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Learn how to improve health care outcomes and deliver person-centered care to people of all ages with the MSN-FNP program at Capella. This specialization emphasizes ethical judgment while helping prepare learners to care for individuals of all ages to promote health, reduce risks and manage acute and chronic health conditions as an advanced practice nurse.
Capella University has partnered with Optum® to support advancing care and practice and help prepare nurses for the future of health care. Through modern, competency-based curriculum and innovative simulations, we’ll help equip you to face the nursing challenges of today – and tomorrow.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $10,000 Capella-Optum® Scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
MSN-FNP requirements include completing nine core courses, a practicum immersion course, five specialization courses and practicum.
Learners in the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner specialization are prepared to assume the role of the advanced practice nurse caring for individuals across the lifespan to promote health, reduce risks, and manage acute and chronic health conditions. The specialization emphasizes ethical clinical judgment to deliver person-centered care and improve healthcare outcomes.
Throughout the specialization, learners will integrate scientific foundations, leadership, quality improvement and safety, practice inquiry, informatics and health care technologies, health policy and advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration to prepare for advanced nursing practice.
Upon successful completion of this specialization, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Skills gained through this specialization:
Learn by doing. The practicum experience gives you the opportunity to practice what you learn under the supervision of a preceptor within various clinical settings. Learn more about the practicum
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, scholarships and other factors. See the GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor. The cost of the background check includes:
As of February 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Capella students who relocate to the following states may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state: CA, DC, LA, MD, NY, PA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSN – FNP program must provide the following for admission:
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Capella students who relocate to the following states may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state: CA, DC, LA, MD, NY, PA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
*Learners enrolled in a Capella nursing program in the FlexPath learning format will become ineligible to enroll in the MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) specialization if they progress through certain coursework in any of the following courses: NHS-FP6004, NHS-FPX6004, NHS-FP6008, NHS-FPX6008, MSN-FP6011, NURS-FPX6011, MSN-FP6016 or NURS-FPX6016. FlexPath courses cannot be transferred into the MSN-FNP specialization. To learn more, contact a Capella coach or call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751.
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources. We’ve built our programs in easy-to-manage phases, with a network of faculty, staff and online resources that can help you stay on track.
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Build skills, work toward licensure renewal and meet CE requirements when you earn contact hours through on-demand nursing webinars.
Get the details on nursing programs at Capella University, learning formats, financing options and more, all in one place.
Consider what aspects of nursing you are most passionate about and where your skills shine.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MSN-FNP.
Related job titles to explore*
Employment settings to explore*
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
