Best RN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online

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Author: Angela Myers

Est. Time: 5 mins

Discover what it takes to go from RN to family nurse practitioner, including online degree paths, popular courses, and more.

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A smiling nurse in blue scrubs gives a high-five to a young boy sitting with his mother while a doctor with a tablet stands nearby. The interaction takes place in a medical setting, likely a clinic or hospital.

Nursing is a rewarding career at every level, from nursing assistant to chief nursing officer. If you’re an RN ready to augment your skills and your income, becoming a nurse practitioner might be for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average nurse practitioners earn over $120,000 a year in a field that’s adding jobs rapidly.

However, there isn’t just one type of nurse practitioner or one type of master’s or doctorate for NPs. Instead, NP students choose a specialty, such as gerontology or psychiatric-mental health nursing, and enroll in a program for that concentration.

For those who have a passion for providing care across a patient’s lifespan, becoming a family nurse practitioner is a great specialization. To become an FNP, nurses need a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and a specialty in family practice.

This guide provides insight into which RN to family nurse practitioner online program type is right for you, plus some stand-out programs to consider. By the end, you’ll feel prepared to choose the right RN to family nurse practitioner online degree for you and more confident in your professional future. Keep reading to take the first step down this exciting path.

When searching for RN to family nurse practitioner online programs, it’s hard to tell which are the best. That’s because the right program is different for everyone, though there are some standard signs of quality to guide your search. The three universities below stand out in terms of academics, scholarship opportunities, and student support.

Herzing University

Herzing University hosts one of the best RN to family nurse practitioner online programs. This program is an accelerated option that takes just 24 months. All classes are offered online, although students also complete 630 clinical hours, 500 of which must be with patients. Typically, these patient-facing hours are in person, though it’s possible to find a telehealth provider to complete these hours virtually. To be eligible for this program, students should have either their associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and be licensed nurses. Unlike other programs, Herzing University focuses on career development and places less emphasis on nursing theory. It also provides courses in a flexible, often asynchronous, format. Students have access to online support resources, such as tutoring and professional development guidance. The degree costs $735 per credit; Herzing University offers scholarships to lower the overall cost.

South University

Those looking for RN to family nurse practitioner online programs should consider South University. The degree is hosted almost entirely online, though students do complete 750 clinical hours at an approved healthcare site, usually in person. The program also has two paths: one for those with an associate degree and another for those with a BSN. Applicants should already be licensed nurses. The track for nurses with an associate degree starts with undergraduate nursing coursework and progresses into graduate-level classes. The track for nurses with a bachelor’s degree dives into graduate-level coursework. At the graduate level, students take a combination of general nursing courses and specialized courses in family practice, such as women’s health, adult gerontology, and pediatric health. There’s also a transitional course to help students utilize their nurse practitioner degree to advance their careers. This program is $617 per credit and offers financial aid options.

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington offers a robust RN to family nurse practitioner online degree. In as few as 42 months, licensed nurses who have their bachelor’s can become family nurse practitioners in the state of Texas. There’s also a longer option for students with an associate degree, which results in a BSN and MSN. The program places a heavy emphasis on developing students’ clinical, diagnostic, and research skills through online coursework and in-person clinical hours. Students complete their clinical hours near where they live or work. The curriculum also focuses on providing care throughout a patient’s lifespan, with courses in pediatric nursing, gerontology nursing, and adult nursing. The total tuition cost is $38,308. Financial aid options are available.

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Compare Your Options for Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner Online

When looking for the right NP program, consider your current education level. Amazing MSN programs are available for those with associate or bachelor’s degrees, and stand-out DNP programs are available for those with bachelor’s degrees. The three most common degree types are outlined below.

ADN to MSN

Those who already have their associate degree in nursing can get their master’s on an accelerated timeline with an ADN to MSN program. These programs are rare, often carry a significant cost, and usually take four years. While the coursework is delivered online, students typically complete in-person clinical hours to receive their NP license. Sometimes these hours can be completed at a student’s workplace if they’re already working as a nurse. For an idea of what this program may look like, check out South University (profiled above). South’s degree costs $617 per credit hour and requires 750 clinical hours before graduation.

BSN to MSN

A virtual BSN to MSN family nurse practitioner online degree is the most common program type. Typically, these degrees take about two years to complete and include clinical hours that are in person (sometimes at the student’s current workplace). To be eligible for this degree, students should already be registered nurses and hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. These degrees vary in cost, though finding programs that cost less than $20,000 is possible.

Nightingale College offers a quality MSN FNP program designed for students who already hold a BSN.

BSN to DNP

Registered nurses with their bachelor’s degree can skip their master’s and go straight to their doctorate in nursing practice with a BSN to DNP program. Typically, these programs take four years to complete, with many course components available online. Depending on the program, students may complete clinical hours in person; sometimes, these can be done at the student’s workplace. These programs can cost more than their BSN to MSN counterparts, though there are some more affordable options. For example, the degree at Fort Hays State University costs $428 per credit hour.

Common Courses in RN to MSN Programs Online

While the curriculum for RN to MSN family nurse practitioner online programs varies, there are some common classes most students take. These include courses in nursing theory, clinical decision-making, pediatric healthcare, and nurse practitioner roles. Keep reading to explore these common nurse practitioner courses in more detail.

Advanced Theoretical Perspectives for Nursing

Nurse practitioners are experts in their field and must understand the theory behind their degree. Most likely, you’ve taken some theory classes in your associate or bachelor’s degree. In a nurse practitioner program, students take more advanced theory classes that analyze nursing from various perspectives, including healthcare, economic, and social lenses. Usually, these classes can be completed online, and some are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning students watch prerecorded classes and complete assignments whenever works for them.

Clinical Decision-Making

All nurses play a critical role that requires decision-making about patients’ treatment. However, nurse practitioners have more autonomy to diagnose and create treatment plans under the guidance of a physician. Because of this increased autonomy, family nurse practitioners should be adept at clinical decision-making. To prepare students, most programs offer a course in the analytical skills needed to make the right decisions regarding patient treatment.

Healthcare of Infants, Children, and Adolescents

A key part of family nursing practice is understanding and treating infants, children, and adolescents. Because pediatric patients often require different treatment than adult patients, most family nurse practitioner programs have a class devoted to pediatric healthcare. This course may be delivered entirely online, though often in a synchronous format with class participation. Family NP students also complete clinical hours working with infants, children, and adolescent patients.

Healthcare of Infants, Children, and Adolescents

A key part of family nursing practice is understanding and treating infants, children, and adolescents. Because pediatric patients often require different treatment than adult patients, most family nurse practitioner programs have a class devoted to pediatric healthcare. This course may be delivered entirely online, though often in a synchronous format with class participation. Family NP students also complete clinical hours working with infants, children, and adolescent patients.

Roles for Nurse Practitioners

As a nurse practitioner many roles are available to you, so many programs have a course in the final semester to explore these options. Most family nurse practitioners work in a family health practice or hospital setting; this class covers the differences between these two options. It also explores nonclinical career opportunities for family nurse practitioners. At most schools, this class can be completed online in either an asynchronous or discussion-based format. Once enrolled, students should set aside time to reflect on their own professional lives and what career they’d like to pursue.

A Closer Look at FNP Career Earning Potential

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Occupation Area Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth % Avg. Ann. Openings
Nurse Practitioners United States 266,300 384,900 118,600 44.50% 26,300
Nurse Practitioners Alabama 4,540 6,770 2,230 49.10% 470
Nurse Practitioners Alaska 500 550 50 10.00% 30
Nurse Practitioners Arizona 6,540 11,200 4,660 71.30% 860
Nurse Practitioners Arkansas 3,000 4,840 1,840 61.30% 360
Nurse Practitioners California 21,500 34,100 12,600 58.60% 2,500
Nurse Practitioners Colorado 3,700 5,780 2,080 56.20% 420
Nurse Practitioners Connecticut 3,150 4,560 1,410 44.80% 310
Nurse Practitioners Delaware 1,000 1,550 550 55.00% 110
Nurse Practitioners District of Columbia 600 850 250 41.70% 60
Nurse Practitioners Florida 18,910 29,980 11,070 58.50% 2,190
Nurse Practitioners Georgia 7,900 12,500 4,600 58.20% 910
Nurse Practitioners Idaho 900 1,440 540 60.00% 110
Nurse Practitioners Illinois 8,970 12,660 3,690 41.10% 850
Nurse Practitioners Indiana 6,550 9,550 3,000 45.80% 660
Nurse Practitioners Iowa 2,400 3,670 1,270 52.90% 260
Nurse Practitioners Kansas 3,240 4,630 1,390 42.90% 310
Nurse Practitioners Kentucky 4,730 6,870 2,140 45.20% 470
Nurse Practitioners Louisiana 4,470 6,420 1,950 43.60% 440
Nurse Practitioners Maine 1,330 1,800 470 35.30% 120
Nurse Practitioners Maryland 5,240 7,450 2,210 42.20% 500
Nurse Practitioners Massachusetts 2,730 4,010 1,280 46.90% 280
Nurse Practitioners Michigan 7,370 10,410 3,040 41.20% 700
Nurse Practitioners Minnesota 5,570 8,010 2,440 43.80% 550
Nurse Practitioners Mississippi 4,110 5,860 1,750 42.60% 400
Nurse Practitioners Missouri 7,520 10,670 3,150 41.90% 720
Nurse Practitioners Montana 880 1,330 450 51.10% 90
Nurse Practitioners Nebraska 1,790 2,430 640 35.80% 160
Nurse Practitioners Nevada 1,840 2,780 940 51.10% 200
Nurse Practitioners New Hampshire 1,520 2,290 770 50.70% 160
Nurse Practitioners New Jersey 6,790 10,230 3,440 50.70% 720
Nurse Practitioners New Mexico 1,590 2,620 1,030 64.80% 200
Nurse Practitioners New York 16,600 20,970 4,370 26.30% 440
Nurse Practitioners North Carolina 8,200 12,750 4,550 55.50% 920
Nurse Practitioners North Dakota 580 860 280 48.30% 60
Nurse Practitioners Ohio 11,020 15,710 4,690 42.60% 1,060
Nurse Practitioners Oklahoma 3,030 4,200 1,170 38.60% 280
Nurse Practitioners Oregon 2,240 3,420 1,180 52.70% 240
Nurse Practitioners Pennsylvania 8,010 11,430 3,420 42.70% 770
Nurse Practitioners Rhode Island 1,440 2,090 650 45.10% 140
Nurse Practitioners South Carolina 4,120 6,620 2,500 60.70% 490
Nurse Practitioners South Dakota 820 1,280 460 56.10% 90
Nurse Practitioners Tennessee 13,620 21,500 7,880 57.90% 1,570
Nurse Practitioners Texas 19,060 30,490 11,430 60.00% 2,240
Nurse Practitioners Utah 3,680 5,900 2,220 60.30% 430
Nurse Practitioners Vermont 810 1,100 290 35.80% 70
Nurse Practitioners Virginia 7,170 11,160 3,990 55.60% 800
Nurse Practitioners Washington 4,150 6,020 1,870 45.10% 600
Nurse Practitioners West Virginia 1,700 2,590 890 52.40% 180
Nurse Practitioners Wisconsin 4,950 7,480 2,530 51.10% 530
Nurse Practitioners Wyoming 480 710 230 47.90% 50
Showing 1 to 10 of 51 entries

Source: Projections Central

Based on national data, not school-specific information

Occupation Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
Nurse Practitioners U.S. $94,530 $126,260 $168,030

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Based on national data, not school-specific information

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