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 adolescents 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: Jan 3

• Tuition: $1286/credit hour

• 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

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 1

• Tuition: $1,984/credit hour

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (919) 684-3786

• Email Information: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu

• Online Options Available: Yes

3.  George Washington University, Washington DC

Students enrolled in George Washington University’s online 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.

• Application Deadline: Nov 1 (Spring), Jan 9 (Fall)

• Tuition: $1,395/credit hour

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (202) 994-7901

• Email Information: 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 31

• Tuition:  $1,662.56/credit hour

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (614) 292-8900

• Email Information: 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: April 1st (fall), Nov 15th (spring) Feb 1 (summer)

• Tuition: $594/credit hour

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (251) 445-9400

• Email Information: bettylang@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 32 months.

• Application Deadline:  Nov 21

• Tuition: $1,235/credit hour

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (855) 461-7466.

• Email Information: admissions@onlinenursing.simmons.edu

• Online Options Available: Yes

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

Texas A&M University offers an online, distance-based FNP program. Students come to the Bryan School Station campus for a limited number of class activities. Depending on the student's needs, this program has a part-time and a full-time option. Although almost all coursework is completable online, there is still a requirement that students attend a class on campus 1-2 times per semester.

• Application Deadline: Dec 1

• Tuition: Up to $5550/credit hour

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (979) 436-0110

• Email Information: 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. Per the university website, Drexel University has a 100 percent board pass rate on FNP certification exams. 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. 

• Application Deadline: Dec 1

• Tuition: $1,069/credit hour

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (215) 895-2000

• Email Information: 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 is 100%.

• Application Deadline: Nov 16

• Tuition: $2,358

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (877) 910-4692

• Email Information:  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.

• Application Deadline: Rolling

• Tuition: $2,045/per unit

• Accreditation: CCNE

• Contact Phone Number: (844) 487-2676

• Email Information: admissions@nursing.usc.edu

• Online Options Available: Yes

FAQs About Online FNP Programs

• What is FNP 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?

  • According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nurse practitioners of all specialties can practice independently in 25 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 2021-2031 will grow 40%, which is much faster than average careers.

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