21 Best (FASTEST) FNP Online Programs – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Adding an FNP certification to your compendium of nursing skills will expand your scope of practice in rewarding ways because family nurse practice is the most versatile APRN specialty. A family nurse practice certification will enable you to work in hospitals, community clinics, home healthcare agencies, schools, and many other practice settings. If you’re already an advanced practice RN, you’ll probably want to attain your FNP degree through the most efficient means available by enrolling in an online FNP program that’s comparatively short.
So, what are the best shortest FNP online programs? You’ll find that info in this guide to the 21 best fastest FNP online programs.
WHAT ARE THE BEST (FASTEST) FNP ONLINE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 21 best fastest FNP online programs for 2025. You can complete these programs in 20 months or less.)1. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN
Program Length: 1 Year
Program Details: If you want to enroll in one of the best fastest FNP programs online, then, Vanderbilt’s MSN-FNP is an excellent choice. The program builds on your BSN education and experience as a registered nurse and prepares you for evidence-based primary care. Besides, the online format allows nurses to continue working while advancing their nursing careers in advanced primary care. The program starts with core courses in advanced health assessment, physiology, pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacotherapeutics. Program graduates are prepared for the primary care of male and female patients across their lifespan.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for Vanderbilt’s accelerated online FNP program, you must have an accredited BSN with an active and unencumbered RN license in your practice state. Also, your undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0. To complete the application, you must submit your transcripts, resume, and your goal statement.
2. Emory University - Atlanta, GA
Program Length: Four Semesters
How Fast Can You Complete Emory University Online FNP Program: If you are eager to complete your FNP training from one of the best fastest FNP programs online, then Emory University’s FNP is a terrific choice. At this university, you can complete your online FNP training within just four semesters.
Program Details: Emory University’s FNP, combined with a master's of science in nursing is a rigorous curriculum that comprises online didactic courses and diverse clinical experiences. The 49-credit MSN-FNP program emphasizes clinical training, requiring students to complete more than 720 hours of clinical practice at 40 plus clinical sites, including community-based sites and private healthcare settings.
Emory’s FNP includes classes in pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, research & evidence-based practice, healthcare quality & patient safety, and innovative leadership & policy in advanced nursing practice roles. In addition, the FNP-specific courses prepare you for the primary care of individuals across their lifespan.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for Emory’s accelerated FNP online program, you must have a BSN with an active and unencumbered RN license in GA or your state of practice. Also, the program requires your GPA to be at least 3.0. In addition, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and 2-3 references.
3. Georgetown University - Washington, DC
Program Length: 19 Months
Program Details: Among the best fastest FNP online programs, Georgetown University, family nurse practitioner ranks among the top programs in the nation. The distance-based MSN program leads to the MSN degree and FNP certification. The coursework comprises 44 credits, including 650 clinical hours. In addition to online didactic classes, the program also includes two on-campus clinical intensives and clinical experiences within your geographical location. Rooted in Jesuit values, the program prepares graduates for holistic nursing care of individuals and families across the lifespan.
Admission Requirements: Georgetown University’s fast-track FNP online program is open to BSN-prepared registered nurses who have an active and unencumbered RN license. Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis, so you must apply early. Completed applications must include a professional resume, academic transcripts, and three recommendation letters. A live interview may also be required.
4. The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: For registered nurses passionate about primary care, University of Alabama’s online FNP can prepare you for health promotion and disease prevention across all types of patient populations. Recognized among the U.S. News & World Report’s best fastest FNP online programs, the program leads to a master's degree and the family nurse practitioner certification. The MSN-FNP program comprises 45 credits in MSN core and FNP courses. Emphasizing family health, the program teaches you concepts in population health, informatics, health assessment, organizational & systems leadership, evidence-based research, and health policy & finance.
Admission Requirements: To apply for University of Alabama’s fast-track online FNP program, you must foremost have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, an active RN license is required in any one of the approved states. The MSN-FNP application also requires the submission of transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, a copy of your RN license, and two references. An interview may also be required.
5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV
Program Length: 16 Months
Program Details: If you are keen on obtaining your FNP training from one of the best fast-track FNP online programs then University of Nevada’s MSN-FNP program is a great option. Not only will you graduate rather quickly, but you’ll also take classes from the comfort of your home. While all the didactic classes are offered online, the program requires students to attend two on-campus orientations. To graduate, you must complete a total of 46 credits in MSN core and FNP courses. Some of the topics covered include advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing theory & research, and diagnostic reasoning.
Admission Requirements: For application to University of Nevada’s fast online FNP program, you must have a BSN from an accredited college, and your GPA must be at least 3.0. The program also requires you to submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume, a statement of purpose, and all your official transcripts.
6. Old Dominion University - Virginia Beach, VA
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: Old Dominion University offers one of the faith-based fastest FNP programs online that prepares graduates for holistic healthcare management. The FNP specialization is combined with an MSN to provide a solid education in the core graduate competencies and the FNP specialization. The program comprises 49 credits, including online didactic courses and on-site clinical training. Old Dominion’s FNP produces leaders by training students in key topics such as health promotion, disease prevention, acute care, emergency services, nursing research, nursing education, and public health. The program also covers various nursing specialties, including pediatrics gerontology, women’s health, oncology, cardiovascular and infectious disease.
Admission Requirements: Old Dominion University’s online FNP program is designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses who possess an active and unencumbered RN license. To qualify for admission, the undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0. Other admission requirements include having at least one year of current RN experience and submission of transcripts, three recommendation letters, and an essay.
7. Anderson University - Anderson, SC
Program Length: 15 Months
Program Details: Anderson University’s FNP is an excellent choice for those nurses who are seeking faith-based advanced practice nursing education. This accelerated online FNP program is offered along with an MSN, including core and FNP-related courses. The 48-credit curriculum covers topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and primary care of individuals and families across the lifespan. Upon graduation, you’ll obtain your MSN and earn the eligibility to take the FNP certification exam.
Admission Requirements: To apply for Anderson’s MSN-FNP, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.2. The program also requires applicants to possess an active and unencumbered RN license. To complete the application process, the submission of two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official transcripts, and a resume is required.
8. East Tennessee State University - Johnson City, TN
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: East Tennessee State University’s accelerated online FNP program offers a conducive learning environment where students receive individualized attention. Students complete the MSN coursework, after which they take classes in the FNP specialization. With a focus on rural health care, students complete a 51-credit MSN-FNP curriculum that also includes 540 clock hours of clinical training.
Admission Requirements: To apply for ETSU’s MSN-FNP, you must be a registered nurse with an accredited BSN. Also, you must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Besides, you must be prepared to submit your completed application along with an essay, a resume, and all your transcripts.
9. Brenau University - Gainesville, GA
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: To help you begin a rewarding career as a family nurse practitioner, Brenau University offers one of the other best shortest FNP programs online. The program quickly takes your career from a registered nurse to that of an advanced practice nurse. The FNP, offered in conjunction with an MSN is a 50-credit curriculum, comprising 17 credits in nursing core and 33 credits in FNP-related courses. The nursing core mainly covers topics such as advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and the principles & practice of nursing leadership & management. In addition, the FNP courses prepare students for primary care of individuals across the lifespan.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Brenau University’s accelerated FNP online program, you must have a BSN with an active RN license. The application also requires the submission of two professional references, a resume, a personal statement, and all official transcripts.
10. Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: Another one of the best shortest FNP online programs is offered by Keiser University. The program is a quick route to an MSN and a career as a family nurse practitioner. The 49-credit coursework comprises 19 courses that each are eight weeks long. The family-oriented curriculum comprises courses in leadership, health systems, policy & resource management, research & practice, advanced health assessment, and family health care management. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of interdisciplinary healthcare environments.
Admission Requirements: Keiser’s accelerated FNP online program accepts applications from registered nurses who have a BSN and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must be prepared to submit your resume, a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation. A GRE or GMAT score is required for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of less than 2.70.
11. National University - San Diego, CA
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: If you are looking for the fastest FNP online programs that are offered by a non-profit, then National University’s FNP is a befitting choice. The program offers an MSN and prepares students to sit for the FNP certification exam. The program starts with core MSN courses that cover topics such as advanced practice nursing, biomedical statistics, health policy & finance, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement & project management. In addition, the FNP-related courses teach you advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The program also prepares graduates for primary care of adults, the elderly, women, and children.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for National’s FNP, you must have a BSN with an active and unencumbered RN license. Also, current employment as a registered nurse is required. Other admission requirements include the submission of official transcripts, two professional recommendations, and a personal statement.
12. William Paterson University - Wayne, NJ
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: William Paterson University’s FNP, offered in conjunction with its MSN, is designed for working nurses who desire the flexibility of online classes. The 100% online course comprises a total of 47 credits in core courses, FNP courses, and an FNP practicum. The core courses strengthen your knowledge of the theoretical foundations for nursing, nursing research strategies, population health, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment. In addition, the FNP courses and practicum prepare you for the advanced primary care of individuals and families across their lifespans.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into William Paterson University’s accelerated FNP online program, you must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, a valid and unencumbered RN license is required. To complete the application, you must be prepared to submit two references and all your official transcripts. The program also requires applicants to be currently working as registered nurses.
13. Lincoln Memorial University - Harrogate, TN
Program Length: 17 Months
Program Details: Another one of the fastest online FNP programs is offered by Lincoln Memorial University’s MSN program. This MSN-FNP program expedites your entry into the in-demand field of advanced practice nursing. The 43-credit MSN-FNP coursework also includes 660 hours of clinical training. The curriculum includes topics such as advanced physiology & pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and theoretical foundations & research methods. The program also covers several areas of nursing, including pediatrics, women’s health, and geriatrics. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to provide high-quality primary care for individuals across the lifespan.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Lincoln Memorial University’s fast-track FNP online program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license in TN is required. To apply, you must submit three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and your official transcripts.
14. Mount Carmel College of Nursing - Columbus, OH
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers an MSN upon which the FNP curriculum is built. Among the well-known fast-track FNP online programs, the program comprises 48 credits. The coursework includes courses in nursing research & evidence-based practice, quality, safety, healthcare systems & health policy, leadership, advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment. The program also includes 500 hours of clinical training. Upon graduation, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to sit for the FNP certification exam.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s fast-track online FNP program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must have an active RN license in their state of practice. Other admission requirements include submission transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Also, nursing work experience is required to qualify for admission.
15. Youngstown State University - Youngstown, OH
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: Youngstown State University’s FNP is offered in conjunction with an MSN. The fast-track FNP online program consists of 27 core credits and 19 credits in FNP courses. The core courses include classes in health care issues & trends, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and theoretical foundations in science & research. Besides, the FNP courses prepare you for the primary care management of individuals and families across the lifespan.
Admission Requirements: Youngstown State University’s FNP requires applicants to have an accredited BSN with an active RN license. Also, the undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of nursing work experience. Besides, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts and a current resume.
16. St. Thomas University - Miami Gardens, FL
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: St. Thomas University’s FNP is counted among the affordable shortest FNP programs online in the nation. The program not only allows you to conserve time but also helps you save some tuition dollars. The program culminates in an MSN and prepares graduates for the FNP certification exam. The MSN-FNP program comprises a total of 47 credits, preparing graduates for a career as a family nurse practitioner. The program starts with MSN core courses that teach you concepts in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, health policy, advanced clinical pharmacology, and health promotion & disease prevention. The FNP-related courses mainly focus on the advanced primary care of children, adults, women, and elderly patients.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for St. Thomas University’s fast-track FNP online program, you must have a bachelor’s in nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. To complete the admission requirements, applicants must be prepared to submit all their official transcripts and a resume.
17. South College - Knoxville, TN
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: South College’s FNP is offered along with its MSN. The program blends online classes with hands-on clinical experiences. The flexible format of this fast-track FNP online program easily accommodates the busy life of working nurses. The evidence-based curriculum covers topics such as advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and primary care of individuals and families across the lifespan. Students can expect to complete 40 to 60 credits, depending on the courses they have completed in their undergraduate nursing education. Upon graduation, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to sit for the FNP certification.
Admission Requirements: Similar to other shortest FNP online programs, South College’s FNP is open to registered nurses who are prepared at the baccalaureate level. Applicants are also required to submit a copy of their RN license, their official transcripts, a personal statement, and a resume.
18. Samuel Merritt University - Oakland, CA
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: If you are looking for the shortest online FNP programs that offer the flexibility of asynchronous online classes then, Samuel Merritt University’s FNP is a superb option. The program leads to an MSN and comprises a total of 49 credits. The curriculum offers well-rounded training by including rigorous didactic courses and extensive clinical experiences. Some of the topics covered include advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, care of chronic & complex conditions and health protection, and promotion. The program also teaches you analysis of health policy issues and family-centered advanced practice nursing.
Admission Requirements: For admission into Samuel Merritt University’s fast-track online FNP program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must carry an active and unencumbered RN license. The program also requires the submission of two letters of reference, official transcripts, and a resume. Samuel Merritt’s FNP enrolls thrice a year, in summer, fall, and spring.
19. West Coast University - Irvine, CA
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: Among the other reputable accelerated FNP programs online, West Coast University’s FNP seamlessly takes your career from a registered nurse to that of a family nurse practitioner. The FNP, offered in conjunction with the MSN degree, comprises 48 credits in core MSN and FNP-related courses. The program includes courses such as leadership for healthcare organizations, pathophysiology, public health nursing, community practice, policy, organization & financing in healthcare, and health promotion & disease prevention. The program also prepares graduates for primary care of children, adults, women, and the elderly. The 53-credit MSN-FNP coursework ends with a culminating experience.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for West Coast University’s fast-track online FNP program, applicants must meet the admission requirements. The admission requirements include a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, an active RN license in the U.S. is required. The program also requires applicants to submit official transcripts and a copy of their RN license.
20. Southeastern Louisiana University - Hammond, LA
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: Southeastern Louisiana University offers another one of the accelerated FNP online programs that culminates into an MSN degree and FNP certification. The coursework consists of 42 to 45 credits and 600 hours of clinical training. The program covers topics such as the theoretical foundations of advanced nursing, pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, population-based primary care and business, leadership, and health policy. The FNP also includes courses in advanced practice nursing, focusing on family health. Program graduates are adept at providing evidence-based care to patients across the lifespan, emphasizing the underserved and vulnerable populations.
Admission Requirements: For admission into Southeastern Louisiana University’s MSN-FNP, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing along with an active and unencumbered RN license. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of nursing work experience. Also, applicants must be prepared to submit their official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a letter of intent.
21. Beal University - Wilton, ME
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: Beal University offers quality employable training for over 130 years. Its short online FNP program is combined with the MSN to provide a solid grounding in core graduate concepts. Designed for working nurses, the program offers all classes online and allows students to complete clinical experiences within their home community. The courses of this master’s degree build your knowledge in advanced health assessment, health promotion, advanced pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, health promotion, and primary care of individuals across the lifespan. Upon graduation, students are prepared to utilize critical thinking and evidence-based knowledge to enhance health outcomes in various types of interdisciplinary healthcare settings.
Admission Requirements: To apply for Beal University’s quick online FNP program, you must be a registered nurse with an accredited BSN program. The program also requires applicants to submit their transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.