About the Program:
This advanced course of study is designed to prepare nurses who have already earned a master’s degree in nursing for careers as Family Nurse Practitioners. Family Nurse Practitioners provide comprehensive health promotion services to ambulatory clients, evaluation of problems at the client’s initial contact with the primary care system, and continuing care to clients with acute and stable chronic illnesses. In addition to clinical practice, others themes emphasized throughout the primary care courses include: an epidemiologic approach to clinical problems; holism and caring; family and community systems; appropriate use of technology, cost effectiveness, collaboration, consultation and the referral process; theoretical frameworks; and the research base for primary care practice.
MSN students with an interest in community oriented primary care or global health have opportunities to focus their study in areas of special interest such as vulnerable populations or health disparities through clinical placements, elective courses, and the Master’s Paper. Additionally, students may choose from a variety of electives outside the School of Nursing, in the many different departments and schools at Carolina. Students are encouraged to talk with their advisors about their interests in special areas for developing an individualized plan of study.
Who May Apply?
Individuals who have earned a master’s degree in nursing from accredited programs, are currently licensed as RNs, and have at least one year’s clinical experience are eligible to apply.
Application Materials
You will be asked to submit the following documents with your application:
- Request for an official review of prior MSN coursework
- Official transcript indicating completion of master’s degree in nursing (or equivalent degree)
- Minimum of one year of clinical work experience as a Registered Nurse is required, preferably in area of specialization.
- One employee letter of recommendation from a current, immediate supervisor
- Curriculum vita or resume, detailing experience since completion of entry nursing degree
- Cogently written professional statement (3-5 pages) addressing all elements requested as detailed in Application Instruction
- Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state in which the student will do clinical course work. Note: an “unencumbered license” means neither the license, the licensee’s practice, nor the licensee is associated with any type of restriction, encumbrance, or probationary limitations imposed by the applicable Board of Nursing or any judicial entity.
How Does the Program Work?
The program is approximately 25-32 graduate credits in length, and courses must be taken sequentially. Post-Master’s students meet with the advanced practice coordinator in their specialty area to review all coursework taken during their master’s program. Additional or alternative coursework may be recommended based on this evaluation, specifically in the areas of health promotion, health care policy and the advanced practice role. Post-Master’s students who are not nationally certified as master’s prepared nurse practitioners and have not maintained their clinical practice will be required to take additional coursework and consequently a longer program of study. Student’s who drop out must competitively reapply for the next academic year. Students attend regular University graduate classes. The University reserves the right to cancel classes if enrollment is insufficient.
Preceptors and clinical placements are selected to provide exposure to a range of healthcare services and systems such as: family practice, health maintenance organizations, students health service, occupational health, home health, rural clinics and sites that specialize in pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric care. Clinical practice sites are generally located in central NC, but they may extend across the state and require travel. Faculty work with students, Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program, and the School’s Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator to secure experiences that fit FNP program expectations and students’ professional goals. Family Nurse Practitioner faculty members are sensitive to students’ learning needs by employing a variety of instructional modalities including seminar or classroom settings, on-line and/or Web-enhanced instruction. As a result, the courses may be offered in traditional classroom settings and/or via distance technologies.
How Long Does it Take to Complete the Program?
The Program takes up to two academic years plus one intervening semester to complete.
How Much Does the Program Cost?
Under revision. Please check back soon for updates.
When Should I Apply?
Admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate Program is offered only once per year (Fall). The deadline for applying for fall admission is January 8th, 2013.
What Will I Gain From Completing the Program?
Upon satisfactory completion of this program, students are eligible to sit for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and apply for approval by the joint committee of the North Carolina Board of Nursing and North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners to practice as a nurse practitioner in North Carolina
Additional Information:
Suggested Plans of Study:
School of Nursing
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carrington Hall, CB #7460
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7460
For general information on the School of Nursing and application materials, contact:
Office of Admissions and Student Services
(919) 966-4260
nursing@unc.edu
Update June 2012