
Nursing, Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing
Request Information
Program Intro
Family Nurse Practitioners are fast becoming 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 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
Begin your program with courses in advanced nursing practice, evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and physical assessment. 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.
Take core master’s nursing courses and begin your pathophysiology course sequence.
Sample Courses
- NUR 50100 Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing (2 credits)
- NUR 50200 Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits)
- NUR 50300 Advanced Health Assessment (4 credits: 3 didactic and 1 lab)
Continue taking core courses, including advanced pharmacology, assessment and health promotion.
Sample Courses
- NUR 53100 Theoretical and Ethical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits)
- NUR 57400 Pathophysiologic Concepts I (3 credits)
- NUR 57500 Pathophysiologic Concepts II (3 credits)
Complete FNP and clinical practicum courses.
Sample Courses
- NUR 62300 Primary Care of the Aging Family Practicum (3 practicum credits; 180 clock hours)
- NUR 65600 Health Care Organization, Policy and Economics (3 credits)
- NUR 65700 FNP Practicum: Clinical Synthesis (2 practicum credits; 150 clock hours)
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
Scholarships
Several scholarships and graduate assistantships are available to MSN FNP students.
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
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 or AANP’s FNP certification exam.
Meet the Faculty

Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.