
Family Nurse Practitioner
Post Master’s Certificate
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Program Intro
Family nurse practitioners are quickly becoming the preferred partners to evaluate and manage common health problems and chronic illnesses at every stage of patients’ lives. They also focus on promoting/maintaining health, preventing disease and counseling/educating patients. Family nurse practitioners work in a wide variety of primary care settings.
Our FNP post-master’s program prepares excellent graduates who hold diverse roles in the healthcare field. You’ll learn to improve patient outcomes by making an impact on patient care, nursing practice and organizational systems. You’ll also acquire valuable experience embedding best evidence into your practice as you work with preceptors in clinical settings.
Curriculum Overview
Your studies build on your previous master’s coursework. You might be required to take advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment and/or health promotion. From this foundation, move into final-year courses where, in combination with class content, you’ll work with a preceptor of your choice to gain experience meeting FNP practice competencies.
You can currently complete this program at PNW’s Hammond campus.
Sample Courses
- NUR 50200 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing
- NUR 61100 – Primary Care Of The Young Family
- NUR 62200 – Primary Care Of The Aging Family
Highlights
Family nurse practitioner program graduates enter the marketplace with real-world experience and vital skills under the guidance of expert faculty. You’ll hone your ability to acquire, appraise, and implement best practices.
Our College of Nursing is home to the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing Practice, an Affiliate Center of JBI.


Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to:
- Synthesize nursing knowledge, patient preferences and the best available evidence to make optimal decisions
- Grow as a leader who can influence the delivery of healthcare
- Develop a professional philosophy that reflects the humanistic values of nursing
Beyond the Classroom
We encourage you to get involved in organizations and activities like:
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Society for Nurses in Advanced Practice
- Sigma Theta Tau (by invitation to eligible students)
Career Paths
Family nurse practitioners have a number of career options, including:
- Management of patients across the lifespan
- Leadership roles in nursing practice
- Nurse education
Employers
Family nurse practitioners work in a range of roles, typically at organizations and agencies like:
- Ambulatory care practices
- Medically underserved clinics
- Hospital-based outpatient centers
Accreditation
Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take ANCC’s and AANP’s FNP certification exams.
Meet the Faculty

Take the Next Step
Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW’s flexible programs can meet your needs.