Master of Science in Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Information Packet
http://www.nmu.edu/departments/nursing.htm
Northern Michigan University
Department of Nursing
College of Professional Studies
Master of Science in Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Program Description
The Department of Nursing provides a program of graduate study that leads to a Master of Science in
Nursing with specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The program provides registered
nurses (RN) with advanced knowledge and clinical skills to serve as primary health care providers.
Graduates assume responsibility for assessment and management of a broad range of health needs of
individuals and families across the life span. FNPs typically work collaboratively with family care
physicians and other professionals within the health care system. They practice in a variety of rural and
urban ambulatory settings such as physician offices, hospital outpatient clinics, health maintenance
organizations, community health clinics, and specialty clinics.
Program of Study:
The FNP program consists of 45 credit hours, which includes 720 supervised clinical practice hours. The
program is completed in three years. Courses are delivered using a mix of on-campus and online methods.
On-campus courses are scheduled one day per week. Clinical hours may be completed in the student's
community with an approved preceptor.
Year 1: Fall 2011
NE501 Nursing Science and Concepts of Nursing
NE540 Professional Role Development
3 credits
2 credits
Year 1: Winter 2012
NE510 Nursing Research
NE541 Advanced Health Assessment
3 credits
3 credits (4 lab hours / week)
Year 1: Summer 2012
NE512 Statistics for Health Care Professionals
3 credits
Year 2: Fall 2012
NE 552 Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology
NE 554 Advanced Pharmacology
NE 587 or 599 Thesis, Practicum or Scholarly Project
3 credits
3 credits
1 credit
Year 2: Winter 2013
NE542 Primary Care Management-1
NE543 Practicum-1
NE587 or 599 Thesis, Practicum or Scholarly Project
3 credits
4 credits (16 hours of clinic /week)
1 credit
Year 2: Summer 2013
NE 506 Contemporary Issues in Professional Nursing
NE 587 or 599 Thesis, Practicum or Scholarly Project
3 credits
1 credit
Year 3: Fall 2013
NE544 Primary Care Management-2
NE545 Practicum-2
3 credits
4 credits (16 hours of clinic /week)
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Year 3: Winter 2014
NE547 Practicum-3
4 credits (16 hours of clinic / week)
NE587 or 599 Thesis, Practicum or Scholarly Project
1 credit
Total Credits 45 credits
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Clinical Practice Hours:
The clinical practicum permits students to work with clinical experts in a specific health care setting while
under the guidance of a faculty member. Clinical placements may be arranged by faculty or students may
identify an appropriate clinical site in his or her community. However, all preceptors/clinical agencies
must be approved by the clinical faculty. Clinical contracts for all clinical agencies must be on file in the
Department of Nursing prior to beginning clinical activities
Clinical practice sites must emphasize primary care across the life span and must provide experiences in
pediatrics, adults, elderly, and OB-GYNE patients. Practice sites must be separate and distinct from the
student’s usual employment hours and responsibilities. Students are required to complete a total of 720
clinical hours (240 hours in each clinical course: NE 543, 545, and 547).
Criteria for Selection of Clinical Preceptors:

They are licensed and nationally certified in their specialty area with experience and expertise in
the area of specialization. Such clinicians may include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and
physicians.

They have preparation appropriate to their area(s) of responsibility with clinical experience of at
least one year.

They are current in their clinical practice and continue to improve their expertise.
Time Commitment
Graduates of the program often mentioned the amount of time that must be devoted to course work.
Students who plan on working should make sure their priorities match their capabilities. Graduate school
is an important commitment.
Computer Requirements:
Full-time graduate students (8 credits or more) are required to participate in NMU’s laptop program.
Students will be supplied with an IBM ThinkPad with a standard set of hardware and software and access
to campus network applications. The Help Desk provides support to students for NMU issued software
and computers. Help is available via email (helpdesk@nmu.edu), telephone (227-2468), walk-in service
(105 Learning Resources Center).
Part-time graduate students may volunteer to participate in the laptop initiative. The cost is $385.00 per
semester. Part-time students may also, for a fee, check out laptops from the library on a daily basis.
Part-time students are strongly encouraged to participate in the laptop program.
Students must be proficient in using the following
 Windows XP operating System
 Microsoft Word
 Power Point
 E-mail
 Accessing the internet (must have an internet connection) as some courses are offered online.
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Mission Statement:
The primary mission of the graduate nursing program is the preparation of advanced practice nurses who
are caring, competent and qualified to practice in constantly changing environments and with diverse
populations.
Program Objectives: At the completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:
1.
Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to provide holistic and culturally
competent care.
2.
Apply critical thinking and evidence-based models of care to improve health care delivery and
patient care outcomes.
3.
Develop and utilize leadership strategies that foster professional role development.
4.
Integrate the principles of effective communication when using written, verbal, nonverbal and
information technology modes in advanced practice roles.
5.
Demonstrate a commitment to the professional values and standards of advanced practice nursing.
6.
Acquire a foundation for and affirm the value of further education and professional development.
Curriculum Model:
The master’s curriculum is conceptualized as having three components. These are:
1.
Graduate Nursing Core: Consists of content deemed essential for ALL students who pursue a
master’s degree in nursing, regardless of specialty.
2.
Advanced Practice Core: Consists of essential content to provide direct patient/client services at an
advanced level.
3.
Specialty Curriculum Content: Consists of clinical and didactic learning experiences for the FNP
role.
Graduate Core
NE 501 = 3 credits
NE 506 – 3 credits
NE 510 = 3 credits
NE 512 = 3 credits
NE 540 = 2 credits
NE 587 or NE 599 = 4 cr.
Total Credits = 18
CURRICULUM MODEL
FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM
Advanced Practice
FNP Specialty
Core
NE 541 = 3 credits
Theory Courses
Clinic Courses
NE 552 = 3 credits
(720 clinic hours)
NE 554 = 3 credits
NE 542 = 3 credits
NE 543 = 4 credits
NE 544 = 3 credits
NE 545 = 4 credits
NE 547 = 4 credits
Total Credits = 9
Total Credits = 6
Total Credits = 12
Certification
Graduates are eligible for national and state (Michigan) specialty certification. Graduates may take the
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
FNP exam. After successfully completing the FNP exam, students may apply to the State Board of
Nursing for specialty certification. Specialty certification permits nurses in the State of Michigan to use
the title of “nurse practitioner."
Accreditation:
MSN program received full accreditation (10) years from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE) in 2003. This means that our current curriculum and program meet nationally
mandated standards.
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NMU Admission Requirements – College of Graduate Studies
1.
Complete an Application for Admission from the College of Graduate Studies and submit the
application to the College of Graduate Studies, 309 Cohodas, along with a $25.00 application fee
by April 15, 2011. Admission materials are available at
http://www.nmu.edu/printableforms/?000
o Students must be admitted to NMU before being admitted to Department of Nursing, MSN
Program.
2.
Send official transcripts from all universities previously attended (with the exception of NMU)
directly to the College of Graduate Studies.
3.
BSN with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited nursing program.
Department of Nursing Admission Requirements – MSN Program
1.
Complete an Application for Admission from the MSN Program and submit the application to the
Department of Nursing, MSN Program, 2301 New Science Facility, Marquette, Michigan 49855 by
April 15, 2011. Application materials are available at:
http://www.nmu.edu/department.nursing.htm
o Applications received after April 15th will be considered on a space available basis.
2.
Current RN license. Attach a copy of your RN license to the application.
3.
One-year of current professional experience as a registered nurse (RN). Attach a current resume to
the application.
4.
Three letters of recommendation - one academic, one clinical and one other. Please use the MSN
recommendation forms provided.
5.
One page description of your goals for graduate study
6.
Computer proficiency – using Microsoft Word, Power Point, E-mail, and accessing the internet
(must have an internet connection) as some courses are offered online.
Other Desirable Qualifications;
1.
Completion of an inferential statistics course (recommended but not required).
2.
Completion of a health assessment course in undergraduate program with a B or better.
3.
Completion of courses in anatomy and physiology in the undergraduate program with a B or better.
The Department of Nursing’s Admission Committee will meet to review applications. Each applicant will
receive a letter from the Department of Nursing informing him/her of their admission status. Incomplete
applications will NOT be reviewed.
Progression and Retention Policies:
1.
Academic and Retention Standards:
Students must earn the equivalent of an 83% (B grade) or better in all MSN courses. If a student
achieves < 83%, the course may be repeated once. The grade received in the 2nd attempt is
substituted for the first grade in the computation of the student’s GPA. A maximum of two
graduate courses may be repeated.
2.
Graduation and Degree Requirements
During the final semester of the curriculum, students must pass a comprehensive examination. The
minimum passing score is 80%. Students may repeat the exam to achieve a > 80%.
3.
Time Limitation:
All credits and requirements applied towards a masters degree including transfer credits must be
completed within seven years prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred.
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Immunization Requirements:
Immunizations must be current prior to each clinical rotation or you will not be allowed to attend clinic.
Students are responsible for all costs associated with immunizations.
1.
TB Skin Test (PPD): Is required yearly and may be obtained free of charge at the Nursing
Technology center (NTC). Students with a positive PPD skin test need to provide evidence of a
negative chest x-ray. Chest x-ray report is valid for three years. Students who test positive must
complete TB Symptom Questionnaire yearly (see MSN Student Handbook).
2.
Measles (Rubeola): Students born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunity to measles
(Rubeola). Acceptable proof is: evidence of having had two measles vaccinations, or a Rubeola
titer documenting antibodies to Rubeola, or a physician documentation of having had the disease,
or proof of active military duty or veteran status (DD214).
3.
Hepatitis B: Students must have proof of three Hepatitis B vaccines. The vaccine is available at
the Health Center or the Marquette County Health Department.
4.
Tetanus (Td): Must be current within 10 years.
5.
Chickenpox Vaccine: Is not required, but strongly recommended if you’ve never had the disease.
CPR Certification
CPR Certification is required for all clinical courses. The American Heart Association (AHA) for
healthcare providers is the certificate preferred by the Department of Nursing and is valid for two years.
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance is required for all clinical courses. NMU provides graduate students
with malpractice insurance when the student is performing duties on behalf of, or under the direction of
NMU. Students are also required to carry their own liability insurance coverage. One organization that
provides NP student malpractice insurance is the Nursing Service Organization (NSO). NSO’s yearly
premium is $250.00 (2010 rates). You may access their website at http://www.nso.com
Dress Code:
Your standard of personal care and dress represent you as an individual, the Department of Nursing and
the profession of nursing. Students are expected to be neat, clean, and well groomed. White lab coats are
worn over street clothes. Students are required to wear a name tag in clinical settings.
Name tags may be ordered from:
American Nameplate
519 Washington Avenue
Marquette, Michigan 49855 906-228-3161
Name tags should read:
Student Name, RN
NMU – Master of Science in Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Further Information:
Additional information may be obtained from the Department of Nursing, 2301 New Science Facility
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Marquette, Michigan 49855, phone 906-227-2834 or email tvandeza@nmu.edu. School of Nursing
website http://www.nmu.edu/departments/nursing.htm
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FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION OF MSN COURSES
NE (NURSING)
The number following the course title indicates the number of credits for the course. The numbers in
parentheses include lecture hours, discussion hours, and clinic hours.
NE 501 NURSING SCIENCE AND CONCEPTS OF NURSING
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program or consent of the instructor
A systematic examination of selected concepts basic to nursing practice. Exploration of factors relevant
to understanding different conceptual models of nursing. Utilization of knowledge in further
development of theory in nursing and nursing practice.
NE 506 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisite: Completion of NE 542/543 or consent of the instructor.
Advanced study and systematic examination of current major issues confronting and influencing the
nursing profession. Social, political, ethical, economic and legal influences are assessed and analyzed
with respect to their impact and implications for nursing practice, education, and research.
NE 510 NURSING RESEARCH
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisites: Completion of NE 501 or consent of the instructor.
Introduces students to advanced concepts related to the nature of scientific thought, the purposes of
scientific research and the nature of systematic problem investigation. Focused on formulation of
meaningful research in nursing, which can be empirically explored and which has theoretical input.
NE 512 STATISTICS FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisites: Completion of NE 510 or consent of instructor
This course is designed to develop the statistical skills required of the graduate student to understand and
undertake health related research. A combination of didactic presentations, class exercises and computer
analysis will be utilized to develop these skills.
NE 540 PROFESSIONAL ROLE DEVELOPMENT
2 (2-0-0)
Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program or consent of the instructor
The purpose of this course is to facilitate transition into the advanced practice role. The course explores
advanced nursing practice, its definition, competencies, roles, and issues facing advanced practice nurses.
NE 541 ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT
3 (2-0-4)
Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program or consent of instructor.
The focus of the course is the development of advanced health history and physical examination skills
across the life span with emphasis on interview, communication, and psychomotor skill development.
Explores concepts of health promotion and disease prevention.
Course consists of two hours theory and a four-hour lab.
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NE 542 PRIMARY CARE MANAGEMENT-1
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisites: Completion of NE 541, NE 552 and NE 554 or consent of instructor.
Taken concurrently with NE 543
The focus of the course is assessment and management of acute illness across the life span within the
context of the family. Provides an in-depth analysis of selected acute illnesses using a problem-based
format.
NE 543 PRACTIUM-1
4 (0-0-16)
Prerequisites: Completion of NE 541, NE 552, NE 554 or consent of instructor.
Taken concurrently with NE 542.
The focus of the clinical practicum is the integration of assessment data and application of management
strategies for acute illness across the life span in primary care settings. The clinical practicum experience
provides students with the opportunity to work with clinical experts in a variety of health care settings
while under the guidance of a faculty member.
NE 544 PRIMARY CARE MANAGEMENT-2
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisites: Completion of NE 541, NE 542/543, NE 552, NE 554 or consent of instructor.
Taken Concurrently with NE 545.
The focus of the course is assessment and management of chronic illness across the life span within the
context of the family. Provides an in-depth analysis of selected chronic illnesses using a case study
format.
NE 545 PRACTICUM-2
4 (0-0-16)
Prerequisites: Completion of NE 541, NE 542/543, NE 552, NE 554 or consent of instructor.
Taken concurrently with NE 544.
The focus of the clinical practicum is the integration of assessment data and application of management
strategies for chronic illness across the life span in primary care settings. The clinical practicum
experience provides students with the opportunity to work with clinical experts in a variety of primary
health care settings while under the guidance of a faculty member.
NE 547 PRACTICUM-3
4 (0-0-16)
Prerequisites: Completion of NE 541, NE 542/543, NE544/545, NE 552, NE 554 or consent of
instructor.
The focus of the clinical practicum is the integration and application of the FNP competencies related to
assessment and management of health and illness as the student transitions into an increasingly
independent role.
NE 552 ADVANCED CLINICAL PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program or consent of instructor.
The focus of this course is the application of advanced pathophysiologic concepts for frequently
encountered conditions in clinical practice. It provides an in-depth analysis of epidemiology, risk factors,
etiology, pathophysiology and associated signs and symptoms for selected acute and chronic illnesses. It
is expected that students already have a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology,
pathophysiology, physical assessment, laboratory testing and pharmacology.
NE 554 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY
3 (3-0-0)
Prerequisite: Admission to the nursing program or consent of instructor.
Reviews drug therapy including major drug categories and patient responses. Legal aspects of
prescribing, dispensing, sampling are addressed.
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NE 587 RESEARCH PRACTICUM
1-4
Prerequisites: NE 501, NE 510; Admission to nursing program and permission of Department
Head.
Students may choose either a research practicum or scholarly project. The practicum or scholarly project
is supervised by a member of the department. The supervisor and practicum/scholarly project must be
selected prior to enrollment in this course and appropriate forms must be completed. Students must enroll
in the course during those semesters when they are working on the research practicum or scholarly
project. A minimum of four credits will count toward graduation; however, students may enroll in
additional credits during their program of study.
NE 599 THESIS
1-4
Prerequisites: NE 501, NE 510; Admission to nursing program and permission of Department
Head.
The student develops a thesis with the help of a thesis committee. Appropriate thesis forms must be
completed prior to enrollment. The thesis must be approved by the thesis committee and the College of
Graduate Studies. The student should consult the department and the College of Graduate Studies for
specific requirements. Students must enroll in the course during those semesters when they are working
on proposal development, data collection, analysis, or final defense. A minimum of four credits will
count toward graduation; however, students may enroll in additional credits during their program of
study.
MR: 6/2010
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