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Online Coursework

Flexible curriculum designed for working nurses

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7-1-7 Model

Take one course at a time, allowing you to balance education and shift work

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Dedicated Support

From enrollment to graduation to ensure you have the tools needed to succeed

About the Program

A Flexible Pathway to Becoming an NP

Learn to treat patients of all ages through hands-on learning experiences as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

Pursue your degree while keeping your job as a registered nurse through a flexible, online and asynchronous program. Spring Arbor University’s online BSN to Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program provides faith-based learning experiences that will help you grow as a person and as a practitioner caring for diverse populations through a structured, supportive curriculum.

And with a certification pass rate of 88% pass-rate this program will prepare you to sit for the certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

As a student in the online BSN to MSN-FNP program, you will: 

  • Continue working full-time as you earn your BSN to FNP degree on your schedule 
  • Gain the skills needed to prepare for licensure through a CCNE-accredited* program 
  • Learn from highly educated, talented faculty who build close relationships with students in small class sizes 
  • Receive 1:1 support from a dedicated Student Success Coach and faculty who know you by name 
  • SAU works with you to secure clinical placements that match your preferred location, with extensive support, training and access to our clinical partner network to help you succeed 

Spring Arbor University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is CCNE-accredited* and highly ranked for academic quality.  

*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, post-master certificates, and doctor of nursing practice programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

Already have your MSN? You could be only 18 months away from earning your Post-Master’s FNP Certificate depending on your prior coursework. Learn more.

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Best Online MSN in Michigan

#1 Best Online MSN in Michigan for 2025

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Get your full curriculum breakdown

Seats are filling fast - apply today to secure your spot for the next intake!

Fill out the form below for additional details and to book an appointment with a dedicated admissions representative.

I have or will have at least a bachelor’s degree. 
I have or will have at least a high school diploma or GED.
I have or will have at least an associate degree or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure.
I have or will have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing leading to RN licensure.
I have or will have at least a master's degree in nursing.
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete

Online MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner: Fast Facts

Designed for Working Nurses  

The MSN-FNP program is designed with nurses’ shift work, rotating schedules and full-time employment in mind. Our 7-1-7 model and flexible, online coursework help reduce burnout during the transition away from bedside care. 

  • 52 credits  
  • 625 clinical hours 
  • Six starts per year 
  • Complete part-time in as few as two years and five months 
  • Online, asynchronous coursework—flexible curriculum paired with built-in support  
  • Flexible login times — complete your assignments on your schedule
  • 7-1-7 Model - Take one seven-week course at a time and enjoy a week off in between 
  • Just one four-day campus residency in year two 

Inspiring Outcomes 

  • Understand Population-Specific Care to provide evidence-based primary healthcare to infants, children and antepartum women 
  • Address healthcare disparities by delivering compassionate care and advocating for underserved populations and their healthcare needs 
  • Build a leadership mindset by learning how to facilitate healthy behavioral changes through compassionate, family-focused care 
  • Join a committed community dedicated to helping you grow professionally, personally and spiritually 
  • Evaluate health policies based on ethical reasoning and Christian framework 
  • Prepares you to sit for the certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)  
  • Ranked on a national and regional level for its academic quality and value 
  • Serving the community with over a decade of online nursing education, SAU is proud to have awarded over 2,000 Master of Science in Nursing degrees 
  • Graduating from a family nurse practitioner program will equip you with the skills to join one of the fastest-growing job fields in nursing 

Online FNP Program Curriculum

For a complete listing of courses, contact us for a program guide.

Focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care with the knowledge and skills essential for comprehensive health assessments, analysis of data, formulation of diagnoses, development of therapeutic plans, and implementation of preventative care, health promotion, and maintenance activities for diverse adult clients.
Prepares the skills to function as an advanced practice nurse in addressing chronic and complex alterations in health experienced by the older adult. Gerontology concepts will be applied in meeting the biological, psychosocial, mental, and spiritual needs of the older adult. Students will combine history taking, physical examination techniques, and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.
Prepares to provide evidence-based primary health care to infants, children in families from a Christian perspective. Using a holistic approach, students examine the scientific basis of common health problems and factors influencing nursing management of these problems. Relevant nursing interventions for common health problems of children in families are explored, as are the responses and adaptations of the child and family to common health problems. Consider and apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies that are essential to the holistic management of children and families, both as an independent provider and within a multidisciplinary team. Combine history taking, physical examination techniques, and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.

About the 7-1-7 Model

Watch Designed for Flexibility - 7-1-7 Curriculum Model on YouTube.

ONLINE MSN - FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Frequently Asked Questions

To be accepted in SAU’s online MSN-FNP program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and nursing program (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA)
  • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
  • A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
  • Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment Short personal statement
  • Completed online application

SAU's online MSN-FNP program can be completed in as few as two years and five months.

Take one course at a time while enjoying a week off between classes with our 7-1-7 model (seven-week courses, one-week breaks). 

Typically, our MSN-FNP classes have 20-25 students. 

Students are taught the skills needed to analyze current policies within ethical framework and Christian teachings and will gain the experience needed to identify available resources and present solutions when unethical behaviors are observed. In addition, students also have the option to submit prayer requests and devotions within weekly classes.

Student Testimonials

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"I knew I wanted to learn in a place where my faith would be supported and encouraged. As a non-traditional student, I needed a program that fit [with] my work schedule, and Spring Arbor does exactly that. The professors are always encouraging, and there are so many resources to help you succeed."

Katie Bozarth, MSN-FNP

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"I thank God that he brought me to Spring Arbor because it has been such a wonderful experience for me.

[…] if you're wondering if you should go, I think you should talk to somebody. Call them up. They're going to help you. They're going to help you. If you don't know what you want, you will by the time you're done talking with them."

Tonya Devoz, MSN-FNP

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“Before Spring Arbor University, I was working as a BSN. I’ve worked in multiple different areas of care and was interested in trying my hand as an advanced practice nurse. I chose Spring Arbor because it is a Christian-based program that allowed me to work full-time as a nurse while also attending school. The seven week on/one week off schedule was perfect for courses. I have enjoyed the program, especially the small class sizes that allowed me to get to know my peers and my professors. Upon graduation, I hope to explore the world as a FNP and my place in it. It is my goal to take care of people in the primary care environment and oversee the care of people over their life span.” 

Aydrea Westrick, MSN-FNP

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"She [Tracie] walked me through every step. Every time I felt like maybe I’m not good enough, maybe I don’t think I’ve got what it takes … she made me feel that if you want to do this, you can do this.”

 

 

David Bechtold, MSN-FNP

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"It is a great program. The faculty are awesome. They are very supportive, they are very positive, just a good group of people that genuinely seem to care about the students."

Brooke Shaw, MSN-FNP

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"You're not just a name, you're not just a number. There's a reason you're accepted, and there's a reason you choose the school."

 

Elena Howell, MSN-FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner Salary & Career Outlook

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that there are more than 325,000 nurse practitioners in the country, and 7 out of 10 of them are certified as FNPs. 

AANP estimates that NPs improved access to patient-centered care by providing more than 1.06 billion patient visits last year.  

Benefits of Becoming an FNP 

Becoming a family nurse practitioner can fulfill your passion for service and healthcare advocacy for patients across the lifespan. Other benefits include:  

  • Increased salary and career opportunities 
  • Better work-life balance with a more traditional work schedule 
  • New level of independence and leadership 
  • Versatility to work in a wide range of care environments 
  • By earning your online MSN-FNP, you’ll be prepared to meet the surging demand for primary care providers. 

Job Outlook 

The job outlook for all types of NPs is exploding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that projected employment for this profession is expected to grow 52% through the year 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. It notes the median annual wage of NPs is $115,000, which is 42% higher than that of RNs, according to the AANP. 

Grow as a Christ-Centered Nurse

At Spring Arbor University, it is a privilege to provide a Christ-centered nursing education to our students and to participate in their journey. You will grow spiritually, personally and professionally throughout this program and will gain a better understanding of what it means to live out your faith as a nurse.

While the Christian faith is the foundation of our program, we welcome all students regardless of personal faith. All students will benefit from introspection and critical thinking as they consider how to meaningfully care for patients of different faith backgrounds.

Watch this video for more information on our faith-based philosophy.

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Contact an Admissions Representative

Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated admissions representatives today to get more information about:

  • Our programs
  • The application process
  • Our student support structure

Get Your Program Guide

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*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, post-master certificates, and doctor of nursing practice programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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