MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
This MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses for leadership in providing primary care for children and adults alike in any number of clinical settings. With a focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered primary care, we offer didactic and clinical experiences to prepare you to care for the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health of patients, families and communities.
Who Should Apply
If you’re already working as a nurse and are interested in advancing your education to provide care for children and adults of all ages, you should consider our MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner program.
Application Deadlines
Spring 2026
Application Open: 08/01/25
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Priority: 10/01/25
Final: 12/01/25
Fall 2025
Application Open: 09/01/24
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Priority: 12/01/24
Final: 07/01/25
Requirements
Overview
The MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner program consists of 48 credit hours and 600 clinical hours. Questions about program requirements should be directed to the program director, Carol Braungart.
Programs of Study
MSN options
- Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program of study (Fall entry, full-time)
- Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program of study (Fall entry, part-time)
- Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program of study (Spring entry, part-time)
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Courses
For full listing of courses and descriptions, please visit the University Bulletin.
On-Campus Requirements
Clinical Learning and Skills Intensive (CLASI)
- You are required to successfully complete the on-campus CLASI prior to starting your clinical courses. You will demonstrate a head-to-toe history and physical on a standardized patient as well as participate in simulation-based learning and workshops to progress toward clinical competency.
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
- While enrolled in NURS 6231 and NURS 6232 you are required to attend a series of simulation-based learning events designed to augment the FNP curriculum. These events also allow faculty the opportunity to objectively evaluate student clinical skills in taking patient history, physical examination, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, formulation of differential diagnoses, patient management and interpersonal communication while working with standardized patients (SPs). OSCEs also provide opportunities for professional development, networking, mentorship and one-on-one coaching from course faculty in preparation for program completion.
Technology Requirements
Each student admitted to the MSN program is expected to own and have ready access to a laptop or tablet with basic productivity software for classroom use. View Policy.
Complete applications that are submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. Applications do not have to be verified by the priority deadline, only completed and submitted. Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at nursing
gwu [dot] edu (nursing[at]gwu[dot]edu).
A completed application includes the following components:
- Bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
- Preferred scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited college or university
- Official transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Active and unencumbered RN license from a U.S. state or territory
Note:
- GW Nursing is subject to state authorization requirements in order to offer an approved nursing curriculum. View available states.
No Prerequisites
At the conclusion of this MSN program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate leadership based upon advanced knowledge.
- Promote and improve quality in the workplace through quality improvement practices.
- Synthesize knowledge of nursing practice, theory and research as a foundation for advanced nursing practice.
- Demonstrate continued professional development through ongoing education.
- Build an interdisciplinary professional network that includes collaboration and teamwork.
- Promote positive changes in health care delivery and nursing practice.
- Engage in caring and collaborative relationships with patients/clients for shared decision-making.
You must record a minimum of 600 hours of clinical experience with an approved preceptor. You are encouraged to find your own preceptor, but we can provide information on local clinical sites if needed.
The following clinical courses are required:
- NURS 6230: FNP I – 120 clinical hours
- NURS 6231: FNP II – 240 clinical hours
- NURS 6232: FNP III – 240 clinical hours
Questions about clinical placement requirements should be directed to sonclinicalgwu [dot] edu (sonclinical[at]gwu[dot]edu).