Family Nurse Practitioner
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University is planning a third specialty option in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. A family nurse practitioner specialty is currently in development by the faculty. Please return to this site often for updates on the development of the FNP specialty!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long would it take me to finish the FNP specialty?
Answer: Practicum courses are sequential and the semester of entry may determine the length of
program completion. Most plans allow for full-time and part-time coursework. Entering the specialty
part-time is not detrimental to the student, but it will lengthen the designed program of study.
When will the curriculum plan be posted on the Web site?
Answer: A final plan will be posted when finalized by faculty and the University. The program offering
is not expected to begin prior to fall semester 2010.
Can I attend the program part-time in the FNP specialty?
Answer: Yes, students may attend full-time or part-time.
How often would I be on campus for classes for the MSN program?
Answer: A full-time student in the MSN program is on campus an average of 2 days per week;
part-time students are usually on campus one or two days per week. Once a student begins
practicum coursework, in addition to on-campus coursework, students will have practicum clinical
hours at a designated agency.
How many clinical practice hours are included in the FNP specialty?
Answer: The FNP specialty will be designed with nearly 700 clinical practice hours.
After completing the FNP Curriculum Plan, am I qualified to sit for the certification examination?
Answer: This plan of study will be designed to include the required clinical hours and courses
necessary to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination and
the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification examination.
If accepted to the program, will I be qualified for any financial aid assistance?
Answer: For several years, the College has received funding through selected grant sources. FNP
students may qualify for this support. The College supports graduate students through competitive
academic scholarships. The student is always encouraged to apply for outside scholarship
sources, as well.
Is it possible to work full-time and carry a full-time FNP course load?
Answer: Working full-time while carrying a full-time course load is not advised. Although past
students have subscribed to this type of schedule, graduates indicate that this is not the "best"
course of action. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek employer support for work schedule
adjustments to accommodate their graduate courses. In addition, applicants are encouraged to
speak with family and friends regarding how graduate school may affect their schedule. Once a
student enters ANY practicum course, in addition to attending lecture the student must devote clinical
hours each week to the course.
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