Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more
about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process,
and meet key program representatives.
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.
Certificate Option: A Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program also is available to
students who have earned an MS degree in nursing. This option requires 43 semester
hours of study.
Family Nurse Practitioner admits once a year: Application Deadline - February 15 for the Fall semester.
The full-time hybrid program is designed so students are only required to be on the
Biltmore Park campus one day a week (Tuesdays). All other coursework is taught online.
The course load ranges from eight to ten hours per semester. See the FNP Program of
Curriculum below for more details. Clinical placements are available in a variety
of settings in or near the students' communities.
Degree Requirements: The FNP Program requires 52 semester hours of coursework, and 640 total clinical
hours. Students have the choice of completing a project or thesis. Upon completion
of the program students are required to pass a comprehensive exam.
In order to be eligible for admission in the MS(N) Family Nurse Practitioner Program,
applicants must meet the following criteria. Requirements may be in progress at the
time of application but must be completed prior to beginning the program.
BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and nationally accredited nursing
program
Cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on 4.0 scale or higher
Statistics course (undergraduate or graduate level)
Nursing Research course, undergraduate
Registered nurse eligible for licensure to practice in the state in which the student
intends to practice
Minimum of oneyear of clinical experience as a registered nurse within the last five years
Three professional references
The GRE or MAT is not required
Submit a resume and professional statement with the online Graduate School application
Family Nurse Practitioner admits once a year: Application Deadline - February 15 for the Fall semester
Admission into the MS(N) FNP program is competitive. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements
does not guarantee admission.
Application to the MS(N) Program requires application to the Graduate School. Only complete applications will be eligible for review. As part of the online application,
the applicant needs to prepare the following:
Upload a copy of college transcripts from all secondary schools attended.
As part of your online application, be prepared to submit: a. Names of (and contact info for) three professional references who can attest to
the applicant’s ability to pursue graduate study; one must be from a current or recent
employer. b. Professional Statement and Resume c. $65 application fee
*Not required for Post-Masters Certificate Option students.
There are face-to-face at Biltmore Park each Tuesdays throughout semester, as well
as online courses. The classes are typically from approximately 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., but this varies by semester.
Health & Human Sciences Bldg Room 336 Cullowhee, NC 28723 Map Directions 828.227.7467 tel wcunursing@wcu.edu - Please note the FNP Program in your correspondence
WCU Prog. at Biltmore Park 28 Schenck Pkwy, Ste 309 Asheville, NC 28803 Map Directions 828.654.6499 tel wcunursing@wcu.edu - Please note the FNP Program in your correspondence
