They Said Managing Work and Nursing School Was Impossible—Not WGU
Become A Family Nurse Practitioner
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Earn Your Degree Mostly Online, Even with Your Busy Schedule
Transform your current nursing career and earn your Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN degree mostly online with an in-person clinical internship spent working in your community.
Family nurse practitioners (FNP) provide high-quality healthcare to people of all ages, combining their technical nursing know-how with strong people skills, organizational prowess, and business knowledge to help patients and to transform lives.
Consider advancing your career with a CCNE-accredited degree from WGU*, where you'll find:
- Flexibility. A nurse’s schedule is never predictable—and not very forgiving. That’s why our programs focus on making the best use of your time and experience. Your years as a nurse can help you accelerate through the MSN Core portion of your program.
- Affordability. Our tuition is already about half what most other online universities charge, and scholarships can make your degree even more affordable.**
- Personalized support. Programs are competency-based, so you’re in the driver’s seat. You also have personalized faculty support from your own Program Mentor. Plus, your Placement Coordinator will help you plan for a successful clinical internship experience.
Limited geographic availability
This program is not open to students in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Washington, and U.S. Territories.
*The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, master's degree programs in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
**WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 53% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.
Do You Qualify For This Program?
The FNP program at WGU has strict admission requirements and is only available in limited areas. There are several general admissions requirements you must meet in order to be eligible for this program:
- Have a BSN degree from an accredited institution and have a specific GPA in certain courses from your degree program
- Have a current, active, RN license
- Be prepared to commit 30+ hours a week to the rigors, time-intensive program
- See other admissions criteria below
- Applicants must possess a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) from an accredited institution. NOTE: Students that hold an MSN will not be eligible to apply for the MSN-FNP pathway.
- Applicants must possess a current, active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license
- Applicants must have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in the following 5 courses OR hold a BSN degree from WGU:
- Anatomy / Physiology I w/lab (equivalent to 4 semester hours)
- Anatomy / Physiology II w/lab (equivalent to 4 semester hours)
- Statistics (equivalent to 3 semester hours)
- Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan (equivalent to 3 semester hours)
- Pharmacology (equivalent to 2 semester hours)
Note: All courses must be awarded a C- or above to meet this requirement. At this time, WGU is not accepting transfer credit for the Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner program. - Students should be prepared to commit 30+ hours a week to the rigors, time-intensive program.
Don't Qualify for FNP Admission?
Many students interested in the FNP program don't yet qualify for admission. For many, earning a BSN is a critical first step in preparing for a future as a family nurse practitioner. Current nurses can earn their BSN and then progress toward a career as an FNP with programs offered at WGU. And some students in select states can earn their RN licensure and BSN through WGU.
An Exciting and Rigorous Program That Can Change Your Future
Build On Your Nursing Career
Family nurse practitioners have the opportunity to advance their current nursing career and transition into more focused, independent patient care. Your nursing experience is critical in preparing you for a future as an FNP, giving you understanding in healthcare settings and knowledge of how to interact with and help patients.
Change Your Scope of Practice
An FNP program allows current nurses to alter their scope of practice. For example, you may be a specialized nurse and earning an FNP degree will allow you to alter the type of patient you focus on. Additionally, a nurse practitioner license allows you to work more independently and even establish your own practice in many locations.
Serve Healthcare Patients
The focus of a nurse practitioner and a nurse is the same—giving high-quality healthcare to patients in need. Earning an FNP degree allows you to build on your career of caring by giving you more opportunities and experience in serving your community. As you build on your healthcare career with an FNP license, you're growing the number people you can serve and help.
An innovative program developed by healthcare industry experts.
Gain the comprehensive knowledge you need to become an expert in the field. Graduates of this program will make a significant impact in their communities as they help prevent suicide and treat mental health conditions among at-risk populations.
Learn More About WGU's PMHNP and Check Out Our Other Health Master's Degrees
Health & Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington.
- Time: It takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
- Tuition: $6,850 per six-month term.
- Courses: 16 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Leadership and Management
- Adult Primary Care
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Special Populations Primary Care
- Advanced Health Assessment
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Master's Degrees in Nursing and Healthcare
Nursing - Education (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Education (RN to MSN Program) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Program) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN Program) – M.S.
Master of Healthcare Administration
MBA Healthcare Management (from the School of Business)
Post-Master's Certificates
Nursing Education—Post-Master's Certificate
Nursing Leadership and Management—Post-Master's Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner—Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner —Post-Master's Certificate
Earn Your Degree for about Half the Cost of Other Universities*
You pay tuition per six-month term, not per course or credit. So when you move faster through your courses, you also lower your total bill!
WGU students pay about half the tuition,* and end up with half the debt of the national average.**
- Low, flat-rate tuition.
- Graduate faster and with less debt.
- Financial aid and scholarships available.
- Online education with supportive faculty.
- VA and military benefits accepted.
- Great return on investment.
- All course materials for a low, flat fee.
*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 53% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2023. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.
**WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner M.S. Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner M.S. Nursing
$6,955
$6,850
M.S. Nursing
$5,035
Master of Healthcare Administration
$4,995
MBA Healthcare Management
$4,755
Tuition rates effective September 1, 2024. Costs are per six-month term. Tuition covers unlimited courses per term.
All programs: $200 per-term Resource Fee covers e-textbooks and learning resources.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner M.S. Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner M.S. Nursing
$6,955
$6,850
M.S. Nursing
$5,035
Master of Healthcare Administration
$4,995
MBA Healthcare Management
$4,755
Tuition rates effective September 1, 2024. Costs are per six-month term. Tuition covers unlimited courses per term.
All programs: $200 per-term Resource Fee covers e-textbooks and learning resources.
FASTER
Learn, prove it, move on.
Competency-based education focuses on learning rather than seat time. You’re in the driver’s seat. Each course is a collection of defined competencies—knowledge and skills that employers are looking for from successful graduates. You study on your schedule. As soon as you can prove you’ve mastered the competencies, you take an assessment, pass it, and move on. You spend your time learning new concepts, not rehashing subjects you already know. You can set the pace to graduate early. And in the end, your degree is proof you’ve shown that you’re what employers are looking for!
MORE SUPPORT
Your success is our job.
From before you enroll to after you graduate, our #1 job is a better life for you and your family. Think of it as the best of both worlds: a program that offers complete independence and more support than you ever knew you needed—at exactly the moment you need it! From the Enrollment Counselor who helps you decide if WGU is the right fit for you, to the faculty mentors who are obsessed with your academic progress, to the student and tech support teams who are eager to help you solve any issues you might encounter as a student, you’re never alone—even though you’re online. And even after you’ve graduated, career and alumni support is just a call away.
GREATER VALUE
Smaller investment, bigger returns.
At WGU, affordability means cutting-edge programs at tuition rates that are about half of what you’d pay at other online universities.* It means graduating with little or no student debt. It means scholarship and financial aid opportunities and minimal, transparent fees. It means a flat-rate, per-term tuition so that when you save time, you also save money. And it means understanding that value includes quality, flexibility, relevance, and results, not just cost.
*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 53% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.
Explore Other Programs
We offer degree programs in four in-demand fields. Explore what else is available.
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Educational Studies – B.A. (Does Not Lead to a Teaching License)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
English Language Learning (ESL/ELL)
Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
Education Technology & Instructional Design – M.Ed.
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ENDORSEMENTS
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Network Engineering and Security – B.S.
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Health Information Management – B.S. (from the Leavitt School of Health)
Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration (from the School of Business)
User Experience Design – B.S. (from the School of Business)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Information Technology Management – M.S.
MBA Information Technology Management (from the School of Business)
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CERTIFICATES
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Healthcare Administration – B.S.
Human Resource Management – B.S.
Information Technology Management – B.S.
Supply Chain and Operations Management – B.S.
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree (from the School of Technology)
Health Information Management – B.S. (from the Leavitt School of Health)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
Human Resource Management – M.S.
Management and Leadership – M.S.
Master of Business Administration
MBA Information Technology Management
Master of Healthcare Administration (from the Leavitt School of Health)
Data Analytics – M.S. (from the School of Technology)
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CERTIFICATES
Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Nursing (RN to BSN online) – B.S.
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S. (Available in select states)
Health Information Management – B.S.
Health and Human Services – B.S.
Healthcare Administration – B.S. (from the School of Business)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
Nursing – Education (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) – M.S. (Available in select states)
Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) – M.S. (Available in select states)
Nursing – Education (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Master of Healthcare Administration
MBA Healthcare Management (from the School of Business)
____
CERTIFICATES
Nursing – Education, Post-Master's Certificate
Nursing – Leadership and Management, Post-Master's Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner— Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner— Post-Master's Certificate
