Columbus State University -Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

The Columbus State University School of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization. This program features 100% online coursework, along with clinical preceptorships at approved local facilities, eliminating the need for campus visits.

Previously, the MSN-FNP program was offered through the Georgia Intercollegiate Consortium for Graduate Nursing Education (GICGNE), which has now been dissolved. CSU now provides its own MSN program, and the CSU School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The FNP program covers healthcare across the lifespan, including clinical experiences in women’s and children’s health, adult health, and geriatrics. Coursework also includes pharmacology, health assessments, research, scientific foundations of advanced practice nursing, evidence-based practice, and health promotion.

Graduates are eligible to take the FNP certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Potential work settings include primary care clinics, hospitals, private practice, long-term care facilities, schools, government facilities, home health nursing, and research organizations.

Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the MSN – FNP program is accredited by the CCNE.

What to Expect from the Columbus State University Online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

• Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a BSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, hold an unencumbered RN license in the state where they will complete clinicals, and submit an application, resume, official transcripts, proof of licensure, and three letters of recommendation. GRE scores and prior work experience are not required.

• State Restrictions: CSU accepts students from several states, but Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are excluded. Students from outside Georgia should verify eligibility with the CSU School of Nursing and their State Board of Nursing.

• Study Plan: The MSN – FNP program can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time, starting in either Fall or Spring. All coursework is delivered asynchronously online, and clinicals are completed at approved sites local to the student.

• Curriculum: The 44-credit program includes 765 clinical practice hours. Core courses cover research, pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and scientific underpinnings. Specialty courses focus on health promotion in various age groups (women, children, adults, and elderly) and include clinical practicums.

• Online Experience: Students use CougarVIEW, CSU’s online Learning Management System (LMS), to access course materials, assignments, discussions, and other resources. Online students also have access to academic advising, technical support, online tutoring, and more.

• On-Site Requirements: No on-site visits are required for the program. Students complete clinicals in approved states but may visit campus for optional activities, including graduation ceremonies.

Paying for the Columbus State University Online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

The tuition for the online MSN program is $395 per credit hour, with an estimated total tuition of $17,380 for both in-state and out-of-state students (excluding additional fees). Financial aid options, such as Stafford loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and potential employer reimbursement, are available. Students are encouraged to consult the financial aid office for more details.

Program Essentials

• Degree Level: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Specialization: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring
• Online: Yes, 100% online
• Clinical Hours: 765
• Program Accreditation: CCNE
• State Restrictions: AZ, CO, ID, LA, MN, MO, NE, NY, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
• Tuition: $395 per credit, estimated total $17,380

For more information on admissions, curriculum, and financing options, prospective students should contact the Columbus State University School of Nursing dir

The M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for the registered BSN nurse to complete a degree conveniently and efficiently while continuing a career.

• No commuting to campus
• Complete the program in as little as 2 years if you attend full-time (five semesters, 44 semester hrs)
• Highly qualified faculty members with various nursing backgrounds who facilitate learning
• 100% Online Asynchronous courses
• Clinical hours completed in your own area (765 clinical hrs are required)
• The Family Nurse Practitioner program has full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Ranked among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report with special recognition of its online programs in the College of Education and Health Professions 

Career Opportunities

Columbus State University's FNP program is designed for working nurses who want to earn their Master of Science in Nursing.

Admission Requirements

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited nursing program (NLNAC or CCNE)
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (regular admission) or 2.75 (provisional admission)
• A General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with satisfactory scores is required. The GRE requirement may be waived for applicants who have earned an advanced degree.
• Current unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical course requirements will be met
• Three (3) professional letters of reference
• Acceptance into the Graduate School at Columbus State University. For more information about graduate programs at CSU go to http://gradschool.columbusstate.edu

FNP Application Deadline April 15

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MSN program will:

• Implement advanced practice roles as practitioners within the nursing profession and the health care system utilizing human caring as foundation for nursing practice
• Develop and nurture collaborative and interdependent relationships by communicating with other health care professionals
• Analyze personal and organizational decision making utilizing an understanding of how ethics and values influence health care delivery
• Utilize nursing research for promotion of high quality nursing education, health care, and evidence based practice
• Demonstrate critical thinking in application of nursing and multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to foster optimal client health outcomes
• Demonstrate cultural competence that reflects sensitivity to human diversity
• Develop comprehensive, holistic plans of care that address health promotion
• Demonstrate competence in leadership roles and commitment to professional development

Additional Program Requirements

The MSN degree is awarded on completion of course work with a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA), fulfillment of candidacy requirements and successful completion of required course and program requirements.

Program of Study

Core Required Hours: 15

NURS 6105 Research for Evidence Based Practice
NURS 6107 Advanced Pathophysiology 
NURS 6127 Scientific Underpinnings of the APN Role
NURS 6128 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
NURS 6225 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nurses

Specialty Courses Required Hours: 23

NURS 6129 Heath Care Delivery Models, Economics and Policy
NURS 6226 Diagnostic & Clinical Reasoning for Advanced Practice Nurses
NURS 6227 Health Promotion of Women and Children
NURS 6228 Health Promotion of Elderly
NURS 6229 Health Promotion of Adults

Nurse Practitioner Practicum Required Hours: 6

NURS 6425 Nurse Practitioner Practicum

Total Hours Required: 44

NURS 6105 Research for Evidence Based Practice

NURS 6127 Scientific Underpinnings of the APN Role