Top Online Family Nurse Practitioner 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.

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: $1,344 per 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 University, Durham, NC

Ranked the #1 FNP school in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, 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: December 1st
• Tuition: $2,166 per 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. To earn an FNP from George Washington University, students must complete 48 credit hours and 600 clinical hours. 

• Application Deadline:
  • Spring:
    • Priority: August 1st
    • Final: December 1st
  • Fall:
    • Priority: January 9th
    • Final: July 1st
• Tuition: $1,530 per credit hour
• Program Length: 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: October 31st
• Tuition: 
  • Resident: $52,904.70 total cost
    Non-resident: $53,904.70 total cost
• Program Length: 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. All students enrolled in the FNP program are required to attend one mandatory clinical skills intensive on-campus. 

• Application Deadline:
  • Summer: February 1st
  • Fall: May 1st
  • Spring: September 1st
• Tuition: $594 per credit hour
• Program Length: 3 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (251) 445-9400
  • Email Address: congrad@southalabama.edu
• Online Options Available: Yes

6. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

U.S. News & World Report ranked Vanderbilt's online FNP program as one of the top FNP programs in the country. The program offers students a state-of-the-art education and access to top facilities, including a simulation lab. Students are placed in clinical sites within a 150-mile radius of the school. 

• Application Deadline: October 15th
• Tuition: $1,997 per credit hour
• Program Length: 2 to 3 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (615) 322-3800
  • Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.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, offering a top-tier hybrid online FNP program. Students only come to the Bryan School Station campus for a limited number of class activities. Besides 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: $787.89 per credit hour
  • Non-resident: $1,319.40 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Program Length: 3 years
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (979) 436-0110
  • Email Address: nursingadmissions@tamu.edu
• Online Options Available: Yes

8. Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

Although the FNP program at Duquesne University may not be as popular as others on this list, it is ranked as one of the best online FNP programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are three convenient start dates during the year, and no GRE is required. Students complete 42 credit hours of didactic work and 700 clinical hours. 

• Application Deadline: December 1st
• Tuition: $1,765 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Program Length: 3 years
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (412) 392-9857
  • Email Address: admissions@duq.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%. 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
• Program Length: 23 to 27 months
• 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, 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: $2,201 per unit
• Program Length: 21 to 33 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (844) 487-2676
  • Email Information: admissions@nursing.usc.edu
• Online Options Available: Yes

Is an Online FNP Program Right for Me?

There are many factors to consider when choosing an online FNP program. First and foremost, you must decide if online classes are a suitable learning option for you. Most programs offer asynchronous and synchronous learning options. Regardless of your ability to complete an online FNP program, you must complete in-person clinicals and intensives at the university.

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 adolescence 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 28 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.

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