Flexibility
Our flexible hybrid course delivery system offers in-person and online classes at both the Main Campus in Chester and Harrisburg Campus.
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.
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.
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.
Loading... in the course catalog.
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.
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.
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.
"I am a proud graduate of Widener's FNP program and very passionate to teach, mentor and guide students to achieve their goals in becoming successful graduates of this program. The program is well known in the Tri-State area and beyond, and because of our certification pass rate and graduate's preparedness for the work-force, our graduates are able to be employed as APRN's very soon after graduation."
I ascribe to a pragmatic philosophy of teaching and learning. I believe that nursing education must be practical and logically aligned to the diverse needs of the population we serve.
Recent News
Ready for Any Nursing Role
Widener’s nursing program prepares students for fruitful and fulfilling careers working across the patient lifespan.
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
School of Nursing Graduate Programs Office
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Founders Hall, 3rd Floor, Chester, PA 19013
- 610-499-4213
- mnursing@widener.edu
Jill C. Gilbert
Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment
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Hyatt Hall, Office #316
- (610) 499-1229
- jcgilbert@widener.edu
Paula A. Gray
Clinical Associate Professor
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Founders Hall
Room 328 - (610) 499-4232
- pag0203@widener.edu