Online Master of Science in Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Overview
Master the art and science of patient-centered care.


With our online nursing degrees, you can:




Why earn an online MSN-FNP degree?
Demand for primary care services in the U.S. continues to rise — while supply of the family physicians able to provide them continues to shrink. What does this mean for a talented RN like you? It means there’s never been a better time to specialize your expertise as a family nurse practitioner.
- Acquire a big-picture, interprofessional view of the modern health care marketplace.
- Expand your expertise in advanced nursing theory, patient-centered care and evidence-based practice.
- Provide high-quality care to individuals and families throughout the life continuum.
- Gain the autonomy to conduct exams, diagnose illness and treat clients across the life span.
- Acquire the high-level leadership skills to thrive in nearly any health care setting.
Many states now allow nurse practitioners to work without a supervising physician. Complete your path to greater autonomy now; enroll in our online MSN-FNP program today.

Is an online family nurse practitioner degree right for you?
Need help deciding if an online MSN-FNP degree aligns with your current needs and future goals? We can help.
The online MSN-FNP program is an ideal choice if:
- You’re passionate about family medicine.
- You want to establish yourself as a leader in primary care.
- You’re a nurse ready to broaden your scope of practice.
- You wish to advance your professional career and eventually earn your DNP.
- You’re ready to earn an advanced credential that can position you for financial growth.
Here are a few other ways to know if an online MSN from Bradley is the right choice for you:
- You want to collaborate with and learn from other aspiring nurse practitioners.
- You want a flexible online learning environment that fits your busy schedule.
- You’re eager to learn from a faculty of passionate and experienced clinicians.
Careers
You became a nurse because you want to help people. And you are. Every day, you’re making a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
Now you’re ready to have an even greater impact in your career. Earning an online Master of Science in Nursing from Bradley University can get you one step closer to accomplishing this goal. Our program can help you develop the skills to:
- Expand the scope of care you provide
- Specialize your expertise in an area you’re passionate about
- Lead and mentor the next generation of nurses
Your master's degree can also qualify you for a wide range of new roles. Bradley’s MSN program offers three tracks - Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - which means you can focus your studies in the area that aligns with your interests and desired career path.
Continue reading to learn more about the industry outlook and some of the opportunities you can pursue when you earn your Bradley degree.
What's your growth potential?
When you earn your online MSN from Bradley, you can position yourself for a rewarding career where skilled professionals like you are in high demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks nurse practitioner as the second-fastest growing occupation nationally, with more than 211,000 jobs expected to be added by 2029 — a 52% increase.
The BLS also anticipates significant growth in the nursing administration field, predicting a 32% increase (133,200 new jobs) in the medical and health services managers sector over the same time period.
Let’s take an in-depth look at a few of your career options:
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
Where can you work?
- Primary care
- Private homes
- Community clinics
- Health departments
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Long-term and short-term-care facilities
- Urgent care
- Hospitals and medical clinics
Curriculum
If you are a RN with an ADN, nursing diploma or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, we offer bridge courses that can start you on the path toward an MSN-FNP.
- 59 Credit Hours*
- 3.3 Years
- 10 Semesters
- 800 Clinical Hours
*Includes 9 undergraduate hours from RN completion courses
If you already have your BSN, you may be eligible to start working toward your MSN- FNP right away. No bridge courses are required for this entry path.
- 50 Credit Hours
- 2.7 Years
- 8 Semesters
- 750 Clinical Hours
The innovative curriculum of our online MSN-FNP program is designed to prepare you for advanced practice with individuals and families throughout the life continuum. The program’s 50-59* credit hours of coursework are delivered in as few as eight semesters and require that you complete five preceptor-supervised clinical practicums. Separate points of entry are available for RNs with a BSN and those with an ADN, nursing diploma or non-nursing bachelor’s.
*Years, semesters, clinical and credit hours will vary based on entry-level education (ADN/diploma or BSN). RN to MSN track includes 9 undergraduate hours from RN completion courses.
Online RN to MSN-FNP Bridge Courses
Online MSN-FNP Courses
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for Bradley’s online RN or BSN to MSN-FNP program, you must meet the following qualifications:
- ADN, diploma, or BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and an NLNAC-, ACEN-, or CCNE-accredited* nursing program. If you have an ADN, diploma, or non-nursing baccalaureate degree must complete NUR 300, 303, 404, and 407.
- Proof of a current, unencumbered RN license
- Students may be admitted unconditionally if you've achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants with previous graduate coursework must have achieved a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all graduate coursework and have completed a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours for the graduate GPA to be considered for admission.
You must also submit the following:
- Completed online application
- Nonrefundable $40 application fee
- Official transcripts of academic credentials
- One admission essay
- Applicants in advanced practice programs must also include/discuss potential mentors for clinical experiences to deliver care across the lifespan.
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/Résumé
Learn from innovative nursing leaders.
Resources
MSN-FNP vs. DNP-FNP: Which Should You Pursue?
What's The Difference Between a DNP vs. MSN?
Online or On-campus: Which MSN-FNP Is Right for You?
A Look at The 3 Paths to The Bradley University Online MSN-FNP
What Careers Offer The Best MSN Nursing Salary?
What Careers Offer The Best MSN Nursing Salary?
Practice Independently with an MSN-FNP Degree
What is Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioner Work Life Balance
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Challenges Faced by FNPs
Earn an MSN-FNP to Work in a Variety of Healthcare Settings
