Best RN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online

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.

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.