Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program and Nurse Practitioner Education in California

The Post-Master’s Nurse Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program is designed to prepare nurses who have already completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with the courses required to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. This program provides FNP specialty coursework aimed at preparing the graduate to provide primary care health services to diverse populations. Furthermore, students are required to complete 540 practica hours in primary care. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national FNP certification exams and for California FNP licensure.

Program Details at a Glance

For those considering this path, here is a summary of the program's structure:

Admission Requirements and Documentation

Regarding eligibility, applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a university which has been regionally accredited by CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN. The following requirements must also be met:

• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or better and minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last sixty semester units.
• Valid RN licensure.
• Minimum of one-year relevant full-time clinical experience within the last 3 years.

The following documentation is required for the application process:

• Applicants must submit official transcripts of prior academic work.
• Current RN license.
• A minimum of two letters of recommendation dated within one-year of application (one academic and one professional).
• Professional resume/curriculum vitae (CV).
• A 500-word statement explaining academic and professional goals.

Additionally, virtual interviews will be required. Application periods are accepted for Summer, with the Cal State Apply window open from December 1 to March 31.

Nurse Practitioner Pathways in California

The path to becoming a nurse practitioner will be unique to you. In California, there are 4 primary streams for NP education:

1. Master of Science in Nursing with an NP specialty (MN-NP): These are for students who do not have a master’s degree in nursing.
2. Post-masters NP: You require a master’s degree in nursing to apply for a post-masters program. These programs focus on core NP courses to prepare you to become an NP.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP): An advanced, doctoral-level nursing program for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
4. Masters of Science in Nursing to DNP (MSN-DNP): An advanced, doctoral-level nursing program for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a Master of Science in Nursing.

Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

Several universities offers online NP programs which allows for flexible learning. Some institutions highlight the need for a few on-campus “intensives.” These intensives are hands-on workshops that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Notable schools offering these formats include:

• California State University, Channel Islands: Post-masters FNP
• Touro University California: Post-masters FNP, post-masters psych/mental health
• United States University: MN-FNP, post-masters FNP
• Western University of Health Sciences: MN-FNP, post-masters (emergency, family, psych/mental health)