Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing is committed to providing an outstanding education to nurses at all levels— from nurses seeking a Master’s degree or Advanced Practice Certificates to existing advanced practice nurses seeking doctoral-level training. Our programs are dynamic and responsive to the needs of our students and the health care industry.  Shenandoah Nursing offers graduate level programs in a fully online format with weekly synchronous class meetings.  Our goal is to prepare and challenge you for that next step in your professional career.  We’re excited to share our programs with you.

Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to practice in the primary care role in urban, suburban, rural and underserved areas, choose to teach in nursing schools or continue your higher education.

Family nurse practitioners are critical in meeting the primary care needs of rural and/or underserved populations in this country.  According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the average practicing nurse practitioner salary is $110,000 annually.. 

Graduates of the FNP program will be able to:

Non-NP’s pursuing FNP certification will need the following prerequisite courses, which can add an additional 2 semesters.  Starts in the Fall. 

(Transfer credit for up to two classes may be requested upon admission. Approval based on course syllabi, grade (transcript), and accreditation requirements.)

• Advanced Pathophysiology    3 (offered only in the fall and is a prerequisite for Advanced Health Assessment)
• Advanced Pharmacology    3  (offered only in the spring)
• Advanced Health Assessment    4  (offered only in the spring)

Once the prerequisite courses are complete or satisfied, you will begin the specialty courses below:

Total 25 credits. Total 600 Clinical Hours.

Current NP’s pursuing FNP certification have a streamlined 5 semester plan which only contains specialty courses. Program starts in the Summer.

Total 25 Credits. Total 600 Clinical Hours.

How long will it take to complete the program?

Once the prerequisite courses are taken, the post-grad certificate takes 5 semesters (summer to fall)

How are the classes offered?
This program is offered in an online format with weekly synchronous class meetings. 

Where are classes located?
Classes are online but students may utilize campus study rooms and facilities on the main campus in Winchester.

Main campus – 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601

How many clinical hours do I need?
MSN-FNP and FNP-PGC programs require 600 clinical hours

Where do I do my clinicals?
We have current articulation agreements with many sites but will also look to initiate new agreements for clinical sites referred by students.  Students are expected to submit at least three site or preceptor referrals.

Can I attend the program on a part time basis?
No.

When do classes start?
Your classes may begin in the summer or fall, depending on transfer credits.

Once accepted, is orientation mandatory?

Yes. Orientation is mandatory.  Orientation consists of two parts:  1) asynchronous modules to be completed after receipt of your welcome letter   2)synchronous online orientation and advising session.  Note: All asynchronous modules must be completed prior to the synchronous orientation day.

Will I need a Virginia license?

Yes. You will need a Virginia OR a Multi-state license.  You must be licensed in any state in which you will have clinical experiences.

Is there a certification test that I need to take after graduation?
Yes. You may take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam from either The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).

What does it cost?
See the tuition and fees breakdown
SU alumni receive a per-credit discount.

What technology do I need?
A computer with internet and microphone capability.

To participate effectively in Shenandoah University’s distance learning courses, you must have full access to a reliable laptop/desktop connected to the Internet. You will require full administrator permissions to use, change configurations and install programs on the laptop/desktop. Specific courses may have additional requirements and students should refer to the syllabus.

Computer Hardware Requirements: Your computer and communications hardware should meet or exceed the  following requirements:

*Headset or earbuds are recommended for better listening quality

Computer Software & Services Requirements: In order to utilize all the available features and content for Shenandoah University online or distance education courses you will need the following software and services:

**Your Internet connection may vary depending on where you live, what type of Internet connection you have, and your Internet provider. If your Internet connection is slower, you may still use SU features, however, you may encounter difficulties when loading pages, audio video playback may be choppy and downloading/uploading assignments may take longer, especially during peak usage times.

If you have any questions regarding Shenandoah University’s computer recommendations please contact our IT Help Desk at helpdesk@su.edu or 540‐665‐5555.

We’re excited you’re interested in one of our graduate nursing programs! Shenandoah reviews applications on a rolling basis, which means we will begin evaluating your application once all your documentation has been submitted. Students submitting completed applications before our priority deadlines will be considered first.

Application Information

Admissions Requirements

• Graduate application along with $30 application fee
• Earned MSN degree from CCNE or ACEN accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Unofficial transcripts for initial admission from all institutions of higher education previously attended
• 2 letters of recommendation (one from previous faculty if graduated in last five years)
• Current resume/C.V.
• Essay answering the following question:
  • Why are you choosing to pursue the FNP role?
• Documentation of 2,080 RN or APRN hours (direct patient care) hours 
• Unencumbered RN license – multi-state preferred (must obtain licensure in clinical rotation state(s))
• Copy of Advanced Practice Nursing certification (if applicable).  Applicants without national certification will be individually evaluated and must submit evidence of their specialty expertise.
• For active NP’s – Successful completion of MSN courses with a “B” or better:
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
• For applicants with an MSN in a non-NP area:
  • Undergraduate Chemistry course with a grade of “C” or better
  • Will be required to take Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology at SU before progressing to specialty courses
• Interview with graduate nursing faculty may be required.
• Language Proficiency Requirement must be met. Submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English test may be required. See our policy for full details:  Https://www.su.edu/admissions/international-students
• Upon admission: up-to-date immunizations and health records, a criminal background check, a urine drug screen and CPR (from AHA only) will be required.

For international students who require a visa, due to limited on-campus hours, F-1 visas are not issued for this program.