Doctoral Program

BSN to DNP-FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

CLASSES START
Jan 6th

32 Mo.

Program Length

CCNE

Accredited¹

Online

Format

We pledge

Clinical Placement

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Information

Doctoral Program

BSN to DNP-FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

Deliver primary care across the lifespan as an FNP

Accreditation	CCNE accredited¹, Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Format	100% online didactic classes, hands-on clinical experience, and completion of a DNP Practice Project
Clinicals	We pledge your clinical placement
Admissions	Eligibility requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a minimum 3.0 GPA
Certification	Become eligible to take one of two FNP certification exams: the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination

US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Go from BSN to DNP-FNP with Herzing University

The BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner degree is a 68-credit graduate program which prepares you for a career as an FNP. The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in improvement science, epidemiology, systems-based practice, clinical decision-making, pediatric, adult, and geriatric healthcare, advanced health assessment, and much more.

Find your calling helping both the young and old achieve better health outcomes. Our program is built to help you reach the highest levels of nursing—both as an FNP and overall contributor to how nursing is practiced.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start January 6th

Learn More Today

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Curriculum

BSN to DNP-FNP courses & curriculum details

Our curriculum is developed in compliance with the model for advanced nursing education of the AACN new Essentials (2021) Level 2 sub-competencies. The program prepares you for 21st century nursing practice focused on interdisciplinary knowledge, leadership, innovation, and the ability to impact systems and population health change.

All didactic courses are delivered online. The curriculum includes 585 hours of hands-on FNP clinical experience and a DNP Practice Project.

Program	Monthsⁱ	Credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology –Family Nurse Practitioner – BSN to DNP	32	68

i. Average number of months for students to complete program.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 33.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 601 - Introduction to Advanced Nursing Competencies 3.00

The course focuses on introduction of advanced level nursing competencies as described by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in their 2021 publication The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. By engaging in course learning resources students will gain knowledge of professional nursing concepts that when applied in practice result in improved outcomes and serve to transform the healthcare environment. Students will utilize their relatable and application level of competency, across numerous essential nursing domains, for exploring their role as a leader in healthcare and in designing a quality improvement process.

NU 602 - Epidemiology, Research, and Theory 3.00

Building on foundational knowledge of statistical/bio-statistical concepts from prior education, the aim of the course is to foster the development of practice scholarship competencies. This graduate-level course integrates advanced concepts in nursing theory, research methods, and epidemiology to provide a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based practice in nursing. The course emphasizes the critical evaluation and application of theoretical frameworks in nursing, the evaluation of research findings for application to practice, and the analysis of epidemiological data as a basis for informing healthcare practice and policy.

NU 700 - Knowledge for Nursing Practice 3.00

This course focuses on the integration, translation, and application of established and evolving theoretical, evidence-based, and disciplinary nursing knowledge as the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. Students examine frameworks for knowledge and propose a practice application informed by leadership principals and ethical decision making.

NU 710 - Improvement Science 3.00

The course focuses on a systems-based approach to enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through system effectiveness and individual performance using established and emerging principles of safety and improvement science. Students will review metrics and data driven benchmarks to analyze quality and safety initiatives, employ change theory and improvement science processes to design evidence‐based interventions, and demonstrate advocacy to promote a just institutional culture reflecting resiliency, civility, and respect.

NU 711 - Collaborative Practice 3.00

This course focuses on the delivery of care using interprofessional teams in an environment fostering quality and safety and based on the adoption, integration, and dissemination of best practices, current practice guidelines, and evidence‐based interventions. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of interprofessional communication and the impact of team dynamics and performance on desired outcomes in practice. Using tools and techniques to support and improve the efficacy of team‐based interactions student will develop a plan to enhance collaboration.

NU 715 - Telehealth to Expand Health Care Access and Delivery 3.00

The course explores the transformative role of telehealth in modern healthcare systems. The course provides an in-depth examination of telehealth technologies, their implementation, and their impact on patient care and healthcare delivery. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how telehealth can address disparities, enhance patient engagement, and improve health outcomes.

NU 725 - Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice 3.00

This course will explore information and communication technologies and informatics processes used to provide care, gather data, drive decision making, and manage and improve the delivery of safe, high‐quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. Students will perform an information technology analysis of their practice and develop strategic planning to direct the selection and implementation of new information and communication technologies for their practice setting.

NU 726 - Professionalism and Leadership for Advanced Practice 3.00

This course focuses on proficient multidimensional leadership for healthcare. Leadership theory, managing change in complex environments, mentoring, and creating a workplace environment that promotes social justice and equity, self‐care, personal health, and well‐being, and lifelong learning will be emphasized. Student will examine their personal, professional, and leadership development process, and create a three-dimensional advocacy-based approach to provide leadership in for the healthcare, professional, and community arenas.

NU 730 - Systems-Based Practice 3.00

This course applies the principals of best practices, change theory, and improvement and implementation science to the development of innovative solutions for complex health systems to ensure optimal care. Course key concepts include organizational structure, including relationships among macro‐, meso‐, and microsystems across healthcare, and financial and payment models for cost management and reimbursement. Students will engage in a strategic planning initiative for a complex healthcare system which enhances value, access, quality, and cost‐effectiveness, including policy to address health equity and eliminate structural discrimination.

NU 760 - Scholarship for Nursing Practice 3.00

The course focuses on the application, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge in practice to improve health and transform health care. The processes for the generation, critique, synthesis, and translation of knowledge will be examined. Students will complete human subject protection certification, determine best practices for a specified clinical initiative, and apply evidence to clinical decision making using a framework of evidence-based practice and improvement science.

NU 780 - Population Health 3.00

This course examines the healthcare delivery continuum from public health prevention to disease management of populations and describes collaborative activities with both traditional and non‐traditional partnerships from affected communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others for the improvement of equitable population health outcomes. For a selected population, students will analyze health priorities and the potential for collaboration and partnerships to provide a basis for interventions, policy, advocate strategy, and emergency preparedness.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 27.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 610 - Advanced Health Assessment 3.00

This course is an examination of the process of holistic assessment (physical, psychosocial, and cultural) of individuals across the lifespan. Focus is critical thinking and decision-making related to the role of the advanced practice nurse in a primary care setting.

NU 611 - Clinical Decision-Making 2.00

This course is an examination of the processes applicable to clinical decision making. Models for clinical decision making will be presented. An overview of key assessments and the wide range of clinical activity categories that impact clinical decision making will be provided. Application of course concepts will be accomplished through engagement with hypothetical clinical scenarios.

NU 621 - Advanced Pathophysiology 3.00

The course examines scientific concepts of pathophysiology essential to diagnostic reasoning and clinical management of common disease states. The dilemma of cost and need for laboratory and radiographic evidence to support diagnosis is examined.

NU 623 - Adult Healthcare 4.00

This course focuses on the provision of care to the adult patient, aged 18 to 64 years of age, by the family nurse practitioner. This clinical course continues to develop diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills in students. Students apply theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines and contemporary practices in the assessment and management of health and disease states in the adult population.

NU 627 - Geriatric Healthcare 4.00

As the population ages, care of the older adult becomes an increasing need in primary care. Family nurse practitioners in primary care focus on care of patients across the lifespan including this older adult population. This clinical course will explore the special needs of the older adult (65 and older) by synthesizing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines and contemporary practices in assessment and management of health and disease states in the geriatric population. Since this course is reflective of the last course in the clinical sequence, APEA testing for board certification preparation will be incorporated to assist the student with preparation for the exam.

NU 631 - Healthcare of Women across the Lifespan 4.00

The focus of this clinical course is on integrating theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines and contemporary practice in the assessment and management of health and disease states specific to women across the lifespan. Personal, family, cultural, community, and societal influences are analyzed for their impact on the physical and emotional health of women. Health risk identification, health promotion, health maintenance, and treatment alternatives are examined.

NU 632 - Healthcare of Infants, Children and Adolescents 4.00

The focus of this clinical course is on synthesizing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines and contemporary practices in assessment and management of health and disease states in the pediatric population from birth through adolescence. The context of family-centered care in relation to individual child growth and development, safety, and cultural practices is explored. Health risk identification, health promotion, health maintenance, and treatment alternatives are applied to individuals, families, and populations.

NU 636 - Advanced Pharmacology 3.00

This course is designed to advance the student's knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics in the management of health and disease states. Major categories of pharmacological agents are examined in the context of the life span, culture, and health and disease states. State and federal regulation related to purchase, possession, administration and patient education about controlled substances, pharmacologic agents and non-pharmacologic agents used as medications are examined.

Required Project Residency Core Courses

All courses, 8.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 801 - Project Development and Management 2.00

The course focuses on designing and preparing a quality improvement Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project. In this course, students will review expectations for a DNP project, examine completed DNP projects, identify a practice problem, create a project prospectus, develop a project protocol, create a project timeline, estimate costs associated with the proposed project, submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) project approval application, secure a project stakeholder/liaison agreement, and complete preparations necessary to support implementation, where possible, of the project.

NU 820 - Project Residency I 2.00

This course is the first of a three-course residency series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this first course students will work with their Chair and Committee to initiate their project.

NU 830 - Project Residency II 2.00

This course is the second of a three-course residency series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this second course students will continue to work with their Chair and Committee on the implementation and evaluation of their project.

NU 840 - Project Residency III 2.00

This course is the third of a three-course series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this third course students will complete the implementation and evaluation of their project, present their project results, and prepare a written deliverable of their project.

Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy Courses

The following courses are 0.00 semester credit hours associated with the policy outlined above. Students are required to take as co-requisite courses along with NU 611, NU 642, NU 664 or NU 671, depending on the program of study. NSG 0600 - Clinical Proficiency Course Semester Credit Hours: 0.00 NSG 0600R - Clinical Proficiency Remediation Course (if needed) Semester Credit Hours: 0.00

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the BSN to DNP-FNP program is $755 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

Find scholarships and grants

Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits

Requirements

Admissions requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University BSN to DNP-FNP program include:

Hold a current, active, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they live. (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement.)
Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university or college with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District Of Columbia.

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of a BSN to DNP-FNP program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

Waived Enrollment Fee

Now Through Dec 31st

Apply Now Request Info

Job outlook

Graduate from a BSN to DNP program with an FNP specialization and you’ll be prepared to join a career field expected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse practitioners is expected to rise 45% from 2022-2032.*

Careers

Pursue an FNP specialty and earn the terminal degree in nursing

The BSN to DNP-FNP program is designed to provide you the fastest path to both earn the highest degree in nursing and begin practicing as an FNP.

The current minimum degree requirement for FNP certification is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an FNP specialization.

However, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has favored increasing the degree requirement to the DNP level for several years. The knowledge and skills earned in a DNP degree program can potentially better prepare you for the broad and complex care demanded from nurse practitioners in the present and future.

Becoming an FNP

Locations

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BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs

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MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psych NP with MSN Degree counseling patients

MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Who Went from BSN to AGACNP Treating Patient

MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Disclosures

1. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View all accreditation and approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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BSN to DNP-FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

BSN to DNP-FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

Deliver primary care across the lifespan as an FNP