Nurse Practitioner at National University
Pacific College is a leading nursing education institution that provides multiple paths for future healthcare professionals. This 30-year old college has earned its reputation by delivering outstanding health sciences education. The college takes a comprehensive approach to healthcare training.
Students can choose from several nursing programs based on their career goals. The Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) pre-licensure program meets all the requirements needed to take the licensing exam in California. Students who complete this program can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®). The ADN-BSN Collaborative Pathway is a chance for students to earn both their Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees at the same time.
Licensed Registered Nurses can join the RN-to-BSN completion program to transfer their previous coursework toward a bachelor’s degree. On top of that, Registered Nurses who have a bachelor’s degree can improve their career options with a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) degree.
The college’s steadfast dedication to quality education shows in its academic results. Their pre-licensure RN program achieved a 95.92% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023-24, according to the California Board of Registered Nursing. This is a big deal as it means that their pass rate is much higher than the national average, showing how well their teaching methods work.
The college’s accreditations prove its educational excellence. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has accredited the institution. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has also accredited their bachelor’s degree program, master’s degree program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program.
Pacific College graduates have bright career prospects, especially in advanced practice roles. California had 17,300 Nurse Practitioner positions in 2020. The state expects projected growth of 56% from 2020 to 2030, with about 2,120 openings each year during this period. Family Nurse Practitioners in California earned a median annual salary of $157,160 in 2022.
The college’s mutually beneficial alliances with healthcare facilities and on-campus simulation labs give students real clinical experience. This prepares graduates to succeed in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Available
Pacific College runs specialized Nurse Practitioner programs that help registered nurses advance their careers. Their flagship program, the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP), gives RNs the complete skills they need to care for patients of all types and backgrounds.
RNs in the MSN-FNP program learn advanced knowledge and clinical expertise to care for patients of every age in primary care settings. The program includes rural and underserved communities. This advanced role lets nurses practice independently with broader responsibilities. They can diagnose conditions, order tests, and prescribe medications.
You’ll need to be a Registered Nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and professional experience to join the MSN-FNP program. Your clinical background will give a solid foundation before you move into specialized practice.
The program blends theory with hands-on practice. Students complete their coursework online while gaining clinical experience at local primary care facilities. The full program has 18 courses covering core content, advanced science, and role-specific topics, adding up to 40 units. Each course combines classroom learning and clinical work with clear goals and evaluation methods.
The classroom courses build nursing knowledge, theoretical concepts, and research skills that shape patient care and evidence-based practice. Clinical rotations let students put their knowledge to work. They plan, implement, and evaluate treatments for different patient groups.
After graduating from Pacific College’s FNP program, students can take the national certification exam for advanced nursing practice. This qualification creates opportunities in many settings. Graduates work in doctors’ offices, clinics, private homes, schools, and hospitals. Their daily work includes patient exams, treatment planning, health education, diagnostic testing, and managing overall patient care.
RNs looking for other specialties can check out Pacific College’s online Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Holistic Nurse Coaching.
Flexible Learning Formats
Pacific College’s learning experience adapts to students’ needs through multiple flexible formats. This flexibility helps working healthcare professionals who want to earn advanced nursing credentials.
The MSN-FNP program uses a hybrid learning model that balances convenience with hands-on skill development. Students can complete all didactic coursework online at their own pace. They also visit campus for three essential skills intensives to learn clinical techniques under faculty supervision.
Students complete their clinical practice at local primary care settings, so there’s no need to relocate. The college’s faculty and staff help each student find suitable preceptors in their area. This support makes the process easier for busy professionals.
The online instruction combines live and self-paced learning. Students connect with instructors and classmates through audio and video in real-time classes. This creates an interactive learning community. Recorded sessions are available later if you miss a class. The college also gives you access to extensive electronic library resources, so you can do research from anywhere.
Pacific College lets you choose how much time you commit to your studies. Classes run during days, evenings, and weekends, which helps you balance work and school. Your completion time depends on your preferred pace:
- Full-time students finish in 4 terms
- Part-time students take 7-9 terms
- Some programs can be completed in just 16 months
This flexible structure makes it easier to become a Nurse Practitioner in California, especially when you have to balance work with education. Many students keep working while they earn their advanced degrees, thanks to these well-designed program formats.
Admissions & Prerequisites
Pacific College sets specific educational and professional standards for students who want to become Nurse Practitioners. These standards help students prepare for their advanced practice roles.
Students need an unrestricted registered nurse license in California to join the MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program. They must also submit official academic transcripts that show a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The college requires proof that students completed upper-division courses in physical assessment and either nursing research or evidence-based practice with a grade “C” or better.
The application package should include:
- A personal statement (up to two pages) that outlines professional and educational goals
- Two reference letters—one from an educational source and one from a professional source
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- A panel interview
Students must complete several requirements before they start their nursing courses. These include passing a physical health examination and meeting immunization requirements. They also need to pass comprehensive background checks at statewide, county, and federal levels. These checks are essential because California requires them for nursing licensure.
The path to becoming a nurse practitioner follows clear steps. Students first need to get their BSN degree and become a Registered Nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN examination. They can then join an NP program and get their graduate degree (MSN or DNP).
Pacific College accepts applications year-round for each term. Class sizes are limited, so students should apply early. Students who need financial aid should submit their applications at least 30 days before the term begins.
A complete application needs several items: an application form, a $50.00 application fee, a passport-size photo, and required documentation. The College administration reviews these materials and sends enrollment agreements to accepted students.
The college helps candidates through admissions interviews. These interviews let students show their interest in the program and get answers about their education and career paths.
What Sets the NP Programs Apart at Pacific College
Pacific College’s Nurse Practitioner programs stand out with several unique features in California’s competitive healthcare education. The college takes an integrated approach to nursing education that combines traditional medical knowledge with complete patient-centered care principles. Their graduates learn to treat patients as whole persons, not just diagnoses.
The program’s core lies in its faculty expertise. These instructors maintain active clinical practices while teaching. This dual role will give a real-life application focus to coursework that reflects current healthcare trends. Small class sizes help promote meaningful mentor relationships between students and faculty.
Students develop both theoretical foundations and hands-on skills through extensive clinical placements. The program builds critical thinking skills and technical competencies needed to practice independently as a nurse practitioner in California.
Program quality shines through graduate success stories. Alumni regularly secure positions in prestigious healthcare organizations across the state. Strategic collaborations with industry partners create direct paths to employment after graduation.
Working nurses who want to advance to nurse practitioner roles will find Pacific College’s supportive environment exceptional. The program values prior experience and builds advanced practice capabilities. Their steadfast dedication to producing skilled, compassionate nurse practitioners helps meet California’s growing healthcare needs, especially when you have underserved communities.