Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

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: This 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 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?

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’s 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?

Yes, there are differences in practice opportunities and scope of practice for MSN-prepared versus DNP-prepared Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). While both can function as primary care providers, DNP-prepared FNPs often have expanded opportunities in leadership, policy, education, and healthcare administration due to their higher level of education. The DNP curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, skills that are increasingly in demand in complex healthcare systems.  

Currently, there is a movement within the nursing profession towards elevating the educational requirements for advanced practice nurses to the doctoral level. Organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties support the transition to the DNP as the entry-level degree for nurse practitioners by 2025. This shift could further differentiate the roles and opportunities available to MSN and DNP-prepared FNPs in the future. 

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 advanced degree as preferential thus an increase in income. Both MSN-FNP and DNP-FNP new graduation most likely will be paid the same. 

Does payment from Medicare, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, or private insurers differ based on the degree?

Not currently. 

Graduation and Employment Rates

Please refer to the University’s Student Success Measures webpage for graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators. 

Master of Science in Nursing – 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.

Technical Standards

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 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 caregiving of patients, including the ability to communicate effectively 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 in English and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.

Patient Care Skills

Candidates must perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should be able to perform or direct basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, wet mount, etc.), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (venipuncture, placement of catheters and tubes, lumbar puncture, suturing, etc.), and interpret electrocardiograms and imaging studies. A candidate must be able to provide or direct general care and emergency treatment for patients, and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner; examples of emergency treatments reasonably required of a family nurse practitioner include, but are not limited to: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medications, application of pressure to arrest bleeding, opening obstructed airways, and performance of obstetrical maneuvers. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow universal 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; 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 curriculum, including but not limited to: the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures; 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 information and knowledge, acquire 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 diagnosis and 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 the practice of medicine, 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.