Program Overview
The Master's of Science in Nursing degree, Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration is a 6 semester program that allows the student to continue working full or part time. Classes are a mixture of online, hybrid and face to face classes. Offered only one day each week, the student is able to coordinate work schedules and family obligations while attending the program. Upon completion of all didactic and clinical requirements with a specialization as a family nurse practitioner, the graduate will be eligible to take either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national certification exam.
The curriculum is comprised of core courses that cover research and theoretical considerations of advanced nursing practice, and professional and economic issues associated with today"s healthcare environment. The specialty specific courses address the basic and advanced principles and practices of family practice with an emphasis on the "three P's": pathophysiology, physical assessment and pharmacology.
The core specialty courses first fall semester with Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment. The first spring semester places the student in the Primary Care of Children and the associated practicum and Advanced Pharmacology. This is not a front loaded program. It allows the student to experience a didactic and clinical course concurrently, serving to reinforce what the student in learning in class by experiencing it in the clinical practicum. Students begin to develop plans of care and management under the guidance of and Advanced Practice Nurse or physician. Our curriculum is demanding, rigorous but at the same time accommodates the student who chooses to work either full or part time. All instructors in the clinical courses are practicing nurse practitioners.
Mission
The Mission of the School of Nursing is to prepare qualified nursing professionals who can influence the health care environment and enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and society. We are committed to providing leadership in health care.Our Core Values
As the SON moves forward its mission and vision; it is guided by values that are grounded in a professional nursing practice that embraces clinical and scholarly excellence. The faculty, staff and students will:- Uphold and, at all times, act in concert with ethical values and principles.
- Communicate with integrity, keep promises, and honor commitments.
- Partner with our community of interest by creating relationships to promote common interest and shared values.
- Practice stewardship through fair and responsible management of gifts and resources.
- Espouse life-long learning, inquiry, and critical thinking.
- Commit to quality and excellence in all we do.
- Generate commitment and passion for the practice of nursing.
- Foster creativity.
- Model leadership.
- Create an environment of inclusiveness where individual, intellectual and social diversity are valued.
Accreditation
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
The Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration adheres to the Criteria for Evaluation as set forth by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF), 2008.
