Program Overview
Expand Your Role in Healthcare With an MSN – FNP Online
Take the next step toward an even more fulfilling nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree featuring 100% online coursework. Unlike most advanced nursing programs that tend to lead away from the bedside, the MSN – FNP degree will deepen your relationship with a patient by giving you the knowledge and resources to provide more comprehensive care and to increase positive healthcare outcomes.



The demand for family nurse practitioners continues to grow across all settings, from urban areas to rural communities. FNPs serve an urgent healthcare need and enjoy a rewarding career with in-depth comprehensive patient responsibilities. As fewer physicians choose to specialize in primary care and many primary care physicians approach retirement, FNPs competently and increasingly fill the void.
Designed for working nurses and accredited by ACEN, A-State’s affordable online MSN – FNP program combines 100% online coursework with relevant clinicals to increase your knowledge and leadership skills. By applying critical inquiry to theory and practice, you will expand your ability to provide lifelong patient care in a wide range of specialties and settings.
Upon successful completion of the FNP program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

The Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program at Arkansas State University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). For more information about A-State’s accreditation, contact ACEN by mail at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326; by phone at 404-975-5000; or via email at [email protected].
In this online family nurse practitioner program, you will learn how to:
- Synthesize theories and concepts to guide clinical judgment
- Assist in providing primary care by performing standard procedure skills
- Conduct both physical and differential diagnoses to determine appropriate treatment
- Work with patients and their families to develop plans to maintain/improve health and manage/treat illnesses and chronic conditions
- Develop patient-centered care that respects diversity and unique characteristics of individuals and populations
- Assume leadership and collaborative roles in planning, providing and managing healthcare services
- Work within complex health systems and diverse populations to effect safe, cost-effective quality healthcare
- Apply unique skills, such as radiology interpretation, tele-health practices, and dental health
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability to ethical and legal standards
- Utilize information systems and technology to evaluate patient care programs, outcomes and systems
Prepare for leadership roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Internal medicine clinics
- Family practice clinics
- Community clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Specialty clinics
- University student health centers
- Rehab centers
- Ambulatory care centers
- Home healthcare
- Correctional facilities
- Retail clinics
A-State is ranked #6
among the "Top 10 Best Colleges in Arkansas" by CollegeChoice.net, 2020
Tuition
A-State Tuition Is an Outstanding Value, With Pay-By-The-Course Flexibility
Our online family nurse practitioner program offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included.


Per Credit Hour | Per 3 HR. Course | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$291.00 | $40.00 | $331.00 | $873.00 | $120.00 | $993.00 |
A-State Is #1
Ranked #1 among the "Best Online Colleges in Arkansas" by BestColleges.com, 2020
Calendar
Important Dates You Need to Know
Ideal for working nurses, Arkansas State online programs are delivered in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2023 | 7 wk | 05/08/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 04/24/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 05/04/2023 | 05/05/2023 | 06/09/2023 |
7 wk | 06/26/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 06/12/2023 | 06/16/2023 | 06/22/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 07/28/2023 | |
Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 | |
Spring 2024 | 7 wk | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 12/15/2023 | 12/19/2023 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 02/09/2024 |
7 wk | 03/04/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 02/19/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/01/2024 | 04/05/2024 | |
Summer 2024 | 7 wk | 05/06/2024 | 06/20/2024 | 04/22/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 05/02/2024 | 05/03/2024 | 06/07/2024 |
7 wk | 06/24/2024 | 08/07/2024 | 06/10/2024 | 06/14/2024 | 06/20/2024 | 06/21/2024 | 08/02/2024 |
Admissions
THESE ARE THE STEPS TO BEING ADMITTED TO OUR ONLINE MSN – FNP PROGRAM
We know you're busy, so we've streamlined the A-State admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Students who are interested in the MSN family nurse practitioner online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.
- Complete online application and submit application fee
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
- Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing coursework
- Official transcript(s) submitted by the registrar of any college/university you have attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution.
- 1,500 RN practice hours with verified documentation
- Current unencumbered RN license
Additional Information
As part of the student’s file, the following information is required to be completed prior to starting the first course (or the applicable course):
- A background check
- This document is not required to render an admissions decision.
Additional Information
Request all official transcripts be sent directly to A-State from all colleges or universities attended. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically or send all required documents to:
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Courses
PREVIEW THE COURSEWORK OF THE FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM
Students in the MSN family nurse practitioner online program must complete a total of 41 credit hours. Required coursework includes seven core courses (20 credit hours), three emphasis courses (9 credit hours) and three practicum courses (12 credit hours with a total of 720 clinical hours).
NURS 6003: Advanced Clinical Physiology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Complex physiological processes in adults which occur with disease, adaptation, and therapeutic intervention. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses.
NURS 6013: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of commonly occurring health problems of primary care patients. Prerequisite: undergraduate course in pharmacology, admission to the graduate nursing program, NURS 6003 or concurrent enrollment. NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP option.
NURS 6023: Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Presents theoretical and clinical basis for comprehensive assessment and diagnosis in primary healthcare settings, including all age groups. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making, differentiation of normal from pathological findings, risk assessment screening, diagnostic testing, and interpretation of findings. Prerequisites: undergraduate Health Assessment course.NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP
NURS 6103: Research Design and Methodology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Analysis and critical evaluation of nursing research appropriate to the study of nursing phenomena. Students develop a research proposal. Prerequisite: undergraduate research.
NURS 6203: Theory Development in Nursing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Examines the process of theory development in nursing and facilitates formation of a conceptual basis for advanced knowledge and practice. Includes analysis of various models and their application to advanced clinical practice. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses except in Nurse Anesthesia program.
NURS 6303: Healthcare Issues and Policy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Critical analysis of healthcare issues and policy which influence advanced nursing practice and the healthcare system.
NURS 6402: Role Development in Advanced Nursing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
The study of role development with an emphasis on role making, intra- and interdisciplinary communication and strategies for role implementation. Must be taken prior to or concurrent with, first clinical course.
NURS 611V: FNP Women’s Health
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1.5
Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of women who are well or have minor health problems. Application of principles through case studies related to women's health. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
NURS 612V: FNP Pediatrics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1.5
Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of pediatric clients and families who are well or have minor health problems. Application of principles through case studies of pediatric clients. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
NURS 613V: FNP Systems I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1.5
Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of clients who have minor or chronic health problems. Areas of focus to include but not limited to: Health Promotion, Musculoskeletal, Neurologic, Mental Health, Multisystem disorders & management of office emergencies. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
NURS 614V: FNP Systems II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1.5
Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of clients who have minor or chronic health problems across the lifespan. Areas of focus to include but not limited to: Dermatology, HEENT, Hematologic, and GU/GI Disorders. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
NURS 615V: FNP Systems III
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1.5
Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of clients who have minor or chronic health problems. Areas of focus to include but not limited to: Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Infectious Disease, Endocrine, Metabolic, Rheumatic, & Oncologic Disorders. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023. Restricted to Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration program.
NURS 616V: FNP Seminar
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1.5
Analysis of application of nursing theory and research/role concepts, and exploration of issues specific to the role implementation, in family nurse practitioner practice. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
NURS 6212: FNP Clinical Practicum 1
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Clinical preceptorship in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice. Prepare students to interview patients, build care plans, and work with clinical instructors and preceptors to apply knowledge of primary care processes. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
NURS 6222: FNP Clinical Practicum 2
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Clinical application of theoretical bases for management of clients and families for well visits and/or minor/complex health problems. Continued clinical preceptorship with opportunities for increased clinical knowledge in selected primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts. Prerequisite, NURS 616V.
NURS 6232: FNP Clinical Practicum 3
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Clinical application of theoretical bases for management of clients for well visits and/or minor/complex health problems. Clinical preceptorship with opportunities for increased clinical knowledge in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice. Prerequisites, NURS 6212 and NURS 6222.
NURS 6242: FNP Clinical Practicum 4
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Continued clinical preceptorship with opportunities for increased clinical knowledge in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice. Emphasis on patient assessment and prioritization of treatments and interventions for patients across the lifespan. Prerequisites, NURS 6212 and NURS 6222.
NURS 6252: FNP Clinical Practicum 5
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
FNP Clinical preceptorships in selected health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge, skills and concepts in a guided, progressive context of Family Primary Care Advanced Nursing Practice in a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisites, NURS 6232 and NURS 6242.
NURS 6262: FNP Clinical Practicum 6
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Culminating clinical course for FNP students. Applies knowledge from previous courses to create and finalize a professional portfolio. Participate in a research project to show professional research interests and educate others on potential upcoming changes within the health care system. Prerequisite, NURS 6252.