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Earn a Family Nurse Practitioner degree and work to improve the health outcomes and quality of life for others.
Why Study Nursing at Rivier?
Changes in healthcare delivery and recent reforms have combined to increase Americans’ access to healthcare, resulting in the growing need for highly skilled and competent primary care providers. As one of the most in-demand careers in the country, a family nurse practitioner (FNP) must be expertly prepared to provide care to diverse patients. Graduates of Rivier’s FNP program are well-prepared to deliver the full scope of primary care within a variety of healthcare settings.
The FNP degree program offers a combination of advanced theory and clinical education. Coursework topics include family nursing theory, pathophysiology, health assessment, quality healthcare improvement, health policy, and research design. Through hands-on clinical experiences, students gain the skills necessary to practice with autonomy.
Program Overview
Next Start Date: January 25, 2021
Est. Program Length: 3 – 5 years
Credit Hours: 43 – 49
Course Length: 14 weeks (NSG517 is 7 weeks)
Entry Paths and Programs of Study
This is a 43- to 49-credit program of study, dependent upon entry path:
M.S. Nursing. For nursing baccalaureate-prepared RNs
RN to MS Option. For experienced associate degree or diploma prepared RNs
Completion Program. For nationally certified APRNs seeking a master’s degree
Post-Master’s Certificate. For RNs with an M.S. Nursing degree-seeking FNP-BC or NP-C certification (requires a minimum of 19 credits)
In addition to our program offered on campus, the MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner is also offered online.
Licensure
Registered nurses (RN) who complete this advanced degree coursework and clinical education are qualified to sit for the national exams to become certified in family practice (FNP-BC).
Rivier University is unable to accept students from some states due to the post-secondary higher-education requirements. There are also some restrictions for programs that lead to professional licensure due to the various requirements of individual state boards of nursing. See State Guide.
For further information on Professional Nursing Licensure at the state level, please use the following contact list (also available on the NC-SARA website).
As reported by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), graduates of Rivier’s MSN program who completed the certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioner in 2019 had a first-time pass rate of 92%, exceeding the 86% national average pass rate.
Explore Other Tracks
There are three other tracks offered in the Master of Science in Nursing program.
Rivier University’s ASN, BSN, MSN, Post Master’s Certificates and DNP programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
The holistic approach is a key facet to nursing excellence, and my mentors at Rivier were excellent role models.
Cynthia Arcieri, Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteClass of 1996/2004G
Where Will Your Degree Take You?
Our Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares graduates with the skills needed to succeed in advanced clinical practice and leadership roles in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Careers
Family nurse practitioners
Adult nurse practitioners
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners
Rivier employs a ‘high tech - high touch’ methodology to graduate clinicians and nurse leaders who are medically, technologically, culturally, and emotionally adept in patient care and health team management.
Dr. Paula WilliamsDean of Nursing and Health Professions
Take the Next Steps
Degree Requirements
Graduates of this MSN program are well-positioned for a rewarding career as board-certified family nurse practitioners.
How to Apply
Learn about criteria, how the admissions process works, and what you will need to apply.
Introducing Our Faculty
Faculty will serve as your mentors and guides.
Contact
Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions