Why Is Program Accreditation Important
ââRegionally and nationally accredited schools offer a quality education. Accrediting agencies review student outcomes, faculty, and curricula to ensure that they meet the highest standards.
Accreditation also influences the student journey in many other ways:
- Accredited graduate schools may not accept students who attended unaccredited undergraduate schools.
- Unaccredited schools cannot provide students with federal financial aid.
- Some employers do not recognize degrees from unaccredited schools.
Important Testing Site Information
Q: What is considered an “acceptable form of identification” that I should take to the testing center?
A: Names must match on the AANPCB application, PSI Test Registration, and the forms of identification presented at the testing center for an eligible candidate to sit for their scheduled examination.
- The name used to schedule your appointment must exactly match the name shown on your identification.
- Refer to the AANPCB Candidate Information Bulletin at www.psiexams.com for information regarding required, acceptable, and valid forms of identification at PSI Testing Centers.
Q: What are examples of identification for the test site?
A: You must provide 2 forms of identification.
- One ID must be a VALID form of government-issued identification which bears your signature and has your photograph.
- The second ID must have your signature and preprinted legal name. Acceptable forms of identification include a credit card, ATM card, social security card, employee ID card, or voter registration card.
- A candidate’s first and last names on identifications presented must match the names on the AANPCB application/Approval to Test and the eligibility notice sent by PSI.
- The middle name on the ID documents do not have to match .
Q: Where can I find more information about the PSI scheduling and test center regulations?
A: Visit www.psiexams.com for the following information:
- Schedule an Exam
- Find Testing Center Sites near You
Q: How do I contact PSI?
Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency And Fellowship Programs
- California
- San Francisco VA Health Care System Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program
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West Virginia Wesleyan College
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $38,160
The FNP specialty concentration at West Virginia Wesleyan is delivered online and through hybrid teaching methods, allowing nurses a greater degree of independence and autonomy in managing their educational experiences. The program makes every effort to set up clinical practicum experience options near the residence of the individual student. After graduation, nurses should be well-prepared for the necessary certification examinations to become a primary care practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Degrees
How is a nurse practitioner different from a clinical nurse specialist?
Both the nurse practitioner role and the clinical nurse specialist role require master’s degrees because they involve advanced healthcare activities. In fact, there is a fair degree of overlap between the two in terms of education, training, and practices. Both are required to be licensed to treat patients, conduct physical exams, and coordinate patient care. The main difference between the two roles is the focus. Nurse practitioners are more likely to provide direct patient care, while clinical nurse specialists are more likely to be employed in administrative, research, program development, and teaching positions.
What’s the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?
In some ways, the roles of nurse practitioner and physician’s assistant are similar. Professionals in these roles must hold master’s degrees and be licensed to practice, and they earn comparable salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects a dramatic increase in demand for professionals with either of these credentials. In practice, however, the roles are quite different. Nurse practitioners come from the nursing tradition, so they focus on long-term care and wellness. Physician’s assistants come from the medical model and are focused on diagnosing and treating ailments and injuries.
What’s the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor?
How much can I expect to earn as a nurse practitioner?
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Additional Nurse Practitioner Programs
When researching the best nurse practitioner program for your goals and aspirations, you may find that a specialized NP program is your best route, a bridge nursing program, or an online nursing program.
There are several MSN-level programs you may also consider:
University Of North Carolina Wilmington
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $16,428
The masters degree in nursing program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in all aspects of primary care in clinical and practice situations. The curriculum takes two and a half years of full-time study and has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, making it a solid investment for students looking to take on increased responsibilities as an advanced practice registered nurse in the larger medical community.
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How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program
On average, full-time students can complete an online family nurse practitioner program in just two years. However, students enrolled in schools that follow traditional, 16-week semesters can complete coursework during summer sessions to graduate sooner. Similarly, students may take heavier course loads during the semester to shorten graduation timelines. Many online programs often follow a cohort-style format. Cohorts allow students to complete their courses with the same group of students each semester, which builds relationships between classmates.
Most programs allow students to attend part time, which can double program lengths. Students with difficult schedules can enroll in self-paced programs, which offer the most flexibility. However, this format can extend program lengths. Because each university designs their own curriculum, the number of required credits range from 45 to 55 credit hours.
Licensure Requirements By State
Virtually all states require a license or certification to practice nursing. While requirements vary by jurisdiction, nursing boards typically require graduation from a training or degree program at a state-approved school or organization and passage of the appropriate-level national examination. Once applicants complete education and testing, the licensing process usually takes a few weeks.
Entry-level nurses earn diplomas or certificates, while registered and advanced practice nurses must hold an associate degree in nursing or higher. Licensure boards impose specific clinical hour requirements for each type of license they issue.
The following links provide details for specific licensing requirements in each state.
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Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Programs
- Arizona
- Mayo Clinic Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship
Courses In A Nurse Practitioner Program
NP programs include content and methodology courses that prepare graduates for evidence-based nursing practice in several specialty areas. Accredited programs also provide an excellent educational foundation for graduates who plan to continue to a doctoral program after graduation.
Each school follows a curriculum that supports its academic goals for students. Along with foundation coursework, NP programs typically offer classes in specialty areas such as psychiatric-mental health, family nursing, and gerontology acute care. Many schools offer the courses below as part of a comprehensive NP program.
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University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $15,744
UTHealth offers both Masters and Doctoral degree options to become a family nurse practitioner. Once accepted into the MSN program, students have the option of registering in the Emergency/Trauma Care focus. UTHealth FNP students obtain hands-on experiences during their required 600 clinical hours, which provides a foundation for their future clinical practice.
Family Nurse Practitioner Online Programs: An Overview
This section contains program specific information including how to qualify, time commitment, potential coursework, and licensure information. However, the best online family nurse practitioner programs have their own curriculum standards and often create unique courses or electives. Therefore, some details may differ from information on this list.
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Explore The Topics Youll Study In Our Master Of Science In Nursing Fnp Online Classes
For the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner online, the nursing curriculum is comprised of 16 courses , including 9 credits of core courses, 12 credits of advanced core courses, 10 credits of concentration/theory courses, 11 credits of field study/clinical courses, and 3 credits for one elective. 692 clinical hours are associated with the field study/clinical courses. Students must take the following courses.
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Bsn Programs By State
Students can complete a bachelor of science in nursing in four years . While state licensing requirements vary, most BSN programs require 120 credits and prepare graduates to become registered nurses or enter graduate nursing programs. Common admission requirements consist of a high school diploma, minimum 2.5 GPA, 2-3 references, and a personal essay, along with college-level prerequisite courses that include anatomy, human growth and development, and statistics.
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How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.
USC offers an online master of science in nursing with a focus in developing holistic skills for advanced nurse practitioners. The curriculum combines online coursework, clinical experience, and on-campus intensives. Learners may choose full-time or part-time enrollment.
Admission requires an accredited bachelor of science in nursing or MSN and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants also must pass a statistics prerequisite course and hold a registered nurse license in the U.S. for the duration of the program. They must have at least one year of clinical experience. Graduates can qualify to pursue national certification as a family nurse practitioner.
University Of Southern California Online Msn Fnp Program
The University of Southern California offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program with two campus intensives and local clinical practicums. Classes are delivered online in a live, face-to-face format for maximum collaboration. Students study healthcare policy, healthcare management, pharmacology, data analysis, research methods, healthcare technology, pathophysiology, and healthcare innovation.
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Mcneese State University Online Fnp And Pmhnp Programs
McNeese State University offers a 100% online MSN program with Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations. In addition, a PMHNP Post-Masters Certificate is offered. No campus visits are required and preceptorships are completed local to the student in either Texas or Louisiana.
What Can I Expect From An Online Nurse Practitioner Program
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has identified several core competencies for NPs. If you possess strong leadership and analytical skills and can stay calm under pressure, you can excel both as an NP and as a graduate student working toward your MSN degree.
Online nurse practitioner master’s programs include 30-60 credits in advanced physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacology. Students also take courses in specialty areas, such as pediatrics, gerontology, or psychiatric mental health.
MSN-NP programs typically include approximately 600-700 hours of clinical practice. If you earn your degree online, your program may help you find a facility near you where you can complete your clinical hours.
Many online programs allow students to complete coursework entirely online however, some programs include limited on-campus requirements. Also, some MSN-NP programs require students to complete a final capstone project. Although program length varies, full-time students with a BSN can usually earn the degree within two years.
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Online Master’s Degrees In Nurse Practitioner
An online Master of Science in Nursing degree with a nurse practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in the field. Programs focus on advanced nursing theory and principles in the design and delivery of primary care. This training helps students prepare to take the national certification exam after graduation. Master’s NP programs also establish a foundation for pursuing doctoral studies in the field.
Program Requirements
Applicants to an online nurse practitioner master’s program should hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a registered nurse license. Students may be required to complete prerequisite courses such as statistics and basic computer courses. Once enrolled, NP master’s students will generally need to complete 42-48 credits including clinical practice hours. Full-time students may complete the program in two years, while part-time students may require three to six years.
Curriculum
The Ohio State University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: Fnp Nnp Pmhnp
The Ohio State University offers online MSN and Post-Masters Certificate programs with FNP, NNP, and PMHNP specializations. Neonatal NP students come to campus three times and family NP students come to campus once. The PMHNP programs are offered 100 percent online. All NP specializations feature required clinical preceptorships local to the student.
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Emergency Np Certification Renewal Options
Q: What options are available to renew the Emergency Nurse Practitioner certification?
A: ENP’s have two options for renewal:
Option One:
- Meet minimum 1,000 clinical practice hours in the ENP role and population.
- Complete a total of 100 advanced practice continuing education contact hours.
- 25 CEs need to be advanced pharmacology .
- Up to 25 non-pharmacology CE credits may be replaced with Preceptor hours .
- Procedural skills CEs may be used but are not required for ENP certification renewal .
- Meet minimum requirements within the current 5-year period of certification.
Option Two:
- Take and pass the ENP certification examination before expiration of the current certification.
Q: How long is the ENP certification valid?
A: Like the FNP certification, ENP certification is time-limited and will need to be renewed every five years. Current Family Nurse Practitioner certification is required for renewal.
Q: I am certified as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Do I have to renew my Family Nurse Practitioner certification?
A: Yes. The ENP certification is a subspecialty certification built upon the FNP scope. Therefore, ENPs must maintain current FNP certification.
Q: I am working as an ENP. What happens if I do not renew my Family NP certification?
Q: I am due to renew my ENP certification in 2022. How early can I start the recertification application?
Q: How do you define emergency-related continuing education?
Q: Are advanced life support courses accepted for ENP renewal?
A: No.
Professional Organizations For Nurse Practitioners
NPs can explore multiple professional organizations that cater to their specific field of expertise and practice. Many groups welcome student members and experienced NPs, which engenders mentorship and professional networking opportunities. Members can often access online career centers, digital libraries, and education and career development resources.
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Aanpcb Program Accreditation And Compliance
Q: Are the AANPCB certification programs accredited by a third party?
A: Yes. AANPCB’s certification programs are accredited by two national accrediting bodies – the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, Inc. and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies . Changes to the NP certification programs align with the certification accreditation standards promulgated by these two organizations. Accreditation dates may be found on the AANPCB website.
ABSNC is the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certification. ABSNC accreditation provides a peer review mechanism that allows nursing certification organizations to obtain accreditation of their certification programs by demonstrating compliance with the highest quality standards available in the industry.
NCCA , is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence . NCCA serves to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of certification programs and organizations that assess professional competence. Accreditation by NCCA indicates AANPCB compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs.
Texas Woman’s University Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
Texas Woman’s University offers an online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and an FNP Post-Masters Certificate. Students complete coursework online and come to campus for one immersion. Clinicals are completed local to the student. The programs are offered in 35 states offer the opportunity to expand nursing credentials into the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Residency And Fellowship Programs
- California
- Shasta Community Health Center Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Fellowship Program Pediatric Rotation)
What Is The Purpose Of A Family Nurse Practitioner Program
The purpose of the M.S. Family Nurse Practitioner program is to advance your clinical expertise and develop knowledge and skills to manage the healthcare of individuals and their families by providing preventive and primary care , managing chronic conditions, and promoting health. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the certification exam and apply for licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Through the program you will also gain knowledge in Nursing Science, Leadership, and Health Care delivery.
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