MSN Program FAQs

The MSN-FNP Program is 2 years (4 semesters) full time (no part time option) and in person with some courses being hybrid. 

The answer to this question is going to be individualized to each student. Keep in mind students need to complete 750 total practicum hours for the program. These practicum hour days are in addition to the 2-3 evenings per week on campus. Many primary care practicum sites are not open after hours thus requiring students to be there during business hours, usually 8:00AM - 5:00PM. 

No. If you hold an ADN and a BS in another field you must fufil the BSN "equivalent" first. Students will need to speak with Advising and Career Development Center to see what classes you will need to take in order to meet the BSN requirement prior to apply to the MSN Program. 

Stats Course (usually required before you enter your RN program)

NURS 136 (Fresno State Health Appraisal Course)

NURS 145 (Fresno State Undergraduate Research Course)

If a student already has a MSN in another field other than FNP, you will need to seek advising counseling from the Graduate Program Coordinator first to determine the gap analysis. The gap analysis will address which courses taken in your previous MSN may be waived. Student will apply as a post-graduate FNP certificate program student. After consulting with the Graduate Program Coordinator you will be advised on how to apply. Students under this category will not need to apply to the Univeristy but only to the School of Nursing through NursingCAS. 

The MSN-FNP Program admits students every Fall semester. Applications open every October 1st and closes May 1st (midnight Eastern time on NursingCAS). 

The number of students offered admission may vary each year based on many factors. Typically, we admit approximately 15 - 20 students. Many factors, including but not limited to, such as nursing experience, previous GPA, in addition to letters of recommndation are considered while making admission decisions.

As of August 2024 full time Graduate tuition (6.1 or more units) is $4,432.50 per semester. This fee may vary from semester to semester. Please refer to the following website for more information on tuition (https://catalog.fresnostate.edu/content.php?catoid=5&navoid=182#student-fees-). 

Courses are held on campus 2-3 evenings per week with some courses being hybrid. 

The Univeristy and the Division of Graduate and Research Studies (DGRS) offer multiple opportunities for scholarships. Students will be noticed by the Graduate Program Coordinator and/or DGRS when scholarships become available. 

The MSN Program is accredited by the Comission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Current accrediation is from September 09, 2019 - June 30, 2025 with the next site visit being on September 2024. The program is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). 

Students need to complete 750 total practicum hours to complete the program. Students will complete 250 practicum hours in thier 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semester. 

Yes. It is the program's responsibility to place students in clinical preceptorships. We strongly recommend students identify a clinical site where they would like to do practicum hours prior to starting the program. If you have a specific provider who is willing to precept you, contact the FNP-Track Program Coordinator as soon as possible to avoid delay in starting clinical hours. 

Upon successful completion of the MSN-FNP program and a national board examination, “A registered nurse who has been certified by the board as a nurse practitioner may use the title, “advanced practice registered nurse” and/or “certified nurse practitioner” and may place the letters APRN-CNP after his or her name or in combination with other letters or words that identify the category.”