PROGRAMS

Top Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

RN, BSN

6 Min Read Published November 7, 2023

Fast Facts About Family Nurse Practitioners
Top 10 Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
FAQs About Online FNP Programs

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides family-centered care to patients of all ages. FNPs provide a broad range of care to patients as young as infants through adolescence and adulthood.

Choosing a family nurse practitioner program is a huge decision that requires careful consideration. Fortunately, Nurse.org put a list together of some of the best online family nurse practitioner schools.

Fast Facts About Family Nurse Practitioners
Salary	According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs earn a median income of $124,680 annually.
Program length	Two or four years, depending on the program, the student's education level, and how fast the student completes their coursework.
Requirements	A BSN An unencumbered nursing license A minimum GPA of 3.0 Completion of prerequisite courses for admission At least 1-2 years of clinical experience Letters of recommendation A letter of intent Personal interview

Top 10 Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

Our ranking system considers many factors, such as accreditation, graduation rates, and student-faculty ratios.

It is essential to mention that all online nurse practitioner programs require in-person clinical rotations. However, most, or all, classroom coursework takes place in a distance-based, online format.

1. Rush University, Chicago, IL

FNP graduates earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree at Rush University. Online nursing classes are recorded and easily accessible for student use during study times that are convenient for them. Students have the option to attend their program full-time or part-time. Clinical practice sites are in and around Chicago, so students must live locally.

Application Deadline: October 2nd
Tuition: $1286/credit hour
Length of Program: 2.5 to 3.5 years
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Phone Number: (312) 942-7100
Email Information: con_admissions@rush.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

2. Duke, Durham, NC

Ranked the #1 FNP student in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report 2023, Duke offers an online, distanced-based FNP program. Students earn a master's in nursing science (MSN) degree and take the FNP certification examination upon graduation. The university boasts faculty with extensive experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. In addition, the program has opportunities for clinical work in international sites.

Application Deadline: Dec 1st
Tuition: $2,075/credit hour
Length of Program: 2.5 years
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Phone Number:
- Phone Number: (919) 684-3786
  Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

3. George Washington University, Washington DC

Students enrolled in George Washington University’s FNP program complete most courses through an online distance track. Clinical practicum rotations take place in the student's local community. Students must complete two in-campus components and are responsible for travel-related expenses. Students must complete 48 credit hours and 600 clinical hours to earn an FNP from George Washington University.

Application Deadline:
- Spring:
  - Priority: August 16th
  - Final: October 16th
- Fall:
  - Priority: January 9th
  - Final: May 1st
Tuition: $1,450/credit hour
Length of Program: 2.5 to 3.5 years
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
- Email Address: nursing@gwu.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

4. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Ohio State has two MSN tracks for FNP students: one for in-person learning and one for distance learning. All students complete their clinical experiences within their local communities. FNP students in the distance FNP program must spend two days on campus for in-person learning and evaluating their clinical skills during their second clinical course.

Application Deadline: Oct 31st
Tuition:
- Resident: $52,729.50 total cost
  Non-resident: $53,729.50 total cost
Length of Program: 4 years
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (614) 292-8900
- Email Address: nursing@osu.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

5. University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL

The University of South Alabama was one of the first to adopt fully-online MSN programs for registered nurses already working in their careers. All online FNP students pair with preceptors or mentors at their approved clinical facility. Students can also complete clinical requirements at a University of South Alabama Health-affiliated hospital or clinical facility.

Application Deadline:
- Summer: May 1st
- Fall: July 14th
- Spring:
  - Priority - July 15th
  - Extended – December 9th
Tuition: $594/credit hour
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (251) 445-9400
- Email Address: congrad@southalabama.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

6. Simmons University, Boston, MA

BSN-trained students who want to start practicing as FNPs quickly may want to consider the Simmons University online track. Their online MSN-FNP program is completable full-time in as little as 24 months. Part-time students may extend their studies out to as long as 28 months. There is a new extended offering that allows students to complete the FNP program in as few as 32 months.

Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Tuition: $1,235/credit hour
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (855) 461-7466
- Email Address: admissions@onlinenursing.simmons.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

7. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Texas A&M is one of the best nurse practitioner schools in Texas, and it offers a top-tier hybrid online FNP program. Students only come to the Bryan School Station campus for a limited number of class activities. Other than an on-campus orientation and these few in-person requirements, the coursework is entirely online. Students may attend in a part or full-time capacity.

Application Deadline: December 1st
Tuition:
- Resident: $6,464 annually
- Non-resident: $12,818 annually
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (979) 436-0110
- Email Address: nursingadmissions@tamu.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

8. Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University's online MSN-FNP program helps registered nurses take their careers to the next level. The online FNP program requires a significant time commitment, including multiple on-campus visits to help students transition into NP roles. Drexel allows students to coordinate their clinical site and preceptor. Unlike other programs that utilize semesters, Drexel’s program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year.

Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
Tuition: $1,069/credit hour
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information
- Phone Number: (215) 895-2000
- Email: CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

**9. Georgetown University*, Washington DC**

Georgetown University* offers a distance-based, online MSN program for BSN-trained nurses who want to become FNPs. This program includes didactic content, online class sessions, and in-person intensive clinical training. The university website reports that the university’s average ANCC school certification rate was 100% in 2021. Students can complete the FNP program in 27 months, and there are two mandatory in-person clinical intensives.

Application Deadline:
- Priority: June 21st
- Final: July 12th
Tuition: $2,358 per credit hour
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (877) 910-4692
- Email Address: onlinenursingadmissions@georgetown.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

10. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

The online MSN FNP program at the University of Southern California has full-time and part-time tracks to help students complete their advanced degrees to balance work, school, and life in a way that works best for them. The full-time track takes about 21 months to complete, and the part-time track takes 33 months. While students complete the coursework online and clinicals at a site of their choosing, there are two mandatory in-person intensives.

Application Deadline: Rolling
Tuition: $2,045/per unit
Accreditation: CCNE
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (844) 487-2676
- Email Information: admissions@nursing.usc.edu
Online Options Available: Yes

FAQs About Online FNP Programs

What is FNP in nursing?
- A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides family-centered care to patients of all ages. FNPs provide a broad range of care to patients as young as infants through adolescents and adulthood.
What states can FNPs practice independently in?
- According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nurse practitioners of all specialties can practice independently in 27 states and Washington, DC. As more states consider legislation to expand NP authority, more states will likely be on this list.
Are FNPs in demand?
- All nurse practitioner specialties, including FNPs, are very much in demand. According to the BLS, the job outlook for all nurse practitioner specialties from 2022-2032 will grow 38%, which is much faster than average careers.