Top 5 Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited

19 October 2022

There are several online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs that provide students with the opportunity to prepare themselves for a career as FNPs who perform physical examinations, diagnose health conditions, develop treatment plans, and supervise health care for patients of all ages. Additionally, after obtaining a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree, the average salary of an FNP can rise substantially. Our experts at Fastepo have compiled a list of the 5 best Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online Programs Accredited at various high-ranked universities with details and deadlines showcasing the best online FNP programs.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited

Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs are designed to provide nursing students with comprehensive and unbiased information about online graduate nursing programs with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization. Whether you’re considering pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) online, Fastepo has all the information you need to make an informed decision about pursuing an online FNP certification program that is right for you.

Top 5 Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited

We have compiled the Top 5 Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited for you, along with all the essential information you need to know:

Title: FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM at Purdue University (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited)

Duration: The total credit hours required for the certificate program vary depending on the student’s academic record, clinical experiences and objectives. The certificate program is a minimum of 10 credit hours. Typically a student will complete 10-34 hours of course credit. The certificate program requires a total of 645 clinical hours for those individuals who do not currently hold certification as a nurse practitioner in another specialty. 

Applicants who are already certified as primary care nurse practitioners in another specialty area will complete 300-645 clinical hours, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Summary:

A post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate is available for individuals who hold a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. The certificate programs allow nurses with a master’s degree to enter the program to prepare to function as family nurse practitioners.

The Purdue family nurse practitioner program develops leadership and practice skills necessary to shape nursing practice in a dynamic, complex, and globally interdependent healthcare system with a focus on the family.

The graduate program offers an innovative approach to advanced practice education by integrating knowledge from other disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, human development, speech-language-hearing, social work, and physical and occupational therapy as it applies to addressing the needs of individuals across the lifespan.

Program Features:

The MS/FNP program features:

  • Transdisciplinary 645-hour preceptorship.
  • Access to practice in two nurse-managed clinics.
  • Research opportunities throughout Purdue.
  • Eligibility to sit for national certifications after graduation.
  • Blended curricular design (primarily online with some on-campus meetings) that allows for one-on-one interaction with faculty and the support of fellow students.

Research Opportunities or Research Focus:

  • Healthcare delivery systems.
  • Health promotion and primary care delivery.
  • Nursing education.
  • Transdisciplinary projects in other departments.

Program Goals and Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Purdue family nurse practitioner program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Evaluate client and family responses to health, illness, and social determinants as a basis for promotion, restoration, and maintenance of mental and physical health, functional abilities and the prevention of illness. 
  2. Integrate theory, research, and informatics in the management of the care of individuals and families in a specialized area of practice.
  3. Apply advanced practice nursing interventions based on knowledge of the interrelationship among person, environment, health and nursing in the care of diverse populations.
  4. Demonstrate role competence as an Advanced Practice Nurse in providing compassionate, safe, and ethical care to individuals and families including rural and vulnerable populations.
  5. Provide leadership in effecting positive change in professional, social, political, and ethical situations to advance nursing, healthcare, and health policy.
  6. Evaluate quality and cost-effectiveness of nursing and health systems based on outcomes through effective communication and collaboration.

Admissions Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing. International students must graduate from a nursing program that has undergone comparable review per AACN Baccalaureate Essentials criteria and must score a minimum of 100 on the computer-based TOEFL.
  • A minimum undergraduate nursing cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 on a four-point scale or equivalent “B” average. Note: Applicants not meeting this criterion may be considered for conditional enrollment status.
  • Evidence of current registered nurse licensure in the state of Indiana.
  • Evidence of successful completion (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) of an upper division statistics course (STAT 301, SOC 382, SOC 581, STAT 501, STAT 511, or other course deemed comparable by the Graduate Admissions Committee.) taken within the last 5 years. Alternatively, one may be taken concurrently with the first semester of graduate coursework.

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Title: Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP) at Grand Canyon University (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited)

Total Credits: 53
Online: 8 weeks

Duration: GCU’s MSN FNP program can be completed in 35 months by taking one course at a time via on-campus or online classes with in-person clinicals. Most online courses are eight weeks in length, but several core classes span 16 weeks.

TRANSFER CREDITS: Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Summary:

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares experienced professional nurses for advanced practice as primary care providers. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) makes independent critical judgments in all levels of prevention, including health promotion, illness prevention, and diagnosis and management for individuals, families, communities and populations.

The FNP performs comprehensive health assessments, diagnoses illnesses, and prescribes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments to manage acute and chronic health problems to achieve quality, cost-effective outcomes in a culturally sensitive context.

Requirements:

To enroll in an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a CCNE/NLNAC or ACEN accredited program reflecting a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale). If you have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, consider enrolling in the MSN Nurse Practitioner Bridge first. This will provide you with the necessary knowledge and prerequisites to later pursue the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

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Title: Family Nurse Practitioner at Western Governors University (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited)

Duration: 2½ years

Summary:

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a registered nurse with specialized educational and clinical training in family practice. They evaluate patients, diagnose them, write prescriptions, and bring a comprehensive element to healthcare. Nurse practitioners have a higher degree of classroom and clinical training than registered nurses or public health nurses, although becoming an RN is a prerequisite to becoming an FNP.

Admissions Requirements Unique  to our M.S. Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Program:

To be considered for this program, you must:

  • Possess a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) from an accredited institution. NOTE: Students that hold an MSN will not be eligible to apply for the MSN-FNP pathway.
  • Possess a current, active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license from AND a permanent residence in an approved state. Students must complete the internships in their state of residence/license and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. (The FNP is currently not available for students in California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington.)
  • Submit a criminal background check through American Databank. Additional fees may apply.
  • Submit a professional resume or CV outlining your academic, professional, and service history.  
  • Submit an application essay. You must submit a 3- to 4-page student statement detailing your experience in nursing and explaining why you want to become an FNP. This document helps us understand your unique situation and personal goals.
  • Provide three letters of recommendation from: 

1. A supervisor or manager who directly supervised you in a clinical setting.
2. A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can provide meaningful input regarding your academic record.
3. A Board Certified practicing healthcare provider (APRN, NP, PA, MD, DO) who has served as a mentor or whom you have shadowed, preferably in the specialty to which you are applying. Note: A registered nurse cannot serve as the practicing provider for this recommendation source.

  • Have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in the following 5 courses OR hold a BSNU degree from WGU:

– Anatomy / Physiology I  w/lab (equivalent to 4 semester hours)
– Anatomy / Physiology II  w/lab (equivalent to 4 semester hours)
– Statistics (equivalent to 3 semester hours)
– Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan (equivalent to 3 semester hours)
– Pharmacology (equivalent to 2 semester hours) 
Note: All courses must be awarded a C- or above to meet this requirement. At this time, WGU is not accepting transfer credit for the Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner program.

  • Have one year of clinical experience and be actively working as an RN at the time of application. *This requirement is strongly preferred, as these will be competitive factors in the admission decision-making process.

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Title: Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Phoenix (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited)

Duration: 30 months

Summary:

Take charge as a family nurse practitioner. In as little as 30 months and an intensive, five-day in-person residency, you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner. Whether online or on-campus, you will be qualified to take a more hands-on role in diagnosing and treating patients.

Top skills learned in this program:

  • Advocacy
  • Nursing practice
  • Planning
  • Problem solving
  • Research application

Requirements:

You’ll need credits to complete this Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner. Your course schedule may vary based on transferable credits or credits earned through the University’s Prior Learning Assessment.

What can you do with a Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner?

An MSN/FNP can help prepare you to be a:

  • Family nurse practitioner
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Advanced practice registered nurse

Our MSN/FNP program meets the educational requirements in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah for graduates who want to pursue advanced practice nursing licensure and certification at the master’s level. The program is currently available online to residents of these states and also on-campus in Phoenix. 

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Title: Online FNP ProgramMSN Nurse Practitioner Degree at Southern New Hampshire University (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online Accredited)

Duration: Complete in under 2 years (full time; 2 courses per term)

Credits: 51 credits

Learn from experts: 100% full-time faculty are doctorally-prepared

Modern curriculum: Aligned with latest AACN Essentials

Summary:

Earn the degree you need to enter one of the fastest growing occupations in the nation with our affordable online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track from Southern New Hampshire University.

In the wake of a global pandemic, the healthcare system is faced with the challenge of providing truly equitable care. This is especially true for underserved populations, where quality primary care providers are needed to treat populations with limited healthcare access.

Based on professional nursing standards and guidelines, this track is perfect for those looking to answer the call. As an FNP, you’ll have the skills you need to step into a role as a primary care provider. You’ll also be able to provide care in environments as diverse as family medicine, private practice, community health clinics and more.

Combining hundreds of hours of clinical practice and an immersion experience, this 51-credit program is built to prepare you for future success. This MSN track promotes advanced practice knowledge across the lifespan and is grounded in evidence-based practice, interprofessional leadership and global health awareness – helping you deliver quality care to diverse patient populations.

In this FNP track, you’ll develop the skills you need to assess, diagnose, create treatment plans and manage the health of individuals across the lifespan with a variety of health needs.

Upon successful completion of the family nurse practitioner track, you’ll have met the educational requirements to sit for a family nurse practitioner national certification examination.

You’ll also learn to employ various clinical technological tools and applications, collaborate with a diverse group of healthcare professionals and provide primary care services to individuals, families and populations across the lifespan, consistent with independent practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

Learn how to:

  • Apply evidence-based practice, informatics, and healthcare technologies to support continuous quality improvement in complex health systems
  • Lead and collaborate within interprofessional teams and organizational structures to manage change, improve nursing practice, and coordinate care across populations
  • Develop advanced communication and advocacy strategies to improve health outcomes across the four spheres of care
  • Advance equitable health policies and regulations that reduce health risk and promote financial stewardship, in alignment with ethical and legal standards
  • Integrate person-centered health promotion and disease prevention strategies to address actual and potential problems through the role of change agent and patient advocate
  • Integrate an advanced level of scientific knowledge in the role of an advanced practice registered nurse to independently assess, diagnose, and manage the health outcomes of individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan in primary care settings
  • Collaborate interprofessionally to provide high quality, ethical, and safe care to diverse populations

In addition to the online coursework, the FNP track requires 650 clinical practicum hours in a variety of primary care settings. You’ll also participate in a multi-day, in-person immersion experience to demonstrate your skills.

Admission Requirements:

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials. To apply, simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options. Your admission counselor can also walk you through the application process, which involves completing a graduate application and providing undergraduate transcripts.

MSN admission requirements for family nurse practitioner track:

  • Must maintain an active unencumbered registered nurse license. Licensure exam must be equivalent to NCLEX-RN examination. (If a student holds active licenses in more than one state/jurisdiction, all licenses must be unencumbered.)
  • Must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE and CNEA) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Must complete the MSN Program Acknowledgement Form
  • Two years of fulltime work experience as a licensed registered nurse
  • Identification of one potential preceptor for a clinical practicum
  • Availability for one week-long in-person immersion experience
  • No Provisional acceptance policy for this track

SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or US territories and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or US territories into nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a US territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the US territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact admission, and current students should contact their advisor, for more information.

Please note that we are currently only accepting students in the family nurse practitioner track living in the following states: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey. Students must reside in one of these states while taking FNP courses at SNHU, and all practicum experiences must be completed in one of these states.  SNHU expects students to complete their practicum experiences in their state of domicile, as reported by the student during the application/admission process. Any student looking to change their state of domicile and/or complete their practicum experience in a different state (listed herein), may face interruptions or delays in their program. Students are responsible for reporting any change to their state of domicile immediately to academic advising.

Please note that the family nurse practitioner track is accepting applications from a limited number of students per term.

Learn More and Apply.

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