Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner

FNP with a daughter and her mother
Next Application Deadline:
March 1, 2026
Credit hours: 59
Next Term Start Date:
August 25, 2026

Application Deadline

Good news – the MS in Nursing application deadline will be extended to March 1, giving you extra time to apply for the Autumn 2026 term

Apply now

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

NC-SARA Participating Institution logo

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

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.

Clinical coursework

Below is the clinical coursework for Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Kelly Casler

Associate Clinical Professor Director of DNP – Clinical Expert Track
Headshot of Kelly Casler, BSN-DNP faculty

Jennifer Dush

Assistant Clinical Professor
Headshot of Jennifer Dush, BSN-DNP faculty

Carol Nikolai

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Headshot of Carol Nikolai, BSN-DNP & RNPCC faculty

Testimonials

Find out how online learning has helped Ohio State students exceed in their personal and professional lives.

Nicole Clark, MSN-NP Graduate

“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.”

Nicole Clarke Graduate

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. 

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

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Connect with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 80 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State. They are here to help you on your education journey.

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