The doctoral degree program in nursing – family nurse practitioner at Carson-Newman University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Advance Primary Care plus Healthcare Leadership with a DNP-FNP
The Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program at Carson-Newman is accredited, affordable, and offers the opportunity for advancement for nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree looking to expand their careers. Students in the online BSN to DNP-FNP program learn from experienced faculty who are active practitioners in their communities. Graduates gain the skills and confidence necessary to define their future as holistic family nurse practitioners and advanced healthcare leaders.
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Learn more about Carson-Newman University's online nursing programs.
- 100% Online Coursework*
- Just Over $48k Total Tuition
- Clinical Placement Support Provided
- Dedicated Student Success Advisor
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- All coursework is 100% online (not including clinicals, residency and on-campus certification review)
- Included clinical placement support
- Designed for working nurses, the online DNP-FNP is part-time yet streamlined. Graduate in as few as 32 months!
- One 3-day on-campus residency experience connects you with peers and instructors for hands-on learning
- Receive board certification preparation with 2-day live review (to take place the same week as commencement)
- Be supported from the first day of class until graduation by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
- Save up to $200 per credit hour compared to nationwide competitors
- Accredited by:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing
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- All coursework is 100% online (not including clinicals, residency and on-campus certification review)
- Included clinical placement support
- Designed for working nurses, the online DNP-FNP is part-time yet streamlined. Graduate in as few as 32 months!
- One 3-day on-campus residency experience connects you with peers and instructors for hands-on learning
- Receive board certification preparation with 2-day live review (to take place the same week as commencement)
- Be supported from the first day of class until graduation by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
- Save up to $200 per credit hour compared to nationwide competitors
- Accredited by:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing
Hear from One of Our Online MSN-FNP Students
Check out Student Testimonials to see how Carson-Newman works for working nurses.
On-Campus Residency Experience
One three-day required on-campus residency experience provides you the opportunity to meet and connect with your peers and program faculty. During the residency, students will come to campus for hands-on skills practice and complete an advanced assessment physical exam. Learn more about the Residency Experience.
A Private School Education at a State School Price
The online BSN to DNP-FNP program consists of 74 credit hours of nursing courses taught by experienced FNP and DNP faculty who are active nurse practitioners in their communities. At part-time pacing, the program can be completed in as few as 32 months.
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.
Comprehensive health assessment of the client with advanced application of synthesis of physiologic, psychological and sociological concepts as applied to comprehensive health appraisal of individuals, families and community groups.
Examines principles of economics and resource management in the development and evaluation of healthcare projects and programs.
Analyze factors influencing healthcare policy, cultivate the skills to competently engage in the policy process, and apply advocacy and persuasion strategies to transform healthcare to equitably meet the needs of diverse populations.
Focuses on the utilization and evaluation of information systems and technology to improve access to quality care, care outcomes, and communication while generating new evidence.
Nursing By The Numbers
*(vs 55% for new grads across all disciplines) 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing Report
What Does Clinical Placement Mean?
Clinical hours are a required component of Carson-Newman’s BSN to DNP-FNP program. Clinicals work in tandem with the classroom-based coursework to allow students to gain real life practice with expert supervision, build relationships with potential employers and receive counsel from an accomplished mentor. At Carson-Newman, our clinical placement support team will offer assistance with preceptor matching and clinical placement support, saving you days and weeks of time and allowing greater work life balance.
How Does The Process Work?
As you begin your program, you will receive a placement intake form. Using information from the form and clinical objectives, a dedicated placement specialist will work with you to identify potential preceptors and clinical sites, including any referrals from you. Once confirmed that your sites are qualified to meet program and state-specific requirements, the placement specialist will handle the paperwork and provide logistical support for your clinical rotation.
Why Is Clinical Placement Important?
Finding a preceptor and clinical site can take intensive research and coordination, taking time away from studies. A lack of support also leaves room for miscommunication or rejected placements, setting a student back for months. At Carson-Newman, we believe you are only as successful as your training, which is why we have taken the stress out of the clinical placement process.
The Carson-Newman Difference
Our clinical placement services are comprehensive, giving you the support you need to succeed from start to finish. Your Placement Specialist will secure quality placement sites and preceptors from our network of providers for 600 clinical hours, as well as any referrals from you. This will free up time for coursework and core competencies, helping you stay focused and thrive in your program.
Testimonials
Miranda Kerley, MSN-FNP Student, Class of 2021
Ashley Leon, MSN-FNP Student, Class of 2022
Kevin Light, MSN-FNP Student
The online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner program (DNP-FNP) is for registered nurses who hold a BSN degree and are looking to prepare for and expand the role of an advance practice nurse or broaden career options to healthcare leadership with a terminal clinical doctorate. Graduates gain the skills necessary to define their own future as holistic and confident family nurse practitioners, ready to impact their communities or provide organizational leadership and create systems improvement.
The fully accredited online BSN to DNP-FNP program is 100% online*, which allows you to earn your DNP on a schedule that supports work life balance.
Carson-Newman University offers student-centric support, including:
- Personalized admissions assistance
- Clinical placement support
- Affordable tuition for just over $48k**
- Flexible, online coursework
- No application fee
- An efficient path—graduate in as few as 32 months
- 1:1 support throughout the program from a Student Success Advisor
*not including clinicals, residency or on-campus certification review
**plus fees (tech fee $65 per credit hour, $400 fee per semester)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a professional doctorate in nursing. This specialized degree focuses on advanced clinical practice and prepares graduates for the highest leadership level in nursing.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, technology, quality improvement, and systems leadership. DNP programs are designed to equip nurses with the knowledge to become successful nurse leaders and improve patient outcomes.
A DNP prepares nurse practitioners for advanced practice roles. With a DNP, you can become a leader in the nursing field by developing and implementing healthcare initiatives, directing new best practices, and providing expert care to patients.
You will also be able to lead teams of medical professionals in delivering the highest level of patient care.
You may specialize in areas such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner, or neonatal nurse practitioner.
You may also work as an educator, informatics specialist, or consultant within the nursing field. You have a wealth of options to pursue in the world of nursing leadership with a DNP.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice can be a great opportunity for experienced nurses, as it can impact one’s career through higher salaries, better job opportunities, and more respect from supervisors and peers.
A DNP may also provide access to teaching and research opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available. With the current industry emphasis on evidence-based nursing practice, knowledge acquired from a DNP program can lead to improved patient outcomes as well.
Ultimately, for those looking for enhanced leadership roles in clinical care settings, a DNP is certainly worth it.
$132,050
Median Total Annual Wages*
More than 141,200 new Nurse Practitioner jobs created between 2023-2033*
- Family
- Pediatrics
- Women's Health
- Adult - Gerontology
- And More
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Important Dates
Our Students Come First
A Private School Education at a State School Price
Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a nationally-ranked, Christian liberal arts-based university. The online FNP programs are part-time for working nurses with a student-centric curriculum. Faith and learning are combined to create a transformative education designed to empower you as an autonomous primary care provider.
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Fully Supported All The Way
Carson-Newman is a leader in adult online education. Students enrolled in our online FNP programs can expect the same academic rigor and support as on-campus nursing students. Our dedicated faculty and staff empower working nurses to turn their vision into reality. From enrollment support to clinical placement support to guidance until graduation, you’ll never be alone on your FNP journey.
Your student success team will help you with:
- Enrollment Support
- Admissions Requirements
- Program Details
- Clinical Placement Support
- Tuition Information
- Upcoming Start Dates
AMANDA OLSON