Family Nurse
P r a c ti ti o n e r P r o g r a m
1. Why is this full-time now and will a part-time option still available? The fulltime program is designed to promote earlier matriculation and entry to primary care
practice. Full-time graduate student status allows you to apply for federal financial aid and
other scholarships. A part-time program of study is not available at this time.
2. Will I need a DNP? Some nursing associations are promoting a doctoral level degree,
but it is not required. The national FNP certification organizations (American Nurse
Credentialing Center, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners) require a MSN with a nurse
practitioner population focus for certification exam eligibility and have not indicated a plan
to change this in the foreseeable future.
3. How does this option correlate with the DNP program? You will be earning 6
doctoral-level credit hours that may be transferred to the WCU post-masters DNP program
or another institution.
4. How are clinical rotations arranged? Students are responsible for selecting and
establishing their clinical sites according to the Clinical Placement Guidelines. Students have
access to the FNP Clinical Site Database to assist in arranging clinical placement with sites
currently under contract with WCU.
5. What should I expect from the schedule? Students are required to attend class on
Tuesdays at the Biltmore park campus. Clinical days are arranged individually and average
one 8-hour day per week. In the final semester, students will be in clinical sites 1-2 days per
week with only occasional on-site meetings.
6. Can I work full-time while enrolled in the FNP Program? It is recommended
that students only work part-time during the duration of the program.
7. What if I have additional questions? Please contact Dr. Jessica Shirley, Director of
Student Services: jshirley@wcu.edu or 828-654-6499.