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Overview
The focus of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty at
the UNM College of Nursing is on primary care, especially for rural and
underserved populations. Individuals from New Mexico and rural areas,
and those interested in practice in rural and underserved areas, are
particularly encouraged to apply. Full time study begins in the Summer
term for six consecutive terms. The degree to be awarded at completion
of the program is the Master of Science in Nursing. Graduates will be
eligible to become certified as Family Nurse Practitioners in New Mexico
and nationally after successfully passing the certification exams.
Because graduate education in nursing builds on the baccalaureate curriculum, students are expected to enter the program with prerequisite coursework and clinical nursing competence. Specific areas that will be built upon, but not repeated at the graduate level include: basic anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology; introductory pharmacology; basic growth and development; basic physical and psychosocial assessment; basic statistics; interviewing and development of therapeutic relationships; and community health nursing. Students who seek admission without some of these competencies will need to take personal responsibility for acquiring them. The College of Nursing and the University of New Mexico have coursework, clinical opportunities, and faculty available to assist students, if necessary, prior to entering the program.
Program Objectives
At the completion of the program, the graduate will be prepared
to:
Facilitate entry of the client into the health care system at the point of first contact.
Provide for comprehensive family health care that spans the health continuum and is coordinated and continuous.
Assume responsibility for maintaining clinical practice competence.
Participate in quality assurance activities in the health care setting.
Support the role of nurse practitioner in health care delivery.
Use current research findings as a basis for practice and improve health care through participation in research.
Collaborate with other health care providers in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care for individual clients and for target populations.
Admission Requirements
Hold a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.S.N.) from an accredited college or university, with an upper-division major in nursing. (Graduates from non-accredited programs [N.L.N. or C.C.N.E.] and RN’s with baccalaureate degree in non-nursing fields are considered on an individual basis. Contact the College of Nursing advisement information for more information.)
At least two years of experience as a registered nurse is recommended.
Have a minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0) or better.
Be registered in or eligible for nursing licensure in New Mexico with a New Mexico R.N. license obtained within the first term enrolled.
Complete of the online application. The online application can be accessed at http://hsc.unm.edu/consg/misc/applications.shtml. Letters of recommendation, letter of intent, and a professional resume are required as part of the application process. See the online application guidelines for further information.
An interview is required as part of the admissions process.
Students who seek admission with existing graduate
degrees in Nursing (Master's or Doctorate) will be able to pursue
the PNP curriculum as a Post Master's certificate. However, their
applications are considered along with all other applications.
