Top Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

12 Min Read Published July 30, 2024
Top online FNP Programs 2024

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.

Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Georgetown University
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 19 months.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Sacred Heart University
Offering RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP Programs, the Sacred Heart College of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and regionally accredited by the NEASC. The school offers flexible online formats, ideal for working RNs.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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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.

Program Name

Accreditation

Tuition

Program Length

Rush University

CCNE

$1,344 per credit hour

2.5 to 3.5 years

Duke University

CCNE

$2,166 per credit hour

2.5 years

George Washington University

CCNE

$1,530 per credit hour

2.5 to 3.5 years

Ohio State University

CCNE

Resident: $52,904.70 total cost


Non-Resident: $53,904.70 total cost

4 years

University of South Alabama

CCNE

$594 per credit hour

3 years

Vanderbilt University

CCNE

$1,997 per credit hour

2 to 3 years

Texas A&M University

CCNE

Resident: $787.89 per credit hour


Non-Resident: $1,319.40 per credit hour

3 years

Duquesne University

CCNE

$1,765 per credit hour

3 years

Georgetown University

CCNE

$2,358 per credit hour

23 to 27 months

University of Southern California

CCNE

$2,201 per unit

21 to 33 months

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

Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs

Sponsored
Walden University
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Georgetown University
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 19 months.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Sacred Heart University
Offering RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP Programs, the Sacred Heart College of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and regionally accredited by the NEASC. The school offers flexible online formats, ideal for working RNs.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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

Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs

Sponsored
Walden University
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Georgetown University
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 19 months.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Sacred Heart University
Offering RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP Programs, the Sacred Heart College of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and regionally accredited by the NEASC. The school offers flexible online formats, ideal for working RNs.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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.
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner >> Family Nurse Practitioner Salary Guide >> Top Family Nurse Practitioner Programs >> What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?>>

 

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Sarah Jividen
RN, BSN
Sarah Jividen
Nurse.org Contributor

Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions, LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), National University - Los Angeles Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in Journalism, California State University - Chico

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