The Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
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Credit: FG Trade / E+ / Getty ImagesFamily nurse practitioners (FNPs) are in high demand, commanding six-figure salaries in many parts of the country.
FNPs are trained to take on different roles and responsibilities than traditional nurses or nurse practitioners (NPs). To become an FNP, you must first earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and pass a board examination — a process that usually takes three years or more to complete.
Busy modern students need flexibility and convenience. That makes online programs an enticing option for many. We’ve identified the top programs and ranked them here, along with an explanation of what to look for in a program and what to expect once you graduate.
Learn More About the Best Online FNP Programs
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Texas A & M's nursing school, which opened in 2008, offers a family nurse practitioner program for busy registered nurses, with thesis and non-thesis options.
Full- and part-time formats let learners tailor their school schedule. The program requires 48-51 credits, including two mandatory campus visits to complete 45 clinical hours. The mostly asynchronous coursework focuses on primary nursing care of families. Learners also study advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology, health assessments, quality improvement and health informatics, and leadership and policy. Enrollees make 1-2 campus visits during the diagnostics and procedures and primary care courses.
Orientation takes place in July and new classes start in August.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: College Station, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $805 per credit for Texas residents; $1,334 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor in nursing degree; RN license; 1-2 years of nursing experience; reside in Texas; minimum 3.0 GPA; at least "C" grade for undergraduate statistics course; resume; three academic or professional references
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020-2021): 86.14% first-time pass rate
- In-State$8,395
- Out-of-state$36,849
- In-State$6,775
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled70,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cedarville, a private Baptist institution in Ohio, features a master's in family nurse practitioner degree that integrates a biblically focused curriculum with optional certifications in global public health nursing and nurse educator.
The 44-credit program functions online, but students still need to attend four on-campus enrichment visits. The family nurse practitioner core credits train learners to work with older adults, women, and children. Students can choose from full- and part-time programs. Clinical placement coordinators help students find a practicum site to fulfill the required 600 clinical hours.
Enrollees can also apply for a $3,000 scholarship set aside for nursing students in financial need. Admitted students start in August, January, or May.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Cedarville, Ohio
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $648 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; resume; Christian leader recommendation; professional recommendation
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 91.60% first-time pass rate
- In-State$32,364
- Out-of-state$32,364
- In-State$9,065
- Out-of-state$9,065
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled4,461
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Harding University
- Searcy, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With an emphasis on a Christian worldview, the 1924-founded Harding's family nurse practitioner program prepares learners to become an advanced practice registered nurse in as few as five semesters. A part-time path takes 7-8 semesters.
Throughout the program, learners attend three intensives on campus for the purpose of demonstrating competency in advanced nursing and to meet classmates and instructors. While the 45-credit program functions mostly online, students complete the 750-hour clinical rotations at a physical site.
Courses "develop nurses as Christian servants" by training them in advanced research methodology, nursing science theory, pathophysiology, health assessments and diagnostics, and pharmacotherapeutics.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Searcy, Arkansas
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,131 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; completion of undergraduate courses with a minimum "C" grade; RN license; at least 2,000 hours of work experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 32 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 94% first-time pass rate
- In-State$21,000
- Out-of-state$21,000
- In-State$11,388
- Out-of-state$11,388
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled4,617
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
At UWF, learners can complete the master of science – family nurse practitioner degree, including 600 clinical hours providing direct patient care, in less than 27-30 months. The program only admits full-time students who take at least nine credits per semester.
The 45-credit program includes direct care courses in health assessments, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The common core curriculum focuses on integrating evidence into a nursing practice, building leadership skills, and gaining knowledge about population health promotion and management. Coursework takes 8-16 weeks to complete. Before taking the practicum, students complete a one-day summer virtual workshop.
UWF accepts up to nine transfer credits. Online learning offers access to the writing center, with live assistance and workshops.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Pensacola, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $500 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; complete undergraduate statistics course with at least a "C" grade; RN license; resume; statement of career goals
- Minimum Time Commitment: 27 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 82.52% first-time pass rate
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled13,061
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1821, GW features a family nurse practitioner program comprising 48 credits. The program offers fall or spring entry with part- or full-time options. Learners explore population health, nursing leadership, health policy and political processes, evidence-based practice, and advanced physiology and pathophysiology.
Lectures can be completed online, but skill intensives — taken during the health assessment and diagnostic reasoning course — and clinical examinations require two visits to the campus. The 600 practicum hours must be done in person, although students can work in their local areas.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,395 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of nursing degree; preferred 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; resume; statement of purpose; RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2019-2020): 96.88% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $101,254 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$55,961
- Out-of-state$55,961
- In-State$31,770
- Out-of-state$31,770
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled27,017
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
TAMIU, part of the six-institution Texas A & M University System, features a master of science – family nurse practitioner degree that prepares students to sit for the family nurse practitioner board certification exam. Practicum experiences in the program's third year provide hands-on practice working with patients across the lifespan.
Learners complete 48 credits in subjects, such as advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, health assessments theory and practice, and research methods and statistical analysis.
The Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing accepts new students in the fall and spring with application deadlines in May and November.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Laredo, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $616 per credit for Texas residents; $1,559 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; minimum 2.7 GPA; RN license in Texas; one year of nursing experience; completion of undergraduate statistics course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020-2021): 86.14% first-time pass rate
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,634
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,712
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled8,525
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1841, Samford offers a master's in family nurse practitioner degree students can complete online in 5-6 semesters. Learners must attend three mandatory campus visits.
Clinical rotations can take place anywhere in the nation, with students working in pediatrics, obstetrics, and geriatrics units. The program requires learners to spend 16-20 hours per week for clinical rotations. Otherwise, all coursework functions asynchronously, including advanced physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and ethical leadership and collaboration.
Admitted students start at the Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing in August or January. Samford does not accept applications from candidates in California, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, or Oregon.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Birmingham, Alabama
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $924 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of nursing degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; video submission; completion of undergraduate nursing research and health assessment course with a minimum "C" grade; three letters of recommendation; personal statement; resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 95% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $99,380 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$33,248
- Out-of-state$33,248
- In-State$20,587
- Out-of-state$20,587
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled5,729
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Bradley University
- Peoria, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Bradley offers more than 40 graduate programs and 17 online graduate degrees, including a master's in family nurse practitioner degree for nurses with an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. It takes about 8-10 semesters for full-time students to complete 50-59 credits. Exact timelines depend on the student's prior degree.
Program requirements include nine clinical rotations at placements sites for a total of 700-750 hours. Students must also complete a capstone project. Fully online courses cover advanced health assessments, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, and evidence-based practice.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Peoria, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $990 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or a bachelor's in nursing degree; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; admission essay; two letters of recommendation; resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: 32 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2017): 98% first-time pass rate
- In-State$35,060
- Out-of-state$35,060
- In-State$16,740
- Out-of-state$16,740
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled5,855
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1819, UC's family nurse practitioner program requires no on-campus visits and prepares learners for credentialing in two years. Graduates can sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners exam.
Throughout the 51-credit program, student and faculty advisors provide online learners with support. The curriculum focuses on advanced physiology and pathophysiology, health assessments, clinical reasoning, and research and evidenced-based practice. Requirements include 672 clinical hours.
With a rolling admission policy, interested students can apply until the program fills. UC admits students three times a year. Those living in Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Tennessee cannot apply.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $745 per credit for Ohio residents; $760 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; RN license; one year of nursing experience; complete undergraduate statistics course with a minimum "C" grade 2.0; three recommendations
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.57% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $94,013 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$9,723
- Out-of-state$25,057
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled40,826
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Brockport
- Brockport, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
SUNY Brockport's 42-credit family nurse practitioner program offers full- and part-time options. Part-time students graduate in three years, whereas full-time learners can earn a degree in two years.
Required courses cover health assessments, pathophysiology, health policy and advocacy, pharmacology, and advanced diagnostics and procedures. Despite virtual coursework that offers flexibility, online learners must complete clinical practicums on Fridays and Saturdays every semester. The required 750 clinical hours include 600 direct patient care hours.
- Program: Master of nursing degree – family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Brockport, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $664 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; RN license in New York; nursing work experience; GRE scores; minimum 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; personal statement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 83.8% first-time pass rate
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled7,592
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online FNP Program
The right online FNP program for you depends on your experience, background, finances, and attendance preferences. These are some of the most important to consider when choosing which schools to apply to.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements tell you how likely you are to be accepted to a particular online FNP program. They also indicate what the school values in students and the types of backgrounds your classmates might have.
Specializations
Unlike undergraduate nursing degrees, MSN programs specialize in a particular type of patient care. Choose your specialization carefully, as it determines your scope of practice as an NP.
Program Curriculum
The core MSN curriculum does not vary widely from one online FNP program to another. However, course descriptions and elective options can help you make your choice.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experiences are similar to internships, giving the learner real-world experience. These are required for all MSN degrees, whether you attend school on campus or online. Find out beforehand how you can arrange local clinical placement and what support the school may offer if you need to find a site.
Accreditation
Accreditation is always an important factor to consider. All the programs on our list are accredited, so you can review the selection with confidence.
Program Length
Most online FNP programs take 2-3 years, but depending on your background, work schedule, and other responsibilities and goals, you may want a faster or slower pace.
School Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate, especially when combined with the board exam pass rate, is an excellent indicator of program quality.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Some FNP programs’ online formats feature synchronous or more structured classes, where everybody attends the lecture and discussions simultaneously. Others are asynchronous or more self-paced, so you can view the class and ask questions any time. The right choice for you depends on your learning style and schedule.
Why Is Online FNP Program Accreditation Important?
During accreditation, an independent group of experts reviews a program for quality, to determine if graduates who pass the board exam can safely practice. This is a crucial indicator of program quality for many reasons.
- You must graduate from an accredited program to apply for board certification.
- Employers will not consider a job application from a graduate of an unaccredited program.
- Most accredited schools will not accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.
- Many loans and grants, including federal aid, are only for students attending accredited programs.
How Online FNP Programs Work
In addition to attending clinical rotations in person, some online FNP programs have other in-person requirements, such as onboarding or labs. Most programs schedule on-campus components far in advance to make it as easy as possible for remote students to attend. Schools may also require proctored exams, but they usually monitor you using software at home.
Attending an FNP program online can make some aspects of the program more convenient, but can also make other aspects more challenging. For example, clinical placement can be more challenging if there are not a lot of healthcare facilities near you, particularly if the school is not equipped to help you find and select the right site.
Applying to an Online FNP Program
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and submit your application. Contact your references ahead of time, ensure you still have their permission to give their name to program officials, and talk with them about any particular attributes or examples you would like them to emphasize.
At the end of the process, have somebody you trust review your application to make sure it is accurate and reflects your strengths.
Admission Requirements
You will need a BSN degree (though RN-to-MSN programs and direct-entry programs do not require this) and a current, active nursing license. Most schools, whether they offer their FNP program online or in person, require or strongly prefer at least two years of experience.Admission Materials
Application with essay or personal statement; copy of your nursing license; at least two references; transcript from your undergraduate coursesGPA Requirements
Most schools require or prefer a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Paying for Online FNP Programs
Many factors affect how you finance your degree program, including tuition and other costs, financial aid, program length, work hours, and travel or relocation.
While graduate school is often expensive, there are many ways to pay for it. Nurses are eligible for loans, scholarships, and grants from many different sources.
Some government programs offer scholarships or loan forgiveness in exchange for working in an underserved area or for the military once you graduate. Your employer may offer tuition assistance to help you advance your education.
What Can You Do as a Family Nurse Practitioner?
FNPs work in hospitals and health systems, independent medical offices, urgent care centers, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Other career options include military bases, community health organizations, research facilities, public health departments, schools and universities, correctional facilities, and telehealth.
While licensed NPs assess patients, order tests, and prescribe medications, their scope of practice varies from state to state, as does NP practice authority (i.e., whether NPs can work independently, or under a physician’s supervision, or in collaboration with a physician). A growing number of states now give NPs full practice authority, which allows them to work as independent healthcare providers.
In states with full practice authority, FNPs can evaluate patients, order diagnostic tests, manage treatments, and prescribe medications, all without physician oversight. Because of their autonomy, FNPs can provide primary and preventative healthcare in rural and underserved areas where there are few healthcare providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
Yes, the nation’s best online FNP programs are reputable, accredited, and ready to prepare you for a career as an NP. When choosing your program, be sure to consider the program’s reputation, faculty expertise, clinical placement support, accreditation status, and graduation rates.
Related Pages
Page last reviewed October 25, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.