Distance Learning
Distance Programs
Family Nurse Practitioner
Post Master's Certificate
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Ask Us!Students who hold a master degree in nursing that did not include a nurse practitioner focus will complete 33 credit hours (minimum) listed below.
| Clinical Course Work and Practica (31 credit hours) | |
| LIFS 633 | Advanced Pathophysiology--3 hrs |
| NURS 624 | Health Assessment and Health Promotion for Advanced Nursing Practice--4 hrs |
| NURS 644 | Theoretical Foundations of Family Health Care: Management of Common Chronic and Acute Health Problems I--7 hrs |
| NURS 645 | Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses--3 hrs |
| NURS 646 | Diagnostic Laboratory for Family Nurse Practitioners--1 hr |
| NURS 664 | Theoretical Foundations of Family Health Care: Management of Common Chronic and Acute Health Problems II--8 hrs |
| NURS 670 | Family Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship--5 hrs |
| Functional Role Course Work and Practica (2 credit hours) | |
| NURS 635 | Family Nurse Practitioner Role I--1 hr |
| NURS 675 | Family Nurse Practitioner Role II--1 hr |
Course Descriptions
All courses are delivered via the Internet. Clinicals can be arranged in the student's community. No on-campus visits required.
Note: High-speed Internet access is required. For details see Computer Requirements
LIFS 633 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours)
The course builds on a basic understanding of pathophysiology, providing
in-depth understanding of adaptation and alteration in cellular function,
biorhythms, cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, neuroendocrine system,
immune system, and musculoskeletal system. Alterations due to internal/external
stressors and aging will be identified. Prerequisites: 241 and 274 or
equivalents.
NURS 624 Health Assessment and Health Promotion for Advanced Nursing Practice
(4 hours)
This course provides a framework for systematic data collection, organization,
documentation, and communication of health care data with a focus on
differentiating between normal and pathological findings in clients throughout
the life span. An emphasis on the holistic approach facilitates an analysis of
developmental, familial, historical, cultural, environmental, occupational, and
nutritional factors which are integral to the health and illness of the
individual/family. Clinical experiences are utilized for the application of
knowledge to practice. Two classroom hours and an average of six clinical hours
per week. Prerequisites or concurrent: enrollment in 601, 605, 635 or consent of
instructor.
NURS 635 Family Nurse Practitioner Role I (1 hour)
This seminar analyzes family health theories and frameworks. Emphasis is on the
integration and application of theoretical and methodological approaches to
family health care. The family nurse practitioner's role and function as a
member of an interdisciplinary team are introduced.
NURS 644 Theoretical Foundations of Family Health Care: Management of Common
Chronic and Acute Health Problems I (7 hours)
Focus is on the family nurse practitioner’s role in the recognition and
management of selected common chronic and acute health problems of clients
across the life span which are encountered in primary health care settings. The
course integrates assessment, current research findings, and theory into the
diagnostic reasoning and management of health care. Concepts of health promotion
and maintenance, anticipatory guidance, health education, behavioral management
strategies, and family-focused health care are emphasized. Clinical experiences
are utilized for the application of knowledge to practice. Three classroom hours
and an average of 12 clinical hours per week. Prerequisite: 624. Prerequisites
or concurrent: enrollment in 633 and Life Sciences 633.
NURS 645 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses (3 hours)
This course is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to manage drug
therapy for clients across the life span. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
principles and current research form the foundation for discussion of selected
drug groups. Emphasis is given to indications, mechanisms of action, dosages,
adverse side effects and control, cost containment, and client education.
NURS 646 Diagnostic Laboratory for Family Nurse Practitioners (1 hour)
This course provides the technical skills, as well as diagnostic reasoning
processes, which will enable the family nurse practitioner to collect and
analyze laboratory specimens accurately and efficiently. Demonstrations and
directed laboratory experiences focus on diagnostic tests commonly encountered
in primary health care settings. The appropriate preparation and interpretation
of screening procedures for the management of chronic and acute illnesses
presented throughout the family nurse practitioner curriculum will be included.
Three clinical hours per week.
NURS 664 Theoretical Foundations of Family Health Care: Management of Common
Chronic and Acute Health Problems II (8 hours)
This course is a continuation of 644. The focus continues on the family nurse
practitioner’s role in the recognition and management of selected common chronic
and acute health problems of clients across the life span which are encountered
in primary health care settings. The course integrates assessment, current
research findings, and theory into the diagnostic reasoning and management of
health care. Concepts of health promotion and maintenance, anticipatory
guidance, health education, behavioral management strategies, and family-focused
health care are emphasized. Clinical experiences are utilized for the
application of knowledge to practice. Three classroom hours and an average of 15
clinical hours per week. Prerequisite: 644.
NURS 670 Family Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship (5 hours)
This clinical practicum provides the student with an in-depth focus on the
development of leadership and clinical management skills and the application,
refinement, and synthesis of knowledge and skills developed in previous didactic
and clinical courses. Interdisciplinary collaborative practice and the student’s
own advanced nursing practice model are emphasized. An average of 15 clinical
hours per week. Prerequisite: 664.
NURS 675 Family Nurse Practitioner Role II (1 hour)
This seminar explores issues related to advanced practice roles and functions.
Attention is also given to the individual’s exploration of a
personal/professional ideology and clinical style. Prerequisite: concurrent
enrollment in 670 or with consent of instructor.
The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.