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MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing
Learn how to improve health care outcomes and deliver person-centered care to people of all ages with the MSN-FNP program at Capella. This specialization emphasizes ethical judgment while helping prepare learners to care for individuals of all ages to promote health, reduce risks and manage acute and chronic health conditions as an advanced practice nurse.
Capella University has partnered with Optum® to support advancing care and practice and help prepare nurses for the future of health care. Through modern, competency-based curriculum and innovative simulations, we’ll help equip you to face the nursing challenges of today – and tomorrow.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- GuidedPath learning format
- Online & in-person
- 9 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- Practicum immersion course
- Support with practicum placement
- Practicum
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5,000 Capella-Optum Scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore MSN-FNP courses
MSN-FNP requirements include completing nine core courses, a practicum immersion course, five specialization courses and practicum.
| Course | Descriptions | Quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURS6401 Pediatric Primary Care | Learners gain an understanding of the theoretical basis for the competencies of the nurse practitioner, focusing on comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and clinical management of commonly occurring acute and chronic illnesses and conditions in the pediatric population and family-centered care. Learners build upon their knowledge of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment while learning the role of the nurse practitioner in primary care. For MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): NURS6303, NURS6304. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for learners in the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. | 4 quarter credits |
| NURS6201 - Advanced Practice Nursing Role Development | Learners investigate the role of the advanced practice nurse. Learners analyze principles related to leadership, autonomy, scope of practice and role development. For MSN Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
| NURS6202 Advanced Pathophysiology | Learners analyze pathophysiologic processes and their effect on body systems across the lifespan. Learners build on their foundation of anatomy and physiology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role. . For MSN Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
| NURS6203 Advanced Pharmacology | Learners analyze advanced principles of pharmacology as they relate to the treatment and management of illnesses and conditions across the lifespan. Learners build on their foundation of pharmacology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role to safely, legally, ethically and therapeutically prescribe, administer and counsel patients regarding medication therapy and regimes. For MSN Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, completion of or concurrent enrollment in NURS6202. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
| NURS6205 Advanced Health Assessment Skills Immersion | Learners analyze advanced principles of health assessment, diagnostic reasoning and advance practice skill acquisition across the lifespan. Learners will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to perform focused and comprehensive examinations, advanced primary care skills and office procedures, and interpret diagnostic testing in preparation for the nurse practitioner learners role in the clinical setting. Learners build on prior knowledge to enhance clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning, in preparation for the advanced practice nursing role in primary care. Content will be delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. For MSN Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, NURS6202, NURS6203. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.. | 4 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
Learners in the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner specialization are prepared to assume the role of the advanced practice nurse caring for individuals across the lifespan to promote health, reduce risks, and manage acute and chronic health conditions. The specialization emphasizes ethical clinical judgment to deliver person-centered care and improve healthcare outcomes.
Throughout the specialization, learners will integrate scientific foundations, leadership, quality improvement and safety, practice inquiry, informatics and health care technologies, health policy and advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration to prepare for advanced nursing practice.
Upon successful completion of this specialization, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Skills gained through this specialization:
- Integrate knowledge from nursing and related disciplines to design person-centered care to improve health outcomes
- Utilize evidence-based practice to design, manage, and evaluate comprehensive person-centered care that is within the scope of practice
- Integrate interprofessional collaboration to develop person-centered care that respects diversity and the unique characteristics of individuals and populations
- Integrate appropriate technologies to improve clinical decision-making and health care outcomes
- Demonstrate leadership in practice, policy, and personal growth to achieve optimal outcomes for patients across the lifespan
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Practicum experience
Learn by doing. The practicum experience gives you the opportunity to practice what you learn under the supervision of a preceptor within various clinical settings. Learn more about the practicum
How much does the MSN-FNP degree program cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, scholarships and other factors. See the GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$39,440
estimated tuition*
$580 per credit, $200 resource kit fee, 68 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits and tuition discounts. Books, supplies and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid is also available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the requirements for your state. Below are some resources to help you start your research.
What are the MSN-FNP program admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSN – FNP program must provide the following for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official BSN transcripts, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- One year of nursing experience within the past two years
- Verification of your current, unrestricted RN license to practice in the United States
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A background check is required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
*Learners enrolled in a Capella nursing program in the FlexPath learning format will become ineligible to enroll in the MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) specialization if they progress through certain coursework in any of the following courses: NHS-FP6004, NHS-FPX6004, NHS-FP6008, NHS-FPX6008, MSN-FP6011, NURS-FPX6011, MSN-FP6016 or NURS-FPX6016. FlexPath courses cannot be transferred into the MSN-FNP specialization. To learn more, contact a Capella coach or call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources. We’ve built our programs in easy-to-manage phases, with a network of faculty, staff and online resources that can help you stay on track.
Articles and resources
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Continuing education with no tuition costs
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Nursing Guide
Get the details on nursing programs at Capella University, learning formats, financing options and more, all in one place.
What can you do with an MSN-FNP?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MSN-FNP.
Related job titles to explore
- Nurse practitioner
- Family nurse practitioner
- Advanced practice registered nurse
- Clinician
- Advanced practice provider
- Primary care nurse practitioner
- Urgent care nurse practitioner
- Advanced practice clinician
Employment settings to explore
- Office of physicians (except mental health specialists)
- Administration of veterans’ affairs
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Ambulatory health care services
- Direct health and medical insurance carriers
- Home health care services
- Employment placement agencies
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Individual and family services
- Offices of health practitioners
- Outpatient care centers
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Residential care facilities
- Correctional institutions
- Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.