Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing / Family Nurse Practitioner - Hybrid

PGCert FNP Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program, applicants must submit the following documented evidence:

• Completion of a master's degree in nursing granted by an institutionally accredited college or university.
• Current and unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in at least one legal jurisdiction in the United States and its territories.
• Submission of current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to highlight current clinical, educational, or administrative practice related to nursing that can serve to facilitate the successful completion of an advanced nursing degree.
• A preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Submit a letter of intent for graduate school admission. 

Application Process and Deadlines

To be considered for admission into the Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Program, applicants must submit the following to the University’s Office of Admissions:

1. A completed Application for Admission form.
2. Official transcripts verifying completion of a baccalaureate or higher-level degree in Nursing from an institutionally accredited college or university, and satisfactory completion of all prerequisite coursework with a grade of a “C” or higher (“C-“will not be accepted).
3. Official final transcripts from all colleges attended.

Application Deadline

Please be advised that applications are due no later than July 31st (early submissions are encouraged) through the NursingCAS website.

Admissions Contact Information

Questions related to the Midwestern University Admissions portal:

Midwestern University Office of Admissions
Phone: 888-247-9277 or 623-572-3200
Email: admissaz@midwestern.edu) 

General questions can be directed to:

Program Director, Dr. Logue
Email: mlogue@midwestern.edu).

Application Status & Updates

Please note: The receipt of the application materials and the file status can be tracked on the University's website. Upon receipt of the application, the Office of Admissions will send instructions for accessing account information. Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions, at the above address, of any changes in mailing address and/or e-mail address.

All requests for withdrawal of an application must be submitted in writing via e-mail, fax, or letter to the Office of Admissions.

Selection Process

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing FNP program at Midwestern University uses a rolling admissions process. Completed applications are reviewed, and decisions to admit candidates are made regularly during the admission cycle until the class is filled. The admissions committee reviews all completed applications to the Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing FNP program and formulates and submits a recommendation to the Dean for final approval. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants in writing of admission decisions. Applicants are required to submit their applications by July 31st. Applicants are notified of their selection status no later than two weeks after completing their file.

Reapplication Process

After receiving either a denial or an end-of-cycle letter, prospective students may reapply for the following year's admissions cycle. Before reapplying, however, applicants are encouraged to seek input on strengthening their application from a counselor in the Office of Admissions after the admissions cycle is officially over. To initiate the reapplication process, prospective students must complete and submit new applications and proceed through the standard application procedures.

Transfer Policy

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner Program may elect to accept transfer credits. Transfer students must apply to the program. Any requests for consideration of transfer credit must be provided in writing by the student before the interview or by July 31st. The request must include supporting documentation, including official transcripts, course syllabi, or course descriptions. Transfer credit decisions are made on an individual basis. 

The Admissions Committee conducts a formal gap analysis to evaluate prior coursework and determine eligibility for transfer credit. Courses accepted toward FNP preparation must address the relevant content across the lifespan; adult-only coursework does not automatically fulfill FNP requirements. Any individualized plan of study that reduces required coursework must ensure that the student achieves the same end-of-program outcomes and national FNP competencies as students completing the full degree pathway. 

Qualified students may transfer up to 19.3 credits for Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner programs, with individualized course evaluations by faculty that ensure alignment with program quality and accreditation standards. All transfer requests are reviewed prior to matriculation to provide clear, upfront decisions and a seamless start to your program. Transfer credit decisions are based on equivalency of course content, academic quality, and alignment with program outcomes and accreditation standards. 

All transfer credit requests are subject to approval by the Admissions Committee, which determines the number and type of graduate credits accepted, including both semester and quarter credit equivalencies. 

Note: Clinical specialty and practicum courses are non-transferable due to variability in clinical hours, supervision, and regulatory requirements.

• Programs may impose stricter limits based on specialty, certification, or regulatory requirements.
• The course must be completed at an accredited institution and as part of an accredited program.
  • Minimum grade of B or higher
  • Completed within the past 5 years

Time Limitations on Applicability

• Accepted transfer credits apply only to the program of admission.
• Credits cannot be re-applied to future programs without reevaluation.

FNP Program Goal

The goal of the Family Nurse Practitioner program is to develop competent, ethical, and collaborative family nurse practitioners who can assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic health conditions; promote health and prevent disease; and improve outcomes for diverse individuals, families, and populations. FNP graduates will be prepared for entry-level FNP practice. Graduates will be academically prepared to pursue national FNP certification and applicable advanced practice licensure or authorization.

FNP Curriculum Built for Advanced Clinical Practice

The FNP curriculum develops advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and primary care management skills for patients from childhood through older adulthood.

Key areas of study:

• Advanced health assessment 
• Advanced pharmacology 
• Advanced pathophysiology
• Family primary care across the lifespan
• Disease prevention and health promotion 
• Diagnostic reasoning 
• Evidence-based practice 
• Population health
• Care of children, adolescents, adults, and older adults
• Chronic disease management

Students learn to assess patients at different life stages, interpret diagnostic findings, develop evidence-based treatment plans, and coordinate care with patients, families, and other professionals.

Clinical Experience

Hands-on clinical training is central to becoming a successful nurse practitioner.

Students complete supervised clinical experiences that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real patient-care environments while building confidence in:

• Patient assessment
• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Preventive care
• Care coordination
• Clinical decision-making

These experiences support the transition from registered nurse to family nurse practitioner practice.

PGCert FNP Career Opportunities

FNP graduates may work in:

• Family medicine and primary care practices
• Community health centers
• Outpatient care centers
• School-based and other community clinics
• Healthcare systems and integrated care networks

Accreditation

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at Midwestern University is pursuing initial accreditation but is not accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program is seeking initial approval by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.