**No further applications are being accepted for the MSN degree at this time. Please see the BSN-to-DNP Nurse Practitioner section.

 

Family Nurse Practitioner

The master's family nurse practitioner program prepares registered nurses to deliver primary health care to individuals and families throughout their lives. Family nurse practitioners are growing in importance as the entire industry looks for innovations that improve outcomes while also reducing overall costs.

Completing the program qualifies you to sit for the FNP national certification examination with either the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCB). On the family nurse practitioner national certification exam, our pass rates are consistently above the national average.

The FNP option is led by certified nurse practitioner faculty who are experienced in clinical practice and teaching. You will precept with seasoned nurse practitioners and physicians who are dedicated to excellent patient care and student education.

You may enter the program in January or August of each year. The program offers flexibility with all courses taught online and only three required campus visits.

Why Samford?

  • Earn a Master of Science  in nursing degree online without having to relocate
  • Participate in cutting edge, web-based learning with clinical experiences close to home
  • Access all coursework and resources anywhere, anytime and from any internet-connected electronic device
  • Complete clinical hours in a variety of primary care sites across the United States, ranging from pediatrics to obstetrics/gynecology to adult/geriatrics
  • Receive instruction from experienced nurse practitioners and physicians who are dedicated to excellent patient care and student education
  • Receive close, personal attention from highly educated and experienced faculty who are readily available to you
  • Experience a rich tradition of high academic standards and quality education practices
  • Access to Samford’s beautiful campus and all the amenities that Samford has to offer

Admission Information

Admission Deadline

Spring M.S.N. Entry Month: January (6 semester plan of study)
Slate Application Deadline: September 1

Fall M.S.N. Entry Month: August  (5 semester plan of study)
Slate Application Deadline: June 1

Admission Criteria

  • Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
  • B.S.N. from CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) and  institutionally accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in nursing courses
  • A video submission
  • One undergraduate course in nursing research with a grade of C (2.0) or better
  • One undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B (3.0) or better
  • American citizens or Permanent Residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
  • If accepted, a non-refundable fee of $750 is required to secure admission to the program. This fee is applied to the first semester's tuition.

Application Requirements 

  • Transcripts can be sent electronically to gradnurse@samford.edu or by mail to:
    Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
    Graduate Student Services
    800 Lakeshore Drive
    Birmingham, AL 35229
  • Three letters of recommendation – two professional (at least one supervisor) and one academic
  • Personal statement indicating career plans and likelihood of success in graduate study
  • Professional resume
  • Applications are submitted online through Slate
Out-of-State Applicants
Out-of-state applicants to any of our distance-accessible programs should become familiar with their state’s regulations governing distance accessible programs. Prospective students who plan to conduct Samford’s distance education/clinical in a state other than Alabama, should contact their state’s Board of Nursing and Department of Education for specific rules and regulations pertaining to students enrolled in out-of-state programs. Students residing in states with strict rules and regulations for distance education may not be eligible to receive an offer of admission.
We currently do not accept applications from graduate nursing applicants residing in:
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Louisiana
  • New York
  • Oregon

Apply Now

 Practicum & Clinical Hours

This program of study requires clinical hours with patients across the lifespan. The minimum number of clinical hours per course are noted in red on each plan of study below. Students should anticipate spending an average of 16-20 hours each week in clinical rotations (clinical courses only). 

The Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing has affiliation agreements with hundreds of clinical agencies across numerous states, with the majority being in the Southeast. Students may request additional affiliation agreements based on preceptor availability and proximity. Professional and personal connections are essential to help secure clinical placement opportunities close to home.

Clinical placements can be very competitive and similar to obtaining employment. Many facilities require an application, resume and/or interview with prospective clinical students. Professionalism and good communication skills are critical for successful placement. Traveling for clinical opportunities is sometimes needed to meet requirements and/or learning needs. The school does not arrange or provide reimbursement for travel.

 Plan of Study

 Traditional Plans of Study

Fall Start

Spring Start

Summer Start

No plan of study is available

Nurse Faculty Loan Plans of Study

Fall Start

Spring Start

Summer Start

No plan of study is available

 Periodic On-Campus Requirements

The majority of the program is accomplished through asynchronous learning modules provided on-line in Canvas. There are periodic synchronous sessions via Zoom (typically one-two per semester). Students are required to be on-campus in Birmingham, Alabama a total of two or three times depending on the plan of study selected. The campus visits are generally two-three days in length and students are notified of the dates at least three months in advance.

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for in-state and out-of-state students can be found on our graduate tuition worksheet. Tuition may be paid online or at Samford One Stop, and must be paid by the first day of each semester/term. Policies and methods for tuition and fee payment can be found in the Samford University catalog and the Samford One Stop website.

Fees are automatically generated following registration. For a full list of university, school and course fees please view our graduate fees worksheet.

The following additional fees are applicable for the 2023-2024 academic year:

  • Background check – cost varies by state

Financial Aid

A financial assistance program administered by Samford One Stop has been established to aid students in attending Samford University.

To learn more about financial aid options, please visit the Samford One Stop or call 205-726-2905.

*The nursing school offers certificate-only programs, which are not eligible for federal aid. However, educational expenses related to these certificates may be covered by private loans or institutional scholarships. Please contact the financial advisor for nursing students for additional information.

Other options are also available, such as the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. For additional information concerning these opportunities, please contact graduate admission in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing.

Scholarships

Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is proud to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities.

View Scholarship Application

Through our Nurse Faculty Loan  Program, you could qualify for up to 85% loan forgivness.

Learn More

 

Apply Now

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The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing, Master's Degree Program in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program at Samford University, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.