Compare online FNP programs

What does a family nurse practitioner do?

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide medical care and support for patients of all ages, from infants and toddlers to teenagers and adults. They educate families on healthy lifestyles and offer preventative care, including vaccinations and screenings. Each visit with patients and families allows an FNP to advocate for their wellbeing and build lifelong, trust-based relationships. Those wishing to provide urgent medical care at critical moments may find online ACNP programs of more interest.

FNP program requirements

Admission requirements for online FNP programs may vary depending on the program and the institution. However, standard requirements when applying for an online FNP program include:

• Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Some programs may require learners to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

• Current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license: Applicants must possess a current U.S. RN license, have permanent residence in a program-approved state, and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination [for] Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Some programs may require learners to have a specific amount of experience as an RN prior to admission to a program.

In addition to education and licensure requirements, application materials for online FNP programs typically include:

• Résumé

• Official academic transcripts

• Personal statement

• Letters of recommendation

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Application fee

Are you looking to start your journey as a nurse practitioner but haven’t earned your BSN? Explore online bachelor’s degrees in nursing today. 

Have you earned your BSN and want to add to your healthcare expertise? Browse online master’s in nursing programs.

How to apply

Once you’ve decided to earn your FNP degree online, fill out our interest form on the course page so an admissions advisor can contact you. You will connect with your advisor to discuss the program, admissions requirements, and your goals in healthcare as you pursue your family nurse practitioner certification. 

Explore online FNP programs if you’re ready to get started.

FNP curriculum

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) requires that nurse practitioner programs have a minimum of 500 supervised direct patient care clinical hours over a population focus. AACN requires that DNP programs have a minimum of 1,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice as part of a supervised academic program. FNP programs typically provide clinical placement assistance for learners in their home state, allowing them to gain the necessary hands-on experience. Course topics typically include:  

• Patient education — Empower patients with the knowledge they need to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors.

• Primary care — Conduct physical examinations, provide ongoing care, and diagnose a wide range of common illnesses and injuries.

• Evidence-based practice — Use up-to-date clinical research to improve patients' health and safety while reducing healthcare costs.

• Advanced pharmacology — Examine drug categories, their positive and negative effects in clinical treatment, and how they impact physical and emotional health.

Interested in becoming a nurse or advancing in the field? Learn nursing with online programs. 

Have you already earned your BSN and want to provide holistic mental health care to patients? Be sure to browse online PMHNP programs. Earned your MSN and want to reach the highest level of nursing practice? Check out available online DNP programs.

Want to pursue a master’s degree in another field? Browse more online master’s programs from edX. 

What can you do with a family nurse practitioner certification? 

Once you’ve earned your family nurse practitioner certification, you can pursue roles across various healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations. Some of the settings in which FNPs can apply their clinical assessment and diagnostic expertise include:

• Primary care — Provide care for individuals and families across a range of healthcare settings. Monitor symptoms, provide preventative care, or prescribe medication. 

• Urgent care — Treat acute illnesses and injuries that require immediate attention at urgent care centers or walk-in clinics. 

• Private practice — Open a private practice to choose your patients, develop personalized treatment plans, and give back to your community.

• Assisted living — Help elderly residents manage chronic conditions, perform daily activities, or recover from surgery.

• College campuses — Provide direct patient care for students, and promote timely health education and disease prevention. 

• Correctional facilities — Provide care for patient-inmates across the lifespan. Conduct physical exams, health screenings, medication management, sick calls and pregnancy and postpartum care.

FNP job outlook

Career opportunities for FNPs will vary by city, state, and chosen field of practice. However, demand for family nurse practitioners is expected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.^{Footnote 1} This growth rate is considered much faster than average. Plus, U.S. News & World Report ranked nurse practitioner No. 2 on their 100 Best Jobs of 2023.^{Footnote 2}

How much does a family nurse practitioner make? 

Family nurse practitioner salaries can vary depending on the organization, level of work experience, and region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $125,900 in May 2022 — with the highest 10% earning more than $208,080.^{Footnote 3}