Are you a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) looking to expand your expertise and take on new challenges in acute care settings? An Fnp To Acute Care Np Bridge Program can provide the specialized education and training needed to make this transition successfully. This program is designed for FNPs who want to build upon their existing knowledge base and skills to manage patients with acute and complex health conditions.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for an FNP to Acute Care NP Bridge Program, candidates typically need to meet specific qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants generally must hold both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is often required to ensure academic readiness for the rigorous program curriculum.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of distinct graduate-level courses is essential. These prerequisite courses usually include Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment, with content that spans across the lifespan to provide a comprehensive foundation.
Licensure
Active and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licenses are mandatory. This ensures that candidates have the foundational licenses necessary to practice at an advanced level.
Experience
Practical experience is a critical component. A minimum of three months of recent experience working as an APRN, beyond the orientation period, is generally required. This experience should involve managing the care of patients with acute, critical, or medically complex conditions to ensure relevant clinical background.
International Applicants
International applicants have specific requirements to fulfill to ensure their qualifications are equivalent and they can study in the program’s location. Detailed information for international applicants can be found here.
Application Deadlines for 2025 Enrollment
Prospective students should be aware of the upcoming application deadlines for the 2025 enrollment periods:
Spring Start: October 15, 2024
Decision Notification: mid-December
Summer Start: March 15, 2025
Decision Notification: mid-April
Fall Start: April 1, 2025
Decision Notification: early-May
*Please note that these dates are subject to change, and applicants should verify the most current deadlines on the program’s official website.
Costs & Tuition
The total cost of the FNP to Acute Care NP Bridge Program is dependent on the individual student’s plan of study. Tuition is calculated per Credit Unit (CU) based on enrollment each semester.
| Per CU Rate (Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,640 |
| Online Service Fee | $156 |
| Tech Fee | $120 |
| Total per CU | $6,916 |
It’s important to note that School of Nursing certificate programs typically are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, alternative loan options might be available. For further details on private alternative loan programs, please visit: https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/loans/private-alternative. Students may also explore personal loan options through their banks.
For students who prefer to manage tuition costs over time, enrollment in a payment plan is possible. Information on the Penn Payment Plan can be accessed here: Penn Payment Plan | Penn Student Registration & Financial Services| Penn SRFS (upenn.edu).
Program Outcomes and Certification
Graduates of an FNP to Acute Care NP Bridge Program will achieve specific program outcomes that align with advanced nursing practice. These outcomes ensure that MSN-prepared APRNs can integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical expertise to demonstrate mastery in their chosen specialty.
Specific student learning outcomes include:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive care plans for patients with population-specific diagnoses encountered in acute care.
- Utilizing advanced health assessment skills, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and genetic principles to deliver effective educational and therapeutic interventions.
While the program curriculum is meticulously designed to prepare graduates to successfully undertake national certification exams within their advanced practice role and population focus, it is essential for APRN graduates to verify and fulfill any additional state-specific requirements before commencing practice.
By completing an FNP to Acute Care NP Bridge Program, Family Nurse Practitioners can confidently expand their scope of practice and provide expert care in acute care settings, meeting the growing demand for specialized advanced practice nurses.
