Master of Science in Nursing - FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program
Approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), FSU began the Nurse Practitioner program in 2018. Since then, 38 full- and part-time students have graduated, achieving a 97% first-attempt board pass rate.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) with a ten-year accreditation granted in 2019.
Blended Program Delivery
Approximately 90–95% of coursework is completed online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. Limited on-campus requirements include four lab sessions in specialty courses and a mandatory pre-semester orientation designed to equip students with the tools for success.
Flexible Study Options
Students may choose a full-time or part-time progression:
- Full-time: 6 consecutive semesters, including summer
- Part-time: 10 consecutive semesters, including summer
Programs begin each Fall.
Target Students & Rural Focus
FSU welcomes experienced registered nurses (RNs), especially those living and working in rural or medically underserved areas. The program aims to enhance care in these communities. Special considerations for rural populations are integrated throughout the curriculum, though living in a rural area is not required for admission.
Practicum Courses
FNP students complete 765 clinical practicum hours for both programs across a variety of settings, primarily in the student’s local community. Students select practicum sites with guidance from the Clinical Placement Coordinator, who ensures preceptors and sites meet program and accreditation standards. Affiliation agreements are finalized in collaboration with faculty and the university legal team before each practicum.
- MSN FNP Program Clinical Requirements
Students enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner programs are required to complete 765 practicum hours across various settings. Students are expected to take an active role in assisting with the identification of potential practicum sites and preceptors within their local area. While the Department of Nursing maintains a dedicated clinical placement team to support students in securing placements with approved clinical agencies and preceptors, student engagement in this process is essential for successful placement. Clinical site availability may vary based on community resources. As such, students must be prepared to travel up to one hour from their place of residence to fulfill clinical placement requirements. Health, background check, and education requirements may vary by clinical site. Students may be required to complete additional site-specific requirements as determined by the clinical agency.
Disclosure Statement: FSU Department of Nursing Professional Licensure and Clinical Requirement Disclosure (PDF)
- MSN PMHNP Program Clinical Requirements
Students enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner programs are required to complete 765 practicum hours across various settings. Students are expected to take an active role in assisting with the identification of potential practicum sites and preceptors within their local area. While the Department of Nursing maintains a dedicated clinical placement team to support students in securing placements with approved clinical agencies and preceptors, student engagement in this process is essential for successful placement. Clinical site availability may vary based on community resources. As such, students must be prepared to travel up to one hour from their place of residence to fulfill clinical placement requirements. Health, background check, and education requirements may vary by clinical site. Students may be required to complete additional site-specific requirements as determined by the clinical agency.
Disclosure Statement: FSU Department of Nursing Professional Licensure and Clinical Requirement Disclosure (PDF)
Tuition & Cost
Tuition and program costs are currently under review. Once approved, information will be available online: MSN Tuition & Fees.
Accreditation
The FNP program holds ten-year accreditation through CCNE (granted in 2019).
How to Apply
Applicants should review the minimum admission criteria and gather required documents. More information is available online: Graduate Admission Info. When ready, start your online application. Assistance is available through Graduate Services at 301-687-7053 or gradservices@frostburg.edu.
Contact for More Information
Jill Buterbaugh, FNP Coordinator, is available for questions. Contact her via email (preferred) at jsbuterbaugh@frostburg.edu or by phone at 301-687-3330.