Online DNP FNP Programs – What’s the Best Program for You?

A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is the highest degree that a family nurse practitioner (FNP) can attain. Those wanting high levels of autonomy, responsibility, and salaries at the top of the pay scale should consider the DNP pathway in the family nurse practitioner specialty. This degree requires hundreds of clinical hours as well as advanced nursing coursework. To be eligible for this type of program, you’ll need an active RN license, a BSN or MSN degree, and some professional nursing experience in the family care field.

Compare the 2023 Top Ranked Online FNP DNP Programs

The popularity and versatility of the Family Nurse Practitioner area of care mean that many nurses aspire to achieve the highest degree level within the specialty. With online and hybrid options becoming more common, it can be difficult to land on the perfect school for your doctoral FNP program. That's why we have ranked the best online DNP-level FNP programs in the country. Check out our listings below to find a great program, and visit our Methodology page to learn more about how we developed our rankings.

1.

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Overview:

Montana State University's online DNP-FNP program provides students with a best-in-class nursing education for serving rural populations. In addition to improving their leadership capabilities, students gain clinical expertise and judgement in treating patients across all age groups. Working independently as nurse practitioners is taught throughout the program.

Highlights:

• On-site visits are required for a few courses.
• Students must complete DNP Scholarly Projects.
• Graduates gain the education to sit for national exams.
  

DNP Programs

• Nurse Practitioner, Family/Individual Online

2.

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

Overview:

East Carolina University's doctoral-level Family Nurse Practitioner program emphasizes community-oriented primary care. Staff and students are committed to rural and underserved local populations and beyond. Students have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings from clinics to health departments.  The BSN to DNP program is offered in a hybrid format with the majority offered online.

Highlights:

• Full-time and part-time schedules available.
• Clinical experiences are arranged in the student's geographic area.
• Public 4-year school.

DNP Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online

3.

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

Overview:

University of Arkansas offers two entry levels into the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration - the MSN to DNP as well as the BSN to DNP. Nurses in this degree program are trained to lead the transformation of healthcare. They will learn to solve complex health issues, design and sustain quality improvement in organizations, and provide evidence-based clinical prevention and health services.

Highlights:

• Practicums can be completed at student's home city.
• A few on-campus visits are required.
• Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification.
  

DNP Programs

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner Online

4.

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

Overview:

The online DNP-FNP program at University at Buffalo teaches critical thinking for nurses and independent decision-making across a range of clinical settings. From youth to elderly populations, students learn to improve health outcomes by applying evidence-based care. They gain didactic and clinical training to treat patients with co-occurring conditions.

Highlights:

• The GRE or MAT test is required for admissions.
• Students must attend occasional on-campus visits.
• Completion of a DNP project is needed to graduate.
  

DNP Programs

• Post-BS to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Hybrid
• Post-MS to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner Online

5.

Washburn University

Topeka, KS

Overview:

Washburn University educates nurses to become entrepreneurial via its Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program. The unique degree pairs business-mindedness with improved patient health outcomes to elevate healthcare. The program is accessible via distance learning, including live and scheduled courses.

Highlights:

• A mid-sized public university in Topeka, Kansas.
• 500-1000 clinical hours are required.
• Low faculty-to-student ratios.

DNP Programs

• BSN To DNP-Family Track (FNP) Online

Why Get a DNP FNP Degree?

There has been a distinct shift toward family nurse practitioners opting to obtain their DNP degree. Some careers that today require an MSN might expect candidates to hold a DNP at some point in the future.

As a family nurse practitioner who holds a DNP, a range of direct and indirect patient care careers are available to you. These include FNP positions in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and more, as well as roles in hospital administration, research, and academia. FNP doctorate graduates may also choose to work in roles shaping policy and procedures to improve care outcomes and advance the nursing profession.

This type of terminal degree shows a significant commitment to attaining more knowledge and skills. Let’s take a look at some of the key components of this degree type.

Pros

• Family nurse practitioners who hold a DNP can command higher salaries
• The DNP pathway opens up options for high-level managerial, research, and even teaching positions
• Options for BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

Cons

• DNP programs in the FNP specialty can be long and expensive
• Those with an MSN may wish to pursue a shorter post-graduate certificate in the specialty instead (depending on their career goals)
• ADN-educated RNs will most likely need to complete a BSN before they can consider this pathway

How to Choose an Online DNP FNP Program

In terms of advanced degrees for family nurse practitioners, a DNP is the lengthier option. The number of credits can range between 70 and 93, depending on the school you attend and the degree level you enter the program with. More educational facilities are offering DNP programs online, with some of them delivered in a hybrid format that weaves in some campus visits.

Students searching for an online DNP program in the family nurse practitioner specialty should take great care to choose an accredited program to ensure future employability. Many online DNP programs can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis, allowing some students to continue working while they complete their doctorate studies. However, the challenging nature of the program may make working difficult; some schools recommend committing to the program full-time.

DNP FNP Curriculum

The family nurse practitioner DNP curriculum includes intensive core and specialty nursing courses. BSN to DNP programs usually require more core coursework before the FNP portion can begin. Common courses students might encounter include:

• Clinical reasoning
• Healthcare economics
• Health informatics
• Social determinants of health

Typically, a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours are required as part of the FNP-DNP program. These may include family care clinical hours as well as DNP practicum hours. Clinical placements for online students are usually arranged in the student’s local area and approved by the program’s clinical coordinator. A DNP project or capstone course may also be required in order to graduate.

List of Online DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

To find an online or hybrid DNP family nurse practitioner program near you, browse through our listings below.