The AIC Advantage
Trusted & Career Ready
Graduate from a CCNE accredited program that prepares you for FNP credentialing.
Committed to Inclusive Care
Deliver culturally responsive care to underserved and diverse patient populations.
Built-in Placement Support
Focus on your education—we’ll help you find and secure clinical sites at no extra cost.
Streamlined for Success
Earn your MSN-FNP in eight semesters with online coursework and one residency.
- Community-focused education
- Flexible, online coursework
- Designed for the working nurse
A Career of Caring
Expand your nursing career into the primary care field
As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), you’ll provide holistic care to families and patients of all ages, creating relationships that can last throughout their lifetime. FNPs perform physical exams, provide healthcare and treatment plans, order and perform diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and so much more.
Nursing knowledge development, worldview and competencies of the advanced practice nurse are examined. The focus of this course is professional practice development, communication, leadership, team building and interdisciplinary collaboration. PREREQUISITE: None
Health assessment of individuals and families are explored from the perspective of client-centered care, safety, cultural diversity, genomics and biopsychosocial principles. Laboratory practice is required. PREREQUISITES: NUR6040, NUR6041
First in a series of six clinical management courses for nurse practitioners. The focus of the course is on the application of advanced pathophysiology concepts and clinical decision-making skills to interpret assessment data and develop diagnoses and treatment plans in primary care of adults. The integration of research and evidence-based practice, teaching/health promotion and consultation skills within the context of collaborative practice are emphasized. PREREQUISITES: NUR6510, NUR6510
This course is a capstone experience in which the family nurse practitioner students continue to develop knowledge and expertise in the role as a primary care provider. Autonomy in clinical decision-making is emphasized. Family nurse practitioner students increase their levels of responsibility for independent client and family management in health promotion and disease prevention. PREREQUISITE: NUR6561
FAST FACTS
2 intakes per year
Full-time: 8 semesters
100% online coursework
Numbers Define the Need for Nurse Practitioners in America
01
How does the clinical placement process work?
You’ll work with our dedicated Placement Team to secure clinical sites and preceptors that meet program standards. This process begins with filling out a Placement Intake Form, then you’ll complete the required clearance steps prior to your placement.
We’re happy to support our students. This service is available to you at no extra cost.
02
What Value Will the Placement Team Provide?
The Placement Team works with you to identify and potentially secure clinical sites for your rotations. With this support, you can stay focused on your coursework and building key competencies for practice. Taking an active role by submitting local referrals may help strengthen your placement options.
03
When Will I Receive My Placement Details?
You’ll be notified by your Placement Coordinator ahead of each clinical start date. After your placement is confirmed, you’re encouraged to reach out to your preceptor to arrange your schedule for the term.
04
How Should I Prepare for Clinicals?
You won’t navigate clinical preparation alone. Your Placement Coordinator will guide you through the entire process — answering questions, providing orientation, verifying clearances, and helping you establish a clear plan with the clinical checklist. They’ll make sure you’re informed of the dress code, required tools, and expectations you’ll need to follow for each rotation.
Online MSN FNP Program Outcomes
The online Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed to meet the educational requirements for a licensed family nurse practitioner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and similar professional designations in other states. You will gain experience addressing such topics as the art and science of advanced nursing, policy and politics of healthcare, health assessment, primary care clinical management. The program includes coursework in research, assessment, advanced concepts of pathophysiology and pharmacology, and more. A 665-hour clinical internship in a practicum is required for successful course completion.
What Will You Learn in the Online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program?
The online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program prepares students for advanced practice nursing through a modern, evidence-based curriculum and engaging learning environment.
Through online coursework, clinical hours, and a three-day in-person residency, students build the skills to provide primary care across the lifespan, manage acute and chronic conditions, and deliver culturally responsive care to diverse patient populations.
Graduates are prepared to sit for national FNP certification and equipped to meet the evolving healthcare needs of their communities.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Accredited*
New England Commission of Higher Education
Top National College
by U.S. News & World Report
46%
Projected growth by 2031
*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MSN-FNP degree?
MSN-FNP stands for Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). FNPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who deliver primary healthcare to children, young adults, adults, and older adults. They promote healthy lifestyles for individuals and families by educating and counseling their patients.
How do I become a family nurse practitioner?
To become a family nurse practitioner, you must first earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and obtain RN licensure. Next, you will need to earn a graduate FNP degree (MSN or DNP), pass the FNP certification exam, and apply for FNP licensure in your state.
What do family nurse practitioners do?
Family nurse practitioners provide a wide variety of family-focused health care services to patients of all ages, from infants to adolescents and young adults to older adults. FNPs are responsible for performing physical exams, ordering and performing diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, developing treatment plans, and much more.
What is the demand for FNPs?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner ranks as the # 2 best job in the United States and projects a 46% growth rate from 2021-2031.
How much does a family nurse practitioner make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a salary of $124,680, on average, for nurse practitioners.
Is the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC accredited?
American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at American International College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The post-graduate APRN certificate program at American International College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The accreditation decision was made by the CCNE Board of Commissioners during its April 25-28, 2023 meeting, and the effective date of accreditation is October 5, 2022.
How long will it take me to complete the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC?
The online MSN-FNP is a full-time program designed for working nurses. The program is 8 semesters in length and can be completed in 2 years and 7 months.
How much does the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC cost?
The online MSN-FNP program costs $850 per credit hour for a total investment of $39,100 + fees*. Financial Aid may be available to our online students.
*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees.
Is the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program faculty experienced?
Yes. Our faculty members are experienced practitioners who are experts in their field and are dedicated to your success in diverse healthcare settings.
Tamia Cheeks
MSN ’23
"Online classes can be very intimidating, but the program sets up in a way where it’s a lot easier to stay disciplined and the lectures and information is very clear cut so it’s manageable to dissect for future exams or assignments. Professors of the program are excellent communicators. Emails are answered within 24 hours but mostly less than that. Professors and administrators were phenomenal at keeping us on track and making sure we were not left behind. I’ve taken other online programs/classes and AIC FNP program is the first online program where I didn’t feel alone, felt off-task every week or overwhelmed."
