Family nurse practitioner assessing young patient for symptoms

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Online

Face any healthcare challenge with increased competence and confidence when you earn your ACEN-accredited MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner online.

Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25
Apply Now
Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25

Program Overview

Expand your role in healthcare with an MSN – FNP online

Take the next step toward an even more fulfilling nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree featuring 100% online coursework. Unlike most advanced nursing programs that tend to lead away from the bedside, the MSN – FNP degree will deepen your relationship with a patient by giving you the knowledge and resources to provide more comprehensive care and to increase positive healthcare outcomes.

The demand for family nurse practitioners continues to grow across all settings, from urban areas to rural communities. FNPs serve an urgent healthcare need and enjoy a rewarding career with in-depth comprehensive patient responsibilities. As fewer physicians choose to specialize in primary care and many primary care physicians approach retirement, FNPs competently and increasingly fill the void.

Designed for working nurses and accredited by ACEN, A-State’s affordable online MSN – FNP program combines 100% online coursework with relevant clinicals to increase your knowledge and leadership skills. By applying critical inquiry to theory and practice, you will expand your ability to provide lifelong patient care in a wide range of specialties and settings.

Upon successful completion of the MSN – FNP program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

For state approvals, please consult the Program Map.

In this online family nurse practitioner program, you will learn how to:

  • Synthesize theories and concepts to guide clinical judgment
  • Assist in providing primary care by performing standard procedure skills
  • Conduct both physical and differential diagnoses to determine appropriate treatment
  • Work with patients and their families to develop plans to maintain/improve health and manage/treat illnesses and chronic conditions
  • Develop patient-centered care that respects diversity and unique characteristics of individuals and populations
  • Assume leadership and collaborative roles in planning, providing and managing healthcare services
  • Work within complex health systems and diverse populations to effect safe, cost-effective quality healthcare
  • Apply unique skills, such as radiology interpretation, tele-health practices, and dental health
  • Demonstrate professionalism and accountability to ethical and legal standards
  • Utilize information systems and technology to evaluate patient care programs, outcomes and systems
In this online family nurse practitioner program, you will learn how to:+
  • Synthesize theories and concepts to guide clinical judgment
  • Assist in providing primary care by performing standard procedure skills
  • Conduct both physical and differential diagnoses to determine appropriate treatment
  • Work with patients and their families to develop plans to maintain/improve health and manage/treat illnesses and chronic conditions
  • Develop patient-centered care that respects diversity and unique characteristics of individuals and populations
  • Assume leadership and collaborative roles in planning, providing and managing healthcare services
  • Work within complex health systems and diverse populations to effect safe, cost-effective quality healthcare
  • Apply unique skills, such as radiology interpretation, tele-health practices, and dental health
  • Demonstrate professionalism and accountability to ethical and legal standards
  • Utilize information systems and technology to evaluate patient care programs, outcomes and systems

As a graduate of this online nursing program, you will be prepared to work as a family nurse practitioner across a variety of healthcare settings, including:

  • Internal medicine clinics
  • Family practice clinics
  • Community clinics
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Specialty clinics
  • University student health centers
  • Rehab centers
  • Ambulatory care centers
  • Home healthcare
  • Correctional facilities
  • Retail clinics
As a graduate of this online nursing program, you will be prepared to work as a family nurse practitioner across a variety of healthcare settings, including:+
  • Internal medicine clinics
  • Family practice clinics
  • Community clinics
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Specialty clinics
  • University student health centers
  • Rehab centers
  • Ambulatory care centers
  • Home healthcare
  • Correctional facilities
  • Retail clinics
+

Also available:

A-State offers a variety of graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online graduate programs.

Total Tuition: $15,355
Program Duration: As few as 24 months
Credit Hours 41.5

Accreditation

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

Call 866-621-8096

Tuition

A-State tuition is an outstanding value with pay-by-the-course flexibility

Our online family nurse practitioner program offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour: $370
Total Tuition: $15,355

Calendar

Important dates you need to know

Ideal for working nurses, Arkansas State online programs are delivered in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year.

View full calendar  + 

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/13/2512/16/2412/18/241/2/251/10/252/28/25
Spring 23/10/252/24/252/24/252/28/253/7/255/2/25

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 2/24/25
Start Class 3/10/25

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

Apply Now

Admissions

These are the steps to being admitted to our online MSN – FNP program

We know you're busy, so we've streamlined the A-State admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Students who are interested in the MSN – FNP online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • BSN degree
  • Current unencumbered RN license
View all admission requirements +

  • Complete online application and submit application fee
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 (4.0 scale)
  • Official transcript(s) submitted by the registrar of any college/university you have attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution.
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Documentation of 1,500 RN practice hours prior to admission

Additional Information

As part of the student’s file, the following information is required to be completed prior to starting the first course (or the applicable course):

  • A background check completed within the last 12 months
  • This document is not required to render an admissions decision.

English Proficiency Requirements

This program requires a high level of English proficiency to meet academic and clinical objectives, along with meeting the criteria for licensure. You may be required to provide proof of English proficiency per A-State School of Nursing English Proficiency Standards. Additionally, if you’ve ever attended a professional program in the past, you may be required to provide a letter of good standing.

Meeting the admissions requirements does not guarantee admission. Students will be admitted based on space availability.

International Students

Students from non-English speaking countries or for whom English is not a native language must take one of the following tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5 and a spoken band score of 7
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a score of 56

    • Request all official transcripts be sent directly to A-State from all colleges or universities attended. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.

    This program requires a high level of English proficiency to meet academic and clinical objectives, along with meeting the criteria for licensure. You may be required to provide proof of English proficiency per A-State School of Nursing English Proficiency Standards. Additionally, if you’ve ever attended a professional program in the past, you may be required to provide a letter of good standing.

    Submit all documents to:

    A-State Online
    P.O. Box 2520
    State University, AR 72467


    Fax: 870-972-3548
    Email: [email protected]

    Recognized as a Leader in Nursing Education

    A-State is ranked among the "Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas" by U.S. News & World Report, 2024

    Courses

    Preview the coursework of the Family Nurse Practitioner program

    Students in the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner online program must complete a total of 41.5 credit hours. Required coursework includes seven core courses (20 credit hours), three emphasis courses (9 credit hours) and six practicum courses (12.5 credit hours with a total of 750 clinical hours). The practicum/clinical hours must also be done in a state in which Arkansas State has State Operating Authority. Please consult the Program Map for state approvals.

    Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.

    Expand All
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Analysis and critical evaluation of nursing research appropriate to the study of nursing phenomena. Students develop a research proposal. Prerequisite, Undergraduate research.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Examines the process of theory development in nursing and facilitates formation of a conceptual basis for advanced knowledge and practice. Includes analysis of various models and their application to advanced clinical practice. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses except in Nurse Anesthesia program.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Critical analysis of health care issues and policy which influence advanced nursing practice and the health care system.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    The study of role development with an emphasis on role making, intra- and interdisciplinary communication and strategies for role implementation. Must be taken prior to, or concurrent with first clinical course.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Complex physiological processes in adults which occur with disease, adaptation, and therapeutic intervention. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of commonly-occurring health problems of primary care patients. Prerequisite, Undergraduate course in pharmacology; admission to the graduate nursing program; NURS 6003 or concurrent enrollment. NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP option.
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Presents theoretical and clinical basis for comprehensive assessment and diagnosis in primary health care settings, including all age groups. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making, differentiation of normal from pathological findings, risk assessment screening, diagnostic testing and interpretation of findings. Prerequisites, Undergraduate Health Assessment course (minimum of a B). If a student has a “C” in physical assessment, proficiency may be demonstrated. NURS 6003 or concurrent enrollment. [NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP]. (Nurse Anesthesia-admittance to program)
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 1.5
    Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of women who are well or have minor health problems. Application of principles through case studies related to women's health. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 1.5
    Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of pediatric clients and families who are well or have minor health problems. Application of principles through case studies of pediatric clients. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 1.5
    Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of clients who have minor or chronic health problems. Areas of focus to include but not limited to: Health Promotion, Musculoskeletal, Neurologic, Mental Health, Multisystem disorders & management of office emergencies. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 1.5
    Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of clients who have minor or chronic health problems across the lifespan. Areas of focus to include but not limited to: Dermatology, HEENT, Hematologic, and GU/GI Disorders. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 1.5
    Study of theoretical and clinical bases for management of clients who have minor or chronic health problems. Areas of focus to include but not limited to: Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Infectious Disease, Endocrine, Metabolic, Rheumatic, & Oncologic Disorders. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023. Restricted to Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration program.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 1.5
    Analysis of application of nursing theory and research/role concepts, and exploration of issues specific to the role implementation, in family nurse practitioner practice. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    120 Clinical Hours. Clinical preceptorship in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice. Prepare students to interview patients, build care plans, and work with clinical instructors and preceptors to apply knowledge of primary care processes. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    120 Clinical Hours. Clinical application of theoretical bases for management of clients and families for well visits and/or minor/complex health problems. Continued clinical preceptorship with opportunities for increased clinical knowledge in selected primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts. Prerequisite, NURS 616V.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    120 Clinical Hours. Clinical application of theoretical bases for management of clients for well visits and/or minor/complex health problems. Clinical preceptorship with opportunities for increased clinical knowledge in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice. Prerequisites, NURS 6212 and NURS 6222.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    120 Clinical Hours. Continued clinical preceptorship with opportunities for increased clinical knowledge in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice. Emphasis on patient assessment and prioritization of treatments and interventions for patients across the lifespan. Prerequisites, NURS 6212 and NURS 6222.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    120 Clinical Hours. FNP Clinical preceptorships in selected health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge, skills and concepts in a guided, progressive context of Family Primary Care Advanced Nursing Practice in a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisites, NURS 6232 and NURS 6242.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2.5
    150 Clinical Hours. Culminating clinical course for FNP students. Applies knowledge from previous courses to create and finalize a professional portfolio. Participate in a research project to show professional research interests and educate others on potential upcoming changes within the health care system. Prerequisite, NURS 6252.

    Request Information

    Submit the form below, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Or call 866-621-8096

    By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature agreeing that Arkansas State University (A-State) and its agent, Risepoint, may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology or a pre-recorded message at the telephone number(s) provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend A-State or to purchase any other goods or services. Privacy Policy. SMS Terms.

    Ready to go?

    Start your application today!
    Apply Now
    Apply Now
    Or call 866-621-8096 866-621-8096
    for help with any questions you have.

    Related Articles