Henderson State University FNP Programs

School of Nursing • Arkadelphia, AR • Mostly Online • $484/credit

Henderson State University offers 1 Family Nurse Practitioner track: an online MSN-FNP.

Program highlights:

  • 45 credit hours, completed online with practicum experiences in the student’s region
  • One required two-day, face-to-face assessment session in the first semester
  • 540 clinical practicum hours across three FNP practicums
  • Affordable public-university tuition, built for working RNs

It prepares BSN-prepared RNs to serve as primary care providers across the lifespan and to sit for FNP national certification through the AANP or ANCC. A 2,000-hour RN work-experience requirement applies before admission. Out-of-state applicants should confirm eligibility with the program director.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN FNP$21,7802 years (5 semesters)

Henderson State offers an affordable, fully online MSN-FNP — anchored by a single two-day on-campus assessment session — making it a flexible, low-cost path to FNP practice for working nurses.

MSN FNP

The estimated cost for the MSN FNP at Henderson State University is about $21,780 in tuition (45 credit hours at $484 each, with no course fees).

The program takes about two years (five semesters) across two academic years.

MSN Curriculum

The MSN-FNP is 45 credit hours: a 15-hour MSN core (public health, theory and research, leadership, health policy, healthcare economics) plus 30 hours of FNP courses (the “three Ps” and three FNP practicums). It’s delivered online except for one two-day on-campus assessment session in the first semester.

NURS 50003 (MSN 5003) — Public Health
Introduces public health in advanced nursing practice, with emphasis on caring for diverse populations using nursing, related sciences, and genomic evidence.

MSN5013 — Advanced Nursing Concepts, Theory and Research
Applies nursing concepts and theory to research translation, practice problems, and dissemination of evidence across healthcare settings.

MSN5053 — Advanced Nursing Leadership and Roles
Develops advanced nursing leadership skills, including advocacy, policy, research, teamwork, communication, delegation, and conflict resolution.

MSN5073 — Health Policy
Examines strategies for working with stakeholders to improve access, health outcomes, and policy through technology, economics, and sociocultural factors.

MSN5083 — Healthcare Economics and Systems
Covers reimbursement, regulation, and healthcare systems, with focus on standards, access to care, and reducing barriers to better outcomes.

MSN5093 — Advanced Pathophysiology
Expands advanced pathophysiology knowledge across the lifespan for MSN FNP students and supports APRN-level clinical decision-making.

MSN5103 — Advanced Physical Assessment
Focuses on using current and emerging technologies to improve outcomes and prepare students to teach safe, effective technology use.

MSN5123 — Advanced Nursing Pharmacology
Covers pharmacologic management across the lifespan for FNP students, with emphasis on treatment planning to improve health outcomes.

MSN5137 — FNP Practicum I: Adult
Provides immersive adult primary care practice, building FNP skills in health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, management, and autonomy.

MSN5117 — FNP Practicum II: Women’s Health and Pediatrics
Provides supervised experience in women’s health and pediatric care, building FNP skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management.

MSN5147 — FNP Practicum III: Primary Care
Culminating primary care practicum that integrates didactic knowledge and clinical skills for advanced FNP practice across the lifespan.

MSN Clinicals

The program requires 540 clinical practicum hours across three FNP practicums, completed in the student’s region.

  • Total hours: 540 practicum hours
  • Practicums: Adult; Women’s Health and Pediatrics; Primary Care
  • Placement: practicum experiences arranged in the student’s region
  • On-campus: a two-day session in the first semester to master advanced assessment on standardized patients
  • Population focus: primary care across the lifespan

MSN Admissions

Admission requires a BSN, an RN license, and 2,000 worked RN hours.

  • BSN from an accredited program
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (applicants ranked by GPA if seats are limited)
  • Unencumbered RN license (out-of-state may be considered)
  • 2,000+ worked RN hours, documented on the Work Verification Form
  • Letter of application and a cleared background check (Castle Branch)

Seats are limited and admission is competitive. Out-of-state applicants must contact the Graduate Nursing Program Director to confirm eligibility before applying.

Tuition

Henderson State charges a flat $484 per credit hour for MSN courses, with no additional course fees — a notably affordable, residency-neutral rate (the same for in-state and out-of-state students). Across the 45-credit MSN-FNP, that’s about $21,780 in total tuition, before books, clinical, and travel costs. As a public university, HSU is among the lower-cost FNP options.

See the official cost sheet for current rates: Tuition and Financial Aid.

Accreditation

The master’s degree nursing program at Henderson State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. FNP graduates are eligible to sit for national FNP certification through the AANP or the ANCC and to seek licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Review More FNP Programs in Arkansas