Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

Earn your master’s degree in advanced practice nursing and become a family nurse practitioner (FNP). As an FNP, you’ll be prepared to care for individuals of all ages, working with patients and their families to answer their questions and create care plans to meet their unique needs. Family nurse practitioners work in schools, community centers, organizations, hospitals, and clinics, and often serve as primary caregivers. A master’s degree in the FNP specialization will provide you with valuable skills and additional classroom and clinical experience, as well as prepare you for future career advancement.

Faculty Spotlight:
Dr. Christine Smith

With an interest in the health care of underserved communities, Dr. Christine Smith invites her nursing students to work alongside her at a local shelter providing health education courses and has served as advisor to a student mission trip to Mexico.

More About Dr. Smith

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State-of-the-Art Simulation Lab

Opened in 2012, the Kathy J. Holmgren Nursing Simulation Laboratory provides hands-on opportunities for students to practice treating patients in a safe environment. Our 3,000-square-foot facility includes four rooms that simulate a clinical setting equipped with the latest medical technology, and three rooms dedicated to skills development. Students practice techniques on actors and high fidelity mannequins who simulate different health scenarios. Audio and video recording capabilities allow students to review their work and receive direct feedback from faculty.

Convenient evening schedule

Graduate core nursing courses start as early as 4:30PM, but all other classes start after 5:00PM. The complete graduate nursing program is offered at our main campus in Chicago that is easily accessible by car and public transit. You’ll be able to continue working in your current role, drawing valuable connections between your classroom and practicum experiences and your nursing practice.

Where Alumni Work

  • NorthShore University HealthSystem
  • Loyola University Medical Center
  • Presence Health Saint Joseph Hospital
  • John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County
  • Advocate Health Care
  • Northwestern Medicine
  • Elmhurst Memorial Hospital

Alumna Profile

Roshani Patel G’12 has a message for nurses considering going back to school: “If I can do it, anyone can.” Read about Roshani’s experience and how she was able to walk right onto the job as an FNP after graduation.

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