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Online Master of Science in Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner Program

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Overview

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Master the art and science of patient-centered care.

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Experts predict a shortage of no less than 100,000 family medicine doctors by 2025. That means millions of Americans will turn to family nurse practitioners for high-quality, affordable care. Gain the credentials to serve them now with an online MSN-FNP degree from Bradley University.
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Higher Learning Commission
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The master’s degree program in Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Bradley University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
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With our online nursing degrees, you can:

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Learn 100% online with no campus residency requirements
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Choose your preceptors
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Complete clinicals locally
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Prepare yourself for the ANCC or AANP certification exam
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Why earn an online MSN-FNP degree?

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Demand for primary care services in the U.S. continues to rise — while supply of the family physicians able to provide them continues to shrink. What does this mean for a talented RN like you? It means there’s never been a better time to specialize your expertise as a family nurse practitioner.

  • Acquire a big-picture, interprofessional view of the modern health care marketplace.
  • Expand your expertise in advanced nursing theory, patient-centered care and evidence-based practice.
  • Provide high-quality care to individuals and families throughout the life continuum.
  • Gain the autonomy to conduct exams, diagnose illness and treat clients across the life span.
  • Acquire the high-level leadership skills to thrive in nearly any health care setting.

Many states now allow nurse practitioners to work without a supervising physician. Complete your path to greater autonomy now; enroll in our online MSN-FNP program today.

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Is an online family nurse practitioner degree right for you?

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Need help deciding if an online MSN-FNP degree aligns with your current needs and future goals? We can help.

The online MSN-FNP program is an ideal choice if:

  • You’re passionate about family medicine.
  • You want to establish yourself as a leader in primary care.
  • You’re a nurse ready to broaden your scope of practice.
  • You wish to advance your professional career and eventually earn your DNP.
  • You’re ready to earn an advanced credential that can position you for financial growth.

Here are a few other ways to know if an online MSN from Bradley is the right choice for you:

  • You want to collaborate with and learn from other aspiring nurse practitioners.
  • You want a flexible online learning environment that fits your busy schedule.
  • You’re eager to learn from a faculty of passionate and experienced clinicians.
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Careers

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You became a nurse because you want to help people. And you are. Every day, you’re making a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.

Now you’re ready to have an even greater impact in your career. Earning an online Master of Science in Nursing from Bradley University can get you one step closer to accomplishing this goal. Our program can help you develop the skills to:

  • Expand the scope of care you provide
  • Specialize your expertise in an area you’re passionate about
  • Lead and mentor the next generation of nurses

Your master's degree can also qualify you for a wide range of new roles. Bradley’s MSN program offers three tracks - Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - which means you can focus your studies in the area that aligns with your interests and desired career path.

Continue reading to learn more about the industry outlook and some of the opportunities you can pursue when you earn your Bradley degree.

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What's your growth potential?

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When you earn your online MSN from Bradley, you can position yourself for a rewarding career where skilled professionals like you are in high demand.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks nurse practitioner as the second-fastest growing occupation nationally, with more than 211,000 jobs expected to be added by 2029 — a 52% increase.

The BLS also anticipates significant growth in the nursing administration field, predicting a 32% increase (133,200 new jobs) in the medical and health services managers sector over the same time period.

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Let’s take an in-depth look at a few of your career options:

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Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)

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Where can you work?

  • Primary care
  • Private homes
  • Community clinics
  • Health departments
  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term and short-term-care facilities
  • Urgent care
  • Hospitals and medical clinics
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Family Nurse Practitioner | Median Salary: $96,478*
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Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses who perform many of the same functions as physicians. These practitioners can treat, diagnose, prescribe medicines, and serve as primary care providers. They can also be employed by insurance companies in roles that include reviewing claims and consulting with patients. Family nurse practitioners work with patients of all ages, from young children to older adults.
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Nursing Faculty | Median Salary: $84,060**
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Nursing faculty help college and university students gain the knowledge and skills to grow in their nursing education. They do this through teaching classes, leading seminars, and supervising laboratory work. Duties typically include counseling students, developing coursework, grading exams and papers, and conducting research.
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Nurse Researcher | Median Salary: $80,140***
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Nurse researchers work to help create, evaluate, and perfect new and old medications and treatments for various medical conditions. Nurse researchers work in a variety of areas related to pharmaceutical and medical research. The work of nurse researchers can help some patients live longer or enjoy a better quality of life.
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Curriculum

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Depending on your entry-level education, Bradley offers two options to earn your online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner degree.
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RN to MSN-FNP
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If you are a RN with an ADN, nursing diploma or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, we offer bridge courses that can start you on the path toward an MSN-FNP.

  • 59 Credit Hours*
  • 3.3 Years
  • 10 Semesters
  • 800 Clinical Hours

*Includes 9 undergraduate hours from RN completion courses

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BSN to MSN-FNP
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If you already have your BSN, you may be eligible to start working toward your MSN- FNP right away. No bridge courses are required for this entry path.

  • 50 Credit Hours
  • 2.7 Years
  • 8 Semesters
  • 750 Clinical Hours
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The innovative curriculum of our online MSN-FNP program is designed to prepare you for advanced practice with individuals and families throughout the life continuum. The program’s 50-59* credit hours of coursework are delivered in as few as eight semesters and require that you complete five preceptor-supervised clinical practicums. Separate points of entry are available for RNs with a BSN and those with an ADN, nursing diploma or non-nursing bachelor’s.

*Years, semesters, clinical and credit hours will vary based on entry-level education (ADN/diploma or BSN). RN to MSN track includes 9 undergraduate hours from RN completion courses.

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Online RN to MSN-FNP Bridge Courses

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For RNs with an ADN, nursing diploma, or non-nursing bachelor’s degree
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NUR 300 Conceptual Basis for Professional Nursing Practices / 3 Credits
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Theories of nursing, professional roles, the nursing process, adaptation theory, nursing research, and societal influences on nursing and health.
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NUR 303 Research in Nursing / 3 Credits
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As a consumer of research, the student evaluates published nursing research and its importance to the profession. The student examines the steps of the research process in critiquing literature and writing a comprehensive review of literature. Use of the computer in nursing research correlated with the study of the research process.
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NUR 404 Community Health Nursing - Theory / 3 Credits
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Explores the role of the nurse in community settings. Applies principles of epidemiology, health promotion, and disease prevention to nursing practice. Examines the core functions of public health nursing, essential services, and population-based practice.
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NUR 407 Community Health Practicum RN-MSN / 1 Credit
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Selected community practicum experiences will be correlated with theoretical content of NUR 404.
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Online MSN-FNP Courses

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For RNs with a BSN and students who have completed the bridge courses
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ENC 510 Statistical Procedures / 3 Credits
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Principles and procedures for statistical interpretation of data. Study of measures and control tendency, variability, correlation, and introductory predictive and inferential statistics.
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BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits
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Detailed presentation of pathological conditions in the human body, with particular focus on the cellular basis for disease in muscular, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems.
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NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development / 3 Credits
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Analysis of theoretical models. Emphasis on assessment and implications of models for advanced professional nursing practice and research.
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NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice / 3 Credits
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Allows the learner to explore theories related to the generation of evidence, Research Utilization (RU), and Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Issues from practice areas are identified, developed, and refined into a researchable project.
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NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment / 3 Credits
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Systematic method for collecting data used in holistic health assessment of persons throughout the lifespan and in various healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on interviewing techniques for history taking and advanced physical assessment skills.
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NUR 615 Health Informatics / 3 Credits
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Introduces the learner to concepts in health informatics and provides the foundation for practice in the healthcare technology field. Explores healthcare data, clinical information management systems, security, personal productivity applications, consumer informatics, legal issues, and professional skills, knowledge, and certifications related to health informatics.
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NUR 640 Healthcare Policy / 3 Credits
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Explores health policy development and implementation and its impact on healthcare regulation, delivery, and finance. There is a focus on wellness and promotion of health for local, national, and worldwide health initiatives. Students will define healthcare provider roles in health promotion, healthcare delivery, and quality improvement through activities related to health policy reform and finance.
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NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I / 3 Credits
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Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, and pharmacologically manage the treatment of common health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.
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NUR 676 Primary Care Acute Conditions Across the Lifespan I / 6 Credits
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This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 100 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment.
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NUR 677 Primary Care Chronic Conditions Across the Lifespan II / 6 Credits
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This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with chronic disorders in practicum settings. Various practicum settings with diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment.
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NUR 678 Primary Care Across the Lifespan III / 6 Credits
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This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to women from adolescence through adulthood and infants, children, and adolescents in practicum settings. Various practicum settings with diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 200 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment.
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NUR 679 Primary Care Immersion IV / 6 Credits
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This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients across the lifespan with acute and chronic disorders in practicum settings. Various practicum settings with diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 300 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment.
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NUR 690 Professional Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice / 2 Credits
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Designed for the nurse to explore the professional aspects and challenges associated with advanced practice nursing. Tailored to meet the needs of a variety of specialties including a focus upon organizational, systems, and population strategies.
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Admission Requirements

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To be eligible for Bradley’s online RN or BSN to MSN-FNP program, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • ADN, diploma, or BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and an NLNAC-, ACEN-, or CCNE-accredited* nursing program. If you have an ADN, diploma, or non-nursing baccalaureate degree must complete NUR 300, 303, 404, and 407.
  • Proof of a current, unencumbered RN license
  • Students may be admitted unconditionally if you've achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants with previous graduate coursework must have achieved a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all graduate coursework and have completed a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours for the graduate GPA to be considered for admission.

You must also submit the following:

  • Completed online application
  • Nonrefundable $40 application fee
  • Official transcripts of academic credentials
  • One admission essay
    • Applicants in advanced practice programs must also include/discuss potential mentors for clinical experiences to deliver care across the lifespan.
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • CV/Résumé
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Learn from innovative nursing leaders.

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The dedicated faculty members who lead our online MSN-FNP program are committed to helping you succeed as you take the next step in your nursing career. They each bring a broad base of clinical expertise and professional experience into our online classrooms each day, and they are eager to share their knowledge with you.
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Resources

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Browse our resource library to learn about selecting a nursing program and earning your degree.
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MSN-FNP vs. DNP-FNP: Which Should You Pursue?

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Compare the MSN-FNP vs DNP-FNP degrees, including coursework and program length. Learn how both can help nurses pursue advanced careers in the nursing field.
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What's The Difference Between a DNP vs. MSN?

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When pursuing a career as an FNP you need to understand the difference between MSN and DNP. Find answers to the common questions you might have.
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Online or On-campus: Which MSN-FNP Is Right for You?

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The on-campus and online MSN-FNP degree programs each offer unique strengths. Prospective students should evaluate some key factors when comparing options.
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A Look at The 3 Paths to The Bradley University Online MSN-FNP

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At Bradley University, RNs enter the online Family Nurse Practitioner program via three primary educational pathways. Explore the MSN credentials available.
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What Careers Offer The Best MSN Nursing Salary?

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The health care industry is expanding fast, and employment is on the rise. Here's what to expect from an MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration salary.
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What Careers Offer The Best MSN Nursing Salary?

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The health care industry is expanding fast, and employment is on the rise. Here's what to expect from an MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration salary.
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Practice Independently with an MSN-FNP Degree

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With a nationwide doctor shortage, the Family Nurse Practitioner role can open doors for ambitious nursing professionals looking for clinical autonomy.
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What is Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners?

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What is full practice authority for nurse practitioners? Learn how NPs can gain autonomy with full practice authority, and how practice laws vary by state.
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Nurse Practitioner Work Life Balance

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Studying for an MSN can add stress to an already hectic schedule. Gain effective strategies for nurse practitioner work life balance while pursuing a degree.
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Inpatient vs. Outpatient Challenges Faced by FNPs

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There are both inpatient nurse practitioner and outpatient nurse practitioner settings. Explore the distinct challenges and opportunities of each.
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Earn an MSN-FNP to Work in a Variety of Healthcare Settings

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NPs have wide operational footprints, making their presence known in a variety of settings within health care. Learn how you can earn an MSN.
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