Advance Your Education Online

Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Tracks

These courses of study are designed for nurses looking to forward their education and learn to provide care and treatment for families and individuals of all ages, and with varied needs.

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You must be a licensed registered nurse or have completed an associate degree of nursing to apply for the program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a bachelor's degree in a closely related field to apply for this program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree to apply for this program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a master's degree in a healthcare related field.

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Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Tracks

Gain skills that help prepare you to work in private practice, clinical environments, and specific care units

Gain skills that help prepare you to work in private practice, clinical environments, and specific care units

Train in telehealth, special populations, and new trends in healthcare

Train in telehealth, special populations, and new trends in healthcare

Multiple starts throughout the year, flexible online classes including mobile-accessible learning, and accelerated and working professional program pacing options

Multiple starts throughout the year, flexible online classes including mobile-accessible learning, and accelerated and working professional program pacing options

Flexibility of study with a mix of online and on-site learning

Flexibility of study with a mix of online and on-site learning

Why an FNP track?

A Family Nurse Practitioner is a holistic resource for patients of all ages, and often the connective tissue to care for a family unit. At WCU, our online FNP programs are set up to give you the tools for both care and understanding the unique dynamics of family care.

Caring for all ages as a Family Nurse Practitioner requires an advanced level of versatility and proficiency. FNPs respond to unique and varied circumstances and create trust with the families they treat.

In addition to online coursework and OSIs (On-Site Intensives), your West Coast University education will include a forward-thinking approach that anticipates new technologies and practices that will provide a future-focused approach to your education and practice.

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Additional Information About our Online FNP Program Track

Advantages
Curriculum Information
Tuition & Financial Aid
Career Services
Placement Opportunities

THE FNP EXPERIENCE

We believe in end-to-end support. Throughout our Family Nurse Practitioner program, you will:

Get hands-on experience through on-site intensives (OSIs)
Receive support through clinical relations coordinators
Faculty mentoring through FNP faculty to foster professional development
Prepare for and be eligible for national board exams through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC)
Receive coursework that meets National Board of Nurse Practitioner (NONPF) standards
Receive 24-hour access to library and courses

FNP Curriculum

Preview your course of study. The number of months your online FNP degree will take will vary depending on whether you choose the accelerated or working professional pace. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail, so you know what to expect.

RN-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN-FNP
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Academic Calendar

New academic sessions begin, on average, and depending on programs, every eight weeks. You can review and consider an up-to-date start-to-completion schedule by degree.

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Support for Students Beyond Graduation

We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers, and our Career Services department provides ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance designed for our online Family Nurse Practitioner students and graduates.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Placement Opportunities

When you complete your Family Nurse Practitioner degree, you’ll develop skills and knowledge that will help you enter the next stage of your career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings, including:

Physician’s offices
Hospitals (state, local, and private)
Outpatient care centers
Educational services
Offices of other health practitioners¹

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

FAQs

How does the program prepare me for today’s Family Nurse Practitioner healthcare needs?

All our nursing programs deliver a student-centric, evidence-based education that includes topics relevant to an evolving healthcare environment. As an FNP student, you can expect in-depth learning around acute-care treatment. Our curricula also address telehealth, special populations, and upcoming trends in medicine.

What can I expect from clinical placements?

Our program includes clinical hours for practical experience. When it comes to finding the right facility, WCU has a dedicated clinical team to help you find a placement for clinical training that aligns with your goals.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the program?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for transfer credit. WCU may accept credit for previous courses taken from other academic institutions as long as the course meets the requirements of the specific academic program for which it is being considered and a grade of B- (80%) or better was achieved for a graduate course as documented on official transcripts. Each program maintains its own transfer credit requirements.

How long does it take to complete the FNP tracks?

Time-to-completion will vary depending on what program and pace you choose:

MSN (Accelerated Pace) – 20 Months
MSN (Working Professional Pace) – 32 Months
RN to MSN (Accelerated Pace) – 28 Months
RN to MSN (Working Professional Pace) – 44 Months
Post-Master’s Certificate – 20 Months

What is an MSN FNP?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is a specialized track that helps equip you with the skills needed to take on a more advanced role in patient care. WCU's online MSN FNP program connects you with FNP faculty members to mentor you throughout the program.

Can I get an MSN FNP degree online?

WCU's MSN FNP program includes 100% online coursework. Some in-person practice experience is also necessary to complete your MSN FNP degree.

How long does it take to get a MSN FNP?

WCU's online MSN FNP program lets you earn your MSN FNP degree in as little as 20 months with our Accelerated Pace. The Working Professional Pace lets you earn your online MSN FNP degree in as few as 32 months.

What does a family nurse practitioner (FNP) do?

The roles of a Family Nurse Practitioner will vary depending on the facility they work for. WCU's online FNP program helps prepare graduates for positions in a variety of fields including (but not limited to) primary and preventative health, community health, nursing management, and academic faculty roles.

Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.

WCU distance education programs are delivered out of the Orange County and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master's certificate programs.

Students enrolled through the Orange County campus must complete their OSI’s in California. Students enrolled through the Texas campus must complete them in Texas. Travel costs are not included in tuition and fees, and students are responsible for arranging transportation.