What to Expect in Chamberlain’s MSN-FNP Program

What You’ll Learn:

• Complete core master’s courses before progressing to the FNP specialization curriculum.
• Progress through five consecutive practicum courses with hands-on clinical experience.

Program Highlights:

• 100% online coursework with the potential to complete the program in eight semesters (2.5 years)
• Two in-person weekends plus on-site practicum experience
• 650 FNP specialization lab and clinical hours 
   

What Comes Next:

• Eligible to sit for national FNP certification exams (ANCC or AANP)
• Prepared to pursue state licensure as a family nurse practitioner

Becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a career choice that appeals to many nurses, with opportunities to develop long-term relationships with patients and work more independently. RNs looking to pursue this role must first earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)—an endeavor that can be both challenging and rewarding. Chamberlain’s online MSN program provides the flexibility working nurses need to earn an advanced nursing degree and prepare for a career as an FNP.

For nurses interested in the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner specialization at Chamberlain, there are some key things to be aware of. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect.

Chamberlain’s FNP Curriculum

What can I expect from Chamberlain’s FNP course schedule and curriculum?

As a part of Chamberlain’s FNP program’s curriculum, you will progress to the FNP specialization courses after you complete your core master’s courses. The FNP specialization courses include:

• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals
• Advanced Pharmacology for Care of the Family
• Advanced Physical Assessment
   

Download Chamberlain University’s MSN FNP curriculum plan.

The program is designed to be completed over two and a half years,   with students taking one course every eight weeks.

You’ll get a taste of the practicum experience in the Advanced Physical Assessment course. This course is designed to prepare you for your first practicum course, where students begin supervised clinical learning experiences with a preceptor in an outpatient primary care setting. The Advanced Physical Assessment course culminates with an immersion experience where you will go to a designated location to work directly with faculty to hone your assessment skills.

After completing the immersion experience, you will be eligible  to begin fulfilling your clinical hours. Each of the five consecutive practicum courses has a 125-hour clinical component in addition to the online didactic part of the course. These hours must be completed over the seven and a half weeks of the course. The practicum courses are:

• Differential Diagnosis and Primary Care Practicum
• Primary Care of the Maturing and Aged Family Practicum
• Primary Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family Practicum
• Advanced Clinical Diagnosis and Practice Across the Lifespan Practicum
• FNP Capstone Practicum and Intensive

How long is Chamberlain’s MSN FNP program?

Chamberlain University’s MSN FNP program can be completed in eight semesters. With this program, 100% of coursework is completed online. The online coursework is complemented by an immersion experience and your on-site practicum experience.

Chamberlain’s FNP Clinical and Practicum Experience

What is the Chamberlain Practicum Commitment®? 

At Chamberlain, we understand that securing quality practicum placements is essential to your success, which is why our Practicum Commitment® is written into your program.

We are committed to helping you secure a practicum site with a preceptor who will support you in applying your new skills in a professional setting. Our dedicated Experiential Learning Team provides coaching, comprehensive practicum readiness tools, and personalized guidance throughout the placement process. We offer streamlined contracting procedures and a team of academic support advisors available when you need assistance.

Practicum Commitment®, provided at no additional cost, helps ensure you gain the essential clinical experiences you need to complete your degree.

What kind of workload should I expect?

It’s important to understand the impact that the clinical hours component will have in terms of scheduling your time for work and family. Most students will not be able to maintain their full work schedule unless they receive support in other aspects of their life.

The 125 clinical hours equate to about 16 hours per week. This time can be worked out according to the student’s and preceptor’s schedules, so the actual hours per week can vary depending upon individual circumstances.

Becoming a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

At what point does certification factor in? 

Once you have completed the Chamberlain FNP program you will be eligible to sit for the national family nurse practitioner certification examination from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). After successfully passing the exam, you will then be eligible to apply for licensure in your state. 

Remember, our faculty are here to support your success and help you gain the necessary skills to treat patients of all ages.  We encourage you to communicate with them as you progress through the program.

Ready to get started? Request more information now.

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work full time while completing Chamberlain’s MSN FNP program?

A: Many of our students maintain employment while pursuing their degree, though most find they need to adjust their work schedules, especially during practicum courses. The program requires approximately 16 clinical hours per week during each of your five practicum courses, in addition to your online coursework. We encourage you to communicate with your employer about your educational goals and explore flexible scheduling options. Our dedicated faculty and support team are here to help you create a plan that works for your individual circumstances.
 

Q: How does the Practicum Commitment® help me secure clinical placements?

A: Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment® is written into your program. Our Experiential Learning Team provides coaching, comprehensive readiness tools, and personalized guidance throughout the placement process. We offer dedicated academic support advisors who are available when you need assistance. If you request assistance at least three sessions in advance and complete all preparation tasks, we’re committed to helping you secure the practicum sites you need to complete your degree.

Q: What certifications can I pursue after graduating from Chamberlain’s MSN FNP program?

A: Upon completing Chamberlain’s MSN FNP program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the national family nurse practitioner certification examination from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). After successfully passing your chosen certification exam, you’ll be eligible for licensure as a family nurse practitioner in your state. Our faculty are here to support you throughout your preparation and help ensure you gain the necessary skills to treat patients of all ages.

Q: What makes Chamberlain’s online FNP program different from other programs?

A: Chamberlain combines 100% online coursework with personalized faculty support and hands-on clinical experiences. You’ll benefit from our flexible eight-week course format, allowing you to balance your education with work and family commitments. Our program includes an immersion experience where you’ll work directly with faculty to develop your assessment skills, plus 625 total clinical hours across five practicum courses. With our Practicum Commitment® and dedicated support team, you’re never alone in your journey to becoming a family nurse practitioner.
 

By Chamberlain University