FSMFN provides advanced educational preparation for nurses who seek to become nurse-midwives (CNM), family nurse practitioners (FNP), or women's health care nurse practitioners (WHCNP) by providing a community-based distance graduate program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) a post-master's certificate or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The FSMFN seeks to meet the needs of prospective nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who do not want to leave their home communities to obtain the graduate education they desire to fulfill their professional aspirations. Didactic coursework is delivered using web-based, distance education courses allowing students to achieve their higher education goals without leaving home for classes. Using clinics, hospitals, and preceptors in their own community allows students to get the hands-on clinical experience required for these exciting health care professions. Two on-campus sessions are required, including an orientation prior to beginning studies, and intensive skill workshops prior to beginning the clinical practicum.