Dordt University has announced the launch of a new Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program, with the first cohort of students set to begin in fall 2026.
The fully online graduate program is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice roles in primary care, focusing on family-centered healthcare across the lifespan. University officials say the program comes at a critical time, as many communities—particularly rural areas—continue to face shortages of primary care providers.
Dr. Kate Vander Veen, professor of nursing and director of the MSN-FNP program, says nurse practitioners are one of the fastest-growing provider groups in the healthcare workforce and play a key role in addressing chronic disease and access to care.
The 48.5-credit program combines online coursework with 750 hours of supervised clinical experience, completed in students’ home regions under qualified preceptors. Students can choose between an accelerated two-year track or a part-time four-year option, allowing flexibility for working nurses.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for national board certification as advanced practice registered nurses and work in settings such as family clinics, hospitals, rural health centers, and community health organizations.
In addition to clinical training, Dordt’s program emphasizes faith-based healthcare practice. University leaders say the curriculum integrates professional nursing standards with Dordt’s mission of Christ-centered education, focusing on compassion, ethical decision-making, and whole-person care.
National labor projections highlight the growing demand for advanced nursing providers. According to federal forecasts, nurse practitioner jobs are expected to grow by about 40 percent between 2024 and 2034, making it one of the fastest-expanding healthcare professions.
Dordt officials say the new MSN-FNP program will help meet that demand while offering nurses a flexible, online pathway to advance their careers without leaving their local communities.
The featured photo is courtesy of Dordt University
