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.

Apply Now

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Tracks

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

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

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.

Apply Now

Additional Information About our Online FNP Program Track

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.

View Calendar

How Much Does The Family Nurse Practitioner Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Family Nurse Practitioner track tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the Family Nurse Practitioner track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several Family Nurse Practitioner track financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Accelerated*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits1581
Program Length (full time)7 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2
RN to MSN Core (per credit x 33 credits)$615$523
APRN Core (per credit cost x 35 credits) $785 $667
Total Tuition Cost $47,770 $40,604
STRF3 $132.50 $115
Technology Fee4 $3,500 $3,500
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees5$1,620$1,620
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$52,890$45,724
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$53,022.50$45,839

Working Professional*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits1581
Program Length (full time)11 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2
RN to MSN Core (per credit x 33 credits)$615$523
APRN Core (per credit cost x 35 credits)$785$667
Total Tuition Cost$47,770$40,604
STRF3$137.50$120
Technology Fee4 $5,500 $5,500
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees5$1,620$1,620
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$54,890$47,724
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$55,027.50$47,844

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Includes 42 credits for unobstructed RN License, assumes 48 transfer credits for non-nursing courses, and the remaining 68 credits are required to be taken at WCU.

2 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.

3 As of April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two hundred and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

4 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

5 Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and APRN predictor exams for APRN students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.

Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Accelerated*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits53
Program Length (full time)5 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate1
RN to MSN Core (per credit x 18 credits)$635$540
APRN Core (per credit cost x 35 credits)$785$667
Total Tuition Cost$38,905$33,065
STRF 2$107.50$92.50
Technology Fee3$2,500$2,500
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4$1,620$1,620
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$43,025$37,185
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$43,132.50$37,277.50

Working Professional*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits53
Program Length (full time)8 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate1
RN to MSN Core(per credit x 18 credits)$635$540
APRN Core(per credit cost x 35 credits)$785$667
Total Tuition Cost$38,905$33,065
STRF2$112.50$97.50
Technology Fee3$4,000$4,000
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4$1,620$1,620
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$44,525$38,685
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$44,637.50$38,782.50

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students will complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employee, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.

2 As of April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50 per one thousand dollars $1,000 of institutional charges).

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4 Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and APRN predictor exams for APRN students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.

Post Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Degree TypeCertificate
Total Program Credits32
Program Length (full time)5 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2
Total Cost (per credit)$785$667
Total Tuition Cost$25,120$21,344
STRF2$72.50$62.50
Technology Fee3$2,500$2,500
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fee4$1,620$1,620
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$29,240$25,464
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$29,312.50$25,526.50

1 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.

2 As of April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two hundred and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and FNP predictor exams for FNP students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.

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

Advantages

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
Curriculum Information

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.

View Calendar

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does The Family Nurse Practitioner Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Family Nurse Practitioner track tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the Family Nurse Practitioner track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several Family Nurse Practitioner track financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Career Services

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

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

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.

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
Have Questions?

Pursuing your degree is a big choice. Fill out our form and one of our admissions advisors will contact you to answer any question you may have!

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.