The Most Affordable Online FNP Programs of 2024
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) support patients of all ages and physicians. If you want to become an FNP, there are flexible program options to meet your needs.
Discover the most affordable online FNP programs, including tips on searching, applying, and paying for your degree.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn More About the Most Affordable Online FNP Programs & Schools in 2024
How We Rank Our Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the most affordable online family nurse practitioner 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.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online FNP Program
It’s crucial to consider key factors when choosing an online FNP program. These elements can affect your eligibility and satisfaction with the program. The following data points contributed to the overall rankings and should be evaluated based on your unique needs.
Admission Requirements
Most programs have similar requirements, such as graduation from an accredited nursing program. Check the program’s admission requirements to ensure you are qualified to apply.
Specializations
Achieving an FNP certification requires graduating from a program with an FNP specialization. Although nearly 70% of all nurse practitioners are FNPs, not all graduate nursing programs offer an FNP specialization.
Program Curriculum
The program’s curriculum should prepare you for your national certification examination and cultivate advanced clinical skills. FNPs must be proficient educators, advocates, counselors, and clinicians. An FNP curriculum should cover evaluating research, promoting critical thinking skills, and helping students assume leadership positions.
Clinical Experience
Information about how clinicals are structured may influence your program choice. Does the school help with placement? Are you limited to certain practices for clinical experiences? How is the time spent in clinical rotations broken up? Each of these factors may impact your decision.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary process demonstrating a school’s dedication to quality academics, industry best practices, and continuous improvement. You must graduate from an accredited program to qualify for the FNP certification examination.
Program Length
The number of credits you need depends on the program. An MSN FNP program typically requires 37-50 credits and 500-672 clinical hours.
School Graduation Rate
When selecting a school, look for the FNP program’s graduation rate. A high graduation rate can indicate a high level of student satisfaction and support.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Attending an online program allows you to continue working while earning your degree, but you must complete clinical hours in person at approved sites. Online programs offer significant flexibility but require a high degree of dedication and self-discipline.
Why Is FNP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is vital for the online FNP program you consider. Every program in our ranking is accredited.
Accreditation is a third-party peer review to ensure the program meets educational standards and prepares students for the field. Reasons to attend an accredited program include:
- Accreditation ensures quality education that meets industry standards
- Both the ANCC and AANPCB require graduation from an accredited program to sit for the FNP licensure exam
- Credits from an unaccredited program do not transfer
- Without accreditation, you may not qualify for federal aid
- Without accreditation, your license may not transfer through reciprocity
- Accredited programs receive more educational funding
How Online FNP Programs Work
Online vs, in-person requirements vary depending on the FNP program. Some schools allow students to complete all coursework online, while others require in-person labs or seminars.
All programs require at least 500 hours of clinical experience. Some online FNP programs help students find clinical placements, while others do not. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both in-person or online options.
Applying to an Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program
There are several steps to the application process, including ensuring you meet admission and GPA requirements and gathering the necessary documentation.
Admission Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited BSN program
- Verified, valid, unrestricted RN license
- Two years of full-time experience in the past five years
- Schools consider volunteer work, time shadowing an NP, and certifications favorably
Admission Materials
- Completed application
- College transcripts
- Personal statement, goal statement, or letter of intent
- Resume
- Interview
- Letters of recommendation
- Direct entry or accelerated programs require a passing NCLEX score to finish the program
Before starting clinicals students must provide:
- Health status
- State and federal background check
- Malpractice insurance
Prerequisite classes may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomedical statistics
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
GPA Requirement
GPA requirement varies and may range from 2.7 to 3.2
Paying for FNP Programs
Several factors determine how much you will pay for your online FNP program. These include the length of the program, cost per credit, whether you are paying in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees, and whether you can work while taking classes.
Many nursing students entering graduate school may still be making loan payments for undergraduate degrees if their loans are not yet eligible for federal loan forgiveness. You can also defer loans until you complete your FNP program. Some financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Additionally, some hospital benefits include tuition reimbursement. It is important to understand the reimbursement terms before accepting the aid. You may need to work at the hospital for several years after graduation.
What Can You Do as an FNP?
FNPs enjoy a broad scope of practice, but many specialize by earning certifications in areas like pain, obesity management, or diabetes. These certifications are not required, but they may increase an FNP’s employment opportunities and salary potential while meeting the needs of patients.
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for an FNP in the U.S. is $103,030 as of December 2023. Years of experience, location, additional certifications, and practice setting can affect salary.
FNPs can work in:
- Hospitals
- Urgent care centers
- Doctor’s offices or private clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospice centers
- Correctional facilities
- College campuses
- Health departments
- Occupational sites
- Private practice in states with full practice authority
Frequently Asked Questions About Online FNP Programs
Can you become a family nurse practitioner online?
Yes, many online FNP programs exist. However, some programs may require students to attend in-person labs or seminars throughout the program. All FNP candidates must complete at least 500 hours of in-person clinical experience.
What is the fastest way to become a family nurse practitioner?
FNPs need an RN license, certification from one of two national organizations, and at least an MSN. One of the fastest ways to earn FNP credentials is by enrolling in a two-year MSN program with a BSN and RN license. Generally, becoming an FNP can take 2-7 years, depending on your current education level, whether you have an RN license, and whether you enroll in a program part or full-time.
Some options include RN-to-MSN programs, which can take 3-4 years. A student could also become an FNP within 6-7 years by completing a two-year ADN, getting two years of experience, and then enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program.
Does it matter where you go to FNP school?
Yes, it does. All FNP students must choose an accredited school to ensure they are eligible for licensure and employment. Graduates from prestigious schools may have an easier time getting their first job. However, employers tend to value experience and credentials more than your alma mater.
Ensure the FNP program fits your career goals. For example, if you aspire to work in research, teach at the university level, or become a school nurse, you’ll want to seek out an online FNP program with strengths in those areas.
Are family nurse practitioners in high demand?
Yes, FNPS are in high demand due to a nationwide nursing shortage. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, there’s an expected shortfall of up to 48,000 family medicine physicians by 2034. This provider shortage opens greater opportunities and demand for FNPs to work in family medicine.
Page last reviewed on January 23, 2024. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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