The Best Online FNP Programs

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are in high demand and command six-figure salaries in many parts of the country.

FNPs are trained for different roles and responsibilities than traditional nurses or nurse practitioners (NPs). To become an FNP, you must first earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and pass a board examination — a process that usually takes three years or more to complete.

But many students need flexibility and convenience, making online programs an enticing option. Discover the ranked the top online FNP programs, what to look for in a program, and what to expect once you graduate.

FNPs work in hospitals and health systems, independent medical offices, urgent care centers, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Other work settings include military bases, community health organizations, research facilities, public health departments, schools and universities, correctional facilities, and telehealth.

While licensed NPs assess patients, order tests, and prescribe medications, their scope of practice depends on the state in which they work. A state’s NP practice authority indicates whether NPs can work independently, under a physician’s supervision, or in collaboration with a physician. A growing number of states now give NPs full practice authority, which allows them to work as independent healthcare providers.

In states with full practice authority, FNPs can evaluate patients, order diagnostic tests, manage treatments, and prescribe medications without physician oversight. Because of their autonomy, FNPs can provide primary and preventative healthcare in rural and underserved areas where few healthcare providers exist.

In addition to attending clinical rotations in person, some online FNP programs have other in-person requirements, such as onboarding or labs. Most programs schedule on-campus components far in advance to make it as easy as possible for remote students to attend. Schools may also require proctored exams, but they usually monitor you using software at home.

Attending an FNP program online can make some aspects of the program more convenient, but can also make other aspects more challenging. For example, clinical placement can be more challenging if there are not a lot of healthcare facilities near you, particularly if the school is not equipped to help you find a site.

Both in-person and online FNP programs take approximately 2-3 years to complete. Part-time students may take longer. The coursework is the same regardless of the class format. Classes include pharmacology, pathophysiology, statistics, and advanced health assessment.

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and submit your application. Contact your references ahead of time, ensure you still have their permission to give their name to program officials, and talk with them about any particular attributes or examples you would like them to emphasize.

At the end of the process, have somebody you trust review your application to make sure it is accurate and reflects your strengths.

The two main accreditors for FNP programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

During the accreditation process, an independent group of experts reviews a program for quality to determine if graduates who pass the board exam can safely practice. This is a crucial indicator of program quality for many reasons:

Many factors affect the total cost of your education, including tuition and other costs, financial aid, and program length.

While graduate school is often expensive, there are many ways to pay for nursing school. Nurses are eligible for loans, scholarships, and grants from many federal and private sources. Your employer may also offer tuition assistance to help you advance your education.

Some government programs offer scholarships or loan forgiveness in exchange for working in an underserved area or for the military once you graduate. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn if you’re eligible for assistance. Many schools and states use FAFSA to determine student eligibility for their financial aid programs.