Online Master's Degree in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
An Online MSN–FNP Program for Working Nurses
Optional Cognate Concentration
Accelerated Track Available
Prepare for APRN Certification
Learn More Today
Complete this short form to learn more about the online MSN-FNP at New Mexico Highlands.
- Duration 2-3 years
- Cost per Credit $625
- Credit Hours 58
Program Benefits
- Affordable tuition.
- Online coursework offers maximum flexibility.
- Complete three practicum courses and a residency.
- Transfer up to six credits.
- No GRE/GMAT required.
Provide Quality Care to Diverse Populations
The online MSN–FNP program at New Mexico Highlands University equips nurses with the research-based knowledge and skills to provide patient-centered, comprehensive care to diverse populations. You’ll gain a deeper perspective on rural health care and may choose to add a cognate concentration for skills in specialty care. Complete three practicums and a residency for hands-on learning, and graduate ready for state licensure and national certification.
Qualify for Family Nurse Practitioner Positions
Employment of family nurse practitioners is on the rise, and you can help fill this critical gap in health care with an MSN–FNP degree earned online at New Mexico Highlands. Expect a 46% growth in open APRN positions this decade, totaling 112,700 new openings by 2031.1 Graduate in as little as two years ready to provide expert care with skills in both rural and specialty care. Expect a strong return on your investment with a median yearly salary of $120,680.1 Salaries offered in metropolitan areas are typically higher than those in rural areas.
Explore CareersChoose an Optional Cognate Concentration
9 Credits
Help fill a critical gap in the health industry by gaining skills in specialty care through an optional cognate concentration. If you choose this personalized option, you’ll supplement your master’s degree in nursing with nine medical or non-nursing graduate level courses.
Rigorous, Hands-On Learning
18-21 Courses
49-58 Total Credits
Our online coursework is designed to help you gain the evidence-based knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan. Complete three practicum courses and a residency for hands-on learning, and add an optional cognate concentration to gain skills for specialty care. Graduate ready to become a state licensed APRN and earn national certification as a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC).
Course topics include:
- Pharmacotherapeutics
- Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Special Populations in Rural Settings
Apply to the Online MSN–FNP Program
No GRE/GMAT required
Transfer Up to Six Credits*
Start the online application process for the MSN–FNP degree program today. Admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college**
- Start the application process for the online MSN–FNP degree program today.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
- Current unencumbered state RN license
- An up-to-date resume or CV (follow the template provided)
- A cover letter
- Three references
- Prerequisite course: Statistics
An Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing
Total Tuition: $30,625 – $36,250
Cost per Credit: $625
Our competitive tuition rates make an online MSN–FNP from New Mexico Highlands an affordable option for students from all backgrounds. Our tuition earned us a Best Bang for the Buck recognition from Washington Monthly Magazine. With many options for financial aid available, we’ll work with you so you can pursue your degree without financial strain.
Tuition DetailsWhat You’ll Learn
In our online MSN–FNP program, you will gain advanced theoretical knowledge as well as clinical decision-making and practice skills. You’ll graduate prepared to assess, diagnose and treat acute and chronic medical conditions across the lifespan from birth to death.
- You’ll be able to integrate theoretical and evidence-based knowledge from advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment and decision making into health care practices related to health promotion, disease prevention and disease management for patients across the lifespan.
- You’ll be able to incorporate leadership and communication principles across nurse practitioner roles in order to promote safe, competent, affordable and accessible health care.
- You’ll be able to analyze individual and population data to improve health outcomes across health care systems.
- You’ll be able to synthesize theoretical and research evidence to influence health care management and health outcomes for patients and families.
- You’ll be able to utilize state of the art health care information systems and technologies to organize, retrieve, communicate and process health data to advance individual and population health.
- You’ll be able to advocate for health care policies and health care delivery systems that provide equitable, affordable and accessible health care for diverse patients and families across the lifespan.
- You’ll be able to implement best care practices and provide safe and high-quality health care delivery through interprofessional models of care which enable communication, coordination and collaboration across disciplines.
- You’ll be able to apply knowledge and skills of health promotion and clinical prevention to improve health care quality including education and self-care management programs for individuals and specialty populations.
- You’ll be able to use clinical judgment and clinical reasoning when implementing culturally sensitive, evidence-based plans of care which incorporate patient preferences, learning styles and health promotion and prevention strategies for individuals and families across the lifespan.
Faculty Spotlight
Jeanie Flood, Ph.D., RN, IBCLC, Associate Professor and Director
Jeanie Flood, Ph.D., has extensive nursing experience in California, Oregon and Hawaii, including experience as perinatal staff nurse and childbirth educator, home health nurse, home-care services coordinator, medical-surgical nurse and internationally-accredited lactation consultant. She has 15 years of experience in nursing education.
- Ph.D. in Nursing, University of Hawaii at Manoa
- MSN, University of Phoenix
- BSN, California State University at Chico
- Published in Nursing Research and Practice, Nurse Education Today and Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health.
Diverse, Expert Faculty Committed to Your Success
The faculty in our program take a student-first approach to instruction. You’ll have unparalleled access to your instructors, ensuring you get the personalized attention you need to achieve your goals. You’ll be paired with a faculty advisor who will offer one-on-one support as you move through the program. Our faculty embrace high standards and ensure you get the in-depth education you need to compete for leadership roles in nursing by sharing their extensive experience and supporting you in your goals.
An Accessible, Online Learning Experience
Online students have access to the same quality education that students at New Mexico Highlands experience on campus. Through engaging coursework and ongoing communication, our faculty ensure that you are challenged while still maintaining the flexibility you need in your busy life. Small class sizes allow you to connect with classmates and be part of a supportive, cohesive program.
- Asynchronous coursework
- Personal attention
- Diverse student population
Answers to Common Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us for assistance or more information.
No, there are no entrance exams required. You can learn more about the requirements for this program on our admissions page.
New Mexico residents may receive stipends from the state legislature to complete this program. For more information, contact our financial aid office at 1-800-379-4038 or contact us online.
At a full-time pace, the program can be completed in just two years. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.
You’ll complete 49 credits or 58 credits with a concentration to earn the online MSN–FNP degree. You can review courses now.
The online MSN–FNP is only available online. This allows you to study in the times and locations that are best for you throughout your entire program without a requirement of ever coming to campus. However, you will gain hands-on experience through a mandatory in-person orientation and skills practicum.
The first cohort of online MSN-FNP students will begin the program in June 2023. Following this first cohort, the program will admit new students in the Fall A term each year. For more information, view our academic calendar.
Source and Disclaimers
- Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on Feb. 6, 2023 from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm.
*The following courses are approved for transfer credits: Health Assessment & Diagnostics, Reason & Lab, Evidence-Based Practice, Pharmacotherapeutics and Advance Pathophysiology.
**Applicants without a BSN may complete the accelerated track. This track will require the foundational courses for the BSN degree and foundational general education.