Top 12-Month FNP Programs: Online & On-Campus (2026)

<p>A family nurse practitioner (FNP) program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who want to pursue an advanced nursing practice role. Some schools offer one-year degrees to help RNs start working as an FNP as quickly as possible. Keep reading to learn where you can find an accredited 12-month FNP program online or at a campus near you. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatAreAcceleratedFamilyNursePractitionerPrograms">What Are Accelerated Family Nurse Practitioner Programs?</h2> <p>An accelerated FNP program is a fast-paced training option for RNs who want to quickly become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and provide primary care to patients of all ages. These programs offer the same quality academic experiences as traditional programs; however, enrollees can often complete their studies in a fraction of the time. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsTheFastestFNPProgramOnline">What Is the Fastest FNP Program Online?</h2> <p>The fastest online FNP program is typically accelerated and can be completed in as little as a year. Degrees with the quickest timelines are available at schools like Mississippi University for Women and the University of North Alabama. Both offer Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to FNP programs that students can finish in 12 months. </p> <h2 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnFNPIn12Months">Can You Become an FNP in 12 Months?</h2> <p>Yes, you can find one-year NP programs with FNP tracks. While most schools require more time to complete their programs, some institutions accelerate studies with shorter course terms and flexible scheduling to help enrollees start their careers sooner. </p> <h2 id="section---BestOneYearFNPPrograms">Best One-Year FNP Programs</h2> <p>Accelerated FNP degrees help RNs advance their careers in as little as a year. Review the list of schools below to discover some of the nation's best fast-track FNP nursing programs. </p> <h3 id="section---1.MississippiUniversityForWomen">1. Mississippi University for Women</h3> <p>Mississippi University for Women offers one of the fastest FNP program options in the nation. The 12-month MSN degree with an FNP track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It is designed for students who have a baccalaureate in nursing and two years of RN experience. </p> <p>Coursework explores advanced health assessment and primary care. Completion of a clinical research project or thesis and a comprehensive exam is required. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> As little as $311 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months (two semesters and a summer term) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfNorthAlabama">2. University of North Alabama</h3> <p>The MSN at the University of North Alabama is a post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online program with an FNP track that can be completed in as little as 12 months. This online option prepares learners to sit for a national certification exam through key coursework and clinical training (students can help choose their preceptor and clinical site). </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $495 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 to 24 months (full-time) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherAcceleratedFNPPrograms">Other Accelerated FNP Programs</h2> <p>Do you want to expand your search for family nurse practitioner degrees? Explore the following accelerated online FNP programs with slightly longer degree completion timelines. </p> <h3 id="section---UniversityOfNevadaLasVegas">University of Nevada, Las Vegas</h3> <p>The University of Nevada, Las Vegas's online MSN offers an FNP track that prepares graduates to work in various primary care settings. Courses focus on advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and women's health. Students who enroll full-time can graduate in 16 months. </p> <p>Admission requirements include a BSN degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1044.20 per credit hour (in-state); $1432.95 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months (full-time) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) </li></ul><h3 id="section---TexasStateUniversity">Texas State University</h3> <p>The St. David's School of Nursing at Texas State University prepares RNs for community health, urgent care, and other nursing roles in its MSN-FNP program. In addition to coursework exploring adolescent primary care and advanced health assessment, learners participate in supervised clinical practicums. </p> <p>This online program offers fall and spring start dates and helps enrollees facilitate clinical placements at desired sites. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $499 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> As few as 18 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---SouthernUtahUniversity">Southern Utah University</h3> <p>In the online family nurse practitioner program at Southern Utah University, learners can earn an MSN and start working in as little as 18 months. This program is designed for students with a BSN, an active RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. It prepares learners for advanced practice nursing roles through online courses that explore evidence-based practice, pediatric primary care, and more. </p> <p>Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for FNP certification exams in Utah. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $504 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> As few as 18 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU </li></ul><h3 id="section---St.ThomasUniversity">St. Thomas University</h3> <p>St. Thomas University is home to an online MSN-FNP program for aspiring urgent care nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner supervisors. Core courses and specialization courses in this graduate nursing program focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and adult gerontology. </p> <p>To graduate, learners must complete clinical practice hours. Admission requirements include a BSN and an RN license. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $605 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> As few as 18 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---AdventHealthUniversity">AdventHealth University</h3> <p>Learners with a BSN, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or a nursing diploma seeking careers in advanced patient care can pursue AdventHealth University's MSN. This online program, which can be completed in as little as 18 months, has an FNP track. Enrollees take advanced nursing courses and get hands-on training as they prepare to provide care across the lifespan in various clinical settings. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $690 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 18 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---MountCarmelCollegeOfNursing">Mount Carmel College of Nursing</h3> <p>At Mount Carmel College of Nursing, students can pursue the Master of Science (MS) FNP track and complete their studies in 18 months. This CCNE-accredited program, which boasts a 97% first-time exam pass rate, is offered online with scheduled immersions. </p> <p>Enrollees complete coursework covering healthcare systems and transition to the APRN role. Clinical hours are required. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $980 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 18 months (five semesters) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---BaylorUniversity">Baylor University</h3> <p>Baylor University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) designed for bachelor's and master's degree holders. Post-master's students can complete this online DNP program in as little as 18 months. </p> <p>An advanced curriculum focuses on pharmacology, healthcare policy, and ethics, and includes clinical rotations. Graduates can sit for FNP exams from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,250 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 18 to 24 months (post-master's FNP) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---KeiserUniversity">Keiser University</h3> <p>Keiser University's MSN-FNP is a 49-credit program helping RNs start new careers in 18 to 24 months. Nineteen courses cover pharmacology, primary healthcare, and beyond, and practicums focus on family primary care. </p> <p>Though this program offers courses online, students attend two on-site residencies in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Prerequisites include a BSN from an accredited institution. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $35,304 per year </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 18 to 24 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that each meets the following criteria: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools are accredited by a nationally ranked organization, such as the SACSCOC. </li><li><b>Reputation:</b> These institutions are recognized for their top faculty and graduation outcomes. </li><li><b>Program length:</b> We picked accelerated programs that help learners graduate in as little as 12 months. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Schools in this list have affordable tuition or offer financial aid to lower costs. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedFNPPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated FNP Programs</h2> <p>Are you ready to choose among the best accelerated FNP programs online or on campus? Explore the FAQs below to learn more before getting started. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastAreBSNToFNPPrograms">How Fast Are BSN to FNP Programs?</h3> <p>Timelines for BSN to FNP programs vary. However, learners seeking the fastest BSN to FNP program can pursue an MSN-FNP at Mississippi University for Women and finish in 12 months. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionsRequirementsForAcceleratedFNPPrograms">What Are the Admissions Requirements for Accelerated FNP Programs?</h3> <p>Admission requirements for accelerated FNP programs typically include a BSN or MSN, an RN license, and a minimum GPA. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToGoFromRNToFNP">How Long Does It Take To Go From RN to FNP?</h3> <p>The time required to go from an RN with an ASN or nursing diploma to an FNP depends on the program. Students seeking the fastest RN to FNP program can find one at AdventHealth University that takes as little as 18 months to complete. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheAverageSalaryForFamilyNursePractitioners">What Is the Average Salary for Family Nurse Practitioners?</h3> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> (BLS), the median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $129,210. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanIBecomeAnRN">How Fast Can I Become an RN?</h3> <p>An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program helps learners become RNs in two years, while BSN programs take about four years. It's common to find the fastest RN program online, where accelerated coursework enables students to graduate sooner. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreNursingDegreesOnline">Explore Nursing Degrees Online</h2> <p>Begin your journey toward an advanced nursing career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to discover ways they can help you achieve your goals.</p>