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The family nurse practitioner (FNP) track prepares students for advanced practice of nursing in the primary health care of children and adults. Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) provide high-quality health care services in a wide range of problems from acute, chronic and wellness care to health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling. The core courses provide a solid foundation in the use of evidence-based practice guidelines and theory as a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of illness and the promotion of wellness. Clinical experiences are precepted in community or outpatient-based settings after approval by the faculty.
The MSN educated nurse practitioner is prepared to enter advanced practice, ready to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis and management of patient problems including the prescription of pharmacologic agents within a specialty area of clinical practice.
Quick facts
Official name
Master of science in nursing with an emphasis in family nurse practitionerCampus
Program type
Master's degreeAcademic home
School of Nursing and Health StudiesDelivery mode
Blended, some campus visits requiredAccreditation
Higher Learning Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing EducationCredit hours
46Estimated cost
$41,325.60*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
Graduates take the national certification exam for their specialty and practice as a nurse practitioner in any area of the United States.
Program structure
Delivery of this program is blended: You will complete most course work online, but on-campus visits are required. Courses are semester-based. Full-time students may take three courses per semester and finish in two years. Part-time students may take one or two courses per semester and finish in three years.
Course work includes
- Advanced health assessment skills
- Cultural diversity and values
- Ethics in practice and research
- Advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan
Delivery
Blended, some campus visits requiredCalendar system
SemesterTypical program length
2-3 yearsTypical course load
1-2 courses per semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
The MS at the School of Nursing and Health Studies is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Faculty spotlight
Nancy Willis-Smith has worked with UMKC since 2003. She started in Joplin, MO with the distance program, became the Joplin Site Coordinator in 2010 and became the family nurse practitioner track coordinator in 2016. She is double certified as a family nurse practitioner and a women's health nurse practitioner and received her doctor of nursing practice in 2011. She was awarded the "Award of Excellence" for the state of Missouri by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2006. Willis-Smith practices 2 days a week for Ozark's Community Hospital clinics in Webb City and Carthage, MO.