Marian University’s Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate is designed for experienced nurses who are ready to expand their scope of practice and meet the growing demand for advanced primary care providers. This hybrid online/on-campus program aligns with the APRN Consensus Model and prepares you to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across the lifespan.

The PGFNP certificate is ideal for registered nurses who already hold an MSN or DNP and want to build advanced clinical competencies without completing another full degree. Marian’s curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and real-world application—equipping you to step confidently into the Family Nurse Practitioner role.

Program Features

• Certificate program is open ONLY to Wisconsin licensed RNs
• Hybrid program includes a mix of 100% online courses & on-campus components
• Program requires 15-30 credits, depending on the student
• Students finish in 24-36 months
• Program is presented in a 15-week semester format
• Graduates qualify to take a national certification exam to be a Family Nurse Practitioner

Gap Analysis

As part of the application process students submit a portfolio that will be used as the basis for a gap analysis focused on your prior education, APRN certification, and experience. The results of this gap analysis determine your individual study plan including coursework and faculty-supervised clinical hours. The completion of required didactic courses and clinical hours can be flexible depending upon waived and/or transferred credits hours.