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Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP, A-GACNP, or PMHNP), Certificate

Overview

Nurses who hold a graduate degree in nursing can apply to the FNP, A-GACNP, or PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate program. 

  • Upon acceptance, the FNP, A-GACNP, or PMHNP Director will complete a Gap Analysis to evaluate prior education and practice (as applicable) in order to determine an individual plan of study*.
  • The completion of required didactic courses and clinical hours will depend upon waived credits and/or clinical hours.
  • Depending upon the number of courses transferred in, Certification as a Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, or Psychiatric-Mental Health may be completed in one year.
  • Students must satisfy the required credit and course requirements for the FNP, A-GACNP, or PMHNP program of study via graduate courses taken at DeSales University.
  • Post-Master's certificate graduates are eligible to take the FNP, A-GACNP, PMHNP, or PNP national certification examination offered through the ANCC or AANP.

* In accordance with the 2012 Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admissions Requirements

MSN Admissions Requirements

  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • An active registered nurse license or eligibility for licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. New Jersey licensure as a registered nurse is also required prior to beginning the clinical sequence for all MSN programs.
  • Evidence of the equivalent of 12 months full-time nursing practice within the last three (3) years
  • For the Post-Graduate Certification Programs, evidence of a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a practicing licensed registered nurse within the past two (2) years

How to Apply

*For applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, completion of the GRE or MAT will be required to be considered for admission to the program

*International applicants (regardless of citizenship) for whom English is a second language must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, iBT, IELTS, or CAE) as part of their application. An official copy of test results must be sent by the testing agency directly to the Division of Nursing at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034. Visit the following websites for up-to-date information:

* All exams must have been taken within two years of application to a DeSales program.

Nurse Practitioner and MSN degree applicants are admitted on a rolling basis up until the following deadlines:

  • The deadline is May 15 for a July (Summer semester) start
  • The deadline is June 15 for an August (Fall semester) start
  • The deadline is November 15 for a January (Winter semester) start
  • The deadline is February 15 for an April (Spring semester) start

The admission process and entrance requirements are rigorous; demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the MSN program.

Curriculum

Depending upon the number of courses transferred in, Certification as a Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner may be completed in one year.

An individual plan of study will be completed by the FNP, A-GACNP, or PMHNP Coordinator upon acceptance based on the completed Gap Analysis. Students must satisfy the required credit and course requirements for the FNP, A-GACNP, or PMHNP program of study via graduate courses taken at DeSales University.

Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Summary

  • 5-11 Courses
  • 23-41 Credits
  • 500 minimum clinical hours (including hours factored in from Gap Analysis)

Academic Catalog

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are as follows.

  • Tuition/credit hour: $975*
  • Laboratory Fee: $250**
  • Returned Check Service: $30
  • Graduation Fee: $120

*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.
**Average cost. Laboratory fees are due on registration.

View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets

Tuition Deferment

DeSales University offers graduate students the opportunity to defer payment of their tuition when they will be receiving reimbursement from their employer or when they are eligible to receive financial aid. A copy of your employer's tuition reimbursement policy must be forwarded to the Treasurer's Office and/or all necessary financial aid paperwork must be filed with the Financial Aid Office before tuition deferment is granted. 

Tuition deferment is a privilege given to graduate students at DeSales and can be revoked if this privilege is abused. Please note that you, as the student, are responsible for payment of your tuition balance in the event that your financial aid/loans or employer reimbursement is not received by the Treasurer's Office.

Tuition Reimbursement

When a student is eligible for tuition reimbursement from his/her employer, written evidence of eligibility is required. The student is responsible for requesting this reimbursement from his/her employer. In cases where reimbursement is contingent upon successful completion of the course(s) and the student either withdraws or does not achieve a grade sufficient to warrant maximum reimbursement, the student is ultimately responsible for payment for the course(s).

Refund on Withdrawal

A refund of tuition payments will be made to a student who withdraws from a course. In all cases, credits will be calculated from the date the student completed the official withdrawal form, and the rebate will be based on the schedule shown below. 

Refunds apply to tuition only. If a student is allowed to enroll by use of the deferred payment procedure, any funds due the University are immediately due and payable upon withdrawal.

Withdrawal during the add/drop period is 100% of tuition refunded. The schedule below is for withdrawal after the first class after the close of the add/drop period. 

The refund policy is based upon the number of classes held up to 
the date of withdrawal.

  • Withdrawal after 1st class: 80% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 2nd class: 65% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 3rd class: 50% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 4th class: 25% of tuition refunded
  • >Withdrawal after 5th class: No refund

Available Scholarship Opportunities

Veteran & Military Student Discount Program

Beginning Spring of 2023, DeSales University will match the Federal Military Tuition Assistance Program (T.A.) of $250/credit, or $750 for a three-credit course. The TA match discount program will be available to students who are currently serving on military active duty, National Guard, Reserve service members, and to eligible spouses or dependents. Adult Studies students eligible for TA match discount program will receive a combined $1,500 course credit against an approximately $1,600 course cost.

For more information, contact the Office of Veterans and Military Services

*Veteran & Military discount match is not applicable for the Accelerated BSN program nor combinable with additional DeSales University discount offerings.

CCNE Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at DeSales University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

CCNE - Accredited

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)