Western Carolina University’s graduate studies in nursing provide students with academic and field-based experiences that lead to a master’s of science (MS) degree. The program prepares nurses in the advanced practice role of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with competencies in family health promotion and the clinical management of common health conditions across the lifespan.

A Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program also is available to students who have earned a MS degree in nursing.

All academic courses are taught online or on the Enka campus on Tuesdays. Clinical placements are available in a variety of settings in or near the students' communities.

Degree Requirements

The MS/FNP program requires 49 to 53 semester hours of coursework, depending on whether the thesis or project option is selected.  selected. New students are admitted for the fall term only. The typical course load is five to eight credit hours per semester. (part time) The Post-Master FNP Certificate Program requires 38 semester hours of study. The number of FNP students admitted is based on available faculty and clinical resources.

Find out more about admission and required coursework. Also see our FAQs for Registered Nurses returning to school.

Costs and Additional Expenses

Current graduate tuition and fees rates are available from the Graduate School.

Students accepted into the MS program are required to be computer literate and either own or have available a computer with a CD writer and high-speed Internet access. Students must purchase an IPAQ or Palm OS handheld PDA in order to download the required Lexi-comp software downloads (downloads at $210.00 plus). Additional expenses include the purchase of textbooks at approximately $800.00 plus per year.

Second year expenses for FNP students include purchase of a lab coat, nametag, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer. Purchase of a high quality otoscope/ophthalmoscope is recommended for the third year of the FNP program.