Welcome to the Family Nurse Practitioner Program.

Now is an opportune time to become a nurse practitioner. Not only is there is an increased demand nationally for nurses, but there are new and abundant opportunities for nurse practitioners including demand for inpatient nurse practitioner care to the advent of “Express Care” clinics in retail outlets as well as a burgeoning need for providers to care for the uninsured and indigent population. In addition, there is a "graying" of the nation's nursing profession with many RNs approaching retirement age. Consequently, opportunities for NPs have never been better. We invite you to take a look at our program!

Why Be a Nurse Practitioner? Are you looking for a career that allows you to have a profound affect on people’s lives? Do you want to promote health living and help prevent illness and suffering? Do you want the autonomy that allows you to practice independently? Then consider becoming a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have advanced clinical training and educational preparation to manage out health care interventions at an "advanced practice level". Registered nurses can take their basic nursing experience and knowledge to a higher level of practice as a nurse practitioner.

Nurse practitioners work in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, ambulatory care settings, emergency departments, inpatient units, community health agencies, and private practice settings as co-owners and operators with other nurse practitioners, physicians and other health care providers. The current facts about nurse practitioners (CANP Fact Sheet, 2006):

• There are 88,000 nurse practitioners in the United States.
• There are 10,959 nurse practitioners in California.
• There are 6,877 California nurse practitioners who prescribe/ "furnish" medications.
• Nurse practitioners are primary care providers: 90% work in primary care.
• Nurse practitioners increase access to care: 68% see Medi-Cal patients, 51% see the uninsured, and 27% care for indigent patients.
  

Why Choose Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Samuel Merritt College… A Flexible, Personalized Approach Samuel Merritt College's Strong multicultural approach to family-oriented advanced nursing practice in primary care settings makes our family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track unique. Our small, private college atmosphere promotes close faculty-student relationships. Classes are scheduled on evenings and weekends to meet the needs of adult students and full time study is available. Students completing the track are awarded a Master Science Nursing degree and are eligible for state and national certification. Post-Master study is available for students with MSN degrees in other specialty areas. Our Students The FNP track has a consistent history of attracting highly diverse and talented students. Samuel Merritt College is committed to maintaining a community of students that bring a variety of perspectives, including cultural and professional backgrounds, age, gender, and life experiences. Strong academic, social and financial aid support are provided through various student services programs.

Nurse practitioners work in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, ambulatory care settings, emergency departments, inpatient units, community health agencies, and private practice settings as co-owners and operators with other nurse practitioners, physicians and other health care providers. The current facts about nurse practitioners (CANP Fact Sheet, 2006):

Professional and Personal Qualifications
Students are admitted to the FNP track based on academic preparation, interest in advanced practice nursing and commitment to the underserved. Consideration is given to those who have experience in the health care field either as a health care worker, a volunteer or who have shadowed a nurse practitioner and to those who speak a second language, especially Spanish. We encourage applicants and students alike to become active in the state and regional chapters of the California Association for Nurse Practitioners [1] .
Successful applicants reflect a demonstrated commitment to multicultural primary care and service to underserved communities. Approximately 24 students are admitted each year.

Application Deadline: January 15th, 2007


Graduates are eligible for certification through the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examination through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

American Nurses Credentialing Center
8515 Georgia Ave, Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492
1-800-284-2378

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Certification Program
Capitol Station, P.O. Box 12926
Austin, TX 78711