Specialty Highlights
Complete in 4 Full-time Semesters
MN Prespecialty students complete in just 3-4 semesters. Part-time plans are also available.
Online/Hybrid Learning Format
Online classes with required in-person sessions over the course of the program
Robust Clinical Experience
Over 600 hours of clinical practice
The accomplished faculty, the motivating clinical instructors and experiences, the extraordinary school facilities and the resources Vanderbilt has continued to provide beyond graduation were—and are—invaluable to me.
Prestigious Program with Exceptional Outcomes
- One of the nation's oldest and most progressive family nurse practitioner specialty programs
- VUSN's FNP is ranked the #3 FNP program in the country.
- Vanderbilt graduates are well-prepared to sit for certification exams and have a 10% higher first-time pass rate than the national averages.
Curriculum & Objectives
The FNP curriculum is offered in a hybrid format, thoughtfully blending online coursework with required on-campus experiences that include simulation, skills lab and immersive learning sessions. This integrative approach ensures that students can benefit from the flexibility of digital learning while also gaining hands-on, experiential training. Students learn to provide comprehensive, person-centered care, including preventive health services, chronic disease management, acute illness treatment, health education and counseling across diverse populations and age groups.
The curriculum incorporates the 2021 AACN Essentials, assuring students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education that meets the highest standards in nursing education and assures they are well-prepared for practice. Explore the MSN full-time, MSN part-time, MN Prespecialty and sample Post-Master's Certificate curriculums.
Clinical Experience
The School of Nursing’s full-time clinical placement team partners with students and faculty to create enriching clinical practicums, ensuring each student receives robust training in their specialty. Where possible, clinical placements are made in the student’s preferred geographic area. Clinical rotations are offered across a broad range of settings including family and internal medicine practices, pediatric clinics, retail health clinics, urgent care, military bases, nurse-managed and private practices, rural sites, employer-based clinics, correctional facilities, international health centers, public health departments and select subspecialty environments.
Time Commitment
This intensive specialty is best suited for motivated, self-directed learners who can master a large amount of complex material in a short amount of time. Balancing full-time work with the program’s rigorous, full-time, accelerated curriculum is not recommended, although the specialty can be completed on a part-time basis, which may be compatible with a flexible work schedule. Many full-time students continue to work in either part-time, weekend or PRN positions.
Special Funding Opportunities for FNP Students
- Collaborative Academic Practice (CAP) Program – Grant-funded program for Vanderbilt FNP students who have an interest in care of rural and medically underserved communities
Learn about the CAP program - MEADOW – The MEADOW program goal is to train nurse-midwives and dual FNP/nurse midwives through trainee scholarships, stipends, curricular enhancement, and community-based training
Learn about the MEADOW program
Take the Next Step
The Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty is available as part of the Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing Prespecialty, Post-Master's Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Request information about the program or contact your admissions counselor.