Family Nurse Practitioner
Certificate
The Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program provides coursework and clinical experience that prepares students to meet industry demand and become nationally certified as family nurse practitioners.
Program overview
Training family nurse practitioners
The Bouvé College of Health Sciences’ Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you to become nationally certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
The program is designed for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) currently holding a master’s degree (MS or MSN) and a certification in another APRN specialty. The curriculum focuses on the expertise required to take the National Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the AANP.
Course offerings and clinical practicum requirements are individualized, and credit requirements range from 19 to 29 based on previous specialty certification.
The Bouvé College of Health Sciences’ Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you to become nationally certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
The program is designed for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) currently holding a master’s degree (MS or MSN) and a certification in another APRN specialty. The curriculum focuses on the expertise required to take the National Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the AANP.
Course offerings and clinical practicum requirements are individualized, and credit requirements range from 19 to 29 based on previous specialty certification.
- The online curriculum allows you to continue working as you earn your graduate certificate.
- Course offerings and clinical practicum requirements are individualized based on previously earned certifications.
- The Bouvé College School of Nursing prepares you for national certification exams in your area of practice through personalized problem-solving experiences in and out of the classroom.
- During the program, you’ll gain 750 hours of clinical experience required for certification.
- All students gain clinical experience in women’s health, pediatrics, and adult gerontology.
- Clinical hours can be completed locally or in the Boston area.
- The United States is facing a shortage of primary care physicians, leading to a surging demand for family nurse practitioners nationally. Looking toward 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) foresees a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) estimates an opening of 29,200 positions for advanced practice nurses annually through 2032. The bureau also reported a median salary of $125,900 for advanced practice nurses in 2022.
- Other factors that support the rising need for advanced practice nurses include an aging population, greater funding for preventive care, significant loss of primary care providers in rural areas, and a lack of providers in underserved communities.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall Term
| Fall Application Deadline: | July 1 |
Spring Term
| Spring Application Deadline: | November 1 |
Application and fee (NursingCAS)
Statement of purpose
Professional resumé
Two letters of recommendation
Official educational transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework with a grade-point average of 3.0
A master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
National certification (ANCC or AANP) in the specialty area of practice
One year post-master's professional advanced practice nursing experience
Current registration/licensure to practice nursing in the United States
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Students are trained in the highly in-demand skills for careers as primary care physicians with this certificate.
Learn to provide evidence-based healthcare to individuals, families, and communities across diverse cultural and practice settings.
Effectively utilize technological advancements in healthcare-including telehealth, genomics, and mobile monitoring devices-when providing care to individuals, families, and communities.
Actively collaborate and communicate with fellow clinicians and institutions to ensure coordination of care to individuals, families, and communities.
Gain leadership acumen across diverse practice settings in the provision of primary healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$19,665 - $30,015Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidThe Graduate Certificate requires 19–29 total semester hours. See the course catalog for a breakdown of required credits.
Your education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)
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