Master of Science in Nursing

The Masters of Science In Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Program of USC prepares baccalaureate educated nurses for the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner to treat physical and behavioral health issues across the life span in primary care and urgent care outpatient settings.

School/Division: Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Department of Nursing

Degree/Certificate: Master of Science In Nursing

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Department of Nursing established the Masters of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Program in 2016 and remains a leader in the integrations of nursing, patient assessment and management, address social and environmental factors, and positions graduates to lead positive social change.   

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) delivers evidence-based practice for patients with common complex chronic and acute conditions throughout the life cycle. Preparation in the FNP role includes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, prescribe and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses, and initiate and manage treatment plans including prescribing medications. Along with providing skilled clinical services, FNPs bring a comprehensive perspective to healthcare including health promotion, disease prevention, and health education for patients and their families.

The FNP may function independently or collaboratively and is accountable as a direct provider of care as dictated by state law governing nurse practitioner practice. FNPs promote interdisciplinary collaboration to help assure positive health outcomes. FNPs assume leadership roles in legislation and public service to identify and implement changes in the delivery of healthcare.

The USC MSN Program is delivered online, with live classes hosted in our virtual classroom. All courses are taught by USC faculty who are experienced, respected practitioners in the field. As a student in the program, you will complete foundational coursework, attend on-campus intensives and complete clinical placements in or near your own community. The curriculum is grounded in evidence-based practice with a focus on how social determinants — the conditions in which people live, learn, work and play — affect health and well-being.

Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement

Licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) requires a license as a registered nurse and graduation with the Masters of Science of Nursing Degree (MSN) from an accredited school through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the National League of Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) and/or individual State Board of Nursing as governed by state regulation. The USC MSN-FNP Program received national accreditation from CCNE in 2017.  Currently, forty-seven states and the District of Columbia require students to take either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner (AANP) FNP Exam for licensure.

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