Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science

Program Description

The Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program is focused on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver nursing care to persons of all ages across primary care settings, including those in rural and under-served areas. MSN-FNP graduates are prepared for advanced clinical practice that involves individuals and families throughout the lifespan and across the health continuum. The program is designed for nursing professionals seeking advanced skills in nursing who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing and have worked as an RN. Coursework is completed online and clinical experiences are completed in local primary care settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Integrate and translate theory and research from the sciences, humanities, and nursing in the delivery of evidence-based nursing practice.

2. Demonstrate leadership skills to improve the quality and safety of health care at the organizational, systems, and practice level.

3. Integrate current informatics and health care technologies in nursing practice.

4. Use health policy development process and advocacy strategies to influence positive change in health care delivery.

5. Demonstrate inter-professional collaboration for identifying clinical prevention strategies and improving patient and population health outcomes.

Career outlook
FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (SOC CODE: 29-1171.00)

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are registered nurses who have specialized graduate education. The primary focus for FNPs is to coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. FNPs may diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as a part of a healthcare team. They may focus on health promotion and disease prevention, order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays, and prescribe medication. Family Nurse Practitioners perform many of the same services as physicians.

Students must have a registered nursing (RN) license before pursuing an advanced practice role. FNP graduates are eligible to take the national certification for advanced nursing practice.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK DO FAMILY NURSES PRACTITIONERS DO?

Family Nurse Practitioners work in doctors’ offices, clinics, private homes, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. FNPs place a strong emphasis on wellness and prevention, but also provide treatment for everything from mild ailments to serious conditions. Duties include prescribing medications, conducting exams, developing treatment plans, educating, and guiding patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits. FNPs understand the changes in health promotion throughout the aging process, perform diagnostic tests and screening evaluations, manage overall patient care, and emphasize preventative care and disease management.

CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT TRENDS FOR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONERS

California employment of NPs was 17,300 employees in 2020. The need is projected to grow 56 percent from 2020 to 2030. It’s projected there will be 2,120 openings each year from 2020 until 2030.

Source: O*Net California Employment Trends for Family Nurse Practitioners

MEDIAN PAY FOR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONERS

Source: O*Net California Local Wages for Family Nurse Practitioners, 2022

Admission Requirements
family nurse practitioner

In addition to fulfilling the graduate admission requirements for Pacific College, a program applicant:

1. Shall supply evidence of an unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in California;

2. Shall submit official academic transcript(s) to the Registrar’s Office showing a conferred baccalaureate degree:

   • in nursing; for example, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN),

   • with evidence of final grade of “C” or better in a physical assessment course at the upper-division level,

   • with evidence of final grade of “C” or better in either (1) nursing research or (2) evidence-based practice courses at the upper-division level;

3. Shall submit a personal statement—up to two pages in length—outlining professional and educational goals;

4. Shall submit a reference letter from an educational source qualified to assess the applicant’s potential to succeed as a graduate student, such as from nursing faculty of the applicant’s baccalaureate program;

5. Shall submit a reference letter from a professional source qualified to assess the applicant’s potential to succeed as a graduate student;

6. Shall submit a current resume or curriculum vitae;

7. Shall participate in a panel interview for program admission.

Students in the nursing program must pass a physical health examination. Additionally:

1. Prior to being allowed to enroll in nursing courses students are required to be in compliance with immunizations consistent with the requirements of the Pacific College nursing programs and the healthcare agencies in which they will be placed for clinical experiences.

2. Prior to being allowed to enroll in nursing courses students are required to complete a background check including statewide, county, and federal screening. Background checks are also required for persons seeking a nursing license in the state of California. Students who have reason to believe that a background check would reveal a prior misdemeanor or felony conviction should seek to have these matters expunged from their record if possible and/or seek another career path.

PROGRAM COURSEWORK
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires satisfactory completion of 18 courses in core, advanced science, and role-specific courses which total 40 units. The FNP program includes didactic and practice-based clinical courses. Each course is comprised of specific learning objectives, activities, and evaluation measures. The didactic courses present the nursing knowledge, theoretical concepts, models, and research that inform patient care and evidence-based practice. The clinical courses provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge; practice skills; plan, implement and evaluate interventions and programs for diverse populations. The didactic curriculum is delivered in courses taught online. Students will come to campus for three courses/skills intensives. Pacific College’s Family Nurse Practitioner graduates are eligible to take the national certification for advanced nursing practice.

Theoretical Perspectives of Advanced Practice Nursing
NUR 510 - 2 credits

An exploration of theories significant to advanced nursing practice and healthcare, including those addressing bioethics, leadership, disease prevention, behavioral modification, health disparities, and cultural awareness. Middle range theories from nursing and other disciplines are examined for use as a foundation for research and clinical practice in advanced nursing.

Advanced Pathophysiology
NUR 514 - 3 credits

Examination of the application of advanced knowledge of pathophysiological functions and processes associated with the care of individuals with altered health states across the life span. Alterations in function and adaptive, integrated, and regulatory mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, organ, and system levels are studied. Pathophysiology is a foundation for clinical decision-making and management of health problems across the lifespan.

Advanced Pharmacology
NUR 518 - 3 credits

Study of the theoretical foundations for pharmacological treatment of common acute and chronic health problems. Examination of selected classifications of drugs with the emphasis on the principles of pharmacokinetics, pathophysiological basis for therapeutic use, adverse effects, drug interactions, and contradictions for use. State and federal laws and prescribing and furnishing protocols to include non-scheduled and schedule I-V medications are studied. Patient education on medical therapy and issues of adherence are considered.

Principles of Advanced Practice Nursing
NUR 530 - 1.5 credits

Examination of the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner. Introduces the competencies and other foundational components of advanced practice nursing and the nurse practitioner. Subjects include role associated with professional practice and career development, use of technology, evidence-based decision-making, leadership, change, collaboration, and outcome evaluation.

Advanced Practice Care of Adult/Geriatric I
NUR 540 - 2 credits

Study of the advanced practice management of adult and geriatric primary care patients with common acute and chronic illnesses and health and developmental problems in a variety of health care settings. The Family Nurse Practitioner assumes responsibility and accountability for health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic illnesses and patient problems, including the prescription of pharmacological agents for treatment. Developing sound clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning skills are highlighted. The Family Nurse Practitioner draws from theory, research, and best practices to manage the care of individuals, families, and populations and provide cost-effective care.

Advanced Practice Care Clinical I
NUR 543 - 4 credits

Clinical practicum for immersion into the Family Nurse Practitioner role in the primary care clinical setting. Drawing from theory, research, and best practices, students will manage acute and chronic illnesses in individuals throughout the lifespan in a variety of primary care clinical settings. Application of primary prevention strategies, health maintenance, women’s health is incorporated into care. Students will be mentored by advanced practice nurse practitioners or physicians in learning primary care of patients. The minimum requirement for this practicum is 180 hours of clinical experience.

Advanced Practice Care of Pediatrics
NUR 546 - 1.5 credits

Preparation of the Family Nurse Practitioner to provide care to infants, children, and adolescents. Examination of theory and research on the assessment and management of children in areas of growth and development, behavioral issues, acute and chronic illness, and health promotion and maintenance. Includes primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention with the etiology of disease, differential diagnosis, and clinical management.

Advanced Practice Care of Families, Rural and Urban Communities and Underserved Populations
NUR 550 - 1 credits

Examination of theory and research on the assessment and management of the health of families, rural and urban communities, and underserved populations including migrants, refugees, LGBTQ, and trafficked people. Concepts of social determinants of health, stigma, cultural awareness, and cultural sensitivity will be woven into planning care for these populations. The Family Nurse Practitioner role in the care of families, rural and urban communities, and underserved populations includes health promotion and prevention, accessing resources for clients, patient education, and support.