Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner
October 16, 2025
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
Ohio State’s MSN program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.
Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s MSN program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.
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 be reviewed comprehensively, considering all aspects of your qualifications. The list below outlines the attributes and experiences we consider:
- 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
Students must complete the following steps outlined below by the application deadline. Most applicants may review the status of their application any time at appstatus.osu.edu. Failure to complete all required steps of this application process by 11:59 pm ET on the day of the posted deadline will result in your application not being considered for admission, with no exceptions.
Submit the application online
You can complete an application online for the next available Autumn cohort at The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website. A $60 fee is required at the time of submission of the application
Submit official transcripts
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have previously attended at either the undergraduate or graduate level. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or 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 gpadocs@osu.edu or the following address:
- The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004
Unofficial transcripts: Applicants may upload a copy of an official transcript at the time of application through the Admissions Uploader. Documents submitted in this manner are considered unofficial but will suffice for the 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.
For more details regarding these methods of submitting transcripts, please visit The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website.
Complete and submit all additional materials
Additional materials needed to apply include the following. You may submit the first two documents at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader. The recorded online video and letters of recommendation must be submitted by the application deadline.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume or CV
- Purpose and goals statement
- Recorded online video interview
International applicants only – Test of English Proficiency
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.
Current or former Ohio State graduate students – Complete a supplemental application
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 found here. 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.
Admission Timeline and Deferrals
Please ensure all the required materials listed above are submitted by the application deadline to be considered for admission. It may take up to five business days for the status of materials to be updated on your application status webpage.
*Please note that deferring admittance is not an option. If you are unable to start your studies in the term for which you applied, you will need to reapply in the future.
In accordance with the non-discrimination policy of The Ohio State University and the College of Nursing, we strictly prohibit any discrimination based upon age, color, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, religion, pregnancy, or veteran status in its application, admission, or enrollment practices.
Ohio State is committed to treating applicants fairly and with dignity and respect. Please review Ohio State’s new post-admissions policy.
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, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
Work Activities
Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury. Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients' condition. Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $81,330
- Mid Level: $238,380
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
4.8%
Related Careers
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Pediatricians, General
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Therapy and Counseling
- Biology
- Psychology
What They Do
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.
Work Activities
Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury in infants and children. Examine children regularly to assess their growth and development. Treat children who have minor illnesses, acute and chronic health problems, and growth and development concerns.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $96,240
- Mid Level: $210,130
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
2.1%
Related Careers
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Neurologists
- Pediatric Surgeons
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Therapy and Counseling
- Biology
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
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.
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
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program.
| 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 | $156.20 | $937.20 | $1,249.60 |
| 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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