Program Overview
College of Natural and Health Sciences
The certificate in FNP prepares the nurse who has an existing master's degree in nursing to care for patients in family practice across the live-span pediatrics, adolescent, young adult, adult, older adult, frail elderly in the primary care setting. An individualized post-graduate certificate program of study is determined by an evaluation of the student's previous course work and the completion of a gap analysis once accepted into the program. The courses will be selected from the FNP Certificate requirements. Upon program completion, the individual is eligible to apply for national certification.
Following national certification attainment the individual is eligible to be recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse from the CO State Board of Nursing with all rights and privileges associated with this title.
Health policies, OSHA and HIPPA requirements, immunizations, American Heart Association CPR and ACLS certifications, and student malpractice insurance are required.
Prerequisites: Master's degree in Nursing. Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Health Assessment. These courses can be completed at UNC.
Admission
Location: Greeley + Online
Start Term: Fall
General Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements
A limited number of spots are available each year. Please contact nursing@unco.edu to see if applications are being accepted prior to completing your application. Applicants must complete the online application to the Graduate School at the University of Northern Colorado before the program area reviews the applicant’s request for admission. Failure to submit all required materials will delay the evaluation and screening of your application.
Admission Requirements Include:
- A master’s degree in nursing from an ACEN, CNEA or CCNE accredited institution.
- If you are still completing your bachelor's or master's* degree at the time you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA and you will need to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA) during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00, you will be given additional requirements as defined by the academic program that must be met within one calendar year to remain enrolled at UNC. *The cumulative GPA of your master's degree will be used if 18 or more credit hours towards this degree has been completed.
- Current, unencumbered RN license and eligibility for Colorado licensure as a registered nurse.
- Meet UNC Graduate School Requirements for admission.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 at the master's level.
- One year of post-licensure clinical nursing experience is recommended.
- Meet the School of Nursing requirements for English Language Proficiency.
- Pass a background check and 10-panel drug screening.
Application Requirements Include:
- Official transcripts from each college or university where courses were taken including documentation of a master’s degree or higher was earned (or is in progress).
- Copy of current unencumbered RN license.
- Two letters of reference with at least one letter that addresses potential ability to practice as an independent practitioner. Applicants will be asked to supply contact information for references in the application.
- A statement of career goals.
- A current CV or resume.
- A personal interview may be required.
Please Note: This program does not require GRE scores.
International applicants (non-U.S. citizen/non-U.S. Permanent Resident) please refer to the International Admissions Requirements page for further information about submitting transcripts, English proficiency scores, passport copy and financial documentation.
For More Information
For more information about the admission process, please email the Office of Admissions at grad.admissions@unco.edu or call 970-351-2881.