FNP Certificate Brochure

Welcome

This is your comprehensive digital program guide where you will find all the information you need regarding Carson-Newman’s Post-Master's Family Nurse Certificate (PMC-FNP) program.

Bookmark This Page

Ready to get started? Schedule time with one of our admissions advisors to discuss clinical placement, program details, admissions requirements, tuition, financial aid and more.

Speak with Your Advisor

FNP Certificate Brochure

Online Post-Master's FNP Certificate Program

MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR FNPs

Carson-Newman’s online Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Program is designed for working nurses with an MSN to help you achieve your full nursing potential. You will develop the advanced nursing expertise to thrive as an autonomous and highly skilled family nurse practitioner. By focusing on a holistic approach to nursing, you will develop the ability to influence and improve the health of individuals, families and entire communities.

THE PMC-FNP PROGRAM PREPARES GRADUATES TO:

  • Build advanced proficiency in pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment and research methods
  • Learn to provide advanced primary nursing care to individual patients and families across their lifespan
  • Solve complex problems, make confident decisions based on evidence and understand patients at a deeper level
  • Understand the connection between theory, research, clinical expertise and the individual needs of patients
  • Explore the biological, social, emotional and physiological components of various health problems
Learn More
Program Details

Carson-Newman’s Post-Master's FNP Certificate program is 100% online (not including clinical practicum or residency) and our students are supported with comprehensive clinical site placements. You can complete the online Post-Master’s FNP Certificate program in as few as two years or less, taking eight 15-week online courses. Learn from experienced FNP and DNP faculty who are active nurse practitioners in their communities. One three-day on-campus residency experience also connects you with your peers and instructors. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN 

Core 1.............................13 Credits 

Clinicals.........................19 Credits 

Total Credits: 32 

Total Clinical Hours: *500-660 

 

Total Courses: 8 courses 

Course Length: 15-week courses 

Program Length: **24 months or less 

 

* Depending on transcript evaluation 

** May vary per student 

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the online Post-Master’s FNP Certificate program, you must have the following:

  • Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and NLN- or CCNE accredited program
  • 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Active unencumbered RN license
  • Letter of personal goals and aspirations
Residency Requirement

One three-day required on-campus residency provides you the opportunity to meet and connect with your peers and program faculty.

  • Residency Course NURS 507: Advance Health Assessment

During the campus residency, students will come to campus for hands-on skills practice and to complete an advanced assessment physical exam.

Clinical Placement

Clinical practicum is the required clinical education component of the program and works in tandem with the coursework to prepare students for their futures as FNPs. Post-Master’s FNP Certificate students are required to complete up to 660 clinical hours as part of the program. Comprehensive clinical placements and preceptors are provided for advanced primary clinical rotations. Prior to beginning your clinicals, all students are required to complete:

  • Drug screening
  • Background check
  • Recommended vaccinations
 

Download Clinical Placement Fact Sheet

Student Support Services

Our Enrollment and Student Success advisors will provide you with academic and student support from the time of enrollment through graduation and beyond. Academic support, which is available to all online students, helps to prepare you to achieve your academic and professional goals. Advisors encourage students to make the most of their online learning experience at Carson-Newman by educating them about campus resources, academic opportunities, and program-specific graduation requirements. From providing one-on-one tutoring to connecting you with structured study groups and academic workshops, Carson-Newman’s academic advisors identify each student’s individual needs and provide them with tailored solutions that ensure academic and professional success.

One of Carson-Newman’s most useful resources is the Office of Career Development. This office provides students and alumni with guidance in all their professional development needs. Examples of such services include: offering advice about job opportunities, helping write resumes, and drafting cover letters. Career Development helps students and alumni identify and take advantage of opportunities throughout their academic and professional careers.

Other ways Carson-Newman supports students include:

  • Online learning environment walkthrough and demonstration prior to starting your first course
  • Assistance with registration
  • Access to online tutoring
  • Access to the Writing Center
  • Students graduate prepared for the board certification exam and more
Tuition
  • Cost per credit hour: $650
  • Length of courses: 15 weeks
  • Total degree requirement: 32 credits*
  • Total tuition cost: $20,800*

*varies based on transfer credits

Financial Aid

Carson-Newman is one of the nation's most affordable Baptist private colleges. Many of Carson-Newman's students receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. Below you will find common financial aid opportunities.

  • Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans are awarded based on financial need. You will not be charged (interest) while you are in school or, if applicable, for a six-month grace period once you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.
  • Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans are not awarded based on financial need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until the time the loan is paid in full. You do not need to repay the loan while you are in school or, if applicable, for a six-month grace period once you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.
  • Some employers have tuition reimbursement plans for staff who pursue additional schooling. Department managers and human resource officers are the best sources of information.
  • Grants are a great way to get assistance to pay for college education. Grants are based on financial need and, unlike loans, they don’t have to be paid back. The most popular student grant is the Pell Grant. For additional information, including application requirements, visit the Department of Education website.
  • You may also explore funding through the Tennessee Baptist Foundation and TN College Pays.


The first step to applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

NURS 501 - Advanced Pathophysiology, 3 credit hours

Presentation and in-depth analysis of normal physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of disease as related to the provision and management of client care at the advanced level.

NURS 503 - Advanced Pharmacology, 3 credit hours

Advanced pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly used drug categories are analyzed in depth with consideration to safe, high-quality, cost-effective drug therapy for client care.

NURS 517 - Advanced Health Assessment, 3 credit hours (60 Clinical Hours)**

Comprehensive health assessment of the client with advanced application and synthesis of physiologic, psychological and sociocultural concepts as applied to comprehensive health appraisal of individuals, families and community groups. Prerequisites: NURS 501, NURS 503

** 60 clinical hours of Advance Heath Assessment consist of: 14 hours of weekly labs, videos and meetings;  14 hours of on-campus residency; 32 hours clinical with a preceptor.

NURS 531 - Advanced Primary Nursing Care for Women, 6 credit hours (180 Clinical Hours)

Exploration and application of advanced nursing theory in the provision of a wide range of health promotion and care services for women, including reproductive health. Prerequisites: NURS 501, NURS 503, NURS 507

NURS 535 Advanced Primary Nursing Care for Children and Adolescents 6 credit hours (180 Clinical Hours)

Exploration and application of advanced nursing theory in the provision of a wide range of health promotion and nursing care services for children and adolescents. Prerequisites: NURS 501, NURS 503, NURS 507

NURS 537 - Advanced Primary Nursing Care for Adults, 7 credit hours (240 Clinical Hours)

Exploration and application of advanced nursing theory in the provision of a wide range of health promotion and care services for adults, including the elderly population. Prerequisites: NURS 501, NURS 503, NURS 507

NURS 540 Accountability for Advanced Nursing Practice, 2 credit hours

Synthesis course with emphasis on roles, responsibilities and relationships for advanced practice nursing, including legal, ethical and religious dimensions; analysis of current and developing health care policies and health care delivery systems. Prerequisites: NURS 531, NURS 535

NURS 541 Certification Examination, 2 credit hours

This course provides the student an opportunity to demonstrate competence and synthesis of course work in preparation for national certification. Course Objectives: (1) The student will complete certification preparation under the direction of faculty. (2) The student will successfully complete the departmental comprehensive exam. APEA Review and Certification Preparation Materials Course fee: $90

NURS 535 Advanced Primary Nursing Care for Children and Adolescents, 6 credit hours (180 Clinical Hours)

Exploration and application of advanced nursing theory in the provision of a wide range of health promotion and nursing care services for children and adolescents. Prerequisites: NURS 501, NURS 503, NURS 507

NURS 537 - Advanced Primary Nursing Care for Adults, 7 credit hours (240 Clinical Hours)

Exploration and application of advanced nursing theory in the provision of a wide range of health promotion and care services for adults, including the elderly population. Prerequisites: NURS 501, NURS 503, NURS 507

NURS 540 Accountability for Advanced Nursing Practice, 2 credit hours

Synthesis course with emphasis on roles, responsibilities and relationships for advanced practice nursing, including legal, ethical and religious dimensions; analysis of current and developing health care policies and health care delivery systems. Prerequisites: NURS 531, NURS 535

NURS 541 Certification Examination, 2 credit hours

This course provides the student an opportunity to demonstrate competence and synthesis of course work in preparation for national certification. Course Objectives: (1) The student will complete certification preparation under the direction of faculty. (2) The student will successfully complete the departmental comprehensive exam. APEA Review and Certification Preparation Materials Course fee: $90

NURS 600 Advanced Practice Project 2 Hours (30 Clinical Hours)

The student demonstrates application and synthesis of advanced practice nursing through a comprehensive, practice-focused project. In addition, the student completes an additional 30 hours of clinical at a site that is congruent with the topic choice. A scholarly article for publication and a scholarly presentation is required prior to a grade assignment. Prerequisites: NURS 510, NURS 513, NURS 516

NURS 660 Master’s Thesis (2 Hours)

A written research project related to program of study that meets institutional requirements for a thesis. In addition to a completed and bound thesis, a scholarly presentation must be completed prior to a grade assignment. Prerequisites: NURS 510, NURS 513, NURS 516

Clinical Placement Support

 

Clinical placement is the required clinical education component of Carson-Newman’s Family Nurse Practitioner degree and Post-Master’s Certificate programs. Clinicals work in tandem with the classroom-based coursework to prepare you for your future as a Family Nurse Practitioner providing primary care in the field.

During clinical placement, you'll gain:

  • Real life practice with expert supervision
  • Confidence and effectiveness
  • Diversified experience
  • Relationships with potential employers
  • Counsel from an accomplished mentor

Learn More

What Does Clinical
Placement Mean?

Clinical placement is the required clinical education component of Carson-Newman’s Family Nurse Practitioner degree and Post-Master’s Certificate programs. Clinicals work in tandem with the classroom-based coursework to prepare you for your future as a Family Nurse Practitioner providing primary care in the field.

During clinical placement, you'll gain:

  • Real life practice with expert supervision
  • Confidence and effectiveness
  • Diversified experience
  • Relationships with potential employers
  • Counsel from an accomplished mentor

Learn More

How Does The Process
Work?

Here's how the clinical placement process works:

  • A few months into your FNP program, you will receive a placement intake form.
  • Using information from the form and clinical objectives, a dedicated placement specialist will locate an appropriate preceptor and handle the logistics for your clinical rotation.
  • We source preceptors from our network of providers, but also welcome any referrals if you have a specific preceptor in mind.
  • We will ensure your clinical sites are qualified to meet program and state-specific requirements, and will handle all of your rotation paperwork.
  • Your Student Success Advisor will communicate with you regularly to guide you through each step, all the way up to graduation.

Learn More

Why Is Clinical Placement Important?

In schools where students are left to handle placement on their own, this puts added stress on the student. Intensive research and coordination takes time away from studies and could mean months of waiting for a placement. A lack of support may also lead to miscommunication or rejected placements, which could set a student's studies back for months.

The Carson-Newman Department of Nursing believes you are only as successful as your training, which is why we have taken the stress out of the clinical placement process. With this peace of mind, you can focus on your studies and building competency instead of worrying about clinicals.

Learn More

The Carson-Newman Difference

“Clinical placement support” can mean various things from school to school. The Carson-Newman advantage is that our clinical placement services are comprehensive, giving give you the support you need to succeed as an FNP student, from start to finish.

  • Our Network Support – Your Placement Specialist will handle the logistics of securing quality placement sites and preceptors from our network of providers for 600 clinical hours, as well as any referrals from you.
  • Your Focus – Our support saves you hours, days, months of time, so you can focus on your coursework and core competencies.
  • Your Success – Our comprehensive clinical placement services will help you stay focused and thrive as you gain clinical competencies as an FNP.

Learn More

   

Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Program Curriculum

 

CLINICAL HOURS

Post-Master’s FNP Certificate students can expect to have 500-660 clinical hours in their program, depending on their capstone choice.

CAPSTONE

Your culminating capstone experience will include courses NURS 540 and NURS 541, and the option to select either course NURS 600 Advanced Practice Project or NURS 660 Master’s Thesis.