University of West Florida Online MSN Programs

The University of West Florida (UWF) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nursing Education, and Nurse Executive specializations. These programs are offered through the School of Nursing, a department of the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health.

The MSN-FNP program is designed for experienced BSN nurses who want to move into a primary care provider role and improve the lives of patients from infants to the elderly. FNP students study culturally appropriate methods of practice, evidence-based practice and prevention, patient-centered communication, biopsychosocial science, and quality improvement in healthcare. The program seeks to educate nurses who will advocate for underserved and vulnerable populations and work to care for the whole person.

Students accepted into the FNP program are highly encouraged to attend a virtual summer orientation and workshop at which key nursing skills are practiced, and students prepare for practicum courses. A tool and supply kit is provided with everything needed to practice these and other nursing skills during the workshop and throughout the program.

The Nursing Education track is designed for nurses who want to move into the education of upcoming generations of nurses in post-secondary institutions and healthcare settings. Graduates of the MSN Nursing Education program will be able to implement evidence-based practices and utilize advanced healthcare technologies, informatics, and efficient nursing practices to educate future nurses.

The Nurse Executive MSN program is designed for BSN-prepared RNs who want to move into administrative and executive roles in nursing. Other career pursuits may include informatics, risk management, and case management nursing. Nurse executives will be able to manage financial matters in healthcare systems, implement effective, cost-saving principles, and use analysis and learned management tools for effective nursing practice.

Graduates of these programs may be eligible to take national certification exams through their respective agencies. Exams may include the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Exam (FNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam through the National League for Nursing (NLN) or the Nursing Professional Development (RN-BC) exam through the ANCC, and the Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC) certification exam through the ANCC.

Please Note: The UWF MSN program prepares students for licensure in the state of Florida. Non-residents of Florida must verify nursing licensure requirements for their state through its state board of nursing.

The MSN-FNP program comprises 45 credits plus 600 direct patient clinical hours through four practicum experiences. The program can be completed in 27 to 30 months and must be taken full-time at six or more credits per semester. The Nursing Education and Nurse Executive MSN programs comprise 39 credits each plus 405 practicum hours. These programs can be completed in 24 months and may be pursued part-time or full-time. Start dates land twice each in the fall, spring, and summer, and courses last eight to 16 weeks.

To ensure a well-rounded nursing education, the University of West Florida delivers hands-on nursing courses through real-world projects, team-based learning, and practicum experiences. Courses are mostly asynchronous, with some synchronous sessions included. Students can also participate in PowerPoint presentations through TurningTechnologies using a response card called a clicker. UWF utilizes Canvas as its online learning management system (LMS).

Assessments occur through the Respondus LockDown Browser. Students may access academic advising, faculty office hours, financial aid, library, tutoring, writing lab, career counseling, and technical support services.

Common core courses for the online MSN include Foundations of Nursing Science; Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice; Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies; and Population Health Promotion and Management. FNP and Nursing Education students also complete Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Pathophysiology.

FNP specialization courses include Care of the Adult I-II; Care of the Child and Family; Care of the Woman and Family; and corresponding practicum experiences. FNP students also complete Transition to Professional Practice.

Nursing education specialization courses include Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator; Nurse Educator Advanced Clinical Practicum; Nursing Education Seminar I-II; and Nursing Education Practicum I-II.

Nurse executive specialization courses include Fiscal Administration for the Health Professional; Information Technology and Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals; Project Development and Management for Healthcare Professionals; Nurse Executive Seminar I-III; and Nurse Executive Practicum I-III.

The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).