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Nursing, MSN/FNP

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

When nurses are committed to community health,
the possibilities are endless.

With a focus on assessment, prevention and instruction, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) gives you a broad education, applicable to today’s evolving healthcare field. Fresno Pacific develops nursing professionals equipped with the values, knowledge and skills to improve health for all through leadership and service.

You’ll gain hands-on training with a wide range of complex and varied patients across family practice, women’s health, pediatrics, and primary care – You’ll be equipped for national FNP certification exams through either AANPCB or ANCC.

A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) emphasis focuses on primary care across the lifespan with practicums that prepare you for this specialty.

FNPs demonstrate a commitment to, and understanding of, the relevance of the family’s identified community in the delivery of family-centered care.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

Program Highlights

  • Curriculum meets AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) standards
  • The master's degree program in nursing at Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)
  • Experience a challenging yet supportive academic environment
  • Learn from faculty with real-world clinical experience
  • Courses are offered in a blended format
  • Meet face-to-face for class one afternoon per week
  • Learn in a cohort of diverse students from a variety of life stages
  • Classes are conveniently offered at our North Fresno campus
  • For a detailed program brochure click here

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Catalog

Program Director: Esther Igboerika, DNP

Overview

The complexities of health and nursing care today make expanded nursing knowledge a necessity in contemporary care settings. The transformation of health care and nursing practice requires a new conceptualization of master's education with Christian perspective. The MSN program is developed with the latest recommendations from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The program also integrates the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties' Nurse Practitioner competencies "acquired through the mentored patient care experiences, with an emphasis on independent and interprofessional practice; analytical skills for evaluating and providing evidence-based, patient-centered care across settings; and advanced knowledge of the health care delivery system" (NONPF, 2016). A master's education in nursing equips nurses with valuable knowledge and skills to lead change, promote health and alleviate suffering in various levels and settings in synergy with current and future healthcare reform legislation.

With a focus on assessment, prevention and instruction, the Master of Science in Nursing gives a broad education, applicable in today's evolving health care field. An FNP emphasis focuses on primary care across the lifespan with practicums that prepare participants for this specialty. Family nurse practitioners demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the relevance of the family's identified community in the delivery of family-centered care.

Admission Requirements

  • One current reference form
  • Interview with program director
  • BSN degree from an accredited nursing program
  • All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended; Transcripts must verify satisfactory completion of:
    • Statistics
    • Chemistry
    • Upper-division writing
  • Letter of explanation if GPA is below 3.0
  • Licensure as a professional nurse (RN) in the state of California
  • Background check
  • Evidence of current malpractice insurance
  • Evidence of current physical exam and immunization
  • Resume or curriculum vitae

All applicants to FPU's graduate nursing program will be considered on an individual basis. Admissions decisions will be based on the applicant's complete profile, which includes previous academic work, nursing experience, professional references and a personal interview.

Nursing Mission

We develop nursing professionals equipped with the values, knowledge, and skills to improve health for all through leadership and service.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically analyze information to provide leadership, education, and service across the lifespan in healthcare settings.
  2. Integrate applicable leadership, organization, and role theories to lead and teach at micro and macro levels in health care.
  3. Employ informatics and healthcare technologies to evaluate and improve the quality and safety of patient care.
  4. Utilize evidence-based scholarship, leadership, and ethical health care policy, practice, and service in clinical prevention and health care maintenance across the lifespan.
  5. Professionally collaborate and advocate for the improvement of individual, family, and community health outcomes across the life span.
  6. Apply ethically and culturally sound principles and solutions to complex socioeconomic issues related to family, community, and population health.
  7. Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to lead and promote change in healthcare settings.
  8. Synthesize Christian beliefs and values in the nursing field to advance a culture of excellence professionally and personally through life-long learning.

Project

Nursing students complete a project during the program. The master's project is a scholarly piece of research, analysis and writing which must be relevant to the discipline of nursing and the student's chosen practice area. The purpose of the activity is to foster an understanding and application of the scientific method as a basis for studying problems in advanced nursing roles. The paper should be analytic in nature and grounded in theory and research with recommendation for implementation.

Locations Offered

North Fresno Campus

Required Courses (51 Units)

  • NURS 700 - Professional Foundation and Advanced Nursing Role Development Credits 3
  • NURS 705 - Christian Values for Social Justice, Health Care Economics and Advocacy Credits 3
  • NURS 710 - Nursing Curriculum, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation Credits 3
  • NURS 710A - Microteaching Practicum Credits 1
  • NURS 715 - Advanced Health Assessment Credits 3
  • NURS 720 - Advanced Patho-Physiology Credits 3
  • NURS 725 - Advanced Pharmacology Credits 3
  • NURS 730 - Advanced Nursing Research Credits 3
  • NURS 735 - Primary Prevention: Individual, Family and Community Health Credits 3
  • NURS 735A - Primary Prevention Practicum Credits 3
  • NURS 740A - Thesis/Project Development Credits 1
  • NURS 740B - Thesis/Project Development Credits 0.5
  • Must be taken for a total of 2 units

  • NURS 745 - Secondary Clinical Prevention: Individual, Family and Community Health Credits 3
  • NURS 745A - Secondary Prevention Practicum: Individual, Family and Community Health Credits 3
  • NURS 750 - Tertiary Prevention: Older Adults Credits 3
  • NURS 750A - Tertiary Prevention Practicum Credits 3
  • NURS 755 - Systems Leadership, Business and Budget Planning Credits 3
  • NURS 760 - Role Synthesis and Evaluation for Advanced Practice Credits 2
  • NURS 790 - Clinical Immersion Experience Credits 3

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.

First Steps to Admission

  • Apply online
  • Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
    These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form.
  • Include statement of intent.
    You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field.
  • Request official transcripts.
    Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702.
  • Complete program requirements.
    These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable.
  • Apply for financial aid.
    You can apply for FAFSA.  Use FPU school code: 001253
  • Schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.

Program Requirements

  • Resume or Curriculum vitae
  • Personal interview
  • Two letters of recommendation (one medical)
  • BSN degree from an accredited nursing program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Active California registered nursing (RN) license
  • Unencumbered California RN license
  • Nursing experience (acute patient care) of one year preferred
  • Completion of statistics, chemistry and an upper division writing requirement

Prerequisites*

  • Certified background check
  • Evidence of current physical exam and immunization
  • Evidence of current malpractice insurance

*Required by end of first semester.

Application Deadlines

Apply ByFor SemesterStarting in Month
March 1FallAugust
August 1SpringJanuary

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$750
Teacher Education$750
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$775
KIN$610
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$70
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

2023-24

Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the program, with an FNP emphasis, you will be prepared for teaching, leadership, informatics and healthcare technologies, evidence-based clinical practice, as well as caring for individuals and families.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center