The program is approved by the Utah State Board of Nursing, accredited by the National League for Nursing, and approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.The College of Nursing offers a generic Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program that leads to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree. A post-masters FNP certificate program is also available.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner role emphasizes health promotion, health maintenance, prevention and detection of alterations in health through supportive interventions, counseling, and teaching of families and individuals. In addition, the Family Nurse Practitioner role includes aspects of illness care management that include diagnosis and management of common, chronic, and acute conditions. The practitioner acknowledges and recognizes limitations in the scope of practice, collaborates and consults with other health care providers. Family Nurse Practitioner practice is based on an epidemiological approach to health problems, an understanding of family and community systems, the management of resources and economics, and the use of appropriate technology.

Family Nurse Practitioners improve access to primary care for all populations, especially those considered under-served, whether inner city, suburban, or rural. The Family Nurse Practitioner may provide care to families and individuals in a variety of settings, including the home, school, workplace, or hospital, depending on client needs. The practitioner’s function in each setting may vary and include care in a specific specialized area.

The Family Nurse Practitioner keeps current in knowledge and skills through education, review of the literature, and systematic inquiry. The practitioner engages in and utilizes relevant health care research and contributes to the knowledge of colleagues through peer review, publication or verbal communication methods. The Family Nurse Practitioner engages in issues relevant to the profession, community, state, and nation.

Facilities

In order to offer our students the most advanced clinical opportunities, the College of Nursing requires the graduate students to travel for clinical experiences; therefore, a car will be required. Brigham Young University is the largest private school in the country with approximately 33,000 students. The environment, student body, and educational programs at BYU make it a desirable place to further your education in Nursing.

Clinical agencies in urban and rural Utah are available for the family nurse practitioner internship. Many of these institutions maintain continual clinical research programs and innovative management strategies, appropriate for graduate students. Nurse practitioner clinics and rural sites also offer a challenging experience in developing as an independent practitioner. A graduate study room is available.

The research center, available to faculty and graduate students, is equipped with computer stations and software supporting statistical quantitative data analyses and qualitative data management. The center has graphics capability and assists in the preparation of research reports, articles, and presentations. Staff are also available for project assistance.

Faculty

Graduate faculty are well prepared. Faculty include nurse clinicians and practitioners with doctoral and master's preparation in the areas they teach. Adjunct doctoral faculty in clinical areas also participate with students to further enhance specific educational experiences.

Financial Aid

Teaching or research assistantships are available in the College of Nursing. Scholarships are awarded each semester to students based on academic performance and need. Employment opportunities are available in the community.