Program Overview
The FNP curriculum provides a core of specialized nursing and general knowledge as a foundation for advanced family health nursing practice. Upon completion of the FNP-Post Graduate Certificate Program, the student will be able to:
- Utilize clinical guidelines to improve the delivery of evidence-based quality care across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate effective care to populations across the lifespan for the individual and family.
- Safely prescribe medications with knowledge of altered pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with special populations such as infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, adults and older adults.
Admission Requirements
Nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program and are interested in continuing study to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) may be eligible to enter post graduate studies. The three pre-requisite courses required for advanced practice nursing - Advanced Health Assessment/Advanced Health Assessment Clinical (4 hours), Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours), and Advanced Pharmacology (3 hours) - need to be completed before beginning the Post Graduate Certificate requirements and may be transferred from the previous graduate degree if completed no more than five (5) years prior to TSU enrollment. If the MSN program from which the applicant graduated did not include all three courses, the three advanced courses may be taken through Tennessee State University before beginning the FNP coursework.
Program Duration
Full-time option only
- 2 semesters (fall and spring)
Accreditation Information
The FNP Post Certificate Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), The ACEN may be contacted at 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org. The program also holds full approval status by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, which can be reached at 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37243, 615-532-5166.
Career Opportunities
Family nurse practitioner programs are designed for RNs who are looking to advance their nursing careers in a family-oriented, primary care setting to become a family nurse practitioner. An FNP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides a wide range of family-focused health care services to patients of all ages, including infants, adolescents, adults and seniors. FNPs practice in a variety of health care settings, including community health centers, private practice, health care systems and universities.
Important Dates
Applicants should submit all the required application materials by December 1st for spring admission and August 1st for fall admission.
Program Website
A link to the specific webpage for the certificate program for more detailed information.
https://www.tnstate.edu/nursing/FNP.aspx
Program Coordinator/Contact Information
FNP Program Coordinator:
Dr. Kennithia Carter
ksouthall01@tnstate.edu
615-963-2289
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