Master of Science
in Nursing - FNP Option

Dr. Virginia W. Adams, Dean

Dr. Bettie J. Glenn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Dr. Julie Smith Taylor, Graduate Program Coordinator

General Information

In July 1998, the University of North Carolina's Board of Governors approved the MSN program at UNCW School of Nursing, the school's first graduate program in nursing. In 1999 the program received approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing. In 2000, the program received its initial five-year full accreditation from:

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)61 Broadway-33rd Floor
New York City, NY 10006

In 2004, the MSN program was granted full initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Continuing program quality is reflected in the achievement of dual national accreditation.

The first class graduated from the program in May 2000. The initial specialty option prepares the graduate to assume the advanced practice role of family nurse practitioner. The graduate is prepared for practice in rural and urban settings to provide primary care for underserved, uninsured, and/or underinsured populations.

In fall 2004, the second option in the MSN was approved and the program will enroll its inaugural class of candidates for the Nurse Educator role. The Master of Science in Nursing- Nurse Educator option will prepare a professional who uses educational theory in instructional situations. The program is designed to produce a professional with the values, knowledge and skills to prepare nurses for the current and future health care delivery systems.

The School of Nursing is pleased to offer relevant educational program options to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Option

Purpose

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares advanced practice nurses who possess the knowledge, skill, attitudes, and values to meet the challenges of the 21st Century Health Care Delivery System in the following areas (1) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and (2) Nurse Educator (NE).  The two-year full-time MSN Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The graduate of the UNCW School of Nursing master's program in nursing will be able to practice in the role for which prepared.

The purpose of the UNCW Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) option is to prepare an advanced practice generalist who possesses knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide community focused primary care for culturally diverse families in rural or medically underserved areas. The 47-credit hour, primarily online, Family Nurse Practitioner options provides advanced theory and clinical education emphasizing: 

• Primary health across the life span for underserved rural or urban populations.
• High quality, cost-effective, unique health care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction.

A graduate of the program will be eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioners and seek approval to practice as an FNP in North Carolina or other state of choice. The family nurse practitioner, as a primary care provider, implements community focused health care and education for culturally diverse families in rural and/or medically underserved, as well as urban areas. 

Program Objectives

The graduate of the UNCW School of Nursing Master of Science, nurse practitioner option will:

• Design client-centered care through advanced practice and education with an altruistic concern for the welfare of others while supporting autonomy and respecting human dignity.
• Demonstrate integrity through accountability and responsibility for clinical decisions and life long learning.
• Manage quality improvement measures that support legal/ethical standards through the use of evidence-based practice.
• Impact the health of underserved populations through support and promotion of culturally competent care.
• Evaluate domestic and global health integrating the knowledge of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare policies, epidemiology, and the environment.
• Promote the health of client/patients through education and multidisciplinary management of risk reduction, disease prevention and the management of illness.
• Demonstrate professional role competence in education and advanced nursing practice.

Admission Requirements

          Students desiring admission into the graduate program in nursing at UNCW must seek admission to the UNCW Graduate School.  Admission to the UNCW Graduate School requires a completed Graduate School application; official transcripts of all college work; official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT); and three recommendations (one each from a former nurse faculty member and a current or former employer, preferred).  Standardized test scores more than five years old at the time of application will not be considered. In addition, students who are taking, or have taken, graduate work elsewhere must be in good standing at that institution to be eligible to take graduate work at UNCW.

Additional admission requirements include:

1. Current unrestricted North Carolina registered nurse license or registered nurse license from one of the affiliated Compact states.
2. One year professional experience as a BNS prepared registered nurse (FNP option only).
3. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program or satisfactory completion of the first year of courses defined in the UNCW-SON RN -MSN Option.
4. Strong academic record with a “B” average or better in basic courses prerequisite to graduate study in nursing.
5. Academic credits in nursing research, statistics, leadership, community health, and health assessment.
6. Computer competency.
7. Six semester hours of graduate level transferred credit may be accepted upon approval.
8. A comprehensive invited interview may be requested.
9. Additional items as needed.  

Students entering the graduate program must have completed successfully the following undergraduate courses: health and physical assessment, community health, statistics, and nursing research. Applicants must have access to a computer capable of supporting electronic mail, a web browser, a word processing program and multi-media presentations. In addition, applicants must demonstrate ability to use these computer applications.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

The following information pertains to application activities which should be completed in conjunction with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Nurse Educator (NE) Graduate Application.

Admission Examination

• All applicants must complete the Graduate Record Examination general test (GRE-Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
• To obtain information regarding the GRE or MAT, please contact the UNCW Testing Office, (910) 962-7444.
• To take advantage of test preparation and tutorial enrichment prior to taking the GRE or the MAT, go to the UNCW Testing Office website http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/testing/index.htm.
• Scores older than five years will not be considered.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate, must be sent directly from each institution to The Graduate School, UNCW, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955. Transcripts can be requested and sent prior to application submission.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Three recommendations from individuals who can address the applicant’s potential for successfully completing the Master’s degree are required. It is strongly recommended that at least one recommendation be from a former nursing faculty member, and one recommendation be from a current or former employer. Prior to application, one should consult with professionals from whom the required references will be sought. Completed references should be submitted online to the Graduate School; the application will not be reviewed without the three references.

Link for SON Reference Form

LICENSURE/EXPERIENCE

Professionals pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator Option must have a current, unrestricted registered nurse license in North Carolina or affiliated compact state.

For questions about licensure in North Carolina, please contact the North Carolina Board of Nursing, 3724 National Drive, Koger Center Office Complex, Camden Building, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27612; (919) 782-3211; Internet: http://www.ncbon.com.

SCHOOL OF NURSING DEMOGRAPHIC FORM

Please complete and return directly to:  Student Services Director, UNCW School of Nursing; Graduate Program Office; 110 Friday Annex ; 601South College Road; Wilmington, NC 28403-5995.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING WRITING SAMPLES

Please complete per instructions and return directly to: Student Services Director, UNCW School of Nursing; Graduate Program Office; 110 Friday Annex; 601 South College Road; Wilmington, NC 28403-5995.

Master of Science in Nursing FNP Writing Sample  

Master of Science in Nursing NE or Post Master's Certificate Writing Sample

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY

Applicants must demonstrate computer skills including the ability to use electronic mail, web browser, a word processing program, PowerPoint, and basic database software. Enrolled students must own or have access to a computer (initial access may be provided students through the School of Nursing Learning Resource Center).

If computer training/experience is needed to acquire/up-date computer proficiency, opportunities are available through:

• UNCW - undergraduate course: CSC 105 Introduction to Computing and Computer Applications North Carolina community college system provides the computer education/training ranging from computer basics through the advanced operations.
• private/local training and technology centers offer courses ranging from computer basics through advanced learning of specific software packages and Internet operations.

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE

          Applications completed online by March 1 will receive first consideration for the following fall semester admission. Applications completed after March 1 will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Admission decisions are based on several factors, including a strong overall undergraduate academic record and satisfactory scores on either the GRE or MAT; however, other indicators of success may be considered for admission. Admission decisions will be finalized and students will be notified of admission by May 1.

Degree Requirements

1. A total of  forty-six (46) to forty-seven (47) graduate semester hours is required for the family nurse practitioner option or  thirty-five (35) to thirty-six (36) graduate semester hours is required for the nurse educator option. No minor is required.
2. All courses required in the program are open only to graduate students. 
3. A total of six semester hours of transfer credit may be accepted.
4. With the exception of six approved transfer credits, all graduate study must be completed in residence depending upon the degree option pursued.
5. An MSN student must have a "B" or better in each required course.  If a student earns a "C", he/she must repeat the course and must earn a "B" or better to progress.  A student will only be allowed to repeat one course.  A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
6. The program has no language requirement; however, one graduate language course, Spanish for Health Care Professionals, may be available as an elective.
7. Faculty-supervised research activity consisting of successful completion of NSG 500 Theory and Research for Evidence Based Practice (4 credits), and either a master’s research  thesis (3 credits) or a master’s evidence-based project (2 credits), is required. The master’s project emphasizes methods of implementing research findings to solve identified clinical or educational problems that an advanced practice nurse might encounter using appropriate research methods. A scholarly presentation is required to disseminate findings from the research activity.
8. The Oral Comprehensive Examination will be the formal defense of the thesis or research project.
9. Each student must complete an approved course of study within five years of the date of the first registration for graduate study to be eligible for graduation.

Link to FNP Option Full Time Course Sequence

Special Requirements

The following Special Health Requirement for School of Nursing must be completed prior to the beginning of the fall semester. These include written documentation:

1. Hepatitis B immunization (or signed declination)
2. Varicella immunization (or proof of immunity)
3. TB skin test
4. Drug Screen
5. Current CPR
6. Liability Insurance
7. Criminal Background Check
8. Health Insurance and any other requirement stipulated by clinical agencies

Part-time Program

Students may enroll in the program part-time. Each student must complete an approved course of study within five years of the date of the first registration for graduate study to be eligible for graduation. Each student will work with his/her advisor in designing his/her part-time program of study. A copy of the suggested program of part -time study can be obtained from the School of Nursing, Student Services Office ( son@uncw.edu .)

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION:

Main Number (910) 962-3177

Time line for funding:
First-serve basis for Institutional Funds (Federal Funds year-round)
Complete as soon as possible and prior to application deadline(s).
File Federal Income Tax, respective year.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), for the current funding year, indicating school(s) of interest. Forms are available through the Financial Aid Office. If the FAFSA is mailed by March 1st, an applicant will meet the Priority Deadline. One must then wait until the federal government responds with the Student Aid Report (SAR). At that time, if admission has been granted by UNCW, the Financial Aid Office should be notified. With the SAR, a “needs analysis” will be prepared, and the available Institutional funds will be assigned/allotted on a first-serve basis, by need.

Financial Aid available at UNCW

Please reference the UNCW Graduate Catalogue or contact Financial Aid Office. Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for most financial aid programs. Applications and information about the financial aid process, eligibility requirements, and important deadlines are available in the Financial Aid Office on the first floor of James Hall. Office telephone (910) 962-3177; Fax (910) 962-3851, email: finaid@uncw.edu; and/or web: http://www.uncw.edu/finaid.

UNCW provides information and opportunities to qualify for Federal, institutional, and departmental funding opportunities:

• School of Nursing (MSN)
• North Carolina Nurse Education Scholarship Loan Program Department of Health and Human Services Rural and Urban Family Nurse Practitioner Traineeship Grant Program
• State of North Carolina (MSN)
• The North Carolina Nurse Scholars Program, Master’s Program (M-NSP).
• The M-NSP application deadline is May 1st.

The Nurse Scholars Commission meets in mid-June to select M-NSP recipients. For information, please contact: NC Nurse Scholars Commission, North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, PO Box 14223, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; (919) 549-8614.

Twenty-five new full-time awards of $6,000 can be made each year. Part-time awards at $3,000 a year can be made if funds are available. Full-time awards may be renewed for one year; part-time awards may be renewed up to three years.

• The Minority Presence Grant Program
• Assistantships
• Fellowships/Scholarships
• Loans/Federal Work Study Program

Graduate Application:

The following information pertains to the completion of the UNCW Graduate Application for the Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP).  As detailed in the current issue of the UNCW Graduate Catalogue, the Graduate School at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will administer applications for the programs of study leading to the Master of Science in Nursing degree.  

To complete application materials please contact The Graduate School, UNCW, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955; 910-962-3135; via the internet at http://www.uncw.edu/grad_info/ or e-mail at gradstudies@uncw.edu.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to see that all supporting documentation is received in the Graduate School. Applicants are encouraged to check the progress of their application file. Please contact the Graduate School regarding the progress of your application. Failure to observe this procedure will delay processing of applications.

• An application will not be reviewed until it is complete.
• When required materials are received, the applicant’s file is sent to the school of nursing admissions committee for review and recommendation.

The school or department recommendation is then acted upon by the Graduate School.

Link to Graduate School

Link to Graduate School Nursing Forms

All application materials must be submitted directly to The Graduate School, UNCW, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955, unless otherwise instructed.

For questions and/or additional information, please contact:

Dr. Julie Smith Taylor
Graduate Program Coordinator
Friday Annex 189
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
Phone: (910) 962 - 7927
Email: taylorjs@uncw.edu

page updated September 25, 2006