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Embrace your God-given calling with your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
The MSN program’s hybrid format blends the flexibility of online coursework with the immersive nature of on-campus learning and ensures you gain advanced clinical expertise and skills to become a family nurse practitioner. Here, you find personalized faculty support and faith-driven purpose to make a lasting impact in the health care field.
Our master’s in nursing program — grounded in the Catholic tradition and devoted to student success — equips you to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and uphold the dignity of human life. Develop an in-demand skill set including:
High-Level Clinical Expertise: Elevate your previous skills and medical knowledge through hands-on training. As you study pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced assessment and diagnostic techniques, you strengthen your ability to manage patient care across the lifespan and grow your confidence.
Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making: Earning an MSN degree empowers you to step into your role as an advanced practice nurse and lead teams, make faith-informed ethical choices, and advocate for patient dignity and well-being.
Evidence-Based and Systems-Level Practice: Discover the critical role of advanced nurses and learn how to use current research and data to guide clinical decisions. You also explore how to navigate health care systems, policies, and organizational structures to improve patient outcomes.
Culturally Competent Care: To ground your clinical knowledge in Catholic values, the MSN program helps refine your communication skills and cultural awareness so that you can serve diverse communities with respect and Christ-centered compassion.
At Franciscan, we designed our graduate admissions process to be straightforward, so you can focus on achieving your goals. We accept applications on a rolling basis, which means there is no formal deadline.
To ensure a smooth start, please submit your application at least one month before your intended start date.
1. Admission Requirements
When applying to the MSN program, you must have:
A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
An active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Ohio.
An FBI background check and physical exam form from your primary care provider.
Completed undergraduate coursework:
Nursing research
Ethical issues in health care
Philosophical, theoretical, historical, and conceptual aspects of the nursing profession
Computer literacy
For more in-depth admissions requirements, please review Franciscan’s admission standards for the MSN degree program.
2. Free Online Application
Your journey to becoming a family nurse practitioner at Franciscan begins by submitting an online application.
3. Submit Documents
Along with your completed online application, please submit:
All official college or university transcripts (sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions by the issuing institution).
Two letters of recommendation.
English proficiency (as demonstrated by testing results or degree completion within the United States) will be required of all international applicants.
Supplemental materials should be emailed to the Graduate Admissions office or sent to:
Graduate Admissions Office
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
At Franciscan, we built our MSN program with you in mind. Since many of our students are working nurses with careers and families, we offer part-time and full-time enrollment paths.
Your MSN coursework begins with an in-depth exploration of nursing theory, bioethics, and health promotion. You also study evidence-based practice to ensure you’re firmly rooted in both high-level medical knowledge and Catholic values. Then, you continue building your clinical expertise and skills by studying advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. This helps prepare you for the 540 hours of hands-on clinical practice working directly with patients and preceptors.
Your second year in the MSN program focuses on the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization, offering courses like Health Problems I and Primary Health Care Management. Through this blend of theory and clinical practice, you refine your nursing skills, grow your confidence, and define a faith-driven perspective to serve as a nurse practitioner.
Graduate Nursing Core Courses (22 Credits)
Theoretical Foundations
Health Promotion
Health Promotion Clinical*
Bioethics in Nursing
Health Care Systems
Advanced Practice Role
Evidence-Based Practice I
Human Diversity and Social Issues
Evidence-Based Practice II
*For transfer students or post-master’s students who did not have the Health Promotion Clinical.
Advanced Practice Nursing Courses (9 Credits)
Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced Assessment
Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization (17 Credits)
Health Problems I
Health Problems II
Primary Health Care Management
FNP Role Practicum
At Franciscan, we’re committed to helping you discover your purpose through affordable, high-quality Catholic education. Our MSN degree program costs $680 per credit hour, totaling approximately $32,640. To get you another step closer to your professional goals, we offer generous financial assistance and personalized support, helping you fund your nursing education with ease.
Explore Financial AidAs a well-trained generalist, equipped with Catholic values and advanced clinical expertise, you’ll be positioned to excel in today’s health care field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for nurse practitioners is projected to grow 35 percent over the next decade — primarily driven by the need for preventative care and services for an aging population. Nurse practitioners enjoy a median annual salary of $132,050, more than double the national average of $49,500, making this career path both meaningful and rewarding.
As an online theology student, you receive the same personalized support and resources as our on-campus students. From career coaching to connecting with alumni, these tools enrich your time at Franciscan and build a bright future.
Alumni Network Catechetical Institute Career ServicesCrystal Boyd '15
Short alumni profile description goes here. This text highlights how the graduate integrates faith, vocation, and professional life.
Michele Faehnle '99
Short alumni profile description goes here highlighting the graduate’s career path and impact.
Dr. Molly Sinclair '91
Director of the Macao Catholic Culture Association and member for the Macao Diocesan Commission of Life
Kevin Codd '10
Short alumni profile description emphasizing faith integration and professional service.
Annie Norton '15
Short alumni profile description highlighting the graduate’s contribution to their community and profession.
Alice Flanagan '18
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Study under seasoned nurse practitioners and health care leaders who understand today’s complex clinical environments. They prepare you to deliver compassionate, research-informed care shaped by faith and moral clarity.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Franciscan University are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. All comments to be directed to ccneaccreditation.org or to:
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
AACN
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 887-6791
The undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs are evaluated using several indicators, including pass rates on licensure and certification exams, graduation rates, retention rates, and employment rates. Please review these program outcomes indicators.