Master of Science in Nursing Post Master Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

The Post-MSN graduate certificate option is available if a student already holds an MSN degree and is seeking to become certified in an additional specialty area. Post-MSN certificates are available in the FNP track only. The number of credit hours required to earn the certificate varies based on previous education. Faculty assist students with finding clinical placements. Students complete 600 clinical hours under the guidance of faculty members and preceptors. This degree qualifies graduates to sit for one of the two national FNP certification exams: ANCC or AANP.

Accreditation Information

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at IU South Bend is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org/). For the most up-to-date information on the accreditation status, visit the program website.

Admission Information

Admission is based on the applicant’s official transcripts, references, resume, and personal statement.

The following criteria must be met for admission:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework.
• BSN Undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale from an NLN
• CNEA, ACEN, or CCNE accredited program.
• Completion of three individual courses for Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment.
• Copy of current unencumbered RN license, with eligibility to obtain an Indiana license.
• Personal Statement Essential Abilities.
• Criminal Background Check and Urine Drug Screen.
• CV/Resume
• References
• Clinical practice

Additional Academic Requirements

• Achieve a grade of B– or higher in all courses applied to the MSN degree.
• Complete all MSN degree requirements within six years of enrolling in the first nursing course in the nursing major.
• Apply for degree candidacy the semester prior to completing all degree requirements, following the published procedures on the campus awarding degree.

Students should refer to the program handbook for detailed academic and clinical policies, ensuring compliance with program requirements and standards (i.e. GPA requirements, program dismissal, reinstatement, etc.).

Degree Requirements (15 cr.)

Students receiving the MSN Post Master Certificate-FNP must complete 15 credits. All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated. MSN FNP students must complete 600 clinical hours.

• NURS-F 578 Primary Health Care Nursing of Families
• NURS-F 580 Primary Care I: Acute Illness Processes
• NURS-F 581 Primary Care II: Stable Chronic Illness Processes
• NURS-F 582 Primary Care III: Chronic and Complex Illnesses Processes
• NURS-F 586 Primary Care I: Clinical (1 cr.)
• NURS-F 587 Primary Care II: Clinical (1 cr.)
• NURS-F 588 Primary Care III: Clinical
• NURS-F 589 Primary Health Care Nursing of Families