Best 12 Month FNP Programs Online

Family nurse practitioners provide medical care and health education to everyone. Kids, their parents, grandparents, and every person in between. They’re vital medical specialists who perform critical services. Plus, they make positive differences in their communities. Are you interested in becoming a family nurse practitioner quickly? Then you need to know about the best 12-month FNP programs online. Read on to discover the best online family nurse practitioner programs to apply to in 2023.

Article Navigation: FNP School Requirements | How Long is FNP School? Traditional vs Accelerated Paths | What to Expect in 12-Month FNP Programs Online? | Shortest Online NP Program | Cheapest 12 Month FNP Online Program | CCNE Accredited 12 Month Online FNP Programs | Accreditation | Types of FNP Online Degrees | Family Nurse Practitioner Career Guide | FAQs | Conclusion

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) School Requirements

If you want to become an FNP nurse practitioner, you need to complete an accredited online degree. Let’s take a closer look at the requirements needed to become an FPN. Becoming an FPN means completing schooling before earning your license.

1. Earn Your BSN

   First, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN. Most of the best FNP programs require a BSN for admission. Or they require applicants to be enrolled in a BSN to NP degree track. Consider an online RN to BSN program for more flexibility in your schedule and a more affordable rate.

    

2. The NCLEX-RN Exam and Licensure

   Next, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This certification exam follows your BSN program’s completion. The test is between 75 and 130 questions long and will cover all important topics learned in nursing school. You should expect to spend a few weeks studying for the NCLEX-RN exam to pass it.

   Once you pass the exam, you can attain RN licensure. This allows you to work as a registered nurse. You’ll need an up-to-date and qualified license in order to obtain nurse practitioner licensure later – keep this in mind because your RN license needs to be renewed every few years, depending on your state of residence.

    

3. Nursing Experience Requirements

   Your next step is to earn some experience as a nurse. You can work with any population of patients and in any setting. But you need two to three years of nursing experience to qualify for the majority of NP degree programs.

    

4. Attend NP School

   Lastly, you need to attend NP school. You’ll need to complete either a master's or doctorate program for nurse practitioners. School can be completed full-time or part-time and always incorporates supervised clinical hours. Some NP programs emphasize family nurse practitioner education, so they’re called FNP programs. They can be in-person, online, or hybrid.

   Note that even the cheapest online nurse practitioner programs include these requirements. If you want to attend affordable online FNP programs, don’t assume that in doing so you’ll skirt key academic benchmarks. All accredited NP programs online will have the same nurse practitioner program requirements.

How Long is Nurse Practitioner School?

Traditional Path

Nurse practitioner school is at the graduate level, so you’ll complete a master’s or doctoral degree to become an FNP. A master’s degree, such as an online master of science in nursing, includes between 35 and 45 credits or semester hours. These programs take between one and three years to complete on average. Some can take a little longer if you complete the course materials on a part-time cadence.

Accelerated FNP Programs

However, because nursing programs are so popular, many schools offer them at accelerated schedules. Accelerated programs typically shave off about one year of time from normal schedules. For example, an accelerated BSN degree may take just three years on average. Students accomplish this by studying through summer semesters and taking a full course load within each normal semester.

Regular NP programs generally take two years to complete at the master’s level. But accelerated NP programs may take 12 months or 1 ½ years. Again, most students complete this by taking extra classes in the summer or by taking extra classes during their bachelor’s degrees. If you already hold your BSN, completing an accelerated program might take only 12 months. On the other hand, you can take a 5-year BSN-to-MSN program that combines your bachelor’s and master’s educations into a truncated five-year timespan.

Practicum Hours

One-year FNP programs benefit those who want to begin working as FNPs ASAP. They are only available to those with a BSN or bachelor’s in nursing plus several hundred hours of practical nursing experience. However, many one-year FNP degree programs don’t have enough time to provide practicum classes for all 500 required hours for FNP licensure. If your program does not contain all practice hours needed for licensure, you will need to complete the, before earning your FNP credential.

What to Expect in Accelerated 12-Month FNP Programs Online

A 12-month nurse practitioner program online is an accelerated MSN program. It is intended to give students the skills and education they need to be family nurse practitioners quickly. These programs consist of anywhere between 35 and 50 credits or semester hours on average. Depending on the program and its format, they may also require practicum courses. During these programs, students will accumulate the clinical practice hours they need to earn NP licensure.

12-month BSN to MSN FNP online programs are fast-paced and rigorous. Students must complete a lot of course materials and spend a lot of time studying. Because these programs compress 2-2.5 years’ worth of courses in 12 months, they must be completed at full-time paces. They are not ideal for part-time students.

Should you sign up for an online 12-month FNP program, you must be prepared to focus on your studying to the exclusion of all other concerns. By the end of an accredited FNP program, you’ll be ready to take licensure exams and earn your NP license for your state of residence.

Shortest Online Nurse Practitioner Program Online

Are you looking to earn your FNP license as quickly as you can? Then you’ll want to consider the shortest 1-year nurse practitioner program online. These are also some of the best online nurse practitioner programs.

1. Advent Health University

   The MSN program at Advent Health University is among the fastest complete. It’s comprised of 21 credit hours dedicated to FNP studies, with 14 hours being dedicated to core courses for a total of 35. Even better, students can transfer up to 12 credits from previous schools – theoretically, you could only need to take 23 credit hours at this university.

   The program gives you a choice between two tracks: education or administration and leadership. The 100% online program is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, so you can complete everything on your schedule, plus benefit from tech support, discussion boards, and virtual office hours with professors.

   Find Out More

    

Cheapest 12 Month FNP Online Program

If you want to save money, the cheapest one-year nurse practitioner program online could be right up your alley.

1. Wilkes University

   Wilkes’ MSN is highly affordable. It’s comprised of 16 courses and between 40 and 43 credit hours, and it can be completed in 2.3 years. Overall, it costs between $29,120 and $31,304 on average. Thus, it could be a great choice if you want to save money while completing your master’s education.

   The program synthesizes advanced nursing principles to prepare you for FNP responsibilities. The curriculum covers topics like how to perform scholarly reviews and how to synthesize clinical, theoretical, and scientific knowledge to provide the best care possible. You can pick between concentrations in adult gerontology primary care, psychiatric or mental health care, or core family nurse practitioner skills.

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Best CCNE-Accredited 12 Month FNP Programs Online

Aside from the above two 1-year nurse practitioner programs online, there are plenty of other quality 12-month online FNP programs to consider. Check out these eight nurse practitioner online programs, each of which has been accredited by the CCNE.

1. University of Miami

   The University of Miami’s MSN FNP online program is a full-time program over three semesters. It includes 37 credit hours and costs about $85,470. Note that this program includes a very heavy course load, but it allows you to take your FNP specialty certification exam at the end. The program has a 96.4% overall pass rate and is an ideal stepping stone degree if you wish to earn your doctoral degree. You can acquire a DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practice at the same university.

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2. National University

   National University’s master’s nurse practitioner program online can be completed between 12 and 18 months. It includes 82.5 quarter units, and students can transfer 13.5 quarter units. The program costs approximately $36,465 (without transfer credits). All courses can be completed over four weeks, and you can start at multiple times over the year. Students collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and learn how to participate in medical analysis so they are well-equipped to provide quality care to their patients in the future.

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3. Thomas Jefferson University

   At Thomas Jefferson University, you can take a 12-month FNP program online comprised of 36 credit hours and a total cost of $44,064. You can transfer up to six credits if you desire. This program focuses on family and individual care across the lifespan. Its course materials emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and allows you to pursue two different certification options. Regardless, you’ll learn how to evaluate scientific information, utilize patient-centric technologies, and integrate interprofessional communication, collaboration, and consultation concepts for maximum effect.

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4. Harding University

   Harding University offers a 45-credit, 12-month online FNP degree. It’s only available to registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses who have already completed an MSN with another area of emphasis. Because of this, you can transfer up to 15 credits of essential courses to the degree program.

   Special federal financial aid opportunities are available to students of this program. Otherwise, it costs approximately $36,192 to complete. This is a great 12-month accelerated program to complete if you want to become an FNP and make a career change in the near future.

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5. The University of Texas at Arlington

   The University of Texas at Arlington offers a 46 credit hour 12-month FNP degree at a cost of $30,084. The program teaches students to use theoretical and research principles in patient management and to improve the quality of their healthcare. Students gain specialized knowledge in areas like health assessment, advanced research, pharmacology, and diagnostics. The program includes extensive clinical requirements to ensure graduates know how to put their skills into practice immediately after leaving school.

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6. Saint Francis University

   Saint Francis University’s 48-credit hour 12-month degree program costs $30,000, so it’s among the more affordable options for aspiring FNPs. The program is 100% online aside from its clinical components, which include in-person residency days and on-site clinical experiences. Students are immediately eligible to sit for the AANPBC or ANCC FNP certification exams, and no GRE or GMAT scores are required.

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7. Husson University

   Husson University’s MSN FNP program is 48 credit hours and costs $32,736. The program offers generous transfer policies so that students can shorten their time learning if they have prior experience. Though it is mostly online, all students must complete a three-day clinical orientation at the Bangor campus. The program employs high-quality, experienced educators who have an active practice where they work several hours per week.

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8. Salve Regina University

   Salve Regina University’s MSN program includes 48 credit hours and requires a minimum of 39 credits. It’s $35,328 or $37,440 for nurses from partner institutions for non-partner institutions, respectively. It allows six start dates per year and can be completed in 28 months if you decide you want to go at a slower pace after being admitted. The program builds on Salve Regina’s baccalaureate program and offers quality didactic and experiential learning modules.

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Types of Family Nurse Practitioner Online Degrees

RN to FNP Programs Online

RN to FNP programs are 5 to 6-year accelerated programs. They combine a bachelor’s and graduate education for those who want to graduate quickly. Most students complete these in five years. They can be a very advantageous path. These programs require full-time participation, so they’re not ideal for part-time students or those who need to work at the same time.

Because these programs incorporate bachelor’s-level and master’s level course content, students need to absorb a lot of material quickly. They can be difficult and rigorous. Common courses and topics studied include:

• Policy and politics of health
• Advanced pathophysiology
• Theory foundations for advanced nursing
• Research methods
• Advanced practicum courses
• Diagnosis and management of physiologic and psychiatric health

BSN to MSN FNP Programs Online

MSN FNP programs are graduate-level master’s programs. These include MSNs or Masters of Science in Nursing and BSN to Nurse Practitioner programs. Depending on your school, they may have names like “Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner.”

MSN programs often require between 35 and 45 credits to complete. They usually take one to two years to finish full-time, though some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as one year. Part-time programs can be completed in between three and four years. These programs also include practical experience requirements so that graduating FNPs have the experience they need to acquire licensure immediately.

Common courses in these programs include:

• Advanced pathophysiology
• Evidence-based practice
• FNP care of the pediatric patient
• Foundational clinical skills for advanced practice nurse practitioners
• FNP advanced clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making
• Advanced pharmacology and therapeutics

CCNE Accreditation Standards for FNP Online Programs

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the primary accrediting body for advanced nursing programs, such as BSN to FNP online programs. It’s an autonomous accrediting agency that promotes the quality and integrity of nursing programs from the bachelor’s level to the graduate level. It also accredits residency and fellowship programs.

All states require NPs to have their degrees from CCNE-accredited programs/institutions. Before signing up for any 12-month FNP program online, ensure it is CCNE-accredited. In other words, check a nurse practitioner program’s online accredited status before applying.

Taking an accredited program is good for your education, as well. It will ensure you have the skills and knowledge to succeed and provide quality patient care. CCNE accredited online nurse practitioner programs are the gold standard overall.

The CCNE’s accreditation standards for NP programs are comprised of four major parts:

1. Mission and governance
2. Institutional commitment and resources
3. Curriculum and teaching-learning practices
4. Assessment and achievement of program outcomes

Career Spotlight: Family Nurse Practitioner

FNPs are experienced, advanced nursing professionals. They’re a type of advanced practice registered nurse with specialized, graduate-level educations. Their duties include providing healthcare services to people of all ages. But they also focus on health promotion and health education.

For example, FNPs focus on family nursing care. As a result, they may provide nursing assistants to infants, teenagers, adults, the elderly, etc. Their jobs are always patient-facing. Depending on their exact positions, FNPs may diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They teach people about disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits.

Common FNP duties include:

• Assessing and diagnosing health conditions
• Conducting physicals
• Providing primary health care and emphasizing preventative care
• Carrying out treatment plans for both acute and chronic illnesses
• Assisting with minor surgeries
• Interpreting and ordering lab tests
• Prescribing medications
• Making referrals when needed

Because family nurse practitioners are types of NPs, their schooling is much more rigorous than the schooling required to become a registered nurse or RN. To become an RN, you need to complete an associate’s degree or BSN. But to become a nurse practitioner, you must complete a master’s degree and additional coursework. Plus, you need much more nursing experience.

What’s the Difference Between an APRN vs. FPN?

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or APRN is a type of certification for registered nurses. It enables them to fulfill additional and more specialized duties, such as:

• Ordering lab tests
• Diagnosing patient injuries or illnesses
• Developing treatment plans

FPNs, meanwhile, are types of APRNs. You might call them APRN-FNP nurses. They specialize in family medicine, so they can work in a variety of contexts and locations. For instance, physician offices, healthcare clinics, and more. They focus on preventative and long-term health care and education for patients of all ages.

Think of FPNs as specialized versions of APRNs. Both professionals have many of the same duties and abilities/medical knowledge.

Family Nurse Practitioner Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners (alongside nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives) make $123,780 per year on average. The highest-paid nurse practitioners, however, can make upwards of $200,000 per year. The highest-paid nurse practitioners worked in outpatient care centers and hospitals, while the lowest paid operated in educational services and facilities.

Your FNP salary can depend on your nurse practitioner specialty. Furthermore, some FNP online programs may connect you to a high-paying job quickly. Look for MSN-FNP salary projections on schools’ program pages to determine the best family nurse practitioner online programs for your needs.

FAQs – 12 Month FNP Program Online

How many years does it take to become a nurse practitioner?

Starting from no education, it takes between six and eight years of full-time work and commitment to become a nurse practitioner. You need to first earn a bachelor’s degree and your RN license. Then acquire sufficient experience to qualify for MSN programs. You’ll then need to complete an MSN FNP program, which takes another one to two years.

How long is nurse practitioner school?

Nurse practitioner school can take anywhere between one and three years or more. Most FNP programs are master’s degree programs, so they take between one to two years to complete on average. Some accelerated programs, like the above-described 1-year nurse practitioner programs online, take just one year to complete.

What is the easiest online FNP program?

The easiest online FNP program could potentially be Husson University’s program. Thanks to its very generous transfer policies, you can transfer course credits from other schools to the program at this institution. Thus, you can shorten the time you need to spend on education. However, keep in mind that you should not seek out the easiest online nurse practitioner program overall. You need a good amount of course quality and rigor to ensure you are prepared for the workload involved with being an FNP.

Is FNP harder than nursing school? How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner after BSN?

Yes, FNP school is harder than standard nursing school. It’s at the graduate level and involves completing a master’s degree, with associated harder coursework. After earning your BSN, it will take you between two and three years on average to become an FNP. However, you can potentially become an FNP more quickly if you take an accelerated FNP program, such as the 12-month online FNP programs described above.

Find Your 12 Month FNP Program Online Here

The best 1-year FNP programs online could make you ready to work as an FNP sooner rather than later. Check out GetEducated’s resources and course catalogs to discover the best 12-month FNP program online for you and begin your educational journey!