Pioneer graduate nursing university preparing nurse-midwives and practitioners for rural and underserved communities.
Frontier Nursing University focuses exclusively on distance nursing education with specializations in Certified Nurse-Midwifery (CNM), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The university offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC). All programs emphasize training nurses to provide advanced care to rural and underserved communities. The institution is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
FNU pioneered distance education for nurse-midwifery in 1989/1990, allowing students to complete coursework online while conducting clinical experiences in their home communities. Students participate in one to two mandatory on-campus immersion experiences, including an orientation (Frontier Bound) before beginning studies and an intensive skills workshop (Clinical Bound) before the clinical practicum. The Versailles campus, relocated from Hyden in 2020, features faculty and staff housing, approximately 85 offices, and lodging facilities to support these immersion programs.
Frontier's mission is to prepare competent, entrepreneurial, ethical, and compassionate nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners with emphasis on rural and underserved communities. The university fosters a Culture of Caring built on five elements: Professionalism, Inclusivity, Respect, Positive Communication, and Mutual Support. Frontier graduates consistently exceed national average certification exam pass rates and are prepared to serve as leaders in healthcare delivery.
FNU uses a rolling admissions process, with applicants receiving decisions within four to five weeks of submitting complete applications. The university offers multiple pathways including MSN, DNP, Post-Graduate Certificate, and MSN Completion programs for alumni. All degree-seeking students are required to attend on-campus orientation. The institution provides personalized academic advising, peer collaboration opportunities, and clinical placement services to support student success.