Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Transition to Practice and Certification Review (Online)

NURS 6690-A70

Course: NURS 6690-A70
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: NURS
CRN: 12786

Course Description

This capstone course for Family Nurse Practitioner focuses on seamlessly transitioning students from academic learning to professional practice. It includes a comprehensive review for FNP certification exams, hands-on case studies and simulations, and practical insights into practice management, professionalism, and cultural competence. By the course's end, students will be well-prepared for successful entry into advanced nursing practice and confident pursuit of FNP certification. This course is designed for the student enrolled in the FNP program. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): NURS 6680 and NURS 6721 Registration Restriction(s): Accepted into the FNP program

Required Texts


1) Oseggi, J., & Zender Ewan, J. (2021). Guide for the new nurse practitioner: Transitioning into practice. Sigma Theta Tau International.  ISBN: 9780826167996


2) APEA NP review certification course

Learning Outcomes

Differentiate the processes for obtaining Family Nurse Practitioner certification and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license, including national and state-specific requirements.
Develop a transition-to-practice plan that incorporates regulatory requirements, credentialing, privileging, and employment considerations.
Analyze the professional responsibilities of the new nurse practitioner including scope of practice, collaboration, and strategies for successful role integration.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and critical thinking skills through a thorough review of content areas essential for Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams, ensuring readiness for successful certification.

Course Requirements


This course is designed to guide Family Nurse Practitioner students through the essential components of transitioning from the role of graduate nurse to a confident, autonomous Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Students will explore the professional, regulatory, and practical elements necessary for entering clinical practice, securing employment, and building a sustainable and successful NP career.


Throughout the course, students will engage in applied, real-world assignments focused on licensure, certification, credentialing, prescriptive authority, employer expectations, workplace readiness, and the professional responsibilities of the new NP. Students will complete practical activities such as preparing a resume and curriculum vitae, developing a professional cover letter, completing a mock DEA application, evaluating scope of practice regulations, and practicing employer interview readiness through guided discussion. The course also introduces elements of professional identity formation, self-advocacy, and long-term career resilience.


By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive portfolio that includes key professional documents, a structured understanding of regulatory processes, and tools for evaluating employment opportunities, negotiating job terms, and fostering wellness as a new NP. This course emphasizes real-life preparation, confidence-building, and the development of skills needed to transition into practice with clarity, professionalism, and purpose.

Course Outline

Discussions 25%


Discussions are designed to foster engagement and critical thinking. Each discussion will be assessed based on a specific rubric, ensuring that all students are evaluated consistently and fairly. The rubric will outline clear expectations, including the quality of the initial post, the depth of analysis, engagement with peers, and adherence to course materials. By focusing on these discussions, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the topics, reflect on their learning, and participate in meaningful dialogue with classmates. Each discussion will be done on an individual basis and be graded individually. Discussions will not be assigned every week.

Assignments 25%


Weekly assignments are designed to encourage critical thinking, application of course concepts, and individual reflection. Each assignment will be evaluated using a specific rubric to ensure consistent and fair grading. The rubric will clearly define expectations, including the quality of content, depth of analysis, integration of course materials, and overall clarity and organization. By focusing on these assignments, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts, apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, and showcase their individual learning and development. All assignments will be completed and graded on an individual basis. Assignments will not be assigned every week.

 CV/Resume and Review 50%


The CV, resume, and review activities are designed to support professional development and preparation for the transition into the nurse practitioner role. Students will create a polished resumé and a comprehensive CV that reflect their clinical experience, academic achievements, certifications, and professional involvement. These documents will showcase each student’s individual strengths and readiness for advanced practice. Each component will be assessed using a detailed rubric with clearly defined expectations. All submissions will be completed and graded individually.


As part of the professional readiness process, students are required to complete the NP certification review through APEA. This review provides a structured approach to board preparation, reinforces core FNP knowledge, and enhances test readiness and confidence. Students must submit confirmation of registration for the APEA review as part of this requirement. Participation in the certification review ensures students are well-prepared for the national board examination and supports successful transition into clinical practice.

Commenced Attendance Quiz


A short quiz that is required to confirm your attendance in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations. Failure to complete it within the first three days of the term may affect your financial aid and/or result in being dropped from the course. Please note that this quiz is not graded.


Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Policy: Papers/assignments are due at the time designated. Faculty members retain the option of not accepting late papers/assignments and will deduct points for late work. Canvas is set up so that 30% of the student's grade is deducted each day that the assignment is late. Individual faculty maintains final determination in situations related to late work. Early communication with faculty is encouraged regarding late work and extenuating circumstances.ctor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work will be provided by the instructor.

Attendance Policy


In asynchronous learning, students have the flexibility to engage with course content, such as lectures and readings, at any time that suits their schedule within a set timeframe (usually a week). Assignments, however, have specific deadlines. Late work will not be accepted.


At the beginning of each term there is a Commenced Attendance Quiz which must be completed within a few days of the start of the term.  If this is not completed a student may be dropped from the course.  This "quiz" is merely for attendance purposes.

Course Fees

Fee for APEA review is required independently of SUU's fees.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.