Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University’s graduate studies in nursing provide students with academic and field-based experiences that lead to a master’s of science (MS) degree. The program prepares nurses in the advanced practice role of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with competencies in family health promotion and the clinical management of common health conditions across the lifespan.

A Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program also is available to students who have earned an MS degree in nursing.

All academic courses are taught online or on the Biltmore Park location on Tuesdays. Clinical placements are available in a variety of settings in or near the students' communities.

Degree Requirements

The MS/FNP Program requires 49 to 53 semester hours of coursework, depending on whether the thesis or project option is selected. New students are admitted for the fall term only. The typical course load is five to eight credit hours per semester (part time).

Post-Masters Certificate Option

Students with a Masters of Science in Nursing in another concentration can purse FNP certification by completing the the Post-Master FNP Certificate Program. This option requires 38 semester hours of study. The number of FNP students admitted is based on available faculty and clinical resources.

 

FNP Program Readmission Policy

On occasion, students may have interruptions in the regular progress through their FNP Program or FNP Certificate option. To ensure appropriate clinical, didactic content, and skills mastery, students who apply for readmission to the FNP Program will be required to follow the FNP Program Readmission and Continuance Policy for readmission or continuance consideration.

Find out more about admission and required coursework. Also see our FAQs for Registered Nurses returning to school or read more about the program in our Family Nurse Practitioner brochure.

Costs and Additional Expenses

Current graduate tuition and fees rates are available from the Graduate School.

Students accepted into the MS program are required to be computer literate and either own or have available a computer with a CD writer and high-speed Internet access. Students must purchase an IPAQ or Palm OS handheld PDA in order to download the required Lexi-comp software downloads (downloads at $210.00 plus). Additional expenses include the purchase of textbooks at approximately $800.00 plus per year.

Second year expenses for FNP students include purchase of a lab coat, nametag, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and a high quality otoscope/ophthalmoscope.   

Want More Information?

If you would like more information or have additional questions, please contact Dr. Jessica Shirley, Director of Student Services at jshirley@wcu.edu or click on the MS(N) Family Nurse Practitioner Program link to submit your request.