The Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses with a Bachelor's degree for advanced nursing practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

The goal of the graduate nursing program is to provide advanced practice professional education. Graduate education in nursing builds upon the undergraduate knowledge base in the natural, social, behavioral and nursing sciences. Graduates are prepared for increasing responsibilities in clinical practice, advocacy and are appreciative and responsive to the healthcare needs of underserved populations.

Degree requirements include completing a culminating experience during the final semester of study. The experience provides an opportunity for the students to synthesize the major learning outcomes of the graduate program.

MSN-FNP Prerequisites

To qualify for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Program, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. SSU admission criteria as a Classified Graduate student
2. R.N., licensed in California
3. Two years' experience as an R.N. preferred, Will consider individual background experience.
4. BSN degree (SSU offers an ADN-MSN for RNs who have a Bachelor's degree in an area other than nursing which makes them eligible to apply SSU's Master's programs. See the Pathways Program below.)
5. Overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 in last 60 units of college-level coursework
6. Completion of college level Statistics
7. Completion of community health nursing course

Application Process

There are two parts to the application process. You must complete both parts.

1. CSU Graduate Applications.
   • Apply online at CSU Mentor.
2. FNP Supplemental Applications
   • Accepted from November 1 to January  31 in SSU's Department of Nursing, 1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
   • Download the FNP Supplemental Application.

A complete supplemental application consists of:

1. Completed FNP Suppliemental Application form, including essay and paragraph
2. Three Recommendations, (submit with application in sealed envelopes, 1 form is included in application above).
3. Copy of RN license
4. $25.00 non-refundable application fee, made payable to SSU

Submit items 1-4 as a packet to the Nursing Department. A packet missing any of these items will not be considered after application deadline.

Effective for Fall 2012: SSU's Nursing Department no longer requires the NLN Challenge exam for Anatomy and Physiology.

Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate students attend the same classes as the MS-FNP students, but they do not apply to the University. Instead, they register and pay fees through Extended Education. To check current costs go to the School of Exended Education. Required texts cost somewhat more than $1,000.

Post-MSN FNP Certificate Prerequisites

To qualify for the post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Master of Science in Nursing
2. R.N., licensed in California
3. Two years' experience as an R.N. preferable. Will consider individual background experience
4. Overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 in graduate program coursework

Applications are accepted from November 1 to January 31. To find the application go to: http://www.sonoma.edu/nursing/

Submit complete application to:

Nursing Department
Sonoma State University
1801 E. Cotati Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Fax: 707/664-2653

An incomplete application will not be considered.

A complete supplemental application consists of:

1. Application form, including essay and paragraph.
2. Three Recommendations (submit with application in sealed envelopes, 1 form is included in the application).
3. Official transcripts of your MS and BS programs.
4. Copy of RN license.
5. $55.00 non-refundable application fee, made payable to SSU.

A University application is not required for the Post Masters Certificate Program.

Please note: Because of national certification Requirements, applicants must have an MS in Nursing.

Effective for Fall 2012: SSU's Nursing Department no longer requires the NLN challenge exam for Anatomy and Physiology.

The Pathways Program permits R.N.s with Bachelor's degrees in disciplines other than nursing to prepare for application to Sonoma State University's Master's programs.

The applicant's educational and practice background will be individually assessed to determine which foundation skills and knowledge have been met through previous study and which courses need to be taken to meet the foundation requirements for the chosen Master's option.

Pathways Program Prerequisites

Pathways applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Admission to Sonoma State University*
2. R.N., licensed in California
3. BA or BS degree
4. Overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 in the last two years (60 units) of college-level coursework

Application Process

There are two parts to the application process. You must complete both:

1. CSU Graduate applications are accepted from October 1 -January 31. Apply online at CSU Mentor.
2. Supplemental Nursing applications are accepted between November 1 and March 31.

A complete application consists of:

1. Application form, including Essay and paragraph
2. 3 Recommendations (submit with application in sealed envelopes, 1 form included in application form)
3. Copy of RN license
4. $25.00 non-refundable application fee, made payable to SSU

Only complete applications will be accepted. An incomplete application will not be considered.

Preparation for Application to Sonoma State University's Master's in Nursing Program

Sonoma State University's Master's in Nursing programs require applicants to hold a Bachelor's in Nursing. Exception can be made to this rule if an applicant is an RN with a Bachelor's in another discipline and has completed SSU's Pathways Program.

Prior to application to the MSN program, the applicant must demonstrate the appropriate foundation for the MS option selected (Family Nurse Practitioner or Leadership & Management). The foundation includes content and experiences that provide the knowledge and skill base on which the graduate specialty can be built. The applicant's educational and practice background will be individually assessed to determine which foundation skills and knowledge have been met, and which still need to be met. The tools used to assess skills and knowledge include:

• College/university courses within the past seven years
• Recent continuing education courses
• University challenge exams
• Standard nursing tests (ACT-PEP, NLN, mobility)
• Prior learning assessment using SSU's Faculty-Evaluated Prior Learning (FEPL)

Your individualized curriculum plan will be determined as part of the application process, through review of your goals, transcripts and resume and through your interview.

Sonoma State University's Department of Nursing is pleased to be able to provide this option to you and looks forward to working with you to further your career.