MSN-FNP

Take the Next Step with USM's Online MSN-FNP

Take charge of your nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track from the University of Saint Mary. Learn online while you broaden your horizon!

More so than many other programs, Saint Mary provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements for MSN-FNP students

Our curriculum fully prepares you for advanced practice nursing focused on primary care – integrating both theory and application in a mixed learning approach. Classes are offered online.

In as little as two years, you can be prepared to sit for national certification as an FNP. USM also offers an online MSN with specializations in education and administration, plus an MSN/MBA track.

Apply Today

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Curriculum

The MSN-FNP program consists of 12 terms, 50 total credit hours. Courses must be taken in order, given the cohort progression structure of the program. Classes are offered online. Students must attend two required on-ground intensives throughout their program. Each will be three days in length, and they will typically be in the Summer term.  These intensives will include things like skills check-off and practice, standardized patients, oral boards, and poster presentations.

Total Program Credits: 50 Hours (700+ Clinical Hours)

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Admissions Requirements

Admission to the FNP program is completed through the NursingCAS system, is competitive, and is based upon:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited nursing program
2. Verification of current unrestricted RN license in the state of intended clinical practicum
3. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate nursing study
4. Official transcript(s) from undergraduate/professional school
5. Two professional or academic letters of recommendation. The letter should attest to your potential to successfully complete a graduate program of study, with emphasis on professional nursing competency, relationship with team members, leadership skills, and personal responsibility/accountability.
6. Current curriculum vitae
7. Written response to three questions (300 words or less each) demonstrating your commitment to nursing and your reasons for seeking graduate education
8. At least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse. You may seek admission prior to the completion of this requirement but must have completed the full year of RN clinical practice prior to enrollment in FNP practicum courses.
9. Personal interview with FNP Program Admissions Committee. Interviews are conducted remotely.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Rachel Estinvil at rachel.estinvil@stmary.edu or 913-758-6328.

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Tuition

The University of Saint Mary Master of Science in Nursing-FNP program is competitively priced. Financial aid packages are designed to help you easily manage your education expenses, based on need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The MSN-FNP cost is $775 a credit hour. Some additional fees may apply depending on your term/course load.

*Note: Year to year, cost per credit hour subject to change.

Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@stmary.edu or 913-758-4303.

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Career & Salary

Demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) – including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists – is expected to grow “much faster than average” with an estimated 40 percent increase between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS reports the mean annual wage for nurse practitioners is $123,780 – a significant increase compared to the $77,600 median annual salary of a registered nurse as reported by the BLS.

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Meet the Faculty

Michelle Krakar, DNP, MS, RN

Assistant Professor & Post Licensure and Graduate Program Director
michelle.krakar@stmary.edu
706-615-7355


Highlights:

Dr. Krakar received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Columbus State University and her Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy State University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Saint Mary. She then received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She is currently pursuing a post-master certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Dr. Krakar has experience teaching in undergraduate and master’s programs. Her favorite courses are medical surgical. Clinically, Dr. Krakar has experience in emergency, medical-surgical, telemetry, and forensic nursing. She extensively volunteers with the American Red Cross by providing medical services.

 

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Ginger Vaughn-Pullin, DNP, NE, FNP-BC

Associate Professor of Nursing
Ginger.Vaughn-Pullin@stmary.edu
913-758-6295
Berchmans 315

Highlights:
Dr. Ginger Vaughn-Pullin received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing (FNP focus) from the University of Kansas. She then completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership from Graceland University. Her research focus is on stress reduction in caregivers of individuals with special needs. She maintains certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Dr. Vaughn-Pullin has experience teaching in graduate and doctoral programs. Some of her favorite courses to teach have been advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pediatrics, and epidemiology.

Clinically, Dr. Vaughn-Pullin has experience in emergency medicine, intensive care, functional medicine, pediatrics, and family practice. She currently maintains clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner working with the uninsured and underserved in the Kansas City metro area.

 

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