Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurses are prepared to be change agents within healthcare and deliver holistic primary care across the life span, emphasizing prevention, health promotion, and advanced clinical practice.
A New Level of Care
About the Program
The DNP-FNP program helps nurses become leaders in primary care by offering comprehensive healthcare training with a focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. It also addresses healthcare disparities and offers flexible online, part-time, and full-time options for working professionals.
Why Earn a DNP?
DNPs with extensive research and healthcare innovation education are sought after as clinicians, leaders, and educators. The AACN and NONPF are calling for the DNP degree to become the preferred entry-to-practice degree for FNPs by 2025 (read the NONPF statement here).
The SMU Difference
We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. You’ll receive personalized mentorship with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and 1:1 support. Almost 100% of our faculty hold doctorates and are practicing NPs, ensuring top-notch education.
SMU’s College of Nursing | Graduate | DNP programs has a rolling admissions policy; applications will be reviewed and evaluated as they are received until class roster slots are at capacity for the incoming class. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.
Applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accepted using the Central Application Service for Nursing Schools (NursingCAS). Students are admitted to this program for summer and fall terms.
The admission review process is fairly quick once all documents have been received and your application has been verified by NursingCAS. In general, once a complete application is verified by NursingCAS, you will be contacted for a phone interview. Upon successful completion of the interview, your admission will be processed, and you will be notified within a week.
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application Academic Year 2023-2024. If you have questions regarding this application, contact Rudy Torres, Assistant Dean of Admissions, at rtorres1@samuelmerritt.edu.
Interviews
- A virtual interview is required to be selected for admission.* The format of the interview is at the discretion of the program’s admissions committee.
- The selection of candidates for interviews is competitive and will be based on the following:
- A holistic application review of the content submitted to NursingCAS.
- Professional behavior and communication throughout the admission process.
- An informed understanding of the role of an FNP in the programs offered.
- Not all qualified candidates may be interviewed.
- Not all interviewed candidates will be accepted.
- The program’s admissions committee reserves the right to interview and accept qualified students at any time after the application deadline.
*In lieu of an interview, SMU alumni who have met all requirements will be invited to a 1:1 discussion with faculty to answer any questions.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The doctor of nursing practice program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001.
DNP Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: September 24, 2012
Most Recent Accreditation Date: September 25, 2017
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Last On-Site Evaluation: September 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
This program is offered as a part-time (10 semesters) and full-time (8 semesters) track.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $80
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition and all fees for the program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,516/unit
Program Units = 65 units
Total Cost Guarantee* = $98,500
*The total cost estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, but Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than 1%. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
Samuel Merritt University is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships, work study, and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
- Sharon Clark Diaz
- Employee Campaign
- Marshall Steele, Jr.
- Hitchcock Heydman
- Henry & Bernice Bigge
- Faculty Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Elks of the Year
- William Breslin
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Other fees as determined by program/college
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner Program Technical Standards
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioners (FNPs). Students are expected to develop a robust healthcare knowledge base and requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of clinical situations in all settings. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the FNP program as well as current FNP students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue FNP education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Observational Skills
A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. In addition, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses.
Communication Skills
Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective care and collaboration for patients, including the ability to communicate effectively in English with all members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and their families in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
Patient Care Skills
Candidates must perform bio-psycho-social patient assessments. A candidate must be able to perform patient education related to the care coordination/discharge plan to enable a safe, effective, and patient-centered transition. A candidate must be able to provide general care and emergency treatment required of a family nurse practitioner. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow standard precaution procedures.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills
Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to: classroom instruction; laboratory, including small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the FNP program curriculum, including but not limited to: the ability to comprehend and effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in classroom, clinical, and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis and investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities, and possess the ability to be a lifelong learner.
Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills, and Professional Expectations
A candidate must be able to exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback, respect boundaries, and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Candidates should understand, and function within, the legal and ethical aspects of FNP practice, including patient advocacy, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a family nurse practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational processes are expected of all candidates.
A New Level of Care
About the Program
The DNP-FNP program helps nurses become leaders in primary care by offering comprehensive healthcare training with a focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. It also addresses healthcare disparities and offers flexible online, part-time, and full-time options for working professionals.
Why Earn a DNP?
DNPs with extensive research and healthcare innovation education are sought after as clinicians, leaders, and educators. The AACN and NONPF are calling for the DNP degree to become the preferred entry-to-practice degree for FNPs by 2025 (read the NONPF statement here).
The SMU Difference
We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. You’ll receive personalized mentorship with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and 1:1 support. Almost 100% of our faculty hold doctorates and are practicing NPs, ensuring top-notch education.
SMU’s College of Nursing | Graduate | DNP programs has a rolling admissions policy; applications will be reviewed and evaluated as they are received until class roster slots are at capacity for the incoming class. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.
Applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accepted using the Central Application Service for Nursing Schools (NursingCAS). Students are admitted to this program for summer and fall terms.
The admission review process is fairly quick once all documents have been received and your application has been verified by NursingCAS. In general, once a complete application is verified by NursingCAS, you will be contacted for a phone interview. Upon successful completion of the interview, your admission will be processed, and you will be notified within a week.
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application Academic Year 2023-2024. If you have questions regarding this application, contact Rudy Torres, Assistant Dean of Admissions, at rtorres1@samuelmerritt.edu.
Interviews
- A virtual interview is required to be selected for admission.* The format of the interview is at the discretion of the program’s admissions committee.
- The selection of candidates for interviews is competitive and will be based on the following:
- A holistic application review of the content submitted to NursingCAS.
- Professional behavior and communication throughout the admission process.
- An informed understanding of the role of an FNP in the programs offered.
- Not all qualified candidates may be interviewed.
- Not all interviewed candidates will be accepted.
- The program’s admissions committee reserves the right to interview and accept qualified students at any time after the application deadline.
*In lieu of an interview, SMU alumni who have met all requirements will be invited to a 1:1 discussion with faculty to answer any questions.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The doctor of nursing practice program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001.
DNP Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: September 24, 2012
Most Recent Accreditation Date: September 25, 2017
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Last On-Site Evaluation: September 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
This program is offered as a part-time (10 semesters) and full-time (8 semesters) track.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $80
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition and all fees for the program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,516/unit
Program Units = 65 units
Total Cost Guarantee* = $98,500
*The total cost estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, but Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than 1%. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
Samuel Merritt University is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships, work study, and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
- Sharon Clark Diaz
- Employee Campaign
- Marshall Steele, Jr.
- Hitchcock Heydman
- Henry & Bernice Bigge
- Faculty Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Elks of the Year
- William Breslin
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Other fees as determined by program/college
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner Program Technical Standards
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioners (FNPs). Students are expected to develop a robust healthcare knowledge base and requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of clinical situations in all settings. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the FNP program as well as current FNP students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue FNP education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Observational Skills
A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. In addition, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses.
Communication Skills
Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective care and collaboration for patients, including the ability to communicate effectively in English with all members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and their families in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
Patient Care Skills
Candidates must perform bio-psycho-social patient assessments. A candidate must be able to perform patient education related to the care coordination/discharge plan to enable a safe, effective, and patient-centered transition. A candidate must be able to provide general care and emergency treatment required of a family nurse practitioner. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow standard precaution procedures.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills
Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to: classroom instruction; laboratory, including small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the FNP program curriculum, including but not limited to: the ability to comprehend and effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in classroom, clinical, and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis and investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities, and possess the ability to be a lifelong learner.
Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills, and Professional Expectations
A candidate must be able to exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback, respect boundaries, and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Candidates should understand, and function within, the legal and ethical aspects of FNP practice, including patient advocacy, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a family nurse practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational processes are expected of all candidates.
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Additional Information
Prerequisites
The DNP-FNP program is designed for nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be an unencumbered RN (registered nurse) with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) in an SMU-approved state.
RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may still apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
A minimum 3.0 GPA in BSN and/or bachelor’s coursework is recommended, but not required. A GPA less than 3.0 will require a letter of explanation.
Prior RN experience is preferred, but not required.
Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is mandatory for success in the program
If you are an international student, you may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. You must achieve a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.
Students Educated Outside of the United States
TOEFL
The need for the TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by the applicant on the application for admission. If the TOEFL is required, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test. Scores must be submitted during the application process.
International Transcript Evaluation Agencies
Students who have completed their degrees outside of the United States must have their degrees evaluated for United States baccalaureate equivalency, also known as a course-by-course/comprehensive evaluation. Please click here for more information related to international applicants.
Graduation and Employment Rates
Please refer to the University’s Student Success Measures webpage for graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators.
These frequently asked questions are general to the degree options to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP), not specific to Samuel Merritt University.
How does the DNP curriculum differ from the MSN curriculum to prepare me for practice as an FNP?
The curriculum for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in FNP differ in their focus and depth of study.
MSN-FNP Curriculum: The MSN-FNP program is centered around developing the necessary nursing skills to become a nurse practitioner. It covers essential patient care topics like physical assessments, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and care of acute and chronic conditions, emphasizing the enhancement of clinical skills for advanced practice roles.
DNP-FNP Curriculum: The DNP-FNP goes beyond the clinical skillset. It incorporates elements of policy, leadership, and pragmatic healthcare change, focusing on the broader healthcare system and the integration of technological innovations. This approach is designed to prepare graduates for roles that involve not just clinical expertise but also administrative and leadership responsibilities within the healthcare sector.
Essentially, while both MSN and DNP programs prepare students for FNP roles, the DNP offers a more expansive education, equipping graduates for higher-level positions that include aspects of healthcare management, policy, and education, in addition to clinical practice.
What are my options to become an FNP if I already have my MSN?
Currently, an RN with an MSN degree can choose a DNP program to become an FNP, enter an MSN program as a certificate (non-degree) student, or obtain a second MSN degree in an FNP program. In contrast to the MSN degree to become an RN, the MSN-FNP degree curriculum builds on the professional role, health policy role, and research role of the FNP. Therefore, the MSN-FNP has a broader foundation in how an FNP can be relevant in FNP practice.
What are my options to become an FNP if I am an RN with a BSN degree?
As an RN with a BSN degree, you can choose an MSN or a DNP degree path to become an FNP.
What are my options to become an FNP if I am an RN with an associate’s degree?
You can complete an RN to BSN program (SMU RN to BSN Program) and then enter either an MSN or DNP program to become an FNP. If you are an ADN with a non-nursing undergraduate degree and many years of practice, you may be able to provide evidence of how you meet the AACN BSN Essentials through your work, scholarship, community service, and approach to care of the patient in all settings. This approval is based on specific requirements of each university’s school of nursing.
Are there any differences in practice opportunities or scope of practice for an MSN-prepared FNP compared with a DNP-prepared FNP? Are there changes known or under consideration in the future?
The AANP identified eight issues that need to be addressed for a smooth transition to the DNP for nurse practitioners. Included was, “Issues related to parity must be addressed to include providing reasonable methods for currently prepared NPs to obtain the DNP, if desired, and to prevent discrimination in reimbursement.” (From: AANP Position Statement, 2013; https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/discussion-paper-doctor-of-nursing-practice)
Are salaries different for FNPs based on the degree?
This depends on the employer. For example, if you are an RN seeking advancement in your position to expand your professional capabilities, your employer will recognize your advanced degree as preferential, thus an increase in income. If a DNP-FNP and an MSN-FNP are new graduates, they most likely will be paid the same.
Does payment from Medicare, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, or private insurers differ based on the degree?
Not at this time.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses to impact healthcare transformation through scholarship, leadership, and teamwork skills to advance healthcare practice.
Throughout the program, the DNP scholar aims to improve clinical practice with the collaboration of practice partners to maximize the impact of the DNP project.
The key elements of the scholarly work include problem identification; a search, analysis, and synthesis of the literature and evidence; translating evidence to construct a strategy or method to address a problem; designing a plan for implementation and actual implementation; and an evaluation of the outcomes, process, and/or experience.
These scholarly projects exemplify the implementation of practice completed by the graduates of the DNP program.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner Program Technical Standards
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioners (FNPs). Students are expected to develop a robust healthcare knowledge base and requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of clinical situations in all settings. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the FNP program as well as current FNP students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue FNP education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Observational Skills
A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. In addition, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses.
Communication Skills
Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective care and collaboration for patients, including the ability to communicate effectively in English with all members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and their families in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
Patient Care Skills
Candidates must perform bio-psycho-social patient assessments. A candidate must be able to perform patient education related to the care coordination/discharge plan to enable a safe, effective, and patient-centered transition. A candidate must be able to provide general care and emergency treatment required of a family nurse practitioner. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow standard precaution procedures.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills
Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to: classroom instruction; laboratory, including small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the FNP program curriculum, including but not limited to: the ability to comprehend and effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in classroom, clinical, and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis and investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities, and possess the ability to be a lifelong learner.
Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills, and Professional Expectations
A candidate must be able to exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback, respect boundaries, and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Candidates should understand, and function within, the legal and ethical aspects of FNP practice, including patient advocacy, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a family nurse practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational processes are expected of all candidates.
Empowering Future DNP-FNPs
Explore the journey of transformation and excellence in healthcare through SMU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program. Witness the remarkable individuals who are shaping the future of healthcare as they embark on their DNP-FNP adventure at Samuel Merritt University.
