Western University Of Health Sciences
- Associate degree in nursing from a BRN-approved school
- Active, unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical hours will be completed
- Minimum 3.0 GPAoverall and last 60 semester or 90 quarter units
- 1 year of experience as an RN is preferred
Youll also need to have completed a series of undergraduate prerequisites with a grade of C or better.
How WesternU Made the RN to MSN Faster
WesternUs hybrid ADN to MSN program is aimed at RNs who want to skip the BSN and go straight to the MSN. Youll start with a pre-program course and on-campus orientation, and then youll get stuck into 500-level coursework. On a full-time schedule, you can finish the ADN to MSN in 2 years , with 3-5 courses per semester. Just keep in mind that all specialties include on-campus weekend intensives and clinical experiences.
Primary Care Pnp Certifications
The CPNP-PC is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board . To gain it, you must:
- Hold a current, active RN license.
- Earn a masters , postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a PNP program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
- Tackle graduate-level coursework in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
- Complete a minimum of 500 supervised direct care clinical practice hours in primary care pediatrics.
- Take & pass the CPNP-PC exam. The exam covers four categories: Health Promotion , Assessment & Diagnosis , Management , and Professional Issues.
- Keep your certification & licensure up-to-date through continuing education.
Can I Complete My Degree Part
Students enrolled in our Accelerated or Veteran Bachelor of Science in Nursing program may only attend the program on a full-time basis due to its accelerated format.
Students enrolled in our RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs may only enroll on a part-time basis.
Students enrolled in a graduate program have the ability to enroll in most tracks on a part-time basis. To review your program of study options, visit the MSN, DNP or certificate webpage in the specialty area of your choice. PhD applicants should contact the program director directly.
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Lowering Tuition Increasing Access
In 2020, we reduced tuition by 14% amounting to a savings of $9,600 to make our program accessible to more aspiring FNPs. Additionally, Nursing@Simmons awarded more than 450 scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year.2
Apply for our next cohort today all applicants are considered for a scholarship.
Best Accelerated Rn To Fnp Programs Online

Our definition of Accelerated for online RN to MSN-FNP programs includes any pathway that takes less than 8 semesters to complete. Keep in mind that you will need a non-nursing bachelors degree to apply for these options.
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Rn To Msn Pediatric Np: Overview
RN to MSN PNP programs are custom-built for working RNs who have a diploma or an associates degree and want to earn their MSN or MS to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Happily, there are also RN to MSN PNP programs for RNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing.
Our directory includes:
- Concentration/Track: RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner programs with a concentration/track in Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. In most cases, programs with the title of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner are referring to primary care training, but its always worth a double-check.
- Dual Concentration: RN to MSN programs that combine two NP specialties. In the case of pediatrics, the degree is likely to be a PNP/NNP . Check with the program coordinator to make sure the degree prepares you for certifications in both specialties.
- Dual Option PNP : Dual RN to MSN PNP programs that will prepare you for both primary care and acute care PNP certifications. PNCB maintains of list of PNCB-recognized Dual Acute Care/Primary Care PNP Programs. However, some of these programs may only want to see applicants who have a BSN.
- Sub-Specialty: RN to MSN PNP programs that allow you to focus on specific sub-specialties . These are rare.
Take your time with the decision. Each RN to MSN PNP program has a different approach to pediatric nursing, so its worth going over the coursework & clinical components carefully.
Top 5 Nurse Practitioner Programs
U.S. News & World published their list of the 2020 top Nurse Practioner programs in the United States.
John Hopkins University, Baltimore: $37,056 per year
Duke University, Durham: $1,769 per credit
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia: $42,698 per year
Emory University, Atlanta: $1,906 per credit
Columbia University, New York: $82,232 per year
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Rn To Msn Neonatal Np: Overview
RN to MSN and RN to MS Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs are targeted at working nurses who already hold a nursing diploma or an associates degree . There are also RN to MSN NNP programs for experienced RNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing.
Our directory includes:
- Concentration/Track: RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner programs with a concentration or track in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty. These are popular, and you can have your pick of online or on-campus programs.
- Dual Concentration: Dual focus RN to MSN programs that combine pediatrics & neonatal training. These are rare, but they do exist. Be sure to ask how the dual program will prepare you for state licensure requirements and certification.
Scholarships And Financial Aid
The School of Nursing is proud of its commitment to nursing education through the offering of merit and need-based scholarships and grants. Students interested in scholarship support are encouraged to submit the Cizik School of Nursing Scholarship Applicationafter an admission application has been submitted.
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Rn To Msn Womens Health Np: Msn Curriculum
Once youre at the graduate level, standard MSN or MS degrees take around 1-3 years to complete. Approximately 70% of the MS or MSN is going to involve didactic coursework , including:
- Foundation Courses: Standard WHNP programs contain courses in leadership, evidence-based practice, physical/healthcare assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Often called the Nursing Core, this set of subjects appears in almost every NP program.
- Concentration Courses: On top of the core, Schools of Nursing will often include concentration or specialty courses that deal specifically with womens health issues . Since this is an adult field, you may be required to take courses in community health, adult primary care, and health problems of adults/older adults.
- Electives: If youre lucky, youll be able to choose electives in sub-specialty areas . But a number of RN to MSN WHNP programs have no electives at all.
As a rule of thumb, its useful to look for programs that will expose you to a whole range of womens healthcare topics . You should also be sure the curriculum meets the education prerequisites & covers the exam topics for WHNP certification.
Earn Your Msn Online And Become An Fnp
Empowering and educating nurses since 1902, Simmons University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program that extends our esteemed Boston-based FNP program to students across the country through a dynamic, online learning platform.
The baccalaureate, masters, and DNP programs at Simmons are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
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Are Online Rn To Msn Nnp Programs Available
Yes. A number of accredited schools in our directory now offer Online RN to MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner degrees, including Stony Brook, the University of Connecticut, the University of South Alabama, and more. Heres how they work:
- Undergraduate Phase: To proceed to the MS or MSN part of the program, youll first be required to achieve good grades in upper-level undergraduate courses. These courses are typically offered online, which is great news for working RNs.
- Graduate Phase: You can usually take standard masters courses online , but you must participate in clinical practicums in order to graduate. Practicums can be completed in your own community . However, you may be expected to find the site and a clinical preceptor who is willing to supervise you.
We also want to point out the phrase 100% online can be misleading. A lot of schools like to see their nursing students at least once. For example:
- The University of Alabama Birmingham requires RN to MSN students to visit the campus in Birmingham for an orientation and three multi-day intensives.
- The University of Connecticuts NNP program includes three on-campus visits: one for orientation and two visits for leveled simulation experiences.
- The University of South Alabama has a mandatory three- to four-day orientation during the fall semester of the first practicum course. Various clinical skills workshops are held during this time.
How Long Does It Take From Adn

The length of an ADN-to-MSN program depends on the program requirements and whether you attend as a full- or part-time student. For full-time students, it typically takes three years for completion, though some RN-to-NP programs take longer. Part-time learners typically need four years to complete the degree.
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Spotlight Online Rn To Np Programs
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
RNs can earn an MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration online from Loyola University. Full-time students can expect to graduate in two years. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will have the opportunity to become certified as an FNP. Other features include:
- 48 credit hours, including 720 practicum clock hours, are required
- Program is fully accredited
- No BSN required
https://www.loyno.edu/academics/colleges/loyola-online/master-science-nursing-online
George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
The GW School of Nursing offers an online RN to MSN in which an ADN-educated nurse will earn both a BSN and an MSN. Students can choose either the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration, or the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program takes about 3-4 years to complete. Other features include:
- Courses are online but some campus visits may be required depending on specialization
- Clinical hours to be arranged with an approved preceptor
- Online programs may be subject to state authorization requirements check to see if your state qualifies
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
- Some clinical experience may be required to be accepted into certain programs
- Classes are offered online some on-campus visits may be required
- Dual-role NP concentrations available
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Rn To Msn Pediatric Np: Msn Curriculum
Once youve made it to the graduate level, standard MSN or MS degrees take around 1-3 years to achieve. Approximately 70% of this degree will be devoted to regular coursework, including:
- Nursing Core: Practically every NP program contains foundation courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare assessment. These graduate-level courses are typically required for state licensure & certification, so theyre standard in a curriculum.
- Concentration Courses: Concentration courses give you the chance to hone your expertise in specific areas of pediatric care. This where youll see a difference between FNP and PNP programsFNP concentration courses must cover all ages PNP concentration courses can focus solely on kids.
- Electives: Depending on the length & depth of the MSN program, you may be able to add 1-2 electives or sub-specialty courses in a field of interest . Some programs dont bother with electives.
Whatever program you fancy, make sure the curriculum is geared toward state licensure and PNP certification.
Primary Care PNP Concentration Coursework
A lot of PC PNP concentration courses will address the three realms of pediatric primary care: well children, acute illnesses, and chronic conditions. For example, weve seen course titles such as:
You may be lucky enough to find PC PNP electives in palliative care, electrocardiography, diabetes management, etc. If its a short program, you may find none!
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Overview Of Whnp Certification
The road to becoming a WHNP begins with the first four steps outlined in How to Become a Nurse Practitioner. Once you have decided to pursue your graduate degree in Womens Health NP and investigated your states licensure requirements , you can turn your attention to national certification.
Before you can practice as an APRN in womens health, most State Boards of Nursing will require you to pass the WHNP-BC exam from the National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Specialties . Solid RN to MSN WHNP programs will always prepare you for this exam. Great schools will brag about their pass rates .
Rn To Msn Family Nurse Practitioner
Registered nurses without a BSN can also pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner at UM-Flint. Depending on whether or not you have a bachelors degree in other non-nursing fields, you can choose one of the following RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner pathways.In general, the RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner curricular pathway includes 67 to 70 credit hours of coursework, requiring students to take additional prerequisite courses before they start the MSN core courses and FNP courses.
Review the detailedonline Master of Science in Nursing FNP curriculum.
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How Long Is A Standard Rn To Msn Program
On a full-time schedule, standard RN to MSN programs may take anywhere from 3-5 years to complete. Of course, this will depend on your starting undergraduate degree:
- ADN/ASN/Diploma: For these folks, universities often like to combine their existing MSN degree programs with 1 year of catch-up undergraduate work. Some schools will award the BSN some wont.
- BA or BS in a Non-Nursing Subject: Bacccalaureate holders have it easier. For example, you may only have to take 3-5 undergraduate courses in nursing subjects before you can start the MSN. That means these RN to MSN pathways often fall into the category of short programs.
Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Online programs are ideal for various nursing professionals with busy schedules as they allow the entirety or majority of coursework to be completed remotely. They are flexible and give students the opportunity to work around their schedule.
While online programs are inclusive to all lifestyles, nurses with the following lifestyles may especially benefit from online programs:
- Working nurses
- Nurses with difficult and/or set schedules
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Family Nurse Practitioner/msn Student
Syracuse, New York Area
-Graduated in May 2018, summa cum laude-Completed over 600 clinical hours in various settings including primary care, women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics -Experience with: performing patient examinations, obtaining medical histories, asssessing patient status, collaborating with preceptor to make treatment recommendations and referrals, ordering labs and other diagnostic tests, delivering
-Graduated in May 2018, summa cum laude-Completed over 600 clinical hours in various settings including primary care, women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics -Experience with: performing patient examinations, obtaining medical histories, asssessing patient status, collaborating with preceptor to make treatment recommendations and referrals, ordering labs and other diagnostic tests, delivering patient education on various topics including disease prevention, health promotion, proper medication usage, nutrition, and exercise-Competent in MEDENT and Epic EMR systems
Are Online Rn To Msn Whnp Programs Available

Yes. A select number of universities in our directory offer Online RN to MSN Womens Health Nurse Practitioner degrees. Having said that, youll find a lot more choice in Online RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Programs. If youre committed to distance learning, you may wish to research both options!
Heres how a standard Online RN to MSN WHNP works:
- Undergraduate Phase: Just like an on-campus program, youll be required to earn credits in upper-level undergraduate courses. These courses are usually offered online, in order to accommodate RNs with busy work schedules.
- Graduate Phase: You can take all of your MS or MSN courses online, but remember that you must participate in clinical practicums in order to graduate. Youll be able to complete these rotations in your own community. On the other hand, you may be expected to find the site and a preceptor. Online students often end up working part-time while theyre completing clinical practicums.
Be wary of any degree that bills itself as 100% online. Many strong online RN to MSN WHNP programs make a point of including mandatory campus visits. For example:
- The University of Alabama at Birminghams RN to MSN program includes an orientation and three multi-day intensives.
- The University of South Alabamas RN to MSN program has a 3-4 day clinical orientation for students enrolled in the first clinical course. This visit includes workshops and lab sessions.
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State Authorization For Online Students
In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in an online program, please visit theState Authorization pageto verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.
Acute Care Pnp Certifications
The CPNP-AC is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board . To gain it, you must:
- Hold a current, active RN license.
- Earn a masters , post-masters, or doctoral degree from a PNP program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
- Tackle graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
- Complete a minimum of 500 supervised, direct care clinical practice hours in acute care pediatrics.
- Take & pass the CPNP-AC exam. The exam covers four categories: Assessment , Diagnosis, Management, and Professional Practice Role.
- Keep your certification & licensure up-to-date through continuing education.
Note: The American Association of Critical Care Nurses has a separate CCRN certification open to RNs and APRNs who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill pediatric patients, regardless of their physical location. However, the CPNP-AC is the industry standard for PNPs.
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