Top 12-Month Online FNP Programs for 2025

Most online nurse practitioner programs take two or more years to complete. Year-long programs are the fastest way to earn a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree online. However, the combination of accelerated learning and online coursework makes programs like these even rarer. 

In this article, we explore the top three 12-month FNP programs online. Continue reading to learn whether these programs suit your educational goals, including admission requirements, tuition costs, and coursework.

Top 12-Month Online FNP Programs

Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

---

What to Expect in a 12-Month FNP Program Online

The schools in this article are the fastest online FNP programs nationwide. The condensed coursework requires time, dedication, and a significant financial commitment. 

Because of the intense coursework and in-person clinical requirements, most schools discourage students from working while enrolled. In fact, some schools require students to sign a commitment that they will not work during the program.

 The intense coursework and reduced cash flow can cause significant emotional and financial burdens during these year-long programs.

Students should expect the beginning of the program to be didactic course-heavy, with more clinical courses at the end. Some programs will assist in finding clinical placements with an approved preceptor, while others may require you to find your own.

Admission Requirements

Though every FNP degree program is different, most have very similar entry requirements, including:

• 3.0 GPA in an accredited BSN program
• One year of bedside nursing experience (preferably adult or gerontology nursing)
• Unencumbered, active RN license (Certain programs require RN licensure in the school’s state)
• C in undergraduate statistics course
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Admissions interview
• GRE, if applicable
• TOEFL, if applicable

Classes & Coursework

12-month online FNP programs will adhere to the framework and core competencies for NP practice as established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The nine core competencies are as follows:

1. Ethics
2. Health Delivery System
3. Independent Practice
4. Leadership
5. Policy
6. Practice Inquiry
7. Quality
8. Scientific Foundation
9. Technology and Information Literacy

Typical courses in a Family NP program include:

• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Advanced Physical Assessment
• Child and Family Development
• Clinical Practicums
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Informatics
• Health Policy, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Practice
• Leadership and Critical Decision Making
• Management of Primary Care with Young Families
• Primary Care Across the Life Span
• Primary Care of Middle-Aged and Older Adults
• Research Methods and Design

---

How to Choose an Online FNP Program

You should consider several crucial factors when selecting an online FNP program. The most important of these is national accreditation. The two primary accreditation bodies in the United States are: 

• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Other factors to consider include:

• Tuition
• Clinical placement assistance
• Attrition rate
• Location of in-person clinical
• Availability of financial aid
• School ranking
• Job placement percentage after graduation
• Flexibility within program
• National certification pass rate
• Admission criteria
• Student-faculty ratio

---

Pros and Cons of 1-Year FNP Programs

12-month FNP programs are an excellent way to get started as an advanced practice registered nurse. While flexible, they’re also intense and not for everyone. Consider the pros and cons of enrolling in these programs to discover whether they suit your educational goals.

FAQs

• Where can an FNP Work?
  • FNPs can work in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care, long-term care facilities, private practice, academia, government facilities, correctional facilities, and/or schools.
• How much do FNPs make?
  • Salary.com reports the average annual salary for FNPs is $126,591. 
• How much do online FNP Programs cost?
  • The cost varies depending on the program and if students pay in-state vs. out-of-state tuition. Roughly, online FNP programs cost $30,000-$80,000.
• How do online FNP programs compare to in-person ones?
  • Online programs allow for greater flexibility and increased autonomy. In these programs, students complete didactic courses online but must complete in-person clinical requirements.

NP