MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | 100% Online | KCU Ascend
Rise Above into Advanced Practice
Answer the call to lead in healthcare with Kentucky Christian University’s Christ-centered MSN–FNP program. Designed for working nurses, this program prepares you to expand your impact as a trusted provider in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
Built for Your Next Level
Step into advanced practice with confidence. Our program builds on a strong foundation in nursing education to equip you with the clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills needed to serve patients and communities at a higher level.
Why KCU Ascend?
- Christ-Centered Calling – Integrate faith with advanced clinical practice
- 100% Online Flexibility – Continue working while earning your degree
- High-Demand Career Path – Help meet the growing need for primary care providers
- Expert Faculty Support – Learn from experienced practitioners who understand your journey
- Purpose-Driven Preparation – Train for meaningful impact in your community and beyond
Certification & Career Readiness
Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to pursue national certification and step confidently into advanced practice roles.
Eligible to sit for:
- AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners) Certification
- ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) Certification
A Smarter Path Forward
We’ve designed your experience to keep you moving forward—without overwhelming your life.
One Class at a Time. One Step Forward in Your Calling.
Take the Next Step
You’ve served faithfully as a nurse. Now it’s time to rise above and lead.
Program Highlights
- Course work is fully online and designed to immerse students in an interactive, supportive learning environment
- Learn from experienced, well-qualified faculty
- Small cohorts foster individualized educational experience
- Complete clinical components in home community
- Integrate Christian faith into roles within nursing profession
- Cultivate skills to propel into leadership positions
- Seamlessly transition into graduate level courses
- Prepare to provide primary care to underserved populations in local community
- Transition easily into a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
- Spring and Fall start available.
Additional Information
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations will allow the students to apply newly-developed skills and knowledge to real world practice situations in preparation for the family practice role. Students will gain experience in various clinical settings including primary care, women’s health, pediatrics and specialty care. A minimum of 528 clinical hours will be completed within close proximity to where you live or work. Two practicum courses included at the end of the program allow students to apply a full knowledge base in the clinical setting. A combination of 240 clinical hours during the summer semester and 288 hours during the fall semester will complete the clinical rotation. Working nurses may need to employ some thoughtful time management during the practicum courses in order to accomplish the required hours.
Application Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Scholastic achievement as evidenced by college GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Valid, non-restricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in a United States jurisdiction
- Applicants that enter the program without RN experience must provide evidence of a minimum of 800 hours of RN clinical practice prior to progressing to NUR 617: Advanced Nursing Internship I.
- Provide curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
- Provide official transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities attended.
- Provide two satisfactory letters of reference; one from immediate supervisor and one other professional reference.
- Provide a writing sample describing applicant’s educational and professional goals along with rationale for desiring to enroll in the Yancey School of Nursing program.
- Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional; however, taking the GRE may strengthen an application.
- Personal interview may be required.
Information for applicants who are non-native speakers of English:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores when English is a second language. An internet-based score (iBT) of 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26 is required. Must be taken in the last 5 years unless entire baccalaureate program was completed in the United States
Application Deadlines
Fall Start
Priority: March 1
Final Application: July 1
Student Outcomes
A Yancey School Of Nursing MSN Graduate Will:
- Integrate Christian faith in an evolving individual philosophy of nursing to improve advanced nursing practice.
- Complete 528 clinical practice hours and be eligible to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and/or American Nurses Credentialing Center.
- Competently assess, diagnose, and treat common acute and chronic illness across the lifespan in a variety of settings.
- Analyze and apply current evidence from nursing and the sciences to lead a collaborative inter-professional team in the design and integration of innovative nursing practices that improve quality outcomes within health care systems.
- Provide leadership in advocacy for policies at the local, state, and national levels to improve health outcomes and advance the nursing profession.
Admissions Process
KCU does not guarantee that programs that fulfill Kentucky licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. Students from outside the state of Kentucky who are considering a program of study that may lead to professional licensure should contact the appropriate licensing agency in their state of residence before beginning a course of study. Eligibility for licensure and/or certification may involve more than successful degree completion.
Directory of State Boards of Nursing: https://www.ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm
Every state has authority to regulate institutions offering education within the state’s boundaries, including online/distance learning. The need to seek state authorization for distance learning depends on a combination of the state’s laws and the activities that the program/institution is conducting in that state. KCU is committed to complying with all states’ regulations for distance learning programs. Students from outside the state of Kentucky should contact the program’s coordinator for specific information regarding state authorization in your state.
Admission Criteria
- Scholastic achievement as evidenced by college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Valid, non-restricted license as a registered nurse in a United States jurisdiction.
- Two satisfactory letters of reference providing evidence that the prospective student is both competent and ethical.
- A writing sample describing the applicant’s educational and professional goals along with rationale for desiring to enroll in the YSN program.
- Applicants that enter the program without RN experience must provide evidence of a minimum of 800 hours of RN clinical practice prior to progressing to NUR 617: Advanced Nursing Internship I.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores when English is a second language. An internet-based score of 85 is required. Must be taken in the last 5 years.
Application Process
You can apply to KCU’s nursing program using a KCU application. HERE
Be prepared to submit the following documents:
- Resume
- 2 references (1 from direct supervisor and 1 personal/academic)
- Writing sample describing educational and professional goals along with rationale for desiring to enroll in the YSN program
- Evidence of TOEFL for ESL students – have official scores sent to KCU
- Copies of college transcripts from all schools attended – request official copies be sent directly to Nursing CAS
- Official high school transcripts will be collected upon acceptance
Attention – Important Dates
Fall Admission Application Deadline – July 1
*Completed application packets received after deadlines will be reviewed based upon number of available seats
Questions?
If you have questions about our RN-MSN Program, please contact us: nursing@kcu.edu
FAQs
Q: Do Any Of The Courses Have A Clinical Component? If So, How Are These Arranged?
- Yes, two courses in the MSN program have a clinical component with a total requirement of 528 clinical hours. The clinical requirements are fulfilled independently by the student under the supervision of an approved preceptor in their home community.
Q: Are There Any Program Components That Require A Visit To Campus?
- No, the program is fully online. While students are welcome to visit us on campus, all aspects of the program including registration, academic advising, clinical activities, bookstore purchases, and bill payment can be completed online.
- A two-day on campus event called Knights at the Round Table provides instruction on advanced practice skills prior to clinicals. This information is available virtually for those students who cannot attend.
Q: What Prerequisites Are Required?
- An undergraduate Statistics course is required prior to beginning the program. The course must be a three credit course, at least 100 level, with a minimum grade of C required for acceptance.
Q: Do Any Of The Courses Have Scheduled Times When I Have To Be Available Online?
- No, courses all have established deadlines for assignments and projects so students can schedule course work at convenient times.
Q: I Have Never Taken Online Classes And Am Not Great With Technology. Is There Assistance Available For Me?
- Yes, the program is designed to gradually introduce students into various types of technology. Additionally, KCU provides 24/7 technology support and a designated distance librarian.
Q: What Is The Cost?
- Refer to the Program Costs page
GraduateNursingEDU.Org Names The MSN-FNP At The Yancey School Of Nursing A Best Value Nursing Program For 2019-20
GraduateNursingEDU.org did a deep dive into the tuition rates of every CCNE-accredited MSN-FNP program in the country to find top quality nursing schools in each state offering future family NPs the best value. The online MSN-FNP at the KCU Yancey School of Nursing came out as a clear winner in Kentucky, earning a spot on the list of Best Value Family Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2019-20!
Questions?
If you have questions about our MSN Program, feel free to contact our Program Coordinator at kegeyer@kcu.edu.
Required Course Listing
Total Program Hours: 47
Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reason
Course work explores the comprehensive health history and physical examination of individuals with consideration to cultural, spiritual, psychosocial, and environmental factors. With emphasis on establishing a caring relationship, students will enhance communication and interviewing skills for obtaining health histories. Students develop skills in differential diagnosis, ordering and interpreting laboratory data, and consultation with the multidisciplinary team to coordinate and formulate a patientcentered plan of care. With consideration to the social determinants of health, students will design and implement clinical prevention services for individuals, families, and communities that emphasize healthy lifestyles. Prerequisite: NUR 512
Advanced Nursing Care of Adults I
Course work will explore the underlying pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute illnesses involving the systems of neurology, dermatology, ENT, respiratory, and cardiovascular relevant to the care of adults and geriatric populations. From a Christian perspective, emphasis will be placed on clinical prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students will synthesize knowledge of physical assessment and interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory findings to determine differential diagnoses and coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care that appropriately incorporates pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy. Prerequisites: NUR 509, NUR 510, or NUR 512.
Advanced Nursing Care of Adults II
Course work will explore the underlying pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic illnesses involving the systems of gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gender related illnesses, musculoskeletal, endocrine, hematology, immunology and psychology relevant to the care of adults and geriatric populations. From a Christian perspective, emphasis will be placed on clinical prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students will synthesize knowledge of physical assessment and interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory findings to determine differential diagnoses and coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care that appropriately incorporates pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy. Prerequisite: NUR 550
Advanced Nursing Care of Women & Children
Course work explores the underlying pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of health states relevant to women and children. From a Christian perspective, emphasis is placed on clinical prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students will synthesize knowledge of physical assessment and interpretation of differential diagnoses and coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care that appropriately incorporates pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapy for common health states of women, childbearing women, and children. Prerequisite: NUR 509, NUR 510 or NUR 512.
Advanced Nursing Internship I
This concentrated clinical experience promotes synthesis and application of knowledge of assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic disease states across the lifespan. A variety of clinical settings will be utilized to facilitate the development of critical clinical skills for advanced nursing practice. From a Christian perspective, students will emphasize clinical prevention strategies through patient education and participation in health screening programs. Students will present capstone quality improvement/research project proposal. (1-hour seminar/week; 15 clinical contact hours/week) Prerequisites: NUR 502, NUR 607, NUR 608 and NUR 609.
Advanced Nursing Internship II
This concentrated clinical experience promotes synthesis and application of knowledge of assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic disease states across the lifespan. A variety 44 of clinical settings will be utilized. From a Christian perspective, students will emphasize clinical prevention strategies through patient education and participation in health screening programs. Students will present a capstone research project. Course work will assist the student to begin the transition from the registered nurse role to the role of the advanced practice nurse. Prerequisite: NUR 617
Advanced Nursing Research
Course work builds on baccalaureate research education to prepare advanced practice nurses to critically evaluate and disseminate research findings and implement evidence-based practice guidelines that improve quality initiatives and health outcomes for patient. Students will identify practice and health care systems problems that require study in their area of practice which will serve as a foundation for the capstone research project. Advocacy for ethical conduct of research from a Christian worldview will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSN Program or NUR 308.
Advanced Pathophysiology
Using a systems focus, this course will assist the student to develop knowledge of physiology and pathophysiologic processes underlying disease states. This knowledge will serve as the foundation for advanced nursing practice as they assess, diagnose, plan, and manage patient care as well as interpret individual responses to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy of disease states. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program or instructor consent.
Advanced Pharmacology
Course work analyzes the relationship between pharmacologic agents and the physiologic and pathologic responses for specific drug categories utilized in the treatment of a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. Students will develop competence in safely selecting and prescribing medications for the management of illness states, variation of patient response and cost effectiveness. Students will gain understanding of state and legal requirements related to prescriptive authority of an advanced practice nurse. Prerequisites: NUR 590, NUR 512 or instructor consent.
Bioethics
Course work includes bioethical analysis. Decision-making and moral policy analysis and formulation encountered in advanced nursing roles are approached from a Christian worldview. Ethical relationships among nursing theory, research, practice, and evaluation in health care delivery to a diverse population are examined. (3 hours didactic/week) Prerequisites: Admission to MSN program or instructor consent.
Health Care Policy & Strategies
Course work explores the characteristics of the current health care environment with a focus on advanced nursing practice as it pertains to health care policy, organization of health care delivery systems and financing of health care at the local, state, and national level. Emphasis is on multidisciplinary decisionmaking regarding equitable distribution of existing resources from a Christian perspective. Social determinants of health and patient population outcomes are examined in relation to health policy and finance. Prerequisite: NUR 590 or NUR 495 or NUR 505.
Improving Nursing Practice with Technology
Course work explores emerging health care technologies and health informatics and the impact on advanced nursing practice. Emphasis on health information systems prepares students to assimilate an individual’s health information into a patient-centered plan of care, analyze and utilize data to improve aspects of health outcomes such as cost, quality, safety, and patient satisfaction, and assess health patterns of populations and aggregates. Application of ethical principles from a Christian worldview in the utilization of health care technologies and informatics are emphasized. Prerequisite: NUR 590 or NUR 495.
Leading & Managing in Advanced Nursing Practice
Course work explores theories of organizational and systems leadership. Strategies for analysis and implementation of quality initiatives that integrate health informatics to promote culturally responsive, safe, efficient, patient-centered care are emphasized. Students will employ mutually respectful communication to collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and implement quality initiatives that improve health outcomes for patients, families, and communities. Prerequisites: NUR 502, NUR 608
Professional Role Development
Course work explores professional role development and performance competence of the nurse in advanced clinical practice within the context of health care delivery systems. From a Christian worldview, students will apply the historical, philosophical, and theoretical base to concepts and processes inherent in nursing to the advanced practice nurse’s role in leadership, policy formation, legislation, and nursing advocacy. Prerequisite: Admission to MSN program.
Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reason
Course work explores the comprehensive health history and physical examination of individuals with consideration to cultural, spiritual, psychosocial, and environmental factors. With emphasis on establishing a caring relationship, students will enhance communication and interviewing skills for obtaining health histories. Students develop skills in differential diagnosis, ordering and interpreting laboratory data, and consultation with the multidisciplinary team to coordinate and formulate a patientcentered plan of care. With consideration to the social determinants of health, students will design and implement clinical prevention services for individuals, families, and communities that emphasize healthy lifestyles. Prerequisite: NUR 512
Advanced Nursing Care of Adults I
Course work will explore the underlying pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute illnesses involving the systems of neurology, dermatology, ENT, respiratory, and cardiovascular relevant to the care of adults and geriatric populations. From a Christian perspective, emphasis will be placed on clinical prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students will synthesize knowledge of physical assessment and interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory findings to determine differential diagnoses and coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care that appropriately incorporates pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy. Prerequisites: NUR 509, NUR 510, or NUR 512.
Advanced Nursing Care of Adults II
Course work will explore the underlying pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic illnesses involving the systems of gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gender related illnesses, musculoskeletal, endocrine, hematology, immunology and psychology relevant to the care of adults and geriatric populations. From a Christian perspective, emphasis will be placed on clinical prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students will synthesize knowledge of physical assessment and interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory findings to determine differential diagnoses and coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care that appropriately incorporates pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy. Prerequisite: NUR 550
Advanced Nursing Care of Women & Children
Course work explores the underlying pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of health states relevant to women and children. From a Christian perspective, emphasis is placed on clinical prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students will synthesize knowledge of physical assessment and interpretation of differential diagnoses and coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care that appropriately incorporates pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapy for common health states of women, childbearing women, and children. Prerequisite: NUR 509, NUR 510 or NUR 512.
Advanced Nursing Internship I
This concentrated clinical experience promotes synthesis and application of knowledge of assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic disease states across the lifespan. A variety of clinical settings will be utilized to facilitate the development of critical clinical skills for advanced nursing practice. From a Christian perspective, students will emphasize clinical prevention strategies through patient education and participation in health screening programs. Students will present capstone quality improvement/research project proposal. (1-hour seminar/week; 15 clinical contact hours/week) Prerequisites: NUR 502, NUR 607, NUR 608 and NUR 609.
Advanced Nursing Internship II
This concentrated clinical experience promotes synthesis and application of knowledge of assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic disease states across the lifespan. A variety 44 of clinical settings will be utilized. From a Christian perspective, students will emphasize clinical prevention strategies through patient education and participation in health screening programs. Students will present a capstone research project. Course work will assist the student to begin the transition from the registered nurse role to the role of the advanced practice nurse. Prerequisite: NUR 617
Advanced Nursing Research
Course work builds on baccalaureate research education to prepare advanced practice nurses to critically evaluate and disseminate research findings and implement evidence-based practice guidelines that improve quality initiatives and health outcomes for patient. Students will identify practice and health care systems problems that require study in their area of practice which will serve as a foundation for the capstone research project. Advocacy for ethical conduct of research from a Christian worldview will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSN Program or NUR 308.
Advanced Pathophysiology
Using a systems focus, this course will assist the student to develop knowledge of physiology and pathophysiologic processes underlying disease states. This knowledge will serve as the foundation for advanced nursing practice as they assess, diagnose, plan, and manage patient care as well as interpret individual responses to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy of disease states. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program or instructor consent.
Advanced Pharmacology
Course work analyzes the relationship between pharmacologic agents and the physiologic and pathologic responses for specific drug categories utilized in the treatment of a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. Students will develop competence in safely selecting and prescribing medications for the management of illness states, variation of patient response and cost effectiveness. Students will gain understanding of state and legal requirements related to prescriptive authority of an advanced practice nurse. Prerequisites: NUR 590, NUR 512 or instructor consent.
Bioethics
Course work includes bioethical analysis. Decision-making and moral policy analysis and formulation encountered in advanced nursing roles are approached from a Christian worldview. Ethical relationships among nursing theory, research, practice, and evaluation in health care delivery to a diverse population are examined. (3 hours didactic/week) Prerequisites: Admission to MSN program or instructor consent.
Health Care Policy & Strategies
Course work explores the characteristics of the current health care environment with a focus on advanced nursing practice as it pertains to health care policy, organization of health care delivery systems and financing of health care at the local, state, and national level. Emphasis is on multidisciplinary decisionmaking regarding equitable distribution of existing resources from a Christian perspective. Social determinants of health and patient population outcomes are examined in relation to health policy and finance. Prerequisite: NUR 590 or NUR 495 or NUR 505.
Improving Nursing Practice with Technology
Course work explores emerging health care technologies and health informatics and the impact on advanced nursing practice. Emphasis on health information systems prepares students to assimilate an individual’s health information into a patient-centered plan of care, analyze and utilize data to improve aspects of health outcomes such as cost, quality, safety, and patient satisfaction, and assess health patterns of populations and aggregates. Application of ethical principles from a Christian worldview in the utilization of health care technologies and informatics are emphasized. Prerequisite: NUR 590 or NUR 495.
Leading & Managing in Advanced Nursing Practice
Course work explores theories of organizational and systems leadership. Strategies for analysis and implementation of quality initiatives that integrate health informatics to promote culturally responsive, safe, efficient, patient-centered care are emphasized. Students will employ mutually respectful communication to collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and implement quality initiatives that improve health outcomes for patients, families, and communities. Prerequisites: NUR 502, NUR 608
Professional Role Development
Course work explores professional role development and performance competence of the nurse in advanced clinical practice within the context of health care delivery systems. From a Christian worldview, students will apply the historical, philosophical, and theoretical base to concepts and processes inherent in nursing to the advanced practice nurse’s role in leadership, policy formation, legislation, and nursing advocacy. Prerequisite: Admission to MSN program.
Additional Course Notes
MAT 302 Introduction to Statistics (prerequisite)
Opportunity to Use My Abilities for God
“At KCU I was able to learn under the guidance of the best ministry professors and administrators. KCU gave me my first opportunity to use my abilities for God. KCU gave me an opportunity to excel athletically, artistically, and academically. But most of all, when I look back on my time at KCU, I will remember the people. I will remember the smiles, I will remember the laughs my friends and I shared. KCU is a family and one I am very proud to be in.”
Cody Sabol, Class of 2017