Family Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Graduate Certificate

Contact Information

Stephanie S. DeBoor, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs
Associate Professor
University of Nevada, Reno
Orvis School of Nursing
1664 N. Virginia Street MS 0134
Reno, NV 89557
775-682-7156
deboors2@unr.edu

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Advanced Graduate Certificate program prepares nurses who completed a minimum of an MSN  and/or nurses who are licensed and nationally certified as an APRN to provide advanced practice in primary care settings through a program of study focused on the care and health promotion of patients and their families throughout the lifespan.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner certificate, the graduate is able to:

1. Synthesize theoretical, scientific, and contemporary clinical knowledge for the assessment and management of both health and illness states.
2. Implement clinical reasoning and builds collaborative intra- and interprofessional relationships to provide optimal care to patients.
3. Provide patient-centered, quality care to the adult and older adult population within the acute and critical care settings through incorporation of health promotion, health protections, disease prevention and treatment.
4. Impart knowledge and individualize therapies through the activities of advocacy, modeling and teaching.
5. Apply evidence-based practice designed to improve quality of care and health outcomes by overseeing and directing the delivery of clinical services within an integrated system of healthcare.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet both the University’s Graduate School requirements and the Orvis School of Nursing MSN requirements. Applicants should begin by completing an application to the University’s Graduate School for an advanced graduate certificate in the speciality of family nurse practitioner.

There are two entry plans for the certificate:

• one for those who have completed a MSN, and
• one for those who are licensed and nationally certified APRNs (NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA).

Prerequisites for admission to the Orvis School of Nursing Master of Science Program:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited academic institution with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Current unrestricted licensure as an RN in Nevada.

Submit the following with application to the Graduate School at the University of Nevada, Reno:

• A resume that includes education, professional employment and/or community service experience.
• A letter of intent should be single spaced, 12-point font, and no longer than 1,000 words. It should include the following information:
  • Explain why you have chosen the University of Nevada, Reno, Orvis School of Nursing for your graduate studies.
  • Share which track (AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, EDU, CNL, Pediatric Acute Care NP or PMHNP) you have chosen to pursue and describe how you envision functioning in this role as part of an inter-professional team.
  • Describe leadership experiences, both professional and personal, that have prepared you for graduate studies.
• Three letters of recommendation.

The deadline for fall admission is March 1 and the spring admission deadline is Oct. 1. Admission for the AGACNP, Pediatric Acute Care NP, PMHNP and FNP Advanced Degree (Post-Master’s) Certificates vary depending on entry plan. Students are notified of admission, denial, or waitlist status by April 15th for fall admission and November 15th for Spring admission.

I. Program Requirements

II. Program Total (17-33 Units)