Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University was founded in 1939 to meet a need for a US based training option for nurses desiring to become midwives, as previously nurses traveled across the Atlantic to Great Britain for education. Students have the option of obtaining the following qualifications ultimately leading to a masters or doctoral degree: Midwife (CNM), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), or Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP).

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

  • Online master’s and doctoral degrees  and post-master certificates
  • All courses are delivered online, though two campus visits are required
  • Federal financial aid is available

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Frontier Nursing University offers comprehensive online degree options for nurses seeking to study online.  Though courses may not meet face-to-face, Frontier Nursing University strives to build learning community among its students and faculty members.  Students are also encouraged to engage their home community in which they practice.  In person interactions, in forums, on the phone and in e-mails are a few of the ways that students are expected to communicate with their peers and professors.  Nursing programs at Frontier Nursing University have four components.

First, students complete a four-day orientation on campus in Hyden, Kentucky meant to build camaraderie among students and faculty and prepare for the learning modules ahead.  Students then spend 4-8 terms (each term is twelve weeks) on coursework.  Before students began practice in their new field of study, intensive clinical training and a clinical practicum are required.  Students complete an eight-day hands-on training in Kentucky, followed by a 10 month clinical in the students’ community supervised by a regional coordinator at Frontier Nursing University.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Students pursuing on an online Masters Degree in Nursing may choose from 3 specializations, and a bridge-completion program:

  • Nurse-Midwifery
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner
  • ADN to MSN (Associate Degree Nurses to Master of Science in Nursing)-comparable to RN to BSN programs

FNU also allows nurses to complete multiple specialty tracks while pursuing their course of study.

Duration and Cost

Programs can be completed in as little as two years or longer, depending on if students pursue full or part-time study.  Programs are 41 to 77 credits and required. Tuition is $450 to $490 per credit for full and part time students respectively.

Online Doctoral Degree in Nursing

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program has a practical focus of implementing and managing delivery of care specifically to rural and underserved communities.  Students will analyze complex nursing situations, evaluate and apply nursing models, and demonstrate knowledge as a clinical educator.

Duration and Cost

The doctoral degree program is 33 credits total. Tuition is $505 per credit.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The online Nurse-Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner programs may be completed as a post-master’s degree option.  Tuition is $450 to $490 per credit for full and part time students respectively.

Online Course in Nursing

Non-degree seeking students may pursue courses in Frontier Nursing University’s course catalog through approval.  Students interested in non-degree courses should contact the university for more information.

Things to consider:

  • Two on campus sessions are required, a clinical skills training program and orientation, though all coursework is delivered online.

Accreditation

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The nurse-midwifery post-masters certificate program and master’s program are accredited by the ACNM Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).  The Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Master of Science in Nursing program and the post-master’s certificates are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Address:
Frontier Nursing University
195 School St
Hyden, KY 41749