Master of Science in Nursing - FNP

Our Nurse Practitioner program was approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), and we began the program in 2018. We have graduated 29 full and part-time students and have a 97% board pass rate on first attempt.

The Nurse Practitioner program was accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as per their policies and procedures in 2019 and was awarded a ten-year accreditation. 

Blended program delivery format:

Students will complete the vast majority of coursework online in synchronous and asynchronous formats (90-95% of total coursework).  There will be limited on-campus immersion requirements for students that vary by course.  Once a student enters their specialty NP courses, they can expect to come to campus an average of twice per semester.  All students will be required to attend a mandatory on-campus orientation prior to their first semester of courses aimed to arm all students with tools necessary for success in the program.

Two flexible options for students:

Students have a full time and part time progression option.  Full time students can complete the program in 6 consecutive semesters (including summer). Part time students can complete the program in 10 consecutive semesters (including summer). Programs start each Fall.

Target student demographic and rural focus:

FSU invites seasoned, experienced registered nurses (RNs) who live and work in rural, medically underserved areas to apply for this program.  The goal is that these students will remain in their rural, medically underserved communities providing a higher level of care that is so desperately needed.  Special needs of rural health populations will be an explicit focus woven through the tapestry of both concentrations.  But, you need not live/work in a rural area to apply to the program.

Practicum courses:

FNP students will complete 585 clinical practicum hours throughout the program in a variety of settings.  The required practicums will be completed in the student’s local community, unless there are no local sites that meet eligibility criteria.  Students will identify practicum sites of interest through a formalized process facilitated by the Clinical Placement Coordinator.  The Clinical Placement Coordinator will work closely with the faculty member (course instructor) and the legal department at Frostburg State University to ensure that an affiliation agreement is finalized prior to the practicum experience that is mutually agreeable to both parties.  The Clinical Placement Coordinator will also verify that all preceptors meet accreditation and programmatic standards.

Tuition & cost:

Currently under review by both Frostburg State University and the University System of Maryland.  When costs are approved, you can find tuition and cost information online.

Accreditation:

The Nurse Practitioner program will apply for accreditation through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as per their policies and procedures and will invite an accreditation team for an on-site visit following the spring, 2019 semester.  Currently, the RN-BSN and MSN concentrations in administration & education are CCNE. accredited. 

How do I apply?

Review the minimum admission criteria, as all of the documents indicated will need to be included with your electronic application.  You can review additional admission information online.  Once you are ready to apply, you can start the online admission application. For assistance in this process, contact Graduate Services at 301-687-7053 or via email at gradservices@frostburg.edu.

Who do I contact for additional information about the FNP Concentration?

Jill Buterbaugh is the coordinator for the FNP concentration and can be reached via email (preferred method of contact) at jsbuterbaugh@frostburg.edu or via phone at 301-687-3417.