Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (FNP)

The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration, prepares nurses in an advanced practice role with competencies in family health promotion and culturally competent clinical management of common conditions across the life span. The 17-month FNP concentration requires 43 semester hours of graduate course work including a minimum of 720 clinical hours. A written comprehensive exam is required during the final semester. Students also complete a directed scholarly project. Students may only transfer a maximum of six (6) credit hours toward degree requirements.

Program Admission

Students may request full or part-time status. Part-time graduate nursing students must meet with their advisor to plan an individualized progression plan. This will help to ensure that course prerequisites and future course availability will be incorporated into the plan. A change in status from faculty advisor and a new progression plan must be designed (see LMU Graduate Student Nursing Handbook).

Admission requirements for the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration include:

• Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate nursing program.
• An overall academic record with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of "B" (3.0) or better.
• All applicants must have a basic understanding of statistics and basic computer skills
• Competitive GRE scores on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are required.
• Minimum of three recommendations from healthcare professionals who can rate the applicant’s potential. At least two must be from nursing professionals; one may be a professional in a related healthcare field.
• A three-page letter to the Admissions Committee describing professional goals.
• An unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Tennessee is required for enrollment; clinical practicum may necessitate licensure in neighboring states.
• Medical profile, including immunizations record and urine drug screen completed no more than 90 days prior to enrollment to the MSN program, and a criminal background check
• Proof of health insurance.

Program Accreditation

At LMU, the FNP concentration has been designed to meet standards for advanced practice education as mandated by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF). The FNP concentration has been approved by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBN).  Nursing program accreditation has been granted by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).  The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is accredited by NLNAC.  The address for NLNAC is:  3343 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. 

The MSN program is fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

FNP Clinical Placements

• Most clinical placements for the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration will be within commuting distance of the attending site. If a student resides further away from the attending site and can help faculty identify a willing and capable preceptor in their home community, a clinical placement in that home area may be possible. (Please discuss this option as soon as possible with your faculty.) Clinical placements may be in private practices, in community health centers, in public health centers and other settings which can help meet the learning needs of the student. The LMU faculty will work closely with clinical preceptors to help you maximize the benefit of your practical experiences.

Certification

In Tennessee and in many states, being recognized as an advanced practice nurse requires a master's degree in nursing and national certification. Completion of FNP concentration provides the eligibility requirements for the FNP certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). If you plan to practice in a state other than Tennessee, it will be important to contact the state board of nursing for details about advanced practice nursing in that state.

Program Locations

Cedar Bluff - Spring admission (January)
Harrogate - Fall admission (August)
Kingsport- Fall admission (August)