Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts

Simmons University's online MSN-FNP program offers licensed RNs with a BSN a path to advanced practice. Rolling admissions and three start dates per year provide flexibility for working nurses. The curriculum covers health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical management across the lifespan, preparing students for ANCC or AANP certification. Applicants need transcripts and recommendations; financial aid options help manage tuition. Graduates are equipped for roles in primary care clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. This program is ideal for RNs seeking family nurse practitioner certification while balancing professional commitments.

• Online MSN-FNP program
• Three annual start dates
• Rolling admissions process
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Financial aid available

The Direct Entry DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner at Simmons University is a hybrid, 3-year, 104-credit program for students without a nursing degree. Students first earn an MSN and pass the NCLEX-RN, then advance into DNP-level FNP coursework. Curriculum includes foundational nursing, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, plus leadership, policy, and ethics. Clinical rotations occur at Boston's top hospitals, including Massachusetts General and Boston Children's. With over 1,400 clinical hours and a 97% licensure pass rate, graduates are prepared for FNP certification and roles as leaders, educators, and policy advocates. Full-time and part-time pacing, with post-licensure online or on-campus flexibility.

• 3-Year program
• 104 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 97% licensure pass rate
• 1400 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for FNP certification exam
• Over 850 clinical training sites
• Access to world-class Boston hospitals
• Post-licensure online or on-campus flexibility

Simmons University's online BSN-DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares RNs for advanced practice. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, health policy, and social justice, ensuring graduates can deliver primary care across the lifespan. Students complete DNP coursework and are eligible for ANCC or AANP FNP certification. A unique feature is the opportunity to earn an MSN in Leadership along the way. Admissions are holistic—no GRE required—and application fee reductions are available for military and nonprofit affiliates. Graduates pursue careers in clinics, hospitals, and community health settings, driving equitable healthcare change. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and prerequisite courses.

• 3 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• Test optional
• Apply by 2025-07-21
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• $50 application fee
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP Family Nurse Practitioner board certification exam
• Holistic application review

UMass Lowell's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Health Nurse Practitioner track prepares RNs for advanced practice in primary care. This 45-credit, 15-course program includes 750 clinical hours and four on-campus days for hands-on learning. Graduates are eligible for FNP certification, boasting a 100% pass rate. Admission requires a $50 fee, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose; no GRE is needed. Tuition is $610 per credit (select nursing courses $750), with financial aid and scholarships available. Accredited by CCNE, this program blends online flexibility with essential in-person skill development.

• 45 credits required
• Online program format
• Four on-campus days
• $610 per credit tuition
• No GRE required
• Two letters of recommendation
• $50 application fee
• 750 clinical hours
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Financial aid available

UMass Lowell's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares RNs for advanced clinical leadership. This hybrid, 60-credit program combines online courses with on-campus intensives, covering evidence-based practice, health policy, informatics, and organizational leadership. The FNP track emphasizes primary care across the lifespan, with a DNP Scholarly Project for real-world quality improvement. Graduates are ready for national APRN certification and roles in community health, clinics, and academia. Admission requires a Massachusetts RN license, 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and an interview. A Fast Track exists for UMass Lowell bachelor's graduates, with full- and part-time options.

• 2 concentration options
• 4-Year program
• 60 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Hybrid delivery with on-campus intensives
• Application fee waived for Fast Track

UMass Lowell's post-baccalaureate DNP with an FNP specialty offers a flexible hybrid pathway to advanced practice leadership. Students choose between Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology concentrations, with full- or part-time options and up to eight years to complete. The curriculum spans evaluation research, health policy, organizational leadership, evidence-based practice, informatics, cultural competency, and advocacy. A DNP capstone project allows implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, and an interview. Fast-track admission is available for UML undergraduates, and graduates pursue FNP certification and careers in primary care, community health, and hospitals.

• 2 concentration options
• 4-Year program
• 60 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Hybrid course delivery
• Interdisciplinary curriculum

Endicott College's MS in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a 47-credit hybrid program in Beverly, MA, blending online coursework with periodic on-campus sessions. Designed for working registered nurses, it can be completed in about 27 months and includes a minimum of 750 faculty-supervised clinical hours. No GRE is required for admission. The ACEN-accredited curriculum prepares graduates for FNP certification through the ANCC and AANP, with a 94% first-attempt pass rate in 2024. Emphasis on evidence-based practice and care across the lifespan equips students for primary care settings. A post-master's FNP certificate is also available.

• 47 credit hours required.
• 27-month completion timeline.
• Hybrid online and on-campus format.
• No GRE required.
• 750 supervised clinical hours required.
• 94% first-attempt certification exam pass rate.
• ACEN accredited program.
• Eligible for ANCC and AANP certification.
• Designed for working registered nurses.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers an online Master of Science in Nursing—Family Nurse Practitioner program that can be completed in 27 months. Students gain advanced skills in diagnosis, treatment, and case management across the lifespan, supported by 750 clinical hours in community settings. The curriculum blends online coursework with two on-campus residencies, allowing for hands-on learning and peer collaboration. Graduates are prepared to sit for FNP certification exams through ANCC or AANPCB, with impressive first-time pass rates of 91-92%. The program benefits from CCNE accreditation, features fall, spring, and summer start dates, and charges tuition per credit based on enrollment. Admission requires meeting cognitive, communication, and physical standards for clinical practice.

• 27-month online program
• 750 clinical hours required
• Two on-campus residencies
• Fall, spring, summer starts
• Eligible for FNP certification
• Per-credit tuition rate
• Online and campus components
• Clinical hours in community
• CCNE accreditation
• 91-92% first-time pass rates

For registered nurses holding an associate degree, the online RN-to-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner bridge program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences provides a pathway to advanced practice. A bridge year builds baccalaureate-level competencies before transitioning into graduate coursework covering advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and population health. The curriculum prepares nurses to diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan in primary care settings. Students complete 750 precepted clinical hours and attend two on-campus residencies for skill development. The program is CCNE accredited, starts in the fall, and reports high first-time pass rates: 91.3% on ANCC and 92% on AANPCB exams. Graduates are equipped for roles in clinics, private practices, and community health centers.

• CCNE accredited
• Starts fall
• 750 clinical hours
• Two on-campus residencies required
• 91.3% ANCC first-attempt pass rate
• 92% AANPCB first-attempt pass rate
• Bridge year of coursework before MSN
• Designed for associate degree nurses
• Top 10% of nursing schools

UMass Boston's hybrid MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses for primary care across the lifespan. The 48-credit curriculum consists of 13–15 courses, integrating core nursing knowledge with FNP-specific tracks. Students complete a capstone project and must maintain no grade below B. Applicants need a bachelor's in nursing, a Massachusetts RN license, one year of clinical experience, two references, a resume, transcripts, and a personal statement; a 3.0 GPA is recommended. Fall and spring starts are available, with deadlines of April 1 and November 1. The application fee is $75. No standardized entrance exam such as the GRE is required, and the program cannot accommodate F-1 visa students.

• 48 total credits required
• 13-15 total courses required
• Fall and spring start terms
• $75 application fee
• 3.0 GPA recommended
• Two professional references
• One year clinical experience
• Massachusetts RN license
• Bachelor's in nursing required
• Capstone project required

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration at UMass Boston is a campus-based program for experienced nurses. Students complete 73 credits across 23 courses, including 1,065 clinical hours and a capstone quality improvement project. Coursework covers advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, health policy, informatics, and quality improvement, with an emphasis on primary care for diverse, underserved populations. Admission requires a BSN or MSN, one year of clinical experience, Massachusetts RN licensure, two letters of recommendation, and a $75 application fee; UMass Boston alumni receive a fee waiver. Both BS-to-DNP and MS-to-DNP entry paths are offered, with an en route master's degree option. No entrance exam is required. Graduates become FNP practitioners, administrators, educators, or clinical researchers.

• 2 concentration options
• 73 total credit hours
• 23 total courses
• Starts fall
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1065 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Capstone required
• $75 application fee
• Financial aid available

The BS-to-DNP program at UMass Boston with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration lets BSN-prepared nurses earn a doctorate while focusing on primary care across the lifespan. The 73-credit, 23-course curriculum includes FNP concentration courses, an elective, and 1,065 clinical hours. Students engage in advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, informatics, and health policy advocacy, culminating in a capstone quality improvement project. The fall-start program requires two letters of recommendation, current RN licensure in Massachusetts, and prior work experience. A $75 application fee applies. An en route master's degree and a clinical immersion elective are available. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven decision making. Graduates are prepared for nurse practitioner, administration, educator, or research roles. No entrance exam is required.

• 2 concentration options
• 73 total credit hours
• 23 total courses
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1065 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Capstone required
• $75 application fee

For nurses seeking specialization in adult-gerontology primary care, UMass Boston's BS-to-DNP program offers an Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner concentration. This campus-based, 73-credit program includes concentration-specific coursework, a capstone quality improvement project, and 1,065 clinical hours. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, evidence-based practice, health policy, and informatics, with a focus on health equity and underserved populations. Admission requires work experience, two letters of recommendation, and a $75 application fee; an en route MS degree is available for those who want a master's along the way. The program starts in the fall and allows up to eight years for completion. BS-to-DNP and MS-to-DNP tracks are available. No entrance exam is required. Graduates are prepared for roles as nurse practitioners, administrators, educators, and researchers.

• 2 concentration options
• 73 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1065 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Capstone required
• $75 application fee
• Financial aid available
• BS-to-DNP and MS-to-DNP tracks

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, tailored for BSN-prepared nurses. This four- or five-year plan includes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and primary care across the lifespan, plus healthcare informatics, leadership, and health policy. Students complete 752 clinical hours and a five-course DNP project emphasizing evidence-based practice. The program starts in spring, summer, or fall, with a priority admission deadline of October 15. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is accredited by CCNE. No entrance exam is required for admission. Note: not available to residents of AL, MN, NY, OR, or WA.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 3 concentration options
• 4-Year program
• 75 total credit hours
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer/fall
• 752 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Post-Baccalaureate entry from BSN

Northeastern University's hybrid FNP MSN program blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, requiring 47 credits and 750 clinical hours. Students attend two on-campus intensives and arrange clinical placements within 100 miles. Admission demands a BSN, current RN license, one year of nursing practice, a 3.0 GPA, two recommendations, a CV, and a letter of intent; no GRE is required. Full-time and part-time paths start in fall (August 1 deadline) or spring (November 17). The curriculum prepares graduates for national FNP certification, with tuition set by the university's fee schedule.

• Hybrid format with online coursework
• In-person clinical experience required
• Full-time or part-time study options
• 47 total credits required
• 750 clinical hours required
• Fall and spring start terms
• No GRE required for admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Two letters of recommendation required
• Current RN license required

Bay Path University's online DNP with an FNP concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice. The 70-credit, non-residency program offers BSN-to-DNP and post-master's entry paths. Grounded in AACN Essentials, coursework includes advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, assessment, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Students accumulate 1,000 practice hours and complete a capstone project, gaining expertise in lifespan primary care. Graduates emerge ready to provide comprehensive care, lead quality initiatives, and address population health needs across diverse settings.

• 3 concentration options
• 70 total credit hours
• 1000 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Online non-residency program
• BSN to DNP entry option
• Post-Master's entry option
• Curriculum based on AACN Essentials
• Core concepts: clinical judgment, communication
• Advanced practice nursing focus

Regis College offers an online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration, designed for RNs seeking advanced practice roles. The curriculum emphasizes family-centered care across the lifespan, with courses in advanced pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and health assessment, plus dedicated primary care courses for the family. Students complete over 600 supervised clinical hours, including a final immersive practicum, and can finish in as few as 40 months. The program is 100% online, requires no campus visits, and accepts transfer credits. Tuition is $1,025 per credit, with total credits ranging from 73–76. No GRE or GMAT is required. ACEN-accredited, this program is recognized as the first DNP in the Boston area.

• ACEN accredited
• 6 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE, GMAT
• Test optional
• $1,025 per credit
• Complete in as few as 40 months
• 73 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-04-06
• 3 start dates per year

Regis College's online BSN-to-DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced practice across the lifespan. This 40-month program blends core DNP coursework with specialized FNP training, covering advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Students gain 800 clinical hours in family practice settings, developing skills in primary care for patients of all ages. The curriculum is delivered 100% online with no campus visits, and you can apply without GRE/GMAT scores. Tuition is $1,061 per credit, with three start dates each year (fall, spring, summer). Accredited by ACEN and the first DNP program in Boston, Regis also offers a 10% alumni discount and employer reimbursement support. Graduates pursue careers as FNPs, clinical educators, or nurse administrators.

• ACEN accredited
• 6 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• $1,061 per credit
• 40-Month program
• Apply by 2026-07-27
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• average salary for a DNP graduate is $103,662
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)

Elms College’s hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses to deliver preventative, lifespan-wide primary care. Over three years, students complete 80 credit hours combining online coursework with in-person and Zoom sessions, offering flexible synchronous and asynchronous options. The curriculum integrates advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, leadership, population health, and financial management. A faculty-mentored scholarly quality improvement project serves as the capstone. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP certification and pursue roles in clinics, private practices, schools, and community health centers. The program emphasizes clinical placement support, addressing the growing need for FNPs in underserved urban and rural areas. No entrance exam is specified in the program details.

• 3-Year program
• Complete in three-year plan
• 80 total credit hours
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• Capstone required
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP
• Clinical placement support provided
• Designed for practicing RNs
• Faculty-mentored scholarly project
• Family-centered model of care

This BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program at Elms College is designed for working RNs seeking advanced practice roles. The three-year hybrid curriculum blends online coursework with in-person and scheduled Zoom classes, featuring synchronous online sessions. Students engage with faculty who are practicing nurse practitioners, gaining real-world insights. Coursework covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and comprehensive primary care across the lifespan. A practice-focused, faculty-mentored quality improvement project culminates in a capstone. Graduates are prepared for ANCC or AANP certification and can work in clinics, private practices, urgent care, or community settings. With a projected 31% job growth, the program offers a direct path to high-demand careers. Clinical placement support is provided, and no entrance exam is listed as a requirement.

• 3-Year program
• Complete in three-year plan for completion
• Synchronous online classes
• Capstone required
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP
• Clinical Placement Support provided
• Faculty are practicing nurse practitioners
• Designed for practicing RNs
• 31% job growth expected by 2026
• Faculty-mentored scholarly project