Northeastern University

Overview

The Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program at Northeastern University equips advanced practice nurses with the skills to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive primary care to individuals and families throughout their lives. This program features a hybrid format that combines online coursework with essential on-campus clinical intensives, allowing graduates to qualify for national certification exams in their specialty.

• Degree awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Delivery format: Hybrid (online coursework + required on-campus Clinical Intensive weekends in Boston)
• Clinical intensives: Two hands-on weekend intensives (one early in the program and one in the final semester of the specialty track)
• Certification pathway: Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams in the FNP specialty
• Language of instruction: English

Note: Details regarding start dates, tuition, and credit totals may vary by cohort. Please refer to the program website for the most current information.

What you'll study

The MSN FNP curriculum integrates advanced theoretical knowledge with essential clinical experiences. Students engage in core courses designed to enhance their competencies in assessment, family-centered primary care, and medication management.

Sample curriculum areas

• Health Assessment
• Family Care of the Adult/Older Adult Patient
• Family Theory
• Family Care of the Pediatric and Adolescent Patient
• Healthcare of Women in Family Practice
• Pharmacology of Adults and Older Adults

Clinical intensive requirement

• Two on-campus Clinical Intensive weekends in Boston
• One intensive occurs in the first year of study
• The second intensive occurs in the final semester of the specialty track

Curriculum details: For a complete list of courses, sequencing, and elective options, please refer to the program website.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited U.S. program
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (with grades of “B” or better) in all undergraduate clinical courses
• RN licensure: Current registered nurse (RN) license
• Professional experience: At least 1 year of active full-time nursing experience with direct patient care
• Statistics: Successful completion of a statistics course including probability theory and hypothesis testing, taken within 5 years of entering the program
• English language proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS required for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• TOEFL: Minimum score requirement (example minimum shown on record: 79)
• Application materials: Application, application fee, personal statement, résumé, and three letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
• Transcripts: Transcripts from all institutions attended

Note: Please confirm application deadlines and any cohort-specific requirements with the program website.

Career prospects

Upon completion of the MSN program, graduates may pursue various career opportunities in healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices. The Family Nurse Practitioner role allows for a broad scope of practice, including assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients, thereby making a significant impact on community health.