Nursing, Post-Graduate Certificate: FNP

Why Study Advanced Practice Nursing?

MSN-level nurses, take the next step in your career as an advanced practice registered nurse. By doing so, you’ll fill a high-need position, make a lasting impact and increase your earnings.

As the U.S. population ages and primary care shortage areas expand, APRNs are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites a 35% increase in employment between 2024-2034. The median salary for advanced practice registered nurses is $132,050.

Most importantly, you’ll fill a critical role by delivering exceptional care to patients in underserved communities.

Why Study Advanced Practice Nursing at Saint Francis?

The University of Saint Francis is known for the success of its nursing programs. Saint Francis nurses stand out for their clinical expertise and compassionate care (the product of our Catholic education and core values) and are sought out by employers throughout the Midwest.

Outstanding Faculty and Support

At Saint Francis, you’ll learn from expert faculty with years of healthcare experience. You’ll benefit from the knowledge they share in the classroom, as well as from the support and inspiration they give students.

Flexible Hybrid Structure

Our APRN certificate program was designed for working professionals with a flexible hybrid format. “Intensives” bring students and faculty together twice a semester for in-person learning which includes lectures, group work, simulations, patient visits and more. The rest of the semester involves flexible synchronous and asynchronous online learning.

APRN Certificate Program

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate

Family nurse practitioners provide primary care services to patients of all ages, with special emphasis on patient education, disease prevention and health promotion. With the increasing shortage of primary care physicians—especially in rural areas with underserved populations—FNPs fill an essential gap in primary care and are in high demand.

Earn 25 credits over four semesters (spring, summer, fall, spring) and be prepared to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam.

Accreditation

Accreditor: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Graduate Programs and/or post-graduate APRN certificate programs at University of Saint Francis are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Date of Next Review: 2034

Original Date of Accreditation: 2019

Date of Most Recent Review: 2024

Results of Most Recent Accreditation Review: Initial accreditation was granted for 5 years in 2019.