About the Program
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) doctoral degree at St. Catherine University prepares registered nurses to provide high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care with dedication and commitment to social justice and health equity.
St. Kate’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree combines a commitment to nursing excellence with a passion for innovation and transformational leadership. In our program you will be prepared to:
• Perform advanced practice nursing assessment and management of common and acute alterations in health for patients across the lifespan
• Address health disparities and advance equitable health outcomes for all populations, especially the most vulnerable
• Lead and influence emerging trends in nursing, nursing education, and health care in diverse practice environments
Our Curriculum
The 69-credit FNP program can be completed in three years of full-time study; an extended 4-year option is also available. Courses are offered in a hybrid learning format, blending the convenience of online learning with the benefits of in-person meetings on our St. Paul campus, and enhancing the connections between faculty and students.
You’ll benefit from our small class sizes and personal attention from our faculty, who will mentor and support you throughout the program. You’ll build lasting relationships with faculty and classmates as you share your nursing experiences together. And the in-person components of the program will maximize your learning with simulations, labs, interprofessional connections and professional development.
810 hours of hands-on, direct patient care are required for the DNP program. St. Kate’s faculty will help you make connections with leading healthcare providers for access to high-quality clinical experiences.
Tuition and Fees
The 2024–25 tuition rate for the FNP program is $1,200 per credit. Additional costs include fees for student services and technology ($330 per term) and books (prices vary by course).
How to Apply
Application deadline: January 15 for Fall enrollment. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have:
• A bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized, regional accrediting association.
• The baccalaureate nursing program (i.e., initial major or upper division, postbaccalaureate second major) or comparable master's-level program in which the nursing degree is awarded must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a grade of not less than B- in every nursing course.
• A current unencumbered RN license
• Preferred (but not required): Two years of recent clinical practice as a registered nurse, with at least one year of experience in the area of specialization.
The FNP application requires the following materials:
• Admission essay
• Current résumé
• Video statement
• One recommendation
• Transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
• Official scores from TOEFL or IELTS (if native language is not English)
• Credential evaluation from World Education Services (if college/university coursework was completed outside the U.S.)
Visit our website for detailed application information
St. Catherine University Nursing Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
This document provides information about graduate studies at St. Catherine University. The information may change at any time. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission to confirm program and application details.
DNP: Nurse Practitioner Sample Plan of Study
Start in the Fall semester and complete the 69-credit Family Nurse Practitioner program in three years. An extended 4-year plan is also available.
Sample Plan of Study: Fall start, 3-Year track for Family Nurse Practitioner
Year 1 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice
Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
Introduction to Biostatistics
Interprofessional EvidenceBased Practice
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Management
Sample Plan of Study: Family NP Track (continued)
Year 2
Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice
Healthcare Economics and Finance
Health Promotion: Family NP
Advanced Outcomes Measurement and Evaluation
Advanced Evidence-Based Practice
Primary Care I: Family NP
Primary Care II: Family NP
Primary Care Clinical I: Family NP
DNP Integration I
Year 3
Primary Care III: Family NP
Primary Care Clinical II: Family NP
DNP Integration II
Healthcare: Power, Policy and Politics
Primary Care Clinical III: Family NP
DNP Integration III
Primary Care Clinical IV: Family NP
DNP Integration IV