Online MSN FNP Programs – Selecting the Best Program for You

Last Updated/Verified: Feb 26, 2024

The online Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a popular route for nurses looking to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). In order to be eligible for a family nurse practitioner MSN, you must be an active, licensed RN who holds a nursing diploma, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). You’ll then need to complete a master’s degree that is specifically designed to train you as a family nurse practitioner.

Compare the 2024 Top Ranked Online FNP MSN Programs

Earning an MSN in the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty can be the ticket to a long and rewarding career in advanced nursing practice. With the recent expansion of online program options, finding the right FNP MSN program can be a daunting proposition. That's why we have analyzed and ranked the best online FNP MSN programs across the country. Peruse our rankings below, and learn more about our rankings methodology here.

1.
Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

Overview:

Michigan's Spring Arbor University offers several innovative online programs for aspiring FNPs. Options including several traditional MSN programs as well as post-master's certificate pathways for current NPs and non-NPs.

Highlights:
  • Multiple intakes with up to 6 start dates.
  • Faith-based education.
  • Dedicated support from enrollment to graduation.
2.
University of St. Francis

Joliet, IL

Overview:

The online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN program at the Illinois-based University of St. Francis prepares nurses with the competencies and leadership abilities needed to become advanced practitioners. Health promotion, maintenance, and restoration via applied research are key components of the program.

Highlights:
  • An online program designed to be flexible and accessible.
  • The MSN FNP is 47 to 56 credit hours in length.
  • A welcoming, Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts.
3.
Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Overview:

As a leader in the field, Gonzaga University provides nurses with several unique online Family Nurse Practitioner programs. There is a post-bacc DNP pathway, as well as traditional and second-master's MSN tracks in the FNP specialty.

Highlights:
  • Flexible Online Courses
  • Short-term Hands-on Immersions
  • Student Support - Student Services Team with Extended Hours
4.
Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, KY

Overview:

Advancement-committed RNs can transition into Family Nurse Practitioners via the online MSN offering at Kentucky Christian University. The flexible, one-course-at-a-time program instructs students on how to assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic illnesses for all patient populations.

Highlights:
  • Christ-centered nursing and academic environment.
  • Graduates can test for national certification.
  • Clinicals can be done at students’ residential locations.
5.
Rivier University

Nashua, NH

Overview:

Situated in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University has an evening, on-campus program as well as an online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN program. Graduates of this top-reputed school can provide primary care to patients across the healthcare spectrum.

Highlights:
  • Several program entry points are available.
  • The program takes 3-5 years to complete.
  • Higher than average pass rates for the national cert exam.

Why Get a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Degree?

Pursing a master’s degree to become a family nurse practitioner means dedicating time, money, and effort into furthering your healthcare career. Obtaining an MSN as an FNP boosts your knowledge and skillset. You’ll be highly in-demand and have the ability to work in a range of settings. The following are just a few of the career choices that are open to you once you graduate:

  • Internal medicine
  • Emergency services
  • Private practice
  • Urgent care

The MSN degree is a popular route for FNPs for many reasons. Let’s take a look at why this route might be right for you.

Pros

  • Online MSN family nurse practitioner programs are readily available at many levels, from RN to MSN up through BSN to MSN
  • The MSN pathway is generally the shortest and most direct route to becoming an FNP
  • FNP programs at the MSN level focus on hands-on clinical care

Cons

  • Those who already hold an MSN in another specialty may find the FNP post-master’s certificate route cheaper and quicker
  • Nurses looking for leadership roles in administration, research, or academia may find the DNP a better choice

How to Choose an Online MSN FNP Program

Online family nurse practitioner MSN programs range in different aspects. For example, while they are mostly online, some programs require you to come to their campus at least once. Other educational institutions offer a truly online program without an on-site requirement. Whether the program is fully online or in a blended hybrid format, students are advised to choose a properly accredited family nurse practitioner MSN to ensure that their education will help them meet their goals.

The length of time it takes to complete this degree also differs. Some students might need to take bridge courses which could increase the duration of their schooling. Most programs range from 20 months to 32 months in length. As many as 63 credits could be required by a particular college, though the average tends to be around 45. Part-time and full-time study options are readily available.

MSN FNP Curriculum

While every school and family nurse practitioner MSN program is different, this list provides a general idea of what type of curriculum and courses you’ll encounter:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Qualitative data analysis
  • Pharmacology
  • Quantitative data analysis

You’ll also learn about advanced physical assessment, differential diagnosis and primary care, as well as leadership and the role of the advanced practice nurse as you move through the different portions of your education.

A capstone project is often the last requirement before graduation. Some colleges might offer an internship instead or require both. The number of clinical hours also differ, with some programs requiring more than 700 direct clinical hours. Those enrolled in online programs can work with their program’s clinical coordinator to arrange a placement in their local area or in the medical facility in which they work.

List of Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

Browse our listings below to find the perfect online or hybrid MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program for you.

Select Your State:

Alabama

Samford University
  • M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner
Birmingham, AL
The University of Alabama
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuscaloosa, AL
Troy University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Troy, AL
University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Birmingham, AL
University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Huntsville, AL
University of Mobile
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Mobile, AL
University of South Alabama
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Mobile, AL

Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Option
Anchorage, AK

Arizona

Grand Canyon University
  • Master Of Science In Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Phoenix, AZ
Northern Arizona University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner track
Flagstaff, AZ
University of Phoenix
  • Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
Tempe, AZ

Arkansas

Arkansas State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
State University, AR
Harding University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Searcy, AR
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Little Rock, AR
University of Central Arkansas
  • Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Track
Conway, AR

California

California Baptist University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Riverside, CA
California State University Dominguez Hills
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Carson, CA
Sonoma State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Rohnert Park, CA
United States University
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
San Diego, CA
Western University
  • Masters, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
Pomona, CA

Colorado

Colorado State University Pueblo
  • Adult/Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP/FNP) Degree Plan Hybrid
Pueblo, CO
Regis College
  • Master of Science, Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Weston, CO
University of Colorado
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Aurora, CO

Connecticut

Sacred Heart University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Fairfield, CT
University of Connecticut
  • Family Nurse Practioner (FNP) Hybrid
Storrs, CT

Florida

ECPI University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Lake Mary, FL
Florida Atlantic University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Boca Raton, FL
Keiser University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Tallahassee, FL

Georgia

Emory University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Atlanta, GA
Georgia College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Milledgeville, GA
Georgia Southwestern State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Americus, GA
Georgia State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Atlanta, GA

Hawaii

Hawai‘i Pacific University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Honolulu, HI

Idaho

Northwest Nazarene University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Nampa, ID

Illinois

Bradley University
  • MSN – FNP TRACK
Peoria, IL
Lewis University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Romeoville, IL
Loyola University of Chicago
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Chicago, IL
Resurrection University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Chicago, IL
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Peoria, IL
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Rockford, IL
University of St. Francis
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • RN BS to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Joliet, IL

Indiana

Ball State University
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Muncie, IN
Indiana State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner - MSN
Terre Haute, IN
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Indianapolis, IN
Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Primary Care - Family Nurse Practitioner
Marion, IN
University of Indianapolis
  • Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Indianapolis, IN
University of Southern Indiana
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Evansville, IN

Iowa

Allen College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Waterloo, IA
Briar Cliff University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Sioux City, IA
Graceland University
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
Lamoni, IA
Morningside University
  • Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Sioux City, IA

Kentucky

Bellarmine University
  • MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Track Hybrid
Louisville, KY
Eastern Kentucky University
  • Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner
Richmond, KY
Frontier Nursing University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Hyden, KY
Kentucky Christian University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Grayson, KY
Morehead State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Morehead, KY
Northern Kentucky University
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Highland Heights, KY
Spalding University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Louisville, KY

Louisiana

Grambling State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Grambling, LA
McNeese State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Lake Charles, LA
Nicholls State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Thibodaux, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana- Online
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Natchitoches, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Hammond, LA
Southern University and A&M College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Baton Rouge, LA

Maine

Husson University
  • Family & Community Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Bangor, ME
University of Maine
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Orono, ME

Massachusetts

Endicott College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Beverly, MA
Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy And Health Sciences
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
  • RN to MSN Bridge Program, Family Nurse Practitioner
Boston, MA
University of Massachusetts Boston
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Boston, MA

Michigan

Michigan State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
East Lansing, MI
Oakland University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Rochester, MI
Saginaw Valley State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (Fnp) Hybrid
Center, MI
Spring Arbor University
  • BSN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
  • RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Spring Arbor, MI

Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Hybrid
Hattiesburg, MS
University Of Mississippi Medical Center
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Jackson, MS

Missouri

Maryville University
  • FNP (Family)
St. Louis, MO
Southeast Missouri State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Track Hybrid
Cape Girardeau, MO
University of Central Missouri
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Warrensburg, MO
University Of Missouri Kansas City
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Hybrid
Kansas City, MO

Nebraska

Clarkson College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Omaha, NE

Nevada

Touro University of Nevada
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Henderson, NV
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Las Vegas, NV

New Hampshire

Rivier University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (Online)
Nashua, NH

New Jersey

Felician University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Rutherford, NJ
Monmouth University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
West Long Branch, NJ
Ramapo College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Mahwah, NJ

New Mexico

The University of New Mexico
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Albuquerque, NM

New York

Dominican College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Hybrid
Orangeburg, NY
Long Island University
  • M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioner
Brookville, NY
Mount Saint Mary College
  • Family Nursing Practitioner Hybrid
Newburgh, NY
Pace University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
New York, NY
Stony Brook University
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Stony Brook, NY
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (MS) Hybrid
Utica, NY

North Carolina

Duke University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Durham, NC
Gardner-Webb University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Boiling Springs, NC
Winston-Salem State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
Winston-Salem, NC

North Dakota

University of North Dakota
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Grand Forks, ND

Ohio

Kent State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Kent, OH
Malone University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Hybrid
Canton, OH
Ohio University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Online Campus
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Graduate Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Athens, OH
The Ohio State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Columbus, OH
University of Cincinnati
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Online Campus
Cincinnati, OH
Walsh University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
North Canton, OH

Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Oklahoma City, OK

Pennsylvania

Clarion University of Pennsylvania
  • M.S.N. Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Clarion, PA
Drexel University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (Individual Across the Lifespan)
Philadelphia, PA
Duquesne University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (Individual Across the Lifespan)
Pittsburgh, PA
Edinboro University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Edinboro, PA
La Salle University
  • Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Online
Philadelphia, PA

South Carolina

Anderson University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Greenville, SC
Francis Marion University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Florence, SC
University of South Carolina
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Hybrid
Columbia, SC

South Dakota

South Dakota State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Brookings, SD

Tennessee

Austin Peay State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Clarksville, TN
East Tennessee State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Johnson City, TN
King University
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Bristol, TN
Middle Tennessee State University
  • Advanced Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Murfreesboro, TN
Tennessee State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Nashville, TN
Tennessee Tech University
  • BSN to MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
Cookeville, TN
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Knoxville, TN
University of Memphis
  • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Memphis, TN

Texas

Angelo State University
  • MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
San Angelo, TX
Midwestern State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Wichita Falls, TX
Prairie View A&M University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Prairie View, TX
Texas A&M University
  • MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
College Station, TX
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Corpus Christi, TX
Texas State University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Round Rock, TX
The University of Texas at Arlington
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Arlington, TX
The University of Texas at Austin
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Austin, TX
The University of Texas at Tyler
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Tyler, TX
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Galveston, TX
University of Houston
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Houston, TX
University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Houston, TX
West Texas A&M University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) M.S.N Hybrid
  • POST Master Family Nurse Practitioner M.S.N. Hybrid
Canyon, TX

Utah

Roseman University of Health Sciences
  • MSN FNP
South Jordan, UT

Vermont

Norwich University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Northfield, VT

Virginia

George Mason University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Fairfax, VA
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Roanoke, VA
Old Dominion University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Norfolk, VA

Washington

Gonzaga University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Second Masters Degree in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Spokane, WA

Washington, DC

Georgetown University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Washington, DC
The George Washington University
  • Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner
Washington, DC

West Virginia

West Virginia University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Morgantown, WV
West Virginia Wesleyan College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Buckhannon, WV
Wheeling University
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
Wheeling, WV

Wisconsin

Bellin College
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate Program Hybrid
Green Bay, WI
Concordia University Wisconsin
  • Family Nurse Practitioners
Mequon, WI

Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.