Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs (United States)
What is a family nurse practitioner/APRN? (FNP)
In the United states nurse practitioners are also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). There are several NP specialty programs to choose from. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, from children to older adults. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage both acute and chronic conditions. FNPs also emphasize health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education, helping individuals and families maintain optimal health.
In many U.S. states, FNPs practice independently, which expands access to care in both urban and rural areas. However, the scope of practice can vary depending on the state. For example, some states are considered full practice, allowing FNPs to operate independently, while others are reduced or restricted practice, requiring physician supervision or collaboration.
💡 Another post you might be interested in - Preparing to become an NP? Read these 3 Tips.
Where do family nurse practitioners (FNP) work?
A variety of settings, and this varies by state of course. Primary care (e.g. family medicine outpatient clinics) is the most common place where FNPs work. However, FNPs also work in hospital settings - e.g. emergency departments, urgent care settings, and hospital wards. They may also work in specialty settings - e.g. cardiology, dermatology, urology, nephrology, endocrinology - you name it! The most popular certification in the US is an FNP degree - and FNPs comprised majority of the workforce. The same is true in Canada.
How do I become a family nurse practitioner (FNP?)
If you are thinking of becoming an FNP, I highly recommend reading this post on different pathways to become an NP. After getting a BSN, you need to become a registered nurse. From there, gain as much experience as possible. If you decide to pursue an FNP degree, many programs will mandate you have primary care/varied experience - so it’s important to look ahead to the future to ensure your RN experience is relevant for any future NP program. There are many different degree pathways to become an NP. Here is a visual representation of what your journey may look like:
Becoming an FNP - Different Tracks to Choose: MSN, post-masters certificate, and DNP
In the United states, there are several family nurse practitioner programs. But first, it’s important to define some terms:
BSN: bachelor's of nursing science (undergraduate degree)
MSN: masters of nursing science (masters graduate degree)
MN-NP: combined maters + nurse practitioner degree (masters graduate degree)
DNP: doctor of nursing science (some schools offer with an NP specialty) (doctoral graduate degree)
Post-masters certification: an additional certification (like an NP speciality) someone gets after completing a masters of nursing degree
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When applying for an FNP program, there are 4 tracks offered. Not all universities offer every track:
Master of Science in Nursing with an NP specialty (MN-NP or MSN)
Post-masters NP (sometimes referred to as post-masters certificate)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) with an NP specialty
Masters of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN-DNP) with an NP specialty
Let’s break these down:
MN-NP programs: these are for students who do not have a master’s degree in nursing. Courses are a blend of masters & clinical courses, to prepare you to become an NP.
Post-masters programs: you require a master’s degree in nursing to apply for a post-masters program. Programs focus on core NP clinical courses to prepare you to become an NP.
BSN-DNP with an NP specialty: This is an advanced, doctoral-level nursing program for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to become a specialized Nurse Practitioner (NP). These programs are typically longer e.g. 3-4 years.
MSN-DNP with an NP specialty: This is an advanced, doctoral-level nursing program for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) who want to become a specialized Nurse Practitioner (NP). These programs are typically longer e.g. 3-4 years.
The path you choose will be unique to you. Personally, I pursued an MSN in nursing, then went on to do a post-masters certificate. Some people decide to go right from a BSN degree to a doctoral level NP program (DNP), designed for hands-on clinical practice and leadership, with an emphasis on translating research and evidence into improved patient outcomes (this is different from a PhD in nursing). Now let’s get into different program offerings across key states.
FNP Curriculum
Each program consists of a combination of clinical and non-clinical course work, plus clinical placements. Here is an example of the Texas Woman’s University curriculum:
Family nurse practitioner programs (FNP) - there’s lots to choose from!
While several states offer FNP programs, I will focus on the following states that offer several program options: California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs California
| University | NP program tracks offered (as listed) | Delivery (online / hybrid / in-person) |
|---|---|---|
| Azusa Pacific University | MSN (Family, Adult-Gerontology primary care, Psych/Mental Health, Pediatric), Post-masters (Adult-gerontology, Family, Oncology, Pediatric, Psych) | In person |
| California State University, Bakersfield | MSN, DNP (family focus listed) | Hybrid |
| California State University, Channel Islands | Post-masters (Family) | Online (practicum exceptions) |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | MSN (Family) | Online (1–3 on-campus meetings / semester) |
| California State University, Fresno | MSN (Family); Post-masters (Family, Psych/Mental Health) | Listed (mixed) — file lists both MSN & post-masters (delivery varies). |
| California State University, Long Beach | BSN→DNP (Adult-Gerontology Acute & Primary, Family, Pediatric, Psych/Mental Health) | In person (BSN→DNP listed) |
| California State University, Los Angeles | MSN (AG-AC, Family, Psych/Mental Health); Post-masters (same) | Hybrid / In-person (min. 2x per week noted) |
| California State University, San Marcos | MSN (Family, Psych/Mental Health) | In person |
| Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science | MSN, Post-masters (Family, Psych/Mental Health) | Hybrid |
| Fresno Pacific University | MSN (Family) | Hybrid (1 in-person class/week noted) |
| Loma Linda University | BS→DNP (Family, AG acute & primary care, Pediatric acute & primary, Psych/Mental Health, Neonatal) | Hybrid |
| National University | Post-masters (Family, Psych/Mental Health) | Hybrid |
| Pacific College | MSN (Family) | Mostly online with some in-person classes |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | MSN (Family) | Online |
| Samuel Merritt University | MSN (Family — in person & online options), Psych/Mental Health (online + residencies) | Online & In person options (psych online with 2 residencies) |
| San Diego State University | BSN/MSN→DNP (Family, AG, Psych/Mental Health) | In person |
| San Francisco State University | MSN, Post-masters (Family) | Hybrid / In person |
| San Jose State University | MSN (Family) | Hybrid |
| Sonoma State University | MSN (Family) | Mostly online with some in-person sessions |
| Touro University California | Post-masters (Family, Psych/Mental Health) | 90% online / 10% on-campus |
| United States University | MSN, Post-masters (Family) | Online (+ one 4-day face-to-face immersion) |
| University of California, Davis | MSN, MSN→DNP (Family); Post-masters (Psych/Mental Health) | Mixed: MN-FNP in person; MSN-DNP & post-masters psych listed hybrid/online |
| University of California, Irvine | DNP (FNP) | Hybrid |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | BSN→DNP (Family, Pediatric dual, AG acute & primary); Post-masters (Psych/Mental Health) | In person (BSN→DNP); Post-masters hybrid |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | BSN→DNP (Family, Psych/Mental Health, AG acute & primary, Pediatric acute, CNM); Post-masters (Psych/Mental Health) | BSN→DNP hybrid; Post-masters online |
| University of San Francisco | BSN→DNP (Family, Psych/Mental Health); MSN→DNP; Post-masters (Family) | Hybrid + a few in-person sessions |
| University of San Diego | BSN→DNP (Family, dual tracks), MSN, Post-masters | In person (BSN→DNP & MSN listed in-person) |
| University of Southern California (USC) | MSN (Family) | Hybrid |
| West Coast University — Orange County | MSN & Post-masters (Family, AG primary, AG acute, Psych/Mental Health) | Online with 2 on-site intensives |
| Western University of Health Sciences | MSN (Family); Post-masters (Family, Emergency, Psych/Mental Health) | Online with campus-based seminar intensives |
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs Florida
| University | Track Offered | Online/Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Barry University | MSN, post-masters | Hybrid |
| Jacksonville University | MSN, post-masters | In Person |
| Florida International University | MSN, post-masters, BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| University of Miami | MSN | In Person |
| University of Florida | BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| Florida Atlantic University | MSN | Hybrid |
| University of Central Florida | BSN-DNP | Online, 3 intensives twice/year |
| University of North Florida | BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| University of South Florida | MSN, BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| The University of Tampa | MSN, post-masters | Hybrid |
| Nova Southeastern University | MSN, post-masters, BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| Florida State University | BSN-DNP, post-masters | Online |
| Keiser University | MSN | Online |
| University of West Florida | MSN | Online |
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs Illinois
| University | Track Offered | Online/Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley University | MSN, post-masters | Online |
| Rush University | Post-masters, BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| University of Illinois Chicago | BSN/MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| DePaul University | MSN, post-masters | Online |
| Loyola University Chicago | BSN/MSN-DNP, post-masters | Hybrid |
| Northern Illinois University | MSN, BSN-DNP | MSN Online, DNP Hybrid |
| Illinois State University | MSN, post-masters, BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| St. Anthony College of Nursing | MSN, MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| Saint Xavier University | MSN, post-masters | Hybrid |
| Chamberlain University | MSN, post-masters | Online |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| University of St. Francis | MSN, post-masters | Hybrid |
| Governors State University | MSN, post-masters | Hybrid |
| Lewis University | MSN, BSN/MSN-DNP | Online |
| North Park University | MSN, post-masters | Online |
| Olivet Nazarene University | MSN, post-masters | Online |
| Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing | MSN, post-masters; BSN-DNP | MSN Hybrid; BSN-DNP Online |
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs New York
| University | Track Offered | Online / Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University | MSN | Online |
| Walden University | MSN | Online |
| Georgetown University | MSN | Online |
| Grand Canyon University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Columbia University | BSN/MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing | MSN, Post-Masters | In Person |
| University of Rochester School of Nursing | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Downstate Health Sciences University | MSN, Post-Masters, BSN/MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| University of Buffalo - The State University of New York | Post-Masters, BSN/MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| D’Youville University | MSN, Post-Masters, MSN-DNP | Online |
| PACE University, NYC & Westchester | MSN, Post-Masters | Hybrid |
| St John Fisher University | MSN, Post-Masters, BSN/MSN-DNP | Online & In-Person |
| Stony Brook University, SUNY | MSN, Post-Masters, MSN-DNP | Online |
| Molloy University | MSN, Post-Masters | Hybrid |
| Binghamton University | MSN, BSN/MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| Hunter College | BSN/MSN-DNP | In Person |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | MSN | Online |
| Le Moyne College | MSN, BSN/MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| Manhattanville University | MSN (Online & In Person), Post-Masters (In Person) | Hybrid / Online & In Person |
| Mount St. Mary College | MSN, Post-Masters | Hybrid |
| Utica University | MSN, MSN-DNP | Online |
| Hofstra University | MSN, Post-Masters, MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs Ohio
| University | Track Offered | Online / Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Kent State University | BSN/MSN-DNP | In Person |
| Ohio State University | MSN, BSN/MSN-DNP | Online |
| University of Cincinnati | MSN | Online |
| Western Governors University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Ohio University | MSN, Post-Masters, BSN-DNP | Online |
| Cleveland State University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| University of Toledo | MSN, Post-Masters, BSN/MSN-DNP | Online & In Person |
| Wright State University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Youngstown State University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Cedarville University | MSN, BSN/MSN-DNP | Online |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | MSN, Post-Masters | Hybrid |
| Franklin University | MSN, Post-Masters, BSN/MSN-DNP | Online |
| Ursuline College | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs Oregon
| University | Track Offered | Online / Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) | BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| University of Portland | BSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| Western University of Health Sciences | Post-Masters, BSN-DNP | Online |
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs Pennsylvania
| University | Track Offered | Online / Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Jefferson University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Drexel University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| University of Pennsylvania | MSN | Hybrid |
| DeSales University | MSN | Online |
| University of Pittsburgh | BSN-DNP | Online |
| Duquesne University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| La Salle University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Messiah University | MSN, Post-Masters | Online |
| Saint Joseph's University | MSN, Post-Masters | Hybrid |
| Pennsylvania State University | Post-Masters, DNP | Hybrid |
| Temple University | BSN/MSN-DNP | Hybrid |
| Villanova University | MSN, Post-Masters | Hybrid |
Family nurse practitioner (FNP) Texas
Pre-requisites for Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs
Specific pre-requisites vary across universities and programs, but commonly, here is what you will need for a successful application:
Bachelor of science in nursing degree (BScN)
A masters of science in nursing degree (MScN) if applying for a post-masters certificate program, and some DNP programs that do not offer the direct entry from BSN
RN license in the respective state
Minimum GPA of 3.0
RN experience – the more the better! For FNP programs, many universities require 1-2 years full time RN experience within the last 3-5 years.
Official transcripts.
A CV/resume
Statement of interest
2-3 academic +/- clinical references
Others: many require an undergraduate statistics course completion with a grade of B or C
Online family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs
Many universities offer online FNP programs, both full and part time. Several highlight the need for a few on-campus “intensives.” Intensives are hands-on workshops that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These immersions are held at the university's physical location, are guided by expert faculty, and focus on refining advanced clinical skills.
👉 Read this post for more information about online FNP programs.
Key Take home Points:
Do your research on NP programs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to university admissions offices to ask questions about the program or admission process.
Talk with nurse practitioners who have been through this process already.
Think about what you want out of your career (Do you want a serious challenge with career growth potential?)
The NP program (and career in general!) is intense and will probably be the steepest learning curve of your life. Don’t let this intimidate you – check out our newsletter to kick-start your NP journey.
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Disclaimer - The views expressed in this post are my own and do not represent the official position of any organization. This is not a sponsored post.