Top 18-Month FNP Programs for 2025
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized graduate education. An FNP can provide primary health care services to people of all ages.
FNPs require at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which typically takes two years to complete. However, students can attend accelerated 18-month FNP programs to complete their degree earlier. Read on to see Nurse.org's ranking of the top 18-month FNP programs for 2025 to help you find a program that suits your needs.
Nurse.org’s Top 18-Month FNP Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Saint Thomas University | $31,510 | 47 credit hours | 18 months | CCNE |
| Mount Carmel College of Nursing | $47,040 | 48 credit hours | 18 months | CCNE |
| National University | $51,300 | 87 quarter units | 18 months | CCNE |
| Texas State University | $23,749 | 43 credit hours | 18 months | CCNE |
| Southern Utah University | $26,208 | 52 credit hours | 18 months | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
STU offers competitive tuition and completely online didactic coursework. Students can complete the FNP program online in just 18 months. STU can only accept students who live in Florida or Georgia because of the program's in-person clinicals and state licensing requirements.
Program Highlights
- Residents and nonresidents charged the same pay-as-you-go tuition rates.
- Ranked #80 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “Best Regional Universities South” list
- Seven-week courses for quick program completion.
Requirements
- Completed admission application
- Active, unencumbered registered nursing (RN) license
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Active, unencumbered Florida or Georgia RN license
- Florida or Georgia residency (for clinicals)
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall 1: August 13th
- Fall 2: October 3rd
- Spring 1: December 19th
- Spring 2: February 20th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 215-4021
Why We Picked This School
The 18-month online FNP program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a Catholic nursing education. Students complete 48 credit hours and 500 clinical hours in five semesters in a blend of online coursework, scheduled immersions, and in-person clinicals.
Program Highlights
- The average class size is 30 students, allowing for students to have dedicated attention from faculty.
- One to two-day immersions starting in the third semester of the program.
- Named one of the best online colleges in Ohio 2024.
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license in state of residence/state where student will complete clinicals
- Current resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- One year of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (614) 234-4CON
- Email Address: admissions@mccn.edu
Why We Picked This School
Students in the 18-month FNP program at National University enjoy online coursework with minimal on-campus and in-person requirements. With four-week courses and year-round enrollment, students can complete an MSN degree at an accelerated pace without overwhelming their schedules.
Program Highlights
- A network of over 245,000 alumni provides ample networking opportunities.
- Board certification review course for nurse practitioner specialties
- Monthly online meetings with cohort and faculty advisors.
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license in state of employment and/or residence
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Active professional liability and malpractice insurance
- Clear drug screen and background check
- Current BLS certification
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 355-6288
- Email Address: admissions@nu.edu
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Why We Picked This School
Texas State offers an excellent 18-month online FNP program. Unfortunately, the program is only open to students who live in Texas. While this requirement limits students, the tuition is among the lowest on the list, making it an attractive relocation option.
Program Highlights
- Pay by course program, making it one of the most affordable programs
- No on-campus requirement.
- Over 1,000 different clinical agreements with providers across Texas, allowing students a wide variety of clinical rotation placements.
Requirements
- Active, unencumbered Texas RN license
- CPR certification
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Completed online admission application
- Application fee $55
- BSN from an accredited program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- College statistics course with C grade or higher
- One year of full-time registered nursing experience
- Personal statement questions
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Spring: December 18th
- Fall: August 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) 690-1245
Why We Picked This School
As an online school, SUU is well-versed in how to educate students in a digital format. Those enrolled in the 18-month FNP program attend entirely online didactic courses. They complete the in-person clinical requirements in their local community with an approved preceptor.
Program Highlights
- Accelerated nursing program featuring seven-week courses
- The university specializes in online education delivery
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- BSN from a regionally accredited nursing program
- Completed graduate admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Two years of registered nursing experience
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Background check
- Drug screening
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: May 3rd
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) 994-0043
- Email Address: gradapps@suu.edu
What to Expect in an 18 Month FNP Program
18-month FNP programs are considered accelerated, so they are intense, and students should expect a rigorous, fast-paced program. Students attend didactic courses entirely online, and every program requires a specific number of in-person clinical hours. The program must approve all clinical sites and preceptors.
Some programs will require students to attend on-campus intensives, so it’s essential to consider that when choosing a program.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
FAQs
Additional Resources
- How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
- What is an APRN? The Complete Guide to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
- Top Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs for 2025
- Top Family Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025
