[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are in high demand and command six-figure salaries in many parts of the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]FNPs are trained for different roles and responsibilities than traditional nurses or nurse practitioners (NPs). To become an FNP, you must first earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree and pass a board examination — a process that usually takes three years or more to complete.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do as a Family Nurse Practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]NP practice authority[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About the Best Online FNP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best online FNP programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online FNP Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Online FNP Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending an FNP program online can make [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”]some aspects of the program[/hen-ui-link] more convenient, but can also make other aspects more challenging. For example, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical placement[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online FNP Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the end of the process, have somebody you trust review your application to make sure it is accurate and reflects your strengths.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]You will need a BSN degree (though [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-msn/”]RN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/”]direct-entry programs[/hen-ui-link] do not require this) and a current, active nursing license. Most schools, whether they offer their FNP program online or in person, require or strongly prefer at least two years of experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]Application with an essay or personal statement; copy of your nursing license; at least two references; transcript from your undergraduate courses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Most schools require or prefer a GPA of 3.25 or higher.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is FNP Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The two main accreditors for FNP programs are the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] (CCNE) and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ACEN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation process[/hen-ui-link], 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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must graduate from an accredited program to apply for board certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers will not consider a job application from a graduate of an unaccredited program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most accredited schools will not accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many loans and grants, including federal aid, are only for students attending accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Your Online FNP Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many factors affect the total cost of your education, including tuition and other costs, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link], and program length.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While graduate school is often expensive, there are many ways to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]pay for nursing school[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/ways-to-finance-your-masters-degree-in-nursing/”]Nurses are eligible[/hen-ui-link] for loans, scholarships, and grants from many federal and private sources. Your employer may also offer tuition assistance to help you advance your education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some government programs offer scholarships or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]loan forgiveness[/hen-ui-link] in exchange for working in an underserved area or for the military once you graduate. Complete the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid/how-aid-works” target=”_blank”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA) to learn if you’re eligible for assistance. Many schools and states use FAFSA to determine student eligibility for their financial aid programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online FNP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest online FNP program?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There’s no single fastest FNP program. Generally, full-time students can complete an online FNP program in as few as 24 months. Part-time students and students who must retake classes need more time than the minimum requirement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are online NP programs legit?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, online FNP programs are as legitimate as in-person programs. They’re also accredited, include the same coursework, and require the same number of clinical rotations. Unlike in-person programs, they allow students to take classes at their own pace.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an FNP?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes 2-3 years for full-time students to become FNPs. Part-time students and students who must retake classes will be enrolled for a longer duration. The amount of time required depends on the student.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an FNP better than an NP?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No, an FNP is not inherently better than an NP. In fact, an FNP is a type of NP. Becoming an FNP is a better option for students who wish to work with patients of all ages. Students interested in specific age groups or unique populations should choose other specialties like pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]