Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty in the DNP Degree Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program at New Mexico State University is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan and develop as healthcare leaders. You can play a role in addressing the critical shortages of primary care providers in the state of New Mexico and across the nation by training to become a doctorally-prepared FNP.

NMSU’s DNP-FNP program blends theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical experience to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of family nursing practice. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and leadership, our curriculum prepares graduates to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across the lifespan in a variety primary care clinics and community health centers. The clinical component of the FNP-DNP program consists of over 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences in the student's own community, the majority of which are completed in the final year of the program.

The DNP-FNP program at NMSU has a special focus on integrated primary and mental health care, with opportunities for training in the area of substance use disorder prevention, evaluation and treatment. In the United States, the majority of mental healthcare services are delivered by primary care providers, therefore our curriculum provides the skills and experience to provide comprehensive care to clients across the life span.

Graduates are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams.

Application Deadlines for  2025 Fall Cohort
Priority Deadline February 15, 2025
Final Deadline April 1, 2025

Program Overview

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Duration:  3 years (full-time)
Format:  Online with on-campus orientation, a 1-week on-campus intensive prior to the third year, and clinical practicum conducted in the student’s hometown.
Credit Hours: 74 credit hours

Degree Plan   Info Sessions

 

Why Choose NMSU

Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in advanced nursing theory, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, with specialized courses focusing on population health, health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health conditions. Focused course work in pediatrics and women’s health compliment the general primary care courses. Clinical practicum experiences in the third year allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced preceptors.

Distance Education

Although many of our students live in southern New Mexico, our distance education format allows nurses to earn their DNP degree in their hometown. Didactic courses are delivered in a flexible, mostly asynchronous format, and clinical training can be completed with nurse practitioners and physicians at your local healthcare centers. Information eligibility for distance education by state please refer to the School of Nursing’s Distance Education State Authorization Information website.

Interprofessional Education

Collaboration is key in primary care settings. Engage in interprofessional education experiences, learning alongside professionals from mental health, public health, social work, counseling, and other disciplines. Cultivate teamwork skills essential for providing holistic, patient-centered care within interdisciplinary teams.

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced FNP and other School of Nursing faculty who are dedicated to your success. With diverse clinical backgrounds and expertise in areas such as primary care, pediatrics, adolescent health, women's health, and mental health, our faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date instruction.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and respected. Join a supportive community that celebrates diversity and prepares you to provide culturally competent care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through partnerships with underserved communities and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), students gain firsthand experience in addressing the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our FNP program are well-prepared to pursue advanced practice roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Whether you aspire to work in a rural clinic, urban clinic, or specialty practice, our program will provide you with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in your community.

Embark on a transformative journey into the field of primary and preventative health care with the DNP-FNP program at the NMSU School of Nursing. Apply today and take the first step toward advancing your career as a skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioner!

 

How To Apply

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? To apply you must complete the following:

  • Apply to the DNP Program through the NMSU Graduate School (here) and select ‘NMSU Global Campus’ to find the DNP-FNP program.
  • Upload the following documents:
    • Current CV/resume.
    • RN license
    • Unofficial transcripts from nursing programs/degrees
    • A letter of intent specifying career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance the applicant’s career
    • A two to four (2-4) page paper (double spaced, 12 pt font) describing an example of a common problem in clinical practice that, if changed, could improve patient outcomes, population health outcomes, and/or healthcare delivery in your specialty area. This problem could be the basis for the DNP Project. Please use APA format and cite references.
    • Names and contact information for three (3) references from colleagues in clinical practice
  • Official transcripts from all prior college and universities (1 set from each) attended sent directly to the School of Nursing at: nursing@nmsu.edu or rcastro@nmsu.edu. You need official transcripts submitted before the end of the first semester.
  • After an initial review of applications, selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview with faculty (on campus or via videoconferencing)

FNP Admission Criteria 

  • Successful admission to the NMSU Graduate School
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum nursing GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Current unencumbered RN license from one of the 50 U.S. States or Territories
  • Undergraduate or graduate level statistics course
  • Must sign a commitment to enroll for full-time study as well as attend a 2-day program on-campus orientation at the start of the fall semester and a 1-week clinical seminar in the summer of the second year (non-attendance could result in program dismissal or failure to progress)
  • Admission to the DNP Program is a competitive process based on the components of the application and interview

 

Contact Us

Our graduate advisors are here to assist you with any questions you may have. For more information about the DNP-FNP program at NMSU, please contact:

Anthony Castro, SON Graduate Advisor