Advanced Practice Nursing Programs FAQs

What programs are offered at Purdue?

Purdue currently offers four Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) nurse practitioner programs.

They are:

• Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Primary Care Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PHMNP)

What is the difference between an AGNP and an FNP?

Primary care AGNPs focus their practice on clients 13 years of age and older. Students in this program will be proficient in care of older adults. AGNPs typically practice in internal medicine, long-term care and rehabilitation, and specialty practices. The setting is usually clinics or offices.

Family Nurse Practitioners provide care throughout the lifespan, including obstetric and newborn care. FNPs are prepared as generalists. Like AGNPs, they practice in outpatient and clinic settings, but may also practice in schools or similar settings.

Do you offer non-advanced practice MSN programs?

No.

What if I already have an MSN?

Purdue offers a certificate in each nurse practitioner program for students who already hold an MSN. Depending on the student's previous advanced practice specialty and the program selected, the certificate may be completed in as little as eight months.

How long are the programs? Must I attend full time?

Full-time students may complete the program in two years, including enrollment during one summer. Applications for full-time study will be given priority admission consideration. Part-time study may be done on a space-available basis with permission of the program director. The school cannot guarantee required courses will be available in the needed sequence when students move to part-time status.

Are the programs accredited?

The Purdue School of Nursing, including the MSN and certificate programs, are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations to practice in advanced practice nursing roles.

Is an online option available?

The MSN and certificate programs are offered in a blended format, meaning they combine online instruction with campus-based learning. There are a number of benefits to completing a degree with on-campus components. In addition to hands-on classroom experiences, students are better able to collaborate in small class sizes and learn from expert faculty and peers in a face-to-face setting. It is also important to note that many Indiana health care facilities prohibit students in fully online programs from learning with their preceptors.

Must I have an active state of Indiana Registered Nurse license?

Yes, although you may be considered for conditional enrollment without an active Indiana RN; however, the license is required before the first day of classes.

What are the other admission requirements?

Applicants must have:

• Graduated from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing. International students must graduate from a nursing program that has undergone comparable review per AACN Baccalaureate Essentials criteria and must score a minimum of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL.
• A BSN cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 or an equivalent "B" average.
• Completed an upper division (300 or 400 level) statistics course with a minimum 3.0/4.0 grade within the past 5 years.
• A personal interview may be requested.

What is the application deadline?

Master Degree and Post BSN - DNP  Completed applications are reviewed as they are received, with priority given to those who apply by April 1st.  Admissions are rolling until clinical spots are filled.  

Post Master Degree DNP  Applications may be submitted at anytime for the fall, spring or summer semesters.

Tuition and fees are determined by the Purdue Board of Trustees. The most current information will be found on the University Bursar's website.

Is financial aid available?

There are a few potential avenues to assist in funding full-time students pursuing an AGNP degree. Scholarship opportunities are available within the School of Nursing and Purdue's Division of Financial Aid also assists students with funding opportunities.

Where can I find more information?

For questions about admissions, plans of study or general program questions, please contact our Graduate Program Administration Specialist at gradnursing@purdue.edu.