Graduate Studies

FNP Degree: Family Nurse Practitioner Program (MSN FNP)

Elevate your career in an advanced role as a certified nurse practitioner to care for individuals and families in a variety of clinical settings.

Program Overview

The family (individual across the lifespan) CRNP MSN option emphasizes primary care for individuals and families across the life span.

You’ll be prepared to provide primary care in a number of settings including family practices, community health centers, hospital out-patient clinics, urgent care facilities, and ER fast-track. Our program emphasizes a holistic approach to the management of family health through interdisciplinary collaboration.

After this program, you will be eligible to apply for the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners certification exam.

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

Program Options

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.

Students can enroll for the program at either our Main Campus in Chester or Central Pennsylvania campus in Harrisburg.

The program can be completed in 18–24 months of full-time study or at the student’s pace for part-time study within the five-year time limit post matriculation.

Students who are registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in a different discipline can enroll in the RN-to-MSN program to earn their master's degree.

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Students who hold a MSN can pursue a Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP post-master's certificate. The School of Nursing offers a number of post-master's and post-doctoral certificates in different areas of study. 

Many area health care systems offer their employees discounted tuition rates for Widener's graduate nursing programs.

View our educational partners

Admissions

  • Complete online application.
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent from an accredited program.
  • Minimum of 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in a BSN program.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics/research course with a grade of C or better.
  • Two recommendations, preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees, regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing.
  • Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse. NP or CNS option requires PA State Board of Nursing licensure prior to start of clinicals or as appropriate.
  • Personal Statement.
  • Updated resume.
  • International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
    View English Proficiency Requirements
  • International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service

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All admission requirements, including an interview, must be received and completed before:

  • August 15—for matriculation in the fall semester.
  • December 15—for matriculation in the spring semester.
  • April 15—for matriculation in summer sessions.

Students enrolled within the Widener University School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification. To view Widener’s licensure qualifications by state, please visit the School of Nursing Licensure by State webpage or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) directly. 

Program Highlights

With an MSN degree from Widener, you'll advance your skills through rigorous academics and real-world experiences.

College of Distinction Nursing 2023-2024 Logo

College of Distinction for Nursing

Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.

National Center of Nursing Excellence

The National League for Nursing named Widener a Center of Excellence for advancing the science of nursing education.

Founders Hall midday shot

Renowned in the Region

Our School of Nursing was ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.

Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Best Master of Science in Nursing

Recognized as the best hybrid MSN program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.

Founders Hall, home to Widener's School of Nursing, at dusk

Top 30 in Nation

Our School of Nursing is proud to rank #28 out of more than 1,100 private institutions evaluated across the nation.  

Source: Nursing Schools Almanac

 

nursing grad students in sim lab

Flexibility

Our flexible hybrid course delivery system offers in-person and online classes at both the Main Campus in Chester and Harrisburg Campus.

nursing student works with patient and faculty member

Faculty Mentorship

Partner with nursing professors who bring years of clinical experience to the classroom. You’ll benefit from a graduate nursing student community that is guided by close mentorship and one-on-one support from our full-time faculty.

Female BSN degree nursing student in clinical setting

Diverse Clinical Experience

Primary care can be provided in a number of settings. Our program will introduce you to the different setting options through diverse clinical experiences at the region’s top health care facilities and systems. On campus, you’ll have access to practice your skills in real-world scenarios in our state-of-the-art simulation and testing center.

Clubs & Organizations

Nursing majors have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus to expand their network, including the Johnson & Johnson Discover Nursing, Widener University Student Nurses' Association (WUSNA), and many more.

Faculty

At Widener, our nursing faculty aren't just teaching the courses but are creating the science of nursing education.

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

By building a strong professional network and gaining extensive patient care experience before you even graduate, you'll launch your career as a nurse practitioner ready to provide cutting-edge care.

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Primary care nurse practitioner
  • Family practice nurse practitioner
  • Nurse educator

Avg. Salary

$77,800

Average salary of an advanced registered nurse practitioner

Take the Next Steps

Apply

We’re glad you made the decision to apply. All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through the online application system. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.