Hospital Simulation Lab

Family Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science
  • 42 Credits
  • School of Nursing
  • Westchester
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Nursing Fast Facts

Family Nurse Practitioner Overview

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program educates advanced practice nurses to practice primary care.

This includes: health promotion, health maintenance, disease prevention and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, in a variety of settings (e.g., community clinics, private offices, urban areas, rural areas, school-based clinics, prisons) throughout the patient’s lifecycle.

The program is for professional nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a M.S. in Nursing.

Application Open for Spring 2025 Term

We are currently accepting applications for our NEW Spring 2025 Cohort. 

Make sure you submit your application by our priority deadline of November 15th to be considered for the upcoming spring term. 

Nurse wrapping bandage on the wrist of a child

What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner?

An FNP is an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide family-focused health services to patients ranging from infants to seniors. As an FNP, you will have the skills to provide many different care services, such as performing physical exams, prescribing medications, treating illnesses and maintaining patient records.

One of the many great things about being an FNP is the ability to personalize your career. While FNPs generally provide a broad range of services, you can also obtain specialized certifications in specific areas like diabetes or pain management. At Mercy, we offer plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience so you can learn more about which health care setting best suits you, plus any specializations you may be interested in.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have the education to become family nurse practitioners who provide primary care and research. Our graduates become family nurse practitioners who provide primary care in a variety of health care settings.

  • Community Health Centers 
  • Homeless Shelters 
  • Hospital Ambulatory Centers 
  • School-Based Clinics 
  • Prison Health 
  • Rural Health 
  • Indian Health Services 
  • Private Practice 
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31% Growth

Career Outcomes

Job growth expected to rise 31% through 2026*


*Bureau of Labor Statistics
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$120K Salary

Average Pay

For registered nurses in the New York region*
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42 Credits

Total Credits to Earn Your Degree

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How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

We're proud to play a role in continuing your education to help you reach your goal of practicing primary care as a family nurse practitioner. Starting the process of getting your FNP degree, or just looking for more information? These four steps outline what you'll need to do to become a family nurse practitioner.

Before applying for our Family Nurse Practitioner program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a M.S. in Nursing. At Mercy, we make it easy with three nursing degrees that qualify you to apply to our Family Nurse Practitioner program upon completion. We offer an Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing (ASDBS) Program, a Traditional 4-Year Nursing Program and an RN to B.S. Nursing Program so you can find a degree program that best meets your goals.

The is a requirement in all states to be a licensed nurse. This exam tests your nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills. Before completing the test, you must contact your state's nursing regulatory body for . After you pass the test, you can complete the . Our degree program will give you the skills and knowledge you need so you can take the exam with confidence.

Once you pass the exam and have your license, you can apply to our Family Nurse Practitioner master's program. The goal of the FNP program is to help you grow as a future family nurse practitioner and succeed in your career after graduation day. You'll be able to build on many of the skills you developed while earning your BSN or M.S. in Nursing. 

Once you earn your master's, you must pass the . Our FNP program is designed to give you all the knowledge you need to pass this exam — taking you one step closer to your dream career.

After you pass the exam, you will apply for a . To keep your license, you must renew it periodically and meet requirements such as completing continuing education.

Nurse attending to senior in wheelchair

What Schools Offer Family Nurse Practitioner Programs?

Many schools nationwide offer programs to become a family nurse practitioner — but few offer the benefits that set Mercy apart. By enrolling in our School of Nursing, you'll train in our clinical simulation and learning labs, which provide hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art technology. Let us help you open the door to various employment opportunities and the possibility of a higher paycheck with the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Mercy.

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The Mercy Advantage

  • State-of-the-art clinical facilities
  • 12,000 ft simulation labs
  • Alumni network of 64,000+ 
  • Nationally accredited by CCNE, AANP & ANCC
  • Online courses available

Frequently Asked Questions

There are government programs such as the National Health Service Corps available to family nurse practitioners who agree to practice in medically underserved areas.

The program is designed to be taken in-person. However, there are several non-clinical related courses that may be taken online. All courses that are necessary for clinical placements must be taken on campus.

The FNP program does not require applicants to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) or the MAT (Miller Analogies Test) for admission consideration.

Graduate courses taken at other institutions prior to admission at 91Å®Éñ may, if pertinent to the plan of study, be credited to the graduate degree. Transfer credit is limited to 6 credits for applicants without a MS in nursing degree and 12 credits for applicants with a MS in nursing degree or an internationally trained medical graduate (physician who graduated from a medical school outside of the United States) with a BS in nursing.  The nursing program will transfer courses taken within ten years (individually assessed by the program) in which the student received a grade of B or above. Transferring courses older than 10 years ago will be at the discretion of the program director. Transfer courses taken prior to admission will not be computed in the quality point average.

We have two start terms spring (January) and fall (September). 

Program Details & Curriculum

Core: 12 Credits
Specialization: 30 Credits

Total: 42 Credits

.

The program is designed for professional nurses who have a B.S. in Nursing degree or a M.S. in Nursing degree.

Spring 2025 Application: Priority Deadline November 15

  • Only complete application files will be reviewed after this date and decisions will be released early May.
  • Highly qualified students may be notified earlier.

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing  or a M.S. degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  • GPA of 3.0 or above is required.
  • Applicants with international education are required to have their earned credits evaluated by NACES to be comparable to United States standards. Students requiring F1 visas are not eligible for acceptance into this program.
  • Copy of currently registered and unencumbered New York State RN License
  • Professional résumé
  • Personal statement (500 words) - See FNP Personal Statement below for additional information
  • One professional or academic reference

FNP Personal Statement Guidelines

  • In 500 words (place the word count at the top of the essay under your name), respond to the following (be as specific as possible):
    • Discuss the role of FNPs in primary care delivery
    • Discuss the challenges in primary care today and how FNPs can address those challenges
    • What are the social determinants of health and how do they contribute to a patient's health status? 
    • What role do FNPs play in advocacy and health policy?
  • Presentation is an important component of this essay. We consider the ability to use graduate level writing, correct grammar, correct spelling, appropriate word choices, appropriate tenses, and adherence to directions as indicators of your ability to communicate effectively and professionally.

Click here for essay guidelines and rubric.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at 91Å®Éñ is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The master’s degree in nursing at 91Å®Éñ is accredited by the New York Board of Regents, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Board of Regents, Room 110 EB, Albany, New York 12234.

 

PO1Evaluate the use of safe and effective information technologies to support system-based decision making, coordination of care, education of health care professionals, families, and communities to achieve optimal health outcomes.  (Domain 2, 7 & 8)
PO2Analyze, translate, and disseminate scholarship to provide equitable care and improve and transform health outcomes in various settings.  (Domain 1, 3, 4 & 7)
PO3Incorporate knowledge and expertise in assessing organizations, identifying systems issues, and facilitating organization wide changes in practice delivery. (Domain 1, 4, 5 & 8)
PO4Collaborate within the interprofessional team to develop and evaluate plans of care with evidence-based, person-centered care principles promoting quality and safety outcomes.  (Domain 2, 5, 6)
PO5Model leadership and professionalism within the nursing profession that promotes a spirit of inquiry, advocacy, change, mentorship, self-care and service to others. (Domain 9 & 10)
PO6Develop leadership skills to establish and maintain effective communication and collaborative relationships with interprofessional teams. (Domain 6)
PO7Advocate for policies and practices that promote social justice and health equity.  (Domain 9 & 10)
PO8Design and implement evidence-based clinical prevention strategies that are person-centered and culturally responsive to promote health, prevent disease and reduce risk among individuals and populations at the local, national, and global levels.  (Domain 3, 5, 7 & 9)

 

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