Choosing the right path for your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is a crucial step in advancing your nursing career. At FIU Graduate Nursing, we understand this and offer a range of specialized MSN tracks designed to prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare. For those passionate about providing comprehensive and accessible care, our Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Programs stand out as exceptional choices. These programs are meticulously crafted to equip graduates with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various primary care settings, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and patient-centered management.
FIU Graduate Nursing provides four distinct specialty tracks within the broader scope of primary health care, each tailored to specific patient populations and healthcare needs. Many of these programs offer the option to enhance your credentials further by adding a Nurse Educator Certificate, creating a powerful dual MSN NP & Nurse Ed Certificate.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program (Online)
Our Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program, available fully online*, prepares you to become an expert in caring for adolescents, adults, and older adults. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on:
- Disease Prevention: Learning strategies to proactively prevent illness and promote healthy lifestyles across the adult lifespan.
- Health Promotion: Developing skills to empower patients to take charge of their health and well-being.
- Management of Complex Conditions: Gaining expertise in managing patients with both acute and chronic health issues affecting multiple body systems.
Graduates of this primary health care nurse practitioner program are highly sought after in various settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program (Online)
For nurses who are passionate about the health and well-being of children, our Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) program, also offered online*, is an ideal choice. This program specializes in preparing advanced practice nurses to:
- Diagnose and Treat: Accurately assess, diagnose, and manage health conditions in newborns, infants, children, and young adults.
- Provide Well-Child Care: Deliver comprehensive preventive care, including routine check-ups, immunizations, and developmental screenings.
- Manage Pediatric Illnesses: Effectively handle common acute illnesses and chronic conditions prevalent in the pediatric population.
As a graduate of this primary health care nurse practitioner program, you will be prepared to make a significant impact on the lives of young patients and their families in diverse primary care settings.
Dual MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner + Nurse Educator Certificate (Online)
This dual degree program combines the comprehensive AGPCNP curriculum with the essential skills and knowledge of a nurse educator. Graduates of this primary health care nurse practitioner program and Nurse Educator Certificate will be prepared to:
- Provide Advanced Primary Care: Deliver expert care to adolescents, adults, and the elderly, mirroring the AGPCNP program.
- Educate Future Nurses: Function effectively in academic and healthcare settings, educating the next generation of nurses.
- Lead in Nursing Education: Take on leadership roles in curriculum development, clinical training, and program administration.
This dual certification enhances career flexibility and opens doors to roles in both advanced clinical practice and nursing education. Graduates are eligible to sit for both the AGPCNP national certification exam and the NLN National Nurse Educator Certification.
Dual MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner + Nurse Educator Certificate (Online)
Similar to the adult-gerontology dual degree, this program combines the PPCNP specialization with nurse educator training. This primary health care nurse practitioner program with a Nurse Educator Certificate prepares graduates to:
- Specialize in Pediatric Primary Care: Provide expert healthcare to newborns through young adults, as detailed in the PPCNP program.
- Excel in Nurse Education: Educate and mentor aspiring nurses in various educational environments, including universities and hospitals.
- Advance Nursing Practice Through Education: Contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession by shaping future practitioners.
This dual degree provides a unique and valuable skill set, making graduates highly competitive for roles in both pediatric primary care and nursing education. Graduates are qualified to sit for the PPCNP national certification exam and the NLN National Nurse Educator Certification.
Family Nurse Practitioner Program (Hybrid)
Our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, offered in a hybrid format, provides a broad foundation in primary care for individuals and families across the lifespan. This program emphasizes:
- Comprehensive Family Care: Providing primary healthcare services to patients of all ages, including prenatal and postpartum care.
- Family-Centered Approach: Addressing the health needs of individuals within the context of their families and communities.
- Diverse Practice Settings: Preparing graduates to practice in various ambulatory and community-based settings, both urban and rural.
This primary health care nurse practitioner program focuses on wellness, disease prevention, episodic care, and chronic illness management, equipping graduates to address a wide spectrum of healthcare needs within families.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (Hybrid)
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program, also in a hybrid format, focuses on the specialized area of mental healthcare. This program prepares graduates to:
- Address Mental Health Needs: Provide advanced nursing care to individuals, families, and communities facing psychiatric and mental health challenges.
- Practice in Diverse Settings: Work in community mental health centers, psychiatric clinics, hospitals, crisis centers, correctional facilities, and private practices.
- Provide Comprehensive Mental Healthcare: Offer primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of mental health services.
While specializing in mental health, this program still falls under the umbrella of primary health care nurse practitioner programs as mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being and primary care.
Dual MSN Family Nurse Practitioner + Nurse Educator Certificate (Hybrid)
This hybrid dual degree program merges the broad scope of the FNP program with nurse educator expertise. Graduates of this primary health care nurse practitioner program and Nurse Educator Certificate are prepared to:
- Provide Holistic Family Care: Deliver comprehensive primary care to families and individuals of all ages, as outlined in the FNP program.
- Become Nurse Educators: Educate and train nurses in academic and clinical settings, contributing to the development of the nursing workforce.
- Bridge Clinical Practice and Education: Integrate their advanced clinical skills with educational expertise to enhance healthcare delivery and nursing education.
This dual certification provides a versatile career path with opportunities in both family practice and nurse education. Graduates are eligible for both the FNP national certification exam and the NLN National Nurse Educator Certification.
Dual MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner + Nurse Educator Certificate (Hybrid)
This hybrid dual degree program combines the specialized PMHNP program with nurse educator training. Graduates of this primary health care nurse practitioner program and Nurse Educator Certificate will be able to:
- Specialize in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Provide expert mental healthcare across various settings, as detailed in the PMHNP program.
- Educate in Mental Health Nursing: Specialize in educating future nurses in the principles and practices of psychiatric-mental health nursing.
- Advance Mental Health Nursing Education: Contribute to the growth and development of mental health nursing education and practice.
This dual certification is ideal for those seeking to make a significant impact in both mental health clinical practice and education. Graduates are qualified to sit for the PMHNP national certification exam and the NLN National Nurse Educator Certification.
* Clinical Placements for Online Programs: Students in our online primary health care nurse practitioner programs have the flexibility to complete their clinical rotations outside of our established clinical areas. However, students are responsible for identifying potential clinical sites and collaborating with our clinical department to establish agreements before commencing any clinical work.
Choosing an FIU Graduate Nursing primary health care nurse practitioner program means choosing a path to advanced practice excellence, with options to specialize and enhance your career through dual certifications. Explore our programs further to find the perfect fit for your professional aspirations.