Post Master's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate
Advanced Practice Nursing Education for Working Nurses
UNC’s Family Nurse Practitioner post-master's graduate certificate provides working nurses with specialized expertise that can help you advance your career. You’ll gain skills that qualify you for new professional challenges, expanded responsibilities, leadership opportunities, and readies you for advanced clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner (FNP).
The FNP emphasis area provides in-depth instruction in primary care health promotion and disease management across the lifespan. This program stands out for its strong emphasis on evidence-based care and direct primary care services to diverse populations and underserved populations particularly within rural communities.
Designed for nursing professionals who already hold an MSN, this certificate provides you with exceptional academic and professional guidance from our clinically active faculty. This program has been designed with advanced practice clinical simulations in addition to didactic coursework in order to prepare each student for the live clinical setting. A minimum of 660 clinical/simulation/lab hours are completed while enrolled in the clinical/practicum courses.
Post-Master's Certificate Option
Post Master's Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Coursework is delivered on campus one day per week (Thursdays), plus the required clinical hours starting in the third semester. Some courses incorporate online activities to supplement your learning, which reduces the amount of time you meet in-person for class, and a few courses are completed fully online.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for national certification and state licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements!
Your Future in Family Nursing
The health care industry is experiencing rapid demand for family nurse practitioners. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job market for advanced nurse practitioners to expand by more than 50,000 jobs between now and 2025. UNC’s post-master's FNP certificate program provides you with a flexible, practical pathway to new professional opportunities.
Consider UNC’s FNP post-master's certificate if you want to:
- Specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner
- Gain an APN/APRN credential
- Work with diverse populations
- Exercise professional leadership
You’ll learn:
- Advanced care standards
- Diagnosing, managing and developing treatment plans for complex issues and illnesses across the lifespan
- Critical thinking and communication
- Evidence-based practice
- Leadership skills
Sample courses:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Advanced Health Assessment
Student Spotlight
Laura Nemeth
UNC Nursing Major
How far can a degree from UNC take you? After graduating from UNC's School of Nursing, Laura Nemeth (BS-10) moved across the country to work in the specialized field of pediatric critical care. But that was just the beginning of her journey. Laura wanted to serve the needs of communities globally, communities that often suffer from limited access to healthcare. So she saved her money, took a hiatus from her job in Tennessee and traveled over 6,700 miles to work aboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity medical ship. For three months, she lived aboard this gigantic vessel while it was docked in the Congolese city of Pointe Noire. There, she cared for children as they underwent surgery to repair cleft palates and remove life-threatening tumors. For Laura, it was a life-changing experience that will continue to enrich her work and life, no matter where her journey takes her.
Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.
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Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding and how to apply.
