Choose the Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program for You

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

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Designed for currently licensed RNs, Nursing@Simmons enables aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners to earn an MSN online from Simmons University.

  • Scholarships are available
  • Part-time, full-time and extended plans of study
  • Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Georgetown University

info

MS in Nursing – online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program

Become a Family Nurse Practitioner in 27 months by earning your Master of Science degree in Nursing from Georgetown University. Develop the skills needed to manage primary care for patients in your community.

  • CCNE Accredited
  • Complete the 44 credit program in as few as 27 months
  • Clinical Placement Support

St. John Fisher University

info

Online Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Program

The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP) program from the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University can be completed in as few as 24 months. Bachelor’s in nursing, RN license, and clinical experience required.

  • CCNE-accredited 
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options

info SPONSORED

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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

Department of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

San Angelo, Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 49

Concentrations:

Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing (CCNE or ACEN accredited) 
  • Texas resident 
  • Permanent residency 
  • Three references 
  • Personal statement 
  • CV/resume 
  • Course prerequisites in statistics 
  • Nursing experience (1 year)
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Angelo State University

Ball State University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Muncie, Indiana

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 47

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN from a regionally accredited college or university 
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • Official Transcripts 
  • Registered nurse eligible for licensure 
  • Three references 
  • Resume 
  • Professional statement
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Ball State University

Chamberlain University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Downers Grove, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 45

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission 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 of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Chamberlain University

Clarkson College

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Omaha, Nebraska

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a professional institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • Valid state unencumbered RN license effective in the state of practice 
  • Official Transcripts 
  • Registered nurse eligible for licensure 
  • Two references 
  • Resume  
  • Professional statement 
  • TOEFL for intl. Students
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Clarkson College

Duke University

Duke University School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Durham, North Carolina

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 49

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission 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 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Duke University

Graceland University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practioner

Lamoni, Iowa

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practioner

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 33-46

Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • RN license 
  • Background check 
  • Statement of goals 
  • Three references 
  • Bachelor’s degree 
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practioner from Graceland University

Grand Canyon University

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Master of Science in Nursing

Phoenix, Arizona

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 36-40

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing (CCNE, NLNAC, ACEN accredited)
  • RN license
  • MSN Canadian Nurse Verification forms
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites (depending on specialization)
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University

Herzing University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
  • At least a 3.0 GPA
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Herzing University

Loyola University – New Orleans

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

New Orleans, Louisiana

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission 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 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Loyola University – New Orleans

Maryville University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

St. Louis, Missouri

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 41+

Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Worcester, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university 
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing coursework 
  • Current, unencumbered license to practice nursing in the jurisdiction where experiential learning will occur 
  • Application Requirements 
  • Official college transcripts 
  • 1 professional letter of recommendation 
  • Photocopy of current RN license 
  • Resume
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Regis College

Master of Science in Nursing

Weston, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 46-64 (64 for PMHNP concentration)

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
  • Proof of active unencumbered RN license
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Current resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing from Regis College

Sacred Heart University

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Fairfield, Connecticut

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 3 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • BS in Nursing from an accredited college 
  • Official transcripts demonstrating  
  • Minimum GPA of 3.2 
  • Unencumbered RN license in your state 
  • Individual and professional liability insurance coverage that meets current state requirements 
  • Criminal background check 
  • Statement of professional goals 
  • Résumé 
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Interview with graduate nursing faculty 
  • Undergraduate courses in statistics and health assessment (30 hours or greater) required 
  • Undergraduate research course recommended
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Sacred Heart University

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Corpus Christi, Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 49

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Submit an application
  • Resume
  • Essay
  • Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
  • Three References
  • Transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 4+ years

Credits: 46+

Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN degree
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current unrestricted RN license
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

University of Mississippi Medical Center

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Jackson, Minnesota

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 50

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission 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 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Mississippi Medical Center

University of South Alabama

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Mobile, Alabama

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 45

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission 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
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of South Alabama

Wilkes University

Passan School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 43

Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission 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 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from 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 $120,680 per year in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The states with the most nurse practitioners are New York, California, Texas, Florida and Tennessee. And the job outlook is expected to increase, with nurse practitioner positions expected to increase 40% from 2021 to 2031. 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:

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:

Sponsored Online FNP Programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Designed for currently licensed RNs, Nursing@Simmons enables aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners to earn an MSN online from Simmons University.

  • Scholarships are available
  • Part-time, full-time and extended plans of study
  • Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Georgetown University

info

MS in Nursing – online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program

Become a Family Nurse Practitioner in 27 months by earning your Master of Science degree in Nursing from Georgetown University. Develop the skills needed to manage primary care for patients in your community.

  • CCNE Accredited
  • Complete the 44 credit program in as few as 27 months
  • Clinical Placement Support

St. John Fisher University

info

Online Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Program

The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP) program from the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University can be completed in as few as 24 months. Bachelor’s in nursing, RN license, and clinical experience required.

  • CCNE-accredited 
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options

info SPONSORED

FAQs

How do online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs work?

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.

Should I enroll in an online FNP program?

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.

Will an online FNP program help me get a job?

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.

What is the difference between an MSN-FNP and a DNP-FNP?

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 February 2023.