Nurse Practitioner Programs

Chart Your Career Path as a Nurse Practitioner

Designed for licensed RNs, Franklin’s online APRN programs will equip you to meet the growing demand for nurse practitioner specialties, which according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics are projected to grow 45% through 2029. Choose programs at the MSN, DNP or post-graduate certificate level. Specialties include primary care (family nurse practitioner), adult-gerontology and psychiatric mental health.

Lower Fees

Save at least 40% on your clinical fees by choosing Franklin.

On Target

Choose from a variety of APRN specializations to achieve your career goal.

Fast Forward

Accelerated pathways provide direct routes to an MSN or a DNP.

Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

Fill the growing need for more accessible healthcare and get on the path to a rewarding career as a family nurse practitioner. With a focus on primary and preventative care, you will focus on long-term health for individuals of all ages. At Franklin, you’ll make the most of your time with experiential learning (clinical practicum) built into the coursework.

Find Your FNP Program

Program Minimum Credentials
MSN-FNP RN + BSN

What is it and how do I get started?
The M.S. in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) is a master’s degree track for RNs who want to specialize in primary care for adults at all stages of life. RNs with a B.S. in Nursing (BSN) can enroll directly in the MSN-FNP program. RNs without a BSN, can take advantage of the streamlined RN-MSN admissions pathway and qualify for the MSN program after successfully completing one 12-week bridge course.
 
What will I learn?
Advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on primary care.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. 600 hours, which you will complete on-site in a clinical setting over four semesters (150 hours per term).  

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
Finish in as few as 27 months.

DNP-FNP BSN or MSN

What is it and how do I get started?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) is a doctoral degree track for RNs who want to specialize in primary care for adults at all stages of life. RNs with a M.S. in Nursing (MSN) can enroll directly in the DNP-FNP program. RNs without an MSN, can take advantage of the streamlined BSN-DNP admissions pathway and qualify for the DNP program after successfully completing two bridge courses.

What will I learn?
Advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on primary care. As a DNP student, you’ll also complete a scholarly project using evidence-based practice that leads to a problem-solving intervention. 

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. For the DNP-FNP, you’ll apply and demonstrate your competency for a total of 1,100 practicum and clinical hours, starting with your major area courses, continuing through your DNP seminar courses and FNP clinical hours.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
If you enter the DNP with an MSN, you can complete the program in as few as 3 years. If you take advantage of the BSN-DNP pathway, you can complete the program in as few as 4 years. 
 

Post-Graduate Certificate-FNP MSN

What is it and how do I get started?
The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (FNP-CERT) is an earned designation for registered nurses (RNs) who also hold an MSN (M.S. in Nursing) degree, DNP, or Ph.D. in Nursing and want to specialize in primary care for adults at all stages of life. 

What will I learn?
Advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on primary care.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. Franklin’s FNP-CERT nursing program features 600 built-in clinical practice hours so you can apply what you learn while you learn it.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
15 months
 

Adult-Gerontology Programs

If you have an affinity for older adults, the adult-gerontology primary care specialization could be the right fit for you. The percentage of Americans over age 55 is increasing at a rapid pace. With your choice of Franklin’s online programs geared toward primary care for adolescents (age 13) through end of life, you’ll position yourself for increased responsibility and professional growth.

Find Your Adult Gerontology Program

Program Minimum Credentials
MSN-AGPCNP RN + BSN

What is it and how do I get started?
The M.S. in Nursing-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP) is a master’s degree track for RNs who want to specialize in primary care for adults age 13 and older. RNs with a B.S. in Nursing (BSN) can enroll directly in the MSN-AGPCNP program. RNs without a BSN, can take advantage of the streamlined RN-MSN admissions pathway and qualify for the MSN program after successfully completing one 12-week bridge course.

What will I learn?
Advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on primary care for adults from adolescence through end of life.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. 600 hours, which you will complete on-site in a clinical setting over four semesters (150 hours per term).  

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
Finish in as few as 27 months.
 

Post-Graduate Certificate-AGPCNP MSN

What is it and how do I get started?
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (FNP-CERT) is an earned designation for registered nurses (RNs) who also hold an MSN (M.S. in Nursing) degree, DNP, or Ph.D. in Nursing who want to specialize in primary care for adults age 13 and older.

What will I learn?
Advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on primary care for adults from adolescence through end of life.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. However, because the program is designed for working nurses, Franklin’s AGPCNP-CERT nursing program features 600 built-in clinical practice hours so you can apply what you learn while you learn it.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
15 months

Psychiatric Mental Health Programs

While the pandemic sparked anxiety, depression and substance abuse issues, it also heralded more progressive views about mental diagnosis and treatment. As a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatric and mental health you have the opportunity to take a holistic view of health by diagnosing, administering and evaluating mental health treatment plans. Franklin’s programs prepare you to help individuals of any age develop coping strategies and behavior modifications.

Find Your Psychiatric Mental Health Program

Program Minimum Credentials
MSN-PMHNP RN + BSN

What is it and how do I get started?
The M.S. in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) is a master’s degree track for RNs who want to specialize in diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. RNs with a B.S. in Nursing (BSN) can enroll directly in the MSN-PMHNP program. RNs without a BSN, can take advantage of the streamlined RN-MSN admissions pathway and qualify for the MSN program after successfully completing one 12-week bridge course.

What will I learn?
A holistic approach to diagnose acute, episodic and chronic mental health illnesses and provide treatment options that include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. 

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. 600 hours, which you will complete on-site in a clinical setting over four semesters (150 hours per term).  

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
Finish in as few as 28 months.
 

Post-Grad Cert-PMHNP MSN

What is it and how do I get started?
The Adult-Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (PMH-CERT) is an earned designation for registered nurses (RNs) who also hold an MSN (M.S. in Nursing) degree, DNP, or Ph.D. in Nursing who want to specialize in diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. 

What will I learn?
A holistic approach to diagnose acute, episodic and chronic mental health illnesses and provide treatment options that include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. However, because the program is designed for working nurses, Franklin’s PMHNP-CERT program features 600 built-in clinical practice hours so you can apply what you learn while you learn it.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
15 months
 

Back to College Blog