For working nurses who would prefer not to put their profession on hold, an online program may be a better alternative to growing their career. Online FNP programs can be an adaptable and excellent alternative.
When searching for an online FNP program, you may want to ensure it has interactive features such as live classes, opportunities to network with classmates, career services and support in securing clinical hours. A few colleges offer online programs that are indistinguishable from their on-campus programs, enabling students to procure a degree from a college they know and trust. FNP online programs are an increasingly popular approach to becoming a family nurse practitioner.
CCNE-Accredited Family Nurse Practitioner Online (FNP) Programs
Sponsored Online FNP Programs
Sponsored
Simmons’ Online MSN — FNP Program
Designed for currently licensed RNs, Nursing@Simmons enables aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners to earn an MSN online from Simmons University.
Prepare to Become an FNP With Georgetown University
Become a Family Nurse Practitioner in 27 months by earning your Master of Science degree in Nursing from Georgetown University. RN and BSN required.
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online from the Wegmans School of Nursing
The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP) program from the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College can be completed in as few as 24 months. Bachelor’s in nursing, RN license, and clinical experience required.
Nursing@USC prepares RNs to become FNPs
In as few as 21 months, you can earn your MSN online through Nursing@USC. This FNP program prepares you to deliver advanced care while addressing social and environmental factors. RN and BSN required.
Sponsored
School | Location | Length | Clinical Hours | Credits | Enrollment Options |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scroll to Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | 24-36 Months | 600 Hours | 49 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Ball State University | Muncie, IN | 20-30 Months | 690 Hours | 47 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Bradley University | Peoria, IL | 36 Months | 750 Hours | 65 Credits | Part-Time |
Scroll to Chamberlain University | Downers Grove, IL | 30 Months (Full-Time) | 650 Hours | 45 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Clarkson College | Omaha, NE | 48-72 Months | 650 Hours | 47 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Duke University | Durham, NC | 28-40 Months | 728 Hours | 49 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Frontier Nursing University | Hyden, KY | 24 Months (Full-Time) | 675 Hours | 61 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Georgetown University Sponsored Program |
Washington, D.C. | 27 Months | 650 Hours | 44 Credits | Part-Time |
Scroll to Graceland University | Lamoni, Iowa | 24-36 Months | 600 Hours | 47 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 34 Months | 675 Hours | 53 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Herzing University | Milwaukee, WI | 20 Months (Full-Time) | 675 Hours | 48 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Loyola University New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 24-48 Months | 720 Hours | 48 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Maryville University | St.Louis, MO | 32 Months | 745 Hours | 47 Credits | Part-Time |
Scroll to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | Boston, MA | 24 Months | 630 Hours | 42 Credits | Part-Time |
Scroll to Regis College | Weston, MA | 28 Months | 664 Hours | 46 Credits | Full-Time |
Scroll to Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | 24 Months (Full-Time) | 540 Hours | 42 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to St. John Fisher College Sponsored Program |
Rochester, NY | As few as 24 months | 600 Hours | 46 Credits | Part-Time or Accelerated |
Scroll to Simmons University MSN-FNP Sponsored Program |
Boston, MA | 24-32 Months | 672 Hours | 48 Credits | Full-Time, Part-Time and Extended |
Scroll to Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi | College Station, TX | 28 Months | 630 Hours | 49 Credits | Part-Time |
Scroll to University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 32-44 Months | 630 Hours | 47 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to University of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson, MS | 18 Months (Full-Time) | 630 Hours | 50 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 24-36 Months | 600 Hours | 45 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to University of Southern California Sponsored Program |
Los Angeles, CA | 21-33 Months | 784 Hours | 49 Credits | Full-Time or Part-Time |
Scroll to Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre, PA | 28-36 Months | 584 Hours | 43 Credits | Part-Time |
The current list of online FNP programs was retrieved as of December 2020. Please check the school’s website for the most up-to-date information. If you have any additional information that we should consider, please reach out to us at info@nursinglicensemap.com.
Angelo State University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600 Hours
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and Reside in Texas
- Undergraduate statistics course
- At least one year of clinical experience
- Three References
- A Personal Statement
- Resume/CV
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree (MSN) at Angelo State University.
Ball State University
Program Name: College of Nursing & Health Sciences – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), MSN
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 47 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 690 Hours
Length of Program: 20-30 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a Professional Institution (NLNAC/CCNE/ACEN)
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License or APRN Certification
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Three Recommendations
- Criminal History Disclosure
- Nursing Questionnaire
- Nursing Goals and Objectives
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing at Ball State University.
Bradley University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 65 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 750 Hours
Length of Program: 36 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner Online MSN-FNP at Bradley University.
Chamberlain University
Program Name: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 650 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 45 Hours
Length of Program: 30 Months (Full-Time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Background and Fingerprint Check
Learn more about the Master’s Nurse Practitioner program at Chamberlain University.
Clarkson College
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 47 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 650 Hours
Length of Program: 48-72 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a Professional Institution (NLNAC/CCNE)
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts
- Two Professional Recommendations
- Essay
- Resume
- Application and application fee
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing at Clarkson College.
Duke University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Minimum of 728 Hours
Length of Program: 28-40 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts
- Three Professional Recommendations
- Personal Statement
- Resume/CV
- Official GRE Scores
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Duke University.
Frontier Nursing University
Program Name: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 61 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 675 Hours
Length of Program: 24 Months (Full-Time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- At least one year of clinical experience
- Prerequisite: Physical Assessment (3 Credit Course)
- TOEFL (International Students)
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Frontier Nursing University.
Georgetown University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: MS in Nursing – online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 44 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 650 Hours
Length of Program: 27 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or CNL/entry-level MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
- Hold a current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA
- Have successfully completed a college level three-credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better
Sponsored Nursing Program
Graceland University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 47 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600 Hours
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- A Grade of B or Better in any Nursing Course
- Criminal Background Check
- Three References
- Professional Goals Statement of 150 Words or Less
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner Program – MSN Degree at Graceland University.
Grand Canyon University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 53 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 675 Hours
Length of Program: 34 Months (Full-Time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a Professional Institution (NLNAC/CCNE/ACEN)
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License or APRN Certification
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Intent
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner Degree at Grand Canyon University.
Herzing University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 48 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 675 Hours
Length of Program: 20 Months (Full-Time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
Learn more about the MSN-FNP Program Online at Herzing University.
Loyola University New Orleans
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 48 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 720 Hours
Length of Program: 24-48 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- Transcripts
- Two References
- Statement of Purpose
- At least 1800 hours of Recent Nursing Practice
Learn more about the MSN program at Loyola University New Orleans.
Maryville University
Program Name: Online Family Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 47 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 745 Hours
Length of Program: 32 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- 500-word essay on your interest in becoming a nurse practitioner and how you plan to use your education to affect patient outcomes
- At least one year of clinical experience
Learn more about the Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Maryville University.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 42 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 630 Hours
Length of Program: 24 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Completed MCPHS Application
- Transcripts
- One Recommendation Letter
- Resume
Learn more about the MS in Nursing (FNP) program at MCPHS.
Regis College
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 46 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 664 Hours
Length of Program: 28 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Completion of Application Form
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online Program at Regis College.
Sacred Heart University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 42 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 540 Hours
Length of Program: 24 Months (Full-Time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.2 GPA
- Transcripts
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Criminal Background Check
- Completed Application
- Statement of Professional Goals
- Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Interview with Graduate Nursing Faculty
- Completion of Undergraduate Statistics, Research, Health Assessment courses
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner Online program at Sacred Heart University.
St. John Fisher College – Sponsored Program
Program Name: M.S. in Nursing – Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP)
Enrollment Options: Part-Time or Accelerated
Coursework Credits: 46 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600 Hours
Length of Program: As few as 24 months
Admissions Requirements:
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals who currently work with the applicant and are qualified at the master’s level or higher in nursing (APRN preferred; physician and/or PA, NP, or CNS also accepted)
- A Personal Statement
- An Updated Resume
- One year of current clinical experience
- Unencumbered RN license in the state in which they are employed and intend to practice as a registered professional nurse
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Grade of “B” or higher in health assessment, research, and statistics coursework
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speaking applicants
Sponsored Nursing Program
Simmons University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time and Extended Track Option
Coursework Credits: 48 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Minimum of 672 Hours
Length of Program: 24-32 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree awarded by a regionally accredited U.S. college or institution
- Resume
- A Personal Statement
- Transcripts from all academic institutions attended
- Successfully completed (with a grade of 83 or better) a three-credit course in statistics and a three-credit course in health assessment.
- A current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if your native language is not English.
Sponsored Nursing Program
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 630 Hours
Length of Program: 28 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Submit an application
- Resume
- Essay
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- Three References
- Transcripts
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN program at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Program Name: MS Nursing – Nurse Practitioner – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 47 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 630 Hours
Length of Program: 32-44 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a Professional Institution (CCNE/ACEN)
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License or APRN Certification
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- TOEFL (International Students)
Learn more about the MS Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program at University of Colorado.
University of Mississippi
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Post-Masters Tracks – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 50 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 630 Hours
Length of Program: 18 Months (Full-Time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a professional institution (NLNAC/CCNE)
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course
- Satisfactory score on the GRE, including a score of 3.5 or higher on the analytical section
- One year of clinical experience as a registered nurse
- TOEFL (International Students)
Learn more about the MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Mississippi.
University of South Alabama
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 45 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600 Hours
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- U.S. Citizen
- Completion of Primary and Supplemental Applications
- At least two years of clinical experience
- Transcripts
Online Information: Some courses are offered online, but students may be required to attend exams and orientations on-campus.
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Alabama.
University of Southern California – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: Traditional – 49 credits or Bridge Program – 51 credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 784 Hours
Length of Program: 21-33 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 grade point average in your BSN program
- Completion of a 3-credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better
- Must be a U.S.-licensed registered nurse (RN) and reside within the United States upon application and throughout the duration of the program
- One year of clinical experience
Sponsored Nursing Program
Wilkes University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 43 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 584 Hours
Length of Program: 28-36 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a Professional Institution (NLNAC/CCNE/ACEN)
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License or APRN Certification
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts
- Completed Online Application
- Resume
- At least one year of clinical experience
Learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioners program at Wilkes University.
What to Expect When Choosing an Online FNP School
Similar to the nurse practitioner program, a family nurse practitioner (FNP) program may be categorized as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) program. As such, they are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Some things to consider in searching for your FNP program:
- Ensure the university offers training in family nurse practice.
- Does the online FNP program mirror the on-campus version?
- What are the prerequisites?
- Is the program accredited? What’s their certification rate for graduates?
To prepare for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), look for programs that offer APRN coursework in physiology/pathophysiology, health assessments across human systems, pharmacology, health promotion, and differential diagnosis and disease management.
It’s important to note that depending on when you choose to pursue FNP certification, you may need to consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. On April 20, 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) committed to moving the standard requirement of all entry-level nurse practitioner education to the DNP degree by 2025.
Admissions for Online FNP Programs
The admission requirements of online family nurse practitioner programs typically consist of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with at least a 3.0 GPA at an institution that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Online BSN programs are also available for students.
For admission into a FNP program, universities may require you to have an unencumbered RN license to complete your clinical hour experiences. In addition, some common requirements may include transcripts, a resume, a letter of recommendation, and at least one year of clinical experience. A background check and essay may be required depending on the institution. Some institutions have prerequisites such as Statistics, Health Assessment courses, etc. before starting the online FNP program.
Curriculum in Online FNP Programs
The master of science in nursing—family nurse practitioner program specializes in primary-clinical care from infants to the elderly. Courses may include primary health care, behavioral health care, pharmacology, physiology/pathophysiology, health assessments and more.
Depending on the institution, students may travel to access clinical locations to achieve the required clinical hours. Be sure to check with your preferred institution for more details on requirements. Online FNP programs may be completed within two years depending on a student’s schedule. By the end of the program, students should be able to think critically using concluded evidence, care for patients, communicate effectively, and interpret and analyze medical information.
Potential Earnings
Family nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers by assessing patients and finding solutions to improve their health. The median annual pay for a nurse practitioner was $111,680 per year in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The states with the most nurse practitioners are New York, California, Texas, Florida and Ohio. And the job outlook is expected to increase, with nurse practitioner positions expected to increase 52% from 2020 to 2030. Learn more about nurse salaries.
Certifications and Licenses
There are at least two certifications for family nurse practitioners: the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC) from the ANCC and the FNP certification from the AANP. Both of these certifications require:
- A master’s or higher degree with a focus on family nurse practitioner curriculum, accredited by the ACEN
- A current and active RN license
- Faculty-supervised clinical hours in direct patient care
You must pursue FNP licensure in the state where you wish to practice. To pursue state licensure, you may be required to submit proof of earned certification. Nursing licensure varies by state, so be sure to check with your state’s nursing board.
Program Accreditation
Both the ANCC and the AANP require a master’s degree accredited by one of two accrediting agencies in nursing: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These agencies set standards and requirements for all nursing programs seeking accreditation, which may include program quality and effectiveness, sufficient and qualified staffing, clear program outcomes aligned with safe practice in health care environments, and clear curriculum aligned with real-life practice.
Additional Nursing Programs
FNP programs come in all formats and pathways. Some are on-campus degrees and others may be online nurse programs. Apart from earning your master’s in nursing with a focus on family nurse practitioner work, you may also consider the following based on your experience and education:
- Accelerated FNP Programs: There are some accelerated nursing programs with an FNP focus offered by universities. These may involve earning a BSN by way of a master’s degree program.
- Dual Degree FNP Programs: FNP dual degree MSN programs are available with several options: Nurse-Midwifery and FNP, PMHNP and FNP, FNP and Adult-Gerontological Acute Care, and more.
- Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) FNP Programs: DNP programs are sometimes offered with admission requiring just a BSN for BSN-to-DNP programs or with an MSN to extend a nurse’s practice and work toward becoming a leader in the field.
- RN-to-MSN FNP Programs: An RN-to-MSN program is a bridge program for RNs who have their associate’s degree in nursing or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Admission requirements will vary by program, but there are available focuses for future FNPs.
There are several other APRN-level programs you may also consider:
- Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Online Programs
- Online Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Programs
- Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Programs
- Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Post-Graduate FNP Certification Options
Post-graduate nursing certificate programs are offered to nurses who already hold an advanced degree like an MSN or DNP. The purpose of these programs is to help nurses further specialize in their area of interest and ultimately receive board certification as an APRN. If an institution offers these types of programs, it may be common for them to have a post-graduate FNP certificate available as an option.
Post-graduate FNP certification programs focus on equipping nurses with knowledge and skills that may help them manage patients’ health at all stages of their lives. The exact curriculum may vary by institution, but some topics commonly covered in these programs include:
- Primary care of patients across their lifespan
- Clinical health assessment
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology principles
- Professional issues for nurse practitioners
Additionally, these programs may require a supervised clinical or on-campus practicum to help students apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on, real-world setting.
Exact admission requirements may also vary depending on the institution, but these programs and their curriculums are designed at the post-graduate level, so an MSN or DNP is often a prerequisite to enter them. Other admission requirements that are fairly common for these programs include having a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and a current, unencumbered/unrestricted RN license. You may find that some universities have additional requirements with regards to nursing experience and grades earned in specific courses as well as overall GPA in a given area, such as science courses.
Scholarships for FNP Students
When researching options for funding your MSN FNP degree, consider checking with your admitted university first. Often, they will offer and share scholarship and loan resources for their students. Your state board of nursing may also offer resources for nursing financial aid. You can also consider graduate and APRN scholarships from the following:
- American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships and Financial Aid: The AACN shares scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students as well as several scholarship search engines.
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Scholarships: The AANP offers its own scholarship program for students with at least one completed semester of their nursing program in an MSN with an NP track, DNP program, or Ph.D. in nursing program. The AANP also offers grants, ambassador programs and other awards for those enrolled in a nursing program.
- Nurse Educational Funds Inc (NEF) Scholarships and Funds: NEF shares multiple scholarships for master’s and doctoral nursing students with varying degrees of nursing specialties.
Sponsored Online FNP Programs
Sponsored
Simmons’ Online MSN — FNP Program
Designed for currently licensed RNs, Nursing@Simmons enables aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners to earn an MSN online from Simmons University.
Prepare to Become an FNP With Georgetown University
Become a Family Nurse Practitioner in 27 months by earning your Master of Science degree in Nursing from Georgetown University. RN and BSN required.
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online from the Wegmans School of Nursing
The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP) program from the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College can be completed in as few as 24 months. Bachelor’s in nursing, RN license, and clinical experience required.
Nursing@USC prepares RNs to become FNPs
In as few as 21 months, you can earn your MSN online through Nursing@USC. This FNP program prepares you to deliver advanced care while addressing social and environmental factors. RN and BSN required.
Sponsored
FAQs
Accredited online FNP programs will likely have the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts. Online programs may include synchronous and asynchronous learning where future FNPs attend live virtual classes or work at their own pace to meet deadlines for coursework.
If you are looking to grow your nursing career and become a family nurse practitioner, pursuing a degree from an accredited MSN program could be your next step. For many students, they can pursue an online FNP program from almost anywhere and earn a degree from the university of their choice.
While the program alone will not help you get a job, an online FNP program may help you prepare for a career as a family nurse practitioner and pursue state licensure and national certification. Requirements will vary, so be sure to check with your state’s board of nursing for more information.
Earning your MSN-FNP may help prepare you for licensure and certification as a family nurse practitioner. However, earning a DNP-FNP may help prepare you for leadership roles within the APRN career with a focus on management, measurement and health promotion coursework.
Page last updated in October 2021.