older adult populations |
| Primary Care Scope | Comprehensive primary care across the lifespan | Primary care management of adult and geriatric patients |
| Certification Eligibility | AANP or ANCC – Family Nurse Practitioner | ANCC or AANP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner |
| Core Courses (both tracks) | Credits |
| NU-510 Current Issues in Health Care | 2 |
| NU-512 Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NU-515 Health Care Financing & Managed Care | 3 |
| NU-520 Research: Design & Utilization | 3 |
| NU-535 Client Education: Strategies | 2 |
| Advanced Practice (3P) and Cognate Courses (both tracks) | Credits |
| NU-536 Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NU-537 Pharmacology for Prescriptive Practice | 3 |
| NU-542 Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning | 3 |
| NU-538 Family Systems and Dynamics | 2 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Credits | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) | Credits |
| Advanced Practice for Adult-Gerontology Patients Nursing I |
3 | Advanced Practice Adult-Gerontology Nursing I | 3 |
| Adult-Gerontology Practicum I | 4 (200 hrs.) | Adult-Gerontology Practicum I | 4 (300 hrs.) |
| Advanced Practice Adult-Gerontology Nursing II | 3 | Advanced Practice Adult-Gerontology Nursing II | 3 |
| Adult-Gerontology Practicum II | 4 (200 hrs.) | Adult-Gerontology Practicum II | 4 (300 hrs.) |
| Primary Care for Pediatric & Maternal Patients | 3 | Advanced Practice Nursing Project | 1 |
| Clinical III: Pediatric & Women’s Health | 4 (200 hrs.) | – | – |
| Family Nurse Practitioner Capstone | 2 | – | – |
| Clinical IV: Family Practice Capstone | 3 (150 hrs.) | – | – |
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master’s degree program in nursing and/or post-graduate APRN certificate program at Saint Peter’s University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).