10 Shortest Post Master's FNP Programs
Post master's family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs are shorter NP programs designed for nurses with an MSN in another specialty. Also called FNP certificate programs, they require specific criteria for entry. Applicants must have at least an MSN in nursing education or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialty.
These programs allow master's-prepared nurses to transition into FNP roles quickly without needing to earn another degree. Read on to discover the 10 shortest post master's FNP programs for 2025.
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
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
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown'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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Top 10 Shortest Post Master’s 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.
|
School |
Tuition |
Program Length |
Accreditation |
|
Drexel University |
$1,134 per credit hour |
24 months |
CCNE |
|
Ohio University |
$674-$693 per credit hour |
3 semesters |
CCNE |
|
University of Missouri - Kansas City |
$5,902 per semester |
12 months |
CCNE |
|
Hawai’i Pacific University |
$1,065 per credit hour |
16 months |
CCNE |
|
University of Miami |
$1,500 per credit hour |
3 semesters |
CCNE |
|
Youngstown State University |
$19,499 total |
20 months |
CCNE |
|
Wilkes University |
$729 per credit hour |
12 months |
CCNE |
|
George Washington University |
$1,530 per credit hour |
3 semesters |
CCNE |
|
Carlow University |
$918 per credit hour |
24 months |
CCNE |
|
William Paterson University |
$23,721.25 total |
16 months |
CCNE |
As one of the country's best and shortest post master's FNP programs, Drexel offers experienced, MSN-prepared nurses a speedy and convenient transition to FNP. Students can sit the FNP certification exam from the ANCC or AANP after completing the 2-year program. Drexel’s NP programs boast a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam.
- Application Deadline: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 2-DREXEL
- Email Address: enroll@drexel.edu
Non-Resident: $693 per credit hour
This online post master's FNP certification comprises 10 credit hours over three 15-week semesters. Students in this program take courses in spring, summer, and fall semesters, allowing them to finish in a single year. However, they have up to six years to complete the program if they need more time.
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: March 17th
- Spring: September 8th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (740) 924-5725
- Email Address: nursing@ohio.edu
$5,902 per semester
UMKC offers one of the shortest post master’s FNP programs, allowing students to earn a degree in 12 months. Although it's an excellent, affordable 1-year post master's FNP certificate, some students aren't eligible. Federal restrictions prevent the school from accepting students from select states.
The program offers its classes entirely online. However, students must also attend some in-person intensives throughout.
- Application Deadline:
- Spring: October 18th
- Summer: March 7th
- Fall: March 7th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (816) 235-5788
- Email Address: beckc@umkc.edu
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
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
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown'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.
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Hawai'i Pacific University developed the first online post master's FNP program in Hawai'i. The program offers 100% online coursework with flexible scheduling for working APRNs. The university also guarantees students' clinical placements so they can complete clinicals locally.
- Application Deadline:
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 525-2280
- Email Address: admissions@online.hpu.edu
$1,500 per credit hour
At just three semesters full-time, the University of Miami offers one of the shortest post master's FNP programs. Students can attend part-time and complete the program in six semesters instead. Only students with an MSN degree and an APRN license are eligible for this online program.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (305) 284-3666
YSU offers an affordable, fast, and entirely online FNP certificate program. The program enhances students' knowledge and training, allowing them to broaden their abilities to treat patients. Students must complete at least 600 clinical hours throughout the program.
- Application Deadline: December 16th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 513-0093
Wilkes University offers one of the fastest and cheapest online post master's FNP certificates. With an impressive exam pass rate, the program offers clinical placement support throughout and three possible start dates.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (888) 413-5633
- Email Address: admissions@onlinenursingdegrees.wilkes.edu
The post master's FNP program at GWU requires 17 credit hours and 500 clinical hours. The school offers online classes over three semesters. However, students must also attend two on-campus simulations throughout the program.
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: February 1st
- Fall: May 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
- Email Address: nursing@gwu.edu
Carlow University's online post master's FNP certificate requires 525-600 clinical hours over 24 months. Students who are already APRNs must also complete 36 credit hours. However, non-APRNs will need more courses.
Students with non-APRN MSN degrees should consult an admissions counselor to determine their required credits before applying.
- Application Deadline:
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 511-6450
- Email Address: getstarted@carlow.edu
$23,721.25 (total cost)
Students interested in WPU's online FNP certificate program must hold at least an MSN degree. Their prior education may affect the number of credit hours required by the university. For example, nurse practitioners may finish the certificate in less time than someone with an MSN in nursing education.
Students should consult an admissions counselor to learn which credits they need and how long the program will take. The program may also cost less for students who need fewer credits to earn their post master's FNP certification.
- Application Deadline: March 2nd
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) 960-0139
What to Expect in Post Master’s FNP Programs
Post-master’s FNP programs are specifically for nurses who have already earned a master’s degree in nursing. You can expect to take only courses specific to becoming a family nurse practitioner. The expectation is that as an MSN-prepared nurse, you have already taken the core, fundamental MSN courses.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are relatively straightforward for students interested in applying to a post-master’s FNP program. These include:
- Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program
- Registered nursing license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Letter of intent
- Interview
- Official transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Relevant clinical experience
Classes & Coursework
Coursework will depend on the type of MSN degree an individual has before applying for a post-master’s FNP program. For example, those with an APRN degree will likely have taken some of the courses below. If this applies to you, consider speaking to an admissions counselor and the program director before applying. General courses in a certificate FNP program include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Nursing Practice for Pediatric Patients
- Advanced Nursing Practice for Women’s Health Patients
- Advanced Nursing Practice for Adult-Gerontology Patients
- Practicums
How to Choose a Post Master's FNP Program
Choosing a post-master’s FNP program can be overwhelming, especially with all the available options. Most of these programs are online, allowing students to apply and attend programs outside their home state. All FNP programs require in-person clinicals, which students can complete at an approved clinical site with a preceptor.
Specific factors to consider when selecting a post-master’s FNP program may include
- Cost
- Attrition rate
- FNP national certification exam
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Credit hour requirements
- Clinical hour requirements
- Online vs. in-person
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
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
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown'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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
