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 is in 24 days

Apply by March 1, 2026 to start the program August 25, 2026

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 health care. It adheres to guidelines from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Upon graduating from this program, you are eligible to sit for the FNP national certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Recognition & Accreditation

USNWR ranks Ohio State's FNP Master's in Nursing program #3 in 2026

#3 FNP Program

The Ohio State University’s Family Nurse Practitioner MS in Nursing program is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

USNWR ranks Ohio State's MSN program #1 in 2026

#1 Program

The Ohio State University’s MS in Nursing program is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Application deadline is in 24 days

Apply by March 1, 2026 to start the program August 25, 2026

Apply now

Academic Calendar

Ohio State’s online MS in Nursing program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.

Academic Calendar

Ohio State’s online MS in Nursing program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.

Application deadline is in 24 days

Apply by March 1, 2026 to start the program August 25, 2026

Apply now

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.

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.

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.

For the third consecutive year, nurse practitioner earned the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Healthcare Jobs rankings, reflecting strong and growing national demand for the career.

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

Guided by world-class faculty and dedicated mentors, you’ll gain clinically rigorous, evidence-based training in Ohio State’s online MS in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program that will prepare you to lead in today’s health care environment. You’ll gain experience in a wide range of settings, from community primary care sites to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s nationally recognized teaching hospitals.

Below is a sample curriculum plan for part time students of the FNP track. Most students complete the program part time in seven semesters, while full-time students finish in about five. Although the part-time plan offers flexibility for working nurses, it does include several semesters of full-time coursework to maintain progression. Depending on course and clinical sequencing, credit loads may vary from 5 to approximately 11.5 per term.

On-campus requirements: Online students are required to attend 2 day on-campus visits during the last three semesters of their program for in-person learning and evaluation of clinical skills. These required on-campus learning days will be pre-scheduled so students can make travel plans in advance.

Required clinical hours: Students are required to complete a total of 675 clinical hours during the program.

Autumn, Year 1

Spring, Year 1

Autumn, Year 2

Spring, Year 2

Summer, Year 2

Autumn, Year 3

Spring, Year 3

Janis Brewer DNP, APRN-CNP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Janis Brewer DNP, APRN-CNP

Jennifer Dush PhD, APRN-CNP

Assistant Clinical Professor
Headshot of Jennifer Dush

Monica Lee DNP, APRN-CNP

Assistant Clinical Professor
Monica Lee DNP, APRN-CNP

Alendré McGhee DNP, APRN-CNP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Alendré McGhee DNP, APRN-CNP

Matthew Newcomer DNP, APRN-CNP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Matthew Newcomer DNP, APRN-CNP

Katie Roll DNP, APRN-CNP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Katie Roll DNP, APRN-CNP

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 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. 

Get Started

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