For registered nurses (RNs) considering advanced practice, one of the first questions that comes to mind is also one of the most practical: How long will it take? The answer depends largely on where a person starts — whether they are just beginning a path toward nursing or already hold an active RN license and are ready for the next step.
For RNs who already possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the timeline is more accelerated than many expect. Arkansas State University’s (A-State) online Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program offers working RNs a flexible, ACEN-accredited path to advanced practice eligibility in as few as 24 months.
How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
For someone starting from scratch with no nursing background, the full path to FNP practice typically runs six to eight years. Students spend about four years earning their BSN, after which they must prepare for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once they become a licensed RN and spend time building clinical experience, professionals must earn an MSN-FNP degree, which can take two to three years. And finally, they must pass a national certification exam before advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure can be granted in the state where they plan to practice.
For BSN-prepared RNs who are already licensed and practicing, the timeline is considerably shorter. The graduate program is the primary remaining step. And increasingly, accelerated online programs — like the one offered by A-State — make it possible for nurses to complete that portion while continuing to work.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects NP employment to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034, with a median annual wage of $132,050 as of May 2024. For nurses weighing whether the investment is worth the time, the career data makes a compelling case.
What Factors Affect How Long NP Education Takes?
Several variables determine the timeline of NP education, from enrollment to graduation. The most significant is enrollment status. Full-time students in an accelerated program can complete an MSN-FNP in approximately two years. Part-time study, which many working nurses choose to balance career and coursework, typically takes three years or more. Multiple start dates per year — a feature of A-State’s online program — allow nurses to begin when the timing is right rather than waiting for a single annual cohort.
Clinical hours also affect the timeline. A-State’s online MSN-FNP program requires 750 clinical hours, completed through local preceptorships arranged in the student’s home community. Securing qualified preceptors in the right specialty settings takes coordination and students who begin that process early tend to move through the clinical phase more smoothly.
Admission requirements also determine how quickly a nurse can get started. At A-State, the MSN-FNP program requires a BSN from an accredited institution, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and an active RN license. Additionally, documentation of at least 1,500 hours of prior RN experience is required. Nurses who already meet these benchmarks can move directly into the application process without delay.
What Comes After the MSN — Certification and Licensure?
Earning an MSN is a major milestone, but it is not the final step. Before practicing as an APRN, graduates must pass a national certification examination. Two credentialing bodies administer the FNP certification exam: the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which offers the FNP-BC credential and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, which offers the FNP-C credential. In 2024, both exams saw an 83% pass rate among first-time test-takers. Passing either qualifies graduates to apply for state APRN licensure and begin practicing as a family nurse practitioner.
Eligibility for both exams requires a graduate degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited FNP program and a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours. A-State’s online ACEN-accredited MSN-FNP program exceeds that threshold, requiring 750 clinical hours and preparing graduates to sit for both certification pathways.
Accreditation matters in this context beyond just exam eligibility. Employers, state licensing boards and graduate programs that accept MSN-prepared nurses into DNP tracks all look for ACEN or CCNE accreditation as a baseline standard. Choosing an accredited program is not a formality; it is a prerequisite for every step that follows.
Make an Impact in Nursing With an Online MSN-FNP From A-State
The path to NP practice requires a genuine commitment of time, energy and focus. But, for BSN-prepared nurses who are ready, an accelerated online program makes that commitment achievable without the need to step away from the workforce.
Demand for family nurse practitioners is strong, the scope of practice is meaningful and the patient relationships that define the FNP role are among the most rewarding in healthcare. For nurses ready to take that step, A-State’s program provides the accreditation, flexibility and clinical preparation needed to move from RN to APRN with confidence. The result is not just a credential — it is a career defined by expanded impact, greater autonomy and the ability to deliver primary care to patients and communities who need it most.
Learn more about A-State‘s online MSN-FNP program.