Post-Graduate Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner

Advance your nursing skills and take your career to the next level

Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (36 credits)

This nurse practitioner certificate emphasizes continuing and comprehensive wellness and illness care for individuals, as well as illness management, health promotion and health education for communities. Graduate family nurse practitioner students will be prepared to assume leadership roles for the targeted populations in the primary settings and be set on a path to earn a higher nursing salary.

Continue to work while you study by earning your online nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate through our Global Campus. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our nurse practitioner certificate will equip you with the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills demanded in today's advanced nursing roles.

Our nursing programs are led by nursing faculty and staff that are highly qualified clinicians and nurse educators. With these high-quality experiences and instructors, you’ll be positioned to join graduates of Davenport’s nursing programs who have passed their nursing certification exams at rates above the national average.

What is a family nurse practitioner?

Family nurse practitioners are prepared to provide care to individuals with acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of primary care practice settings such as clinics, outpatient services and more. You’ll be a primary point of contact for the health care needs of individuals and families and have the ability to track, treat and educate patients. This certificate allows students to advance in nursing roles and earn a higher salary.

Explore classes for this post-graduate nurse practitioner certificate

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to serve a broad array of patients. Your classes will include acute and episodic problems across the lifespan, advanced practice nursing care of women, childbearing, family and pediatrics, management of patients and families with chronic conditions, and advanced gerontology. Each nursing course at Davenport aligns with Quality Matters (QM) and undergoes Instructional Design evaluation for quality assurance. This means you can rest assured that our nursing master’s program meets the highest standards.

Upon successful completion of the Post-Graduate Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration, the graduate will be eligible to seek certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses' Credentialing Center and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Following successful certification, the graduate applies to the Department of Professional Regulation for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) for practice in their state.

See Full Course List

Advanced Nursing Core		9 Credits
NURS601	MSN Orientation Seminar This seminar is required in the first semester of acceptance to the College of Health Professions MSN program. The program expectations and the MSN Student Handbook will be reviewed. Students in this course must register and complete the required Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screen (DS). Note: This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. If the CBC/DS portion of the class is not completed in the specified time frame, a failing grade will be given for the course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	0
NURS735	Advanced Pathophysiology Alterations of various physiological systems, etiology and clinical manifestations of commonly occurring health problems across the life span are discussed. In-depth case analysis of risk factors, pathophysiological changes, and associated signs and symptoms, relevant theories, research, and evidence-based findings are discussed as a basis for advanced practice nursing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	3
NURS738	Advanced Pharmacology The course focuses on the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents to manage health problems. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug categories, as well as evidence-based findings, are discussed as a basis for prescribing and monitoring pharmaceutical and alternative therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of commonly occurring acute and chronic illnesses. Ethical, legal, and risk-management issues are discussed. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	3
NURS740	Advanced Health Assessment This course focuses on the development of advanced practice nursing skills in health assessment for clients across the life span. Relevant concepts, theories, research, and evidence-based findings on prevention and early detection of risk factors and disease are emphasized. Critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning and communication skills are developed through case scenarios, simulated experiences, and clinical experiences as appropriate. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS740 and NURS740V Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	2
NURS740V	Advanced Health Assessment Lab This course focuses on the development of advanced practice nursing skills in health assessment for clients across the life span. Relevant concepts, theories, research, and evidence-based findings on prevention and early detection of risk factors and disease are emphasized. Critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning and communication skills are developed through case scenarios, simulated experiences, and clinical experiences as appropriate. Note: The lab portion designated with a ‘V’ will be taught in a virtual format. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS740 and NURS740V Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	1

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration		26 Credits
NURS768	FNP I-Hlth Prom Adv Prac Nurs In this course, students focus on the advanced practice role in promoting health and preventing diseases across the lifespan. Emphasis is on developing advanced nursing skills in health promotion, disease prevention, anticipatory guidance, risk reduction strategies, diagnosis and management of common primary health care concerns. Epidemiological principles and research is used to guide, promote, and preserve wellness lifestyles. Students will utilize clinical decision making skills to care for families across the lifespan. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS768 and NURS768C Prerequisite(s): NURS600, NURS601, NURS670 and NURS735	2
NURS768C	FNP I-Hlt Prom Adv Prac Nur Cl This course focuses on the advanced practice nurse’s role in promoting health and preventing diseases across the lifespan. Emphasis is on developing advanced nursing skills in health promotion, disease prevention, anticipatory guidance, risk reduction strategies, diagnosis and management of common primary health care concerns. Students will examine clinical decision making skills for care families across the lifespan. The advanced practice nurse uses epidemiological principles and research to guide, promote, and preserve wellness lifestyles. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS768C requires 45 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS768 and NURS768C Prerequisite(s): NURS600, NURS601, NURS670 and NURS735	1
NURS772	FNP Onsite Campus Intensive In this course, the students participate in an on campus experience. Practice and demonstration of skills necessary for the clinical course sequence. Individualized faculty-guided instruction in the management of patient focused problems including simulated patient experiences. Experiences include development of the basic suturing and small procedure skills that are often completed in the primary care setting. Students are expected to enter with proficient advanced practice level physical assessment and documentation. A comprehensive knowledge base in pharmacology and pathophysiology is required. If needed, remediation at this level will be done independently (with faculty approval and guidance) prior to enrollment in the clinical course sequence. Grade Note(s): A grade of B- or better is required for successful completion of all NURS courses Fees: Additional course fees apply. Co-requisite(s): NURS 768 and NURS 768C	1
NURS776	FNP II-Acute & Episodic Prob This course builds on FNP I and continues to emphasize the student’s competence in providing direct care as an Advanced Practice Nurse. The course focuses on the theoretical and clinical basis for the advanced nursing management of health care problems common to the family, focusing on children greater than 12 years old through the geriatric period. Emphasis is placed on clinical problems, symptoms, diagnosis and management of common acute and episodic conditions of families in the context of the primary care setting in the community. Students synthesize knowledge from a variety of sources to make clinical judgments and build the practice base needed for implementing Advanced Practice Competencies. Students are placed in clinical experiences within primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. The student will become increasingly independent in their clinical decision-making skills and ability to manage individual health concerns in the practice s	2
NURS776C	FNP II-Acute/Episodic Prob Cl This course focuses on the theoretical and clinical basis for the advanced nursing management of health care problems common to the family, focusing on children greater than 12 years old through the geriatric period. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and management of common acute and episodic conditions of families in the context of the primary care setting in the community. Clinical experiences are in a variety of primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. Clinical practice includes advanced assessment and implementation of therapeutic management regimens related to episodic and common problems, health promotion and risk prevention. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS776C requires 225 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Compone	5
NURS781	Adv Prac Nurs Care Wmn Fam Ped This course prepares the advanced practice nurse to provide care to the childbearing family, women in their childbearing years through menopause, and the pediatric patient. This course provides an overview of theory and research on the assessment and management of women throughout the lifespan, children (infant through adolescence/young adulthood) and families. Common developmental, behavioral, acute and chronic illness, and health promotion and maintenance are discussed. Psychosocial and cultural aspects of the childbearing family and pediatrics, etiology of condition of disease, differential diagnosis and clinical judgment within the context of the family across the lifespan will be applied to each topic. Students develop role competencies under the supervision of nurse practitioner preceptors and faculty in urban health care settings. Students are placed in clinical experiences within primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. The student wi	2
NURS781C	Adv Prac Nur Care Wn Fam Ped C Preparation of the advanced practice nurse to provide care to the childbearing family, women in their childbearing years through menopause and the pediatric patient. This course provides an overview of theory and research on the assessment and management of women throughout the lifespan, children (infant through adolescence/young adulthood) and families. Common developmental, behavioral, acute and chronic illness, and health promotion and maintenance are discussed. Psychosocial and cultural aspects of the childbearing family and pediatrics, etiology of condition of disease, differential diagnosis and clinical judgment within the context of the family across the lifespan will be applied to each topic. Includes specific pediatric primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS781C requires 225 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can b	5
NURS786	FNP Mgt Patient/Family Chronic This course is to prepare the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) student to begin management practice of patients with common chronic illnesses and developmental problems in a variety of health care settings. The course focuses on the theoretical and clinical basis for the advanced nursing management of health care problems common to the family, focusing on children greater than 12 years old through the geriatric period, and builds upon the knowledge obtained in FNP I-III. Emphasis is placed on clinical problems, symptoms, diagnosis and management of common chronic conditions of individuals and the effects of their families in the context of the primary care setting in the community. Students synthesize knowledge from a variety of sources to make clinical judgments and build the practice base needed for implementing Advanced Practice Competencies. Students are placed in clinical experiences within primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. The stud	2
NURS786C	FNP Mgt Patient/Family Chr Cl This course is to prepare the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) student to begin management practice of patients with common chronic illnesses and developmental problems in a variety of health care settings. This course will further develop primary care knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment. Content emphasis includes primary healthcare needs of individuals and families including screening, prevention, and management of chronic conditions. Course will develop student’s sound clinical decision making and diagnostic reasoning skills. The student is expected to utilize theory, research, and best practices to manage the care of individuals, families, and populations in order to provide high quality, cost-effective care. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS786C requires 225 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-muc	5
NURS788	Advanced Gerontology This course will explore major aging concepts and issues within the United States including controversies in aging health care, socioeconomic trends and life course. A variety of global aging issues, trends, and future predictions will be analyzed. Content will include aging and health from an individual, family, societal, and systems perspective. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): NURS772	1

Capstone		1 Credits
NURS794	Family Nurse Practitioner Caps This course culminates in a three-day virtual experience that will focus on the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) practice areas of licensing, credentialing and legal issues. An extensive board examination review will be completed using focused concentration review materials, simulations, research projects, and lab experiences. Students will complete a portfolio based on both the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NOPF) core competencies and the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. Students will present their portfolio and research project to nursing leadership during the three-day intensive review. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): NURS781 and NURS781C	1

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

45%

Enter a field with an employment rate projected to grow 45%

100%

Earn your nurse practitioner certificate 100% online

20%

Pay 20% lower nursing tuition as a member of MHA

Why pursue an online nursing master’s degree at Davenport?

Davenport’s online family nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate prepares graduates to serve a diverse patient base across the socioeconomic spectrum and in settings from community outreach clinics to private practices. You’ll be a primary point of contact for the health care needs of individuals and families and have the ability to track, treat and educate patients.

Davenport’s College of Health Professions will give you ample opportunities to network and get to know your nursing peers and faculty through the Davenport Global Campus, which is specially designed to foster valuable connections.

To help relieve some of the financial barriers of going back to school, Davenport will extend a 20% tuition discount if you’re a member of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA).

Convenience for your online nursing post-graduate certificate

Choose a family nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate that’s designed to be completed 100% online for working nurses like you.

Exceptional test preparation

Graduates of Davenport’s nursing programs pass their certification exams at rates higher than the national average.

One-on-one attention

Gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in small classes that offer individualized attention from highly credentialed faculty.

Key clinical placements

Earn a nursing MSN that supports your career goals with the right clinical placements, thanks to our dedicated clinical care staff.

Get started on your family nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your family nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate at Davenport.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start on the road to a nursing post-graduate certificate, leading to a higher nursing salary. Request more information or begin your application now.

Programs related to the online nurse practitioner certificate

Master of Science in Nursing — Generalist Concentration

Master of Science in Nursing — Nurse Educator Concentration

Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Educator Postgraduate Certificate

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.*

Faculty and Staff

Associate Dean: Amy Stahley PhD, MSN, RN

Department Chair for Nursing: Tracy Alberta, MSN, RN

Nursing Administrative Assistant: TBD

MSN/FNP Online Faculty

Clinical Coordinator Online FNP: Marlo Schepers, MSN

Online Graduate Faculty: Jessica Abernathy, DNP, WHNP-BC, CNM, FNP-BC, Annette Mannion MSN, CRNP, IBLC

CCNE Accreditation

The master's degree program in nursing at Davenport University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Admission requirements

Applicants are eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner at Davenport University if they meet the following minimum requirements:

A Master of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale).
Official transcripts indicating completion of a master’s degree will be required upon admission.
Current, unrestricted, registered nursing license, in a U.S. jurisdiction. You must have a current RN license from any state in which you perform clinical coursework

Students must apply through NursingCAS.org. Frequently asked questions and instructions for using the NursingCAS system are available at https://www.nursingcas.org/ need-help/.

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Davenport University, 2023/2024 Catalog