For the tenth consecutive year, graduates of the Belmont University master’s program (MSN) for Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) has achieved a 100 percent first time pass rate on the nursing certification examination.  The most recent class of 28 graduates all passed the exam on the first attempt this spring.  Nationally, only 80% of new FNP graduates pass on the first attempt.

“This is a truly remarkable accomplishment,” said Dr. Martha Buckner, associate dean of nursing.  She added, “We are so proud of the sustained level of excellence by our students and faculty and for the leadership of program director and professor of nursing, Dr. Leslie Higgins.”

The School of Nursing began offering the Master of Science in Nursing 20 years ago and the program has grown throughout the years to a record enrollment of 83 students this past fall.  FNP graduates enjoy significant professional flexibility and marketability.  Prepared to practice in a variety of settings, FNP’s provide primary health care to families and individuals of all ages.

Two years ago, the School of Nursing expanded offerings to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice by initiating the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program which will graduate its first class this spring.  Belmont will continue to offer the MSN degree in the near future as the DNP becomes more established.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) administers the advanced practice nursing examination for family nurse practitioners. More than a quarter million nurses have been certified by ANCC since 1990, and over 80,000 advanced practice nurses are currently certified by ANCC. ANCC certification is accepted by governing boards throughout the United States as well as insurers and the military. The program validates nurses’ skills, knowledge and abilities.