Post-Master's, Family Nurse Practitioner

Empower patients as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for individuals and families. The post-master’s certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in home health agencies, physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, family health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural communities.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to be certified as family/individual nurse practitioners across the life span.

As a certified nurse practitioner, you’ll diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic illness, working with a physician and as part of a health care team. Nurse practitioners may order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays and may prescribe medication.

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A Carlow students sits at her desk with her laptop. Her hands are folded and she is smiling at the camera.

Credits required:

36 credits

Cost per credit:

$918/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 27 months

Delivery:

On campus or online

Post-Master’s Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

plan of study

You will complete 36 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.

Quick facts

Prepare for FNP certification
Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
Take classes in Oakland, Greensburg or Cranberry

A family nurse practitioner student leans on a table in our simulation lab. A simulation dummy is pictured in the background.

Alternate certificate completion option

Online Certificate

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Career opportunities for Family Nurse Practitioners

Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

75 Years of Nursing Excellence

For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a supervisor) that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

Also, you must have:

A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course

Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall & Spring

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.