Appalachian State University

What you'll study

The curriculum readies graduates to pursue national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) and includes clinical preparation for diagnosing and managing health across the lifespan. Students may also tailor the DNP through one of three cognates:

• Nursing Education: preparation for academic and clinical teaching roles (view course information).
• Public Health: training to lead population health work and influence health policy (view course information).
• Health Care Administration: focus on managing systems, fostering innovation and improving care delivery (view course information).

Entry requirements

The program is designed for Registered Nurses who hold a BSN and have at least one year of professional nursing experience. Applicants should review both Graduate School and program admission criteria prior to applying.

Career prospects

Graduates will be eligible to sit for national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners. FNPs practice in a range of settings including primary care, urgent care, specialty clinics, school-based and occupational health, and public health and community programs. The program emphasizes readiness to serve rural communities in North Carolina and beyond.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students should consult Appalachian State's graduate funding resources and external scholarship opportunities; professional doctoral candidates often combine institutional aid, scholarships, employer support and federal loan options when planning financing.