Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Don’t put off your MSN degree any longer. Become an FNP and get started today!

Help meet rising demand for primary care providers as an FNP.

Family nurse practitioners play a greater role in promoting overall wellness for their patients, counseling about healthy habits and preventive care in addition to treating acute and chronic illnesses. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at Samuel Merritt University offers you the opportunity to develop the skills you need to make a difference in the lives of patients as a primary healthcare provider and become an FNP.

In our program, you will build on your experience as a Registered Nurse by developing the clinical knowledge and practical skills you need to gain licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner, with a special focus on meeting the need of underserved communities. After licensure, you can become an FNP and practice in settings such as:

  • Private practice (sole practitioner or in partnership with other NPs or physicians)
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics, including retail clinics
  • Community health organizations
  • Schools
  • Hospice care
  • Nursing homes

With the guidance and personalized instruction offered by our faculty members, up-to-date course content, and advanced facilities, you will be empowered to have a greater impact on the health of patients, their families, and their communities. This online program aligns with standards set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Working While Enrolled

Samuel Merritt University’s online MSN FNP is a comprehensive program designed to help students transform into stronger leaders as advanced practitioners. While most of our full-time students continue working for the duration of the program, some find the need to alter their schedules to accommodate a graduate program. We also offer a part-time course schedule for those who desire additional flexibility.

As you consider enrolling in our MSN FNP program, evaluate your unique situation, support system, and personal obligations to determine how the study and clinical hours required can fit into your daily life. Graduates of the program are rewarded with meaningful career outcomes as highly qualified advanced practitioners.

Clinical Placements

Clinical Placements are a collaborative process between the student and the Samuel Merritt University. Students are encouraged to provide references for preceptors and clinical sites. Once a potential clinical site or preceptor is identified, Samuel Merritt University will work with that specific location to secure formal contracts. Prior to placement, our clinical coordination staff will evaluate the clinical site and preceptor to ensure it meets all institutional and accrediting body requirements and will provide a quality learning experience for you.

Format of the Program

The online MSN FNP degree is available in a full-time five-semester format and takes as little as 20 months to complete. Samuel Merritt University FNP students in the online program are required to attend two on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus and complete clinicals in your community. The program covers 49 units and includes clinical practicum hours and an internship within a local care facility. At the end of the program, you will complete a final thesis or project that demonstrates your mastery of course content and ability to synthesize concepts across the curriculum.

Our online program and clinical training in your community, is available for nurses in California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. You may also pursue the degree on campus in Oakland or Sacramento.

Who Can Apply

This program is for currently practicing, licensed Registered Nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing. We prefer applicants who:

  • Demonstrate an interest in working with underserved populations.
  • Have successfully completed at least one course in statistics.
  • Can provide two letters of reference.

Nurses who have proficiency in languages other than English are also highly encouraged to apply. Nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For complete details, please contact an admissions advisor or see our course catalog.

Become an FNP

Contact Samuel Merritt University today to learn how you can earn your Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner degree with us.