UNCW's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program first accepted students in the fall 1998 following approval by the UNC Board of Governors. At commencement exercises held May 2000, the School of Nursing awarded its inaugural master's degrees to nine graduates. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have advanced education and clinical training in a specialized area. While family nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians, many serve as the regular health care provider for families. They often provide services related to health and wellness promotion, such as prenatal care, family planning and annual physicals.
Nurse practitioners promote positive health and self-care skills through education and counseling.