Nurse Practitioner

General Information

In keeping with the introduction of the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the terminal degree for advanced practice nursing, The University of Arizona College of Nursing has revised its graduate program offerings. Fall Term 2008 will mark the last time to enter the Master of Science degree program with a nurse practitioner option. Thereafter, nurses interested in advance practice nursing preparation will apply for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

As a Master's NP student, you will receive a broad foundation of educational preparation in advanced care of your selected population, nursing theories and nursing research. Upon completion of the degree, you will be eligible for certification as a nurse practitioner in Arizona and application for national certification. The PMHNP graduates will also be eligible to apply for the Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist examination and certification.

Nurse practitioner students may opt for additional preparation for practice in rural areas by enrolling in NURS 579 Issues in Rural Health (3 credits) as an elective and by practicing in a rural setting when enrolling in NURS 693 Internship.  Graduates of the MS may also apply for admission to one of the doctoral level graduate programs:  PhD degree with a major in nursing or the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

General requirements for the MS degree are outlined in the University of Arizona Graduate Catalog. A maximum of six credits of graduate work taken at another college may be considered for transfer and application to the MS degree at the University of Arizona . Students beginning the program 2008 Fall Term will only be able to enroll as a full-time student (minimum of 9 credits). 

You can earn a Master of Science (MS) with a major in nursing, which includes preparation as a Nurse Practitioner, with the following areas of emphasis:

Family (FNP)
Adult (ANP)
Adult Acute Care (ACNP)
Adult Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)

Family Nurse Practitioner
Graduates of the FNP option are prepared as primary care providers for families at a beginning level of practice, users of research and beginning researchers. As an FNP student, you will receive a broad foundation of educational preparation in advanced nursing practice with families across the life span, nursing theories and nursing research. Health assessment, primary prevention, health care maintenance, clinical decision making, and illness management are emphasized in the classroom and clinical practica. The course of study includes extensive clinical time.  The FNP option requires a minimum of 43 credits and 810 clinical hours.

Adult Nurse Practitioner
Graduates of the ANP option are prepared as primary care providers for adults at a beginning level of practice, users of research and beginning researchers. As an ANP student, you will receive a broad foundation of educational preparation in advanced nursing practice with adults across the life span, nursing theories and nursing research. Health assessment, primary prevention, health care maintenance, clinical decision making, and illness management are emphasized in the classroom and clinical practica. The course of study includes extensive clinical time.  The ANP option requires a minimum of 40 credits and a minimum of 720 clinical hours.

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Graduates of the ACNP option are prepared as providers of care for acutely ill adults with multiple, complex problems at a beginning level of practice, users of research and beginning researchers. As an ACNP student, you will receive a broad foundation of educational preparation in advanced nursing practice with adults and their families, nursing theories and nursing research.  Health assessment, disease prevention, health care maintenance, clinical decision making, and illness management are emphasized in the classroom and clinical practica.  The course of study includes extensive clinical time.  The ACNP option requires a minimum of 43 credits and 810 clinical hours. 

Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Graduates of the PMHP option are prepared as primary care providers for persons with psychiatric and behavioral problems at a beginning level of practice, users of research and beginning researchers. As a PMHNP student, you will receive a broad foundation of educational preparation in advanced nursing practice with families across the life span, nursing theories and nursing research. Health assessment, primary prevention, health care maintenance, clinical decision making, and illness management are emphasized in the classroom and clinical practica. The course of study includes extensive clinical time.  The PMHNP option requires a minimum of 42 credits and 720 clinical hours.

Post-Master's Certificate Information

The University of Arizona College of Nursing offers post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Graduates of the FNP Post Master’s Certificate option are prepared as primary care providers for families at a beginning level of practice, users of research, and beginning researchers. To qualify for entry into the FNP Post Master’s Certificate program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, which must be in nursing. The program of study for the FNP Post Master’s Certificate requires 28 credits of study. Twenty-two credits must be taken for a letter grade.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Graduates of the ACNP option are prepared as providers of care for acutely ill adults with multiple, complex problems at a beginning level of practice, users of research and beginning researchers. The program of study for the ACNP Post Master’s Certificate requires the following courses for a total of 28 credits. Twenty-two credits must be taken for a letter grade.

Family (FNP)
Adult (ANP)
Adult Acute Care (ACNP)
Adult Psych-Mental Health (PMHNP)
Curriculum Overview
Nursing Course Descriptions
UA General Catalog
Post-Master's Certificates
Other Academic Programs