Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner

March 1, 2026
August 25, 2026
Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) online program at Ohio State is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers by becoming highly skilled family nurse practitioners. This flexible online program allows students to balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities while gaining the expertise needed to provide comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages.
Students in the FNP program receive rigorous family nurse practitioner education, covering essential topics such as advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum prepares graduates to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, promote disease prevention, and improve patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.
With a combination of online coursework and in-person clinical experiences, students benefit from Ohio State’s nationally recognized faculty, cutting-edge resources, and a strong support network. Our FNP program, ranked among the best online programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report, prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in primary care, meet the growing demand for advanced practice nurses, and make a meaningful impact in healthcare. It adheres to guidelines from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Academic Calendar
We have two application windows for this program for Autumn 2026. The first application window, from August 1 – October 16, 2025, is for all specialties within the program. The second application window, which is open from February 1 – March 1, 2026, will accept applications for certain specialties that will be announced late-January 2026.
Academic Calendar
We have two application windows for this program for Autumn 2026. The first application window, from August 1 – October 16, 2025, is for all specialties within the program. The second application window, which is open from February 1 – March 1, 2026, will accept applications for certain specialties that will be announced late-January 2026.
Admission Criteria
Students must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution to be eligible to apply. Applicants must also have an active RN license and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned relevant to the program of study.
Who We Are Looking For
Your application will receive a holistic review, meaning all aspects of who you are as an applicant will be considered including your academic preparedness, professional background, formative life experiences, and your unique strengths and attributes. The following list of applicant attributes and experiences is not all encompassing but is meant to help guide you in highlighting your strengths as you prepare your written application materials and recorded online interview.
- Understanding of the advanced practice nurse role
- Experience with your chosen population – Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
- Community engagement
- Diversity of thought and experiences
- Resilience, growth, critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence, communication skills
- Personal attributes like humility, professionalism, compassion
- Commitment to the nursing profession
How to Apply
You can complete an application online at Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions office website. A non-refundable $60 fee is required at the time of submission of the application.
In the online application, you will be required to select your Specialization for the program, as well as whether you will attend full-time or part-time and whether you will attend on-campus or through distance learning, if that option is available for your chosen specialization. You can find a list of the available specializations here.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have previously attended at both either the undergraduate or graduate levels. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or of coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from The Ohio State University do not need to be submitted.
Transcripts should be submitted directly by the sending institution by mail or electronic transfer to be considered official. Please request your transcripts be sent early so they arrive before the deadline. Transcripts can be sent to:
The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004
or
Applicants may upload a copy of an official transcript at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader. However, documents submitted in this manner are considered unofficial, but will suffice for the purposes of application. Web based documents, online grade reports, and related materials are not acceptable. If an applicant is admitted, they will be required to supply official transcripts sent direct from your previous institutions.
For details regarding these methods of submitting transcripts, please visit The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website. Please direct all transcript related questions to the Graduate and Professional Admissions office at 614-292-9444 or to gpadmissions@osu.edu.
Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should be in a similar format to what you would use for a job application. You should include your previous education, professional experiences, community service, volunteer activities, publications, research and leadership experiences on your resume or CV. You may submit this document at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader.
The purpose and goals statement is an opportunity to introduce yourself, to express your interest in advanced nursing practice and to demonstrate your writing skills. Here are some recommended questions to consider and to address when composing your statement:
- What specifically are your academic and career goals?
- How did you decide to seek graduate education in this specialty area?
- How have your life experiences prepared you for a master’s degree and/or to be an advanced practice nurse in your selected specialty?
- How do you see yourself as a leader and advocate for patients in your future practice setting?
Your statement should not exceed three pages and use a standard format of single-spaced, 12-point font, with one-inch margins. You may submit this document at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader.
You are required to complete an interview through an online portal called HireVue. You will answer a few questions and your responses will be recorded. This interview can be completed at any time during the application window. However, we ask that you do so only after you have completed and submitted your application. Note: You must complete the recorded online video interview before the application deadline. For further details, instructions and links to the online portal, go to the interview.
During the application process, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three recommenders. Once the application is submitted, an email will be automatically generated and sent to your recommenders with further instruction on how to submit their letters of recommendation. We encourage you to submit your application far in advance of the deadline so that your recommenders have ample time to upload their letters. Letters of recommendation should not be mailed and you may not personally submit letters of recommendation.
It is suggested that at least two of the three letters of recommendation come from academic sources. Supervisors are also a good source for recommendations. We suggest providing your recommenders with information in advance on the degree and specialty to which you are applying and with a copy of your purpose and goals statement. Ask that they address your potential for success in a rigorous graduate program and what attributes and experiences they feel will allow you to excel as an advanced practice nurse in your chosen specialty. Finally, make them aware of the submission process and the application deadline by which they must submit their letters.
Details regarding what English Proficiency tests are acceptable, the scores required, and how to submit scores may be found on The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website.
If you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a degree granting graduate program at The Ohio State University for any length of time, you would be considered a Graduate Intra-University Transfer Student. Be sure to choose the appropriate application for “current or former” Ohio State students after following the Apply link. In addition to that online application, you must complete a Supplemental Application. This separate application must be submitted to the College of Nursing directly at CON-gradrecords@osu.edu. Choose any of the following options to access this application:
- MS Word Document: Supplemental Traditional Master’s Application (To download, select “Save”)
- PDF: Supplemental Traditional Master’s Application

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
Career Outlook
The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Ohio State offers a strong career outlook due to the growing demand for primary care providers. FNP graduates are well-prepared to work in diverse settings, including family practices, clinics, hospitals, and community health organizations. With their expertise in managing patient care across the lifespan, FNPs play a crucial role in addressing healthcare needs and improving access to care. The program’s rigorous training equips graduates with the skills needed for leadership roles in primary care and offers opportunities for specialization and advancement in a dynamic and evolving healthcare landscape.
Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Work Activities
Maintain complete and detailed records of patients’ health care plans and prognoses. Develop treatment plans, based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines. Provide patients with information needed to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $97,960
- Mid Level: $129,210
- Senior Level: $169,950
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
46.3%
Related Careers
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Below is a curriculum sample for Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner program.
Analysis of organizational leadership and ethical essentials necessary to deliver high quality patient care in diverse settings.
Explores advanced concepts of collaboration, design, leadership, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement initiatives in health care utilizing information technology strategies.
Analyze strategies to encourage change in both individual’s and population’s health behaviors that influence risk reduction in multiple settings. Develop educational strategies utilizing advanced critical thinking.
Clinical coursework
Below is the clinical coursework for Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner program.
Advanced Nursing Practice FNP Clinical Practicum I (9 credit hours; 4 credits didactic, 5 credits clinical which equals 187.5* precepted clinical hours)
Advanced Nursing Practice FNP Clinical Practicum II (10.5 credit hours; 4 credits didactic, 6.5 credits clinical which equals 243.75* precepted clinical hours)
Advanced Nursing Practice FNP Clinical Practicum III (10.5 credit hours; 4 credits didactic, 6.5 credits clinical which equals 243.75* precepted clinical hours)
Program Faculty

Kristine Browning PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP
Clinical Professor Associate Dean for Graduate Programs
Dr. Kristine Browning’s national program of research includes the examination of underlying determinants of tobacco use in order to further understand tobacco use behavior. Her work has examined socioeconomic disparities among the delivery of smoking cessation assistance by healthcare providers. Evidence-based smoking cessation interventions, including assistance, should be systematically delivered to all patients who are current smokers. Dr. Browning’s other work in tobacco control includes examining how principles of acculturation contribute to how Hispanic men and women misclassify their smoking status and state of the science papers that summarize salient tobacco control topics in special populations such as HIV-positive, low socioeconomic, and immigrants.
Continued smoking after a lung cancer diagnosis remains a significant problem as it contributes to poor disease and treatment-related outcomes. Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality for both men and women, there is a paucity of smoking cessation intervention research with lung cancer patients. Dr. Browning’s research has examined smoking behaviors of lung cancer patients from the perspective of the Self-Regulation of Illness Representation and found that understanding the context in which a patient perceives their disease and smoking behavior may contribute to influencing behavior change. In addition, Dr. Browning has combined her clinical experience as an adult nurse practitioner in oncology care with examining salient patient related topics in cancer survivorship care.
Kelly Casler
Associate Clinical Professor Director of DNP – Clinical Expert Track
Jennifer Dush
Assistant Clinical Professor
Carol Nikolai
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Testimonials
Find out how online learning has helped Ohio State students exceed in their personal and professional lives.

“With Ohio State’s program, I have ceaseless opportunities for professional involvement and engagement and I have been able to engage in evidence-based practice projects and connect with accomplished leaders and practitioners that has ultimately prepared me for my future as a nurse practitioner.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Tuition Fees | Fee Per Credit Hour | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Instructional Fee | $972.50 | $5,835.00 | $7,780.00 |
General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 | $261.04 |
Program Fee | $250.00 | $1,500.00 | $2,000.00 |
Nursing Distance Learning Fee | $228.00 (per semester) | ||
Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | ||
Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Ohio State Online Program is unique and have their own timelines for completion. This also varies based on how many credits you choose to take each semester. For more information or to estimate how long it will take to complete your degree, contact an enrollment advisor.
State authorization refers to regulations that impact online and on-ground education offered across state lines and programs that lead to state licenses or certifications. Compliance with these regulations ensures that an Ohio State degree will be recognized. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review each state’s educational requirements for licensure or certification. Each state has unique authorization requirements, so Ohio State must review each state’s laws to ensure that the university is in compliance. At Ohio State, we have a team dedicated to researching regulations, seeking and maintaining compliance, communicating changes in authorization status, and disclosing state licensure and certification information. For more information on your specific state’s licensing board, please refer to State Authorization.
Applicants must select either the full-time or part-time option at the time of application. Please be aware that while we will try to accommodate your requested status, such accommodation is not guaranteed and you may be admitted to the alternate enrollment status.
MS students usually waive coursework rather than transfer credit. Only upon admission to the program will your courses be reviewed by the faculty to determine how they could apply to the program’s course requirements. There isn’t a limit on how many courses a student can petition, but clinical coursework cannot be waived. For more information reach out to the graduate program manager.
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