Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) play an integral role in delivering both acute and primary care. Professionals licensed to practice as FNPs care are trained to care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and work in various in-patient and out-patient facilities. Although FNPs have years of experience and education, Alabama state law does not allow them to practice independently. In Alabama, all FNPs must work under the direct supervision of a physician.
Nurses wishing to pursue an FNP degree in Alabama have many options. Here are some options to consider.
Table of Contents
RN to FNP Programs
RN-to-FNP programs can make the process more convenient and streamlined for RNs who wish to pursue a career as DNPs. Rather than having to complete a separate BSN program and then apply to an MSN program, an RN-to-FNP program allows students to complete all required degree work in a single program.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 71
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $682 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
This program from the University of Alabama at Birmingham is designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing who wish to seek an MSN and work as an FNP. Students enroll directly into the MSN program and are not awarded a BSN, but there are several prerequisites they must complete before taking master’s level courses. This program is offered in a distance-friendly format. Most coursework is completed online, but in-person clinicals and on-campus intensives are required.
University of North Alabama
- Florence, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 73
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $340 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The RN to FNP program at the University of North Alabama requires students to complete bridge classes before continuing into the FNP program. Full-time students can complete the program from start to finish in about four years. Most classes are completed online, but students must complete two on-campus intensives, each lasting about three days. Please note that the University of North Alabama does not accept students residing in California or the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
BSN to FNP Programs
Nurses who have already completed a BSN and wish to become FNPs have many options in Alabama; some programs even allow students to pursue a DNP.
Auburn University
- Auburn, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $607 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Auburn University’s FNP program is completed primarily online, but students must visit campus once or twice a semester. Full-time students can complete the course in six semesters, and part-time options are available. Those interested in the full-time option start in the summer semester, while part-time students begin in the fall or spring. Students who complete the FNP program can enroll in the post-master’s certificate program to add nurse educator courses. The academic requirements of this program are quite stringent. AU requires graduate students to receive no less than a B in all courses. Students who earn less than a B in any two courses are dismissed from the program.
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Auburn, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online or on-campus with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $451 per credit hour + fees for on-campus classes for residents; $1,014 per credit hour for on-campus classes for non-residents; $451 per credit hour for online classes for residents; $496 per credit hour for online classes for non-residents
Program Overview:
The FNP program at Auburn University at Montgomery College of Nursing and Health Sciences can be completed entirely online or on campus. Students who choose to attend the program online are required to come to campus for intensive experiences that include orientation, evaluations, and simulation experiences. The school’s pass rate for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam is currently 100%.
Jacksonville State University DNP
- Jacksonville, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 69
Clinical Hours: 1330
Tuition: $520 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Jacksonville State University offers a BSN to DNP program that prepares students to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Examination offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPBC) and the Family Nurse Practitioner Examination sponsored by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Many of the courses are offered online, but on-campus visits in the form of orientations and onsite simulations are required. Full-time students complete the program over four years, which includes 12 consecutive semesters. Students receive an MSN at the completion of the spring semester in year three and continue to finish their doctorate-level courses over the last four semesters.
Samford University
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 76
Clinical Hours: 1020
Tuition: $961 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Most of the FNP programs at Samford University are completed asynchronously online via Canva, but students should expect occasional synchronous Zoom sessions. The program also has three on-campus sessions that last two to four days each. Full-time students can complete this program in three years. Clinical hours occur during the last four semesters of the program when students spend between 16 and 20 hours a week doing hands-on learning at various clinical sites. Samford University has partnerships with clinical sites in numerous states, mostly in the southeast. This program is open to students in some other states, but applicants are encouraged to check with the board of nursing in their state to ensure this distance program meets state requirements, as some states are stricter than others. Because of this, students living in California, Colorado, Louisiana, and New York are not accepted into the program.
Troy University
- Troy, Alabama
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 705
Tuition: $550 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Full-time students can complete Troy University’s MSN program in as little as two years; part-time students can take three years or more. All classes are completed online, but the program requires 705 hours of in-person clinicals. According to Troy University, this program prepares students to work in a number of NP specialties, including as an FNP.
Troy University DNP
- Troy, Alabama
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 65 to 74
Clinical Hours: 1000
Tuition: $550 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Troy University also offers options for nurses who wish to pursue a DNP. There is a program available for students who do not already have an MSN and those with a non-clinical MSN. Those without an MSN will be required to take between 70 and 74 credits, while those with a non-clinical MSN take between 65 and 69 credits. All classes are available online, but students must complete 1000 in-person clinical hours.
University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 45 to 70 credits
Clinical Hours: 540 to 1620
Tuition: $440 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama has an online FNP program that prepares students for the national board exam. All coursework is completed online, but students must attend a two-day on-campus orientation and a virtual clinical orientation. Students are expected to find their own clinical sites and preceptors. UA also offers this as a dual specialty program where students can prepare to practice as both an FNP and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. When choosing this option, the program has 66 credits and 1,080 clinical hours. Students also have the option to pursue a DNP as an FNP or dual specialty. In this option, students will receive an MSN throughout their coursework and continue with the doctorate-level classes. Credit hours and clinical hours depend on which path the student chooses. Again, students in the following states are not accepted into the program: Alaska, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical hours
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $682 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
This FNP program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is offered in a distance-friendly format. Synchronous courses are online, but students must travel to campus during the last four semesters of the program for in-person intensives. During intensives, students participate in skills, laboratory, and simulation experiences designed to enhance the online learning material and help students master essential skills. The program is offered part-time over two years and is completed in six or seven successive semesters. UB also offers a BSN to DNP program in the same format, with 79 total credit hours, online classes, on-campus intensives, and in-person clinicals.
University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 42
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $421 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The FNP program at the University of Alabama in Huntsvilles is a flexible hybrid program with online, on-campus components. Generally, classes meet on campus every other Wednesday, which is subject to change. This FNP program focuses on primary care and requires 720 clinical hours, of which a minimum of 600 must be in direct primary patient care. The remaining is composed of clinical seminars, simulation experiences, and pre-approved continuing education credits. UAH partners with more than 1,000 regional clinical sites and its students are highly preferred by regional preceptors.
University of Mobile
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 660
Tuition: $735 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Through the faith-based FNP program at the University of Mobile, full-time students complete their degree in four semesters. Students complete most coursework online and attend on-campus intensives spread throughout the program, during which they get the opportunity to experience cutting-edge simulations and other technology to prepare them for their careers. The University of Mobile also offers a BSN to DBP in the same format consisting of online coursework, on-campus intensives, and in-person clinicals. The DNP option requires 87 credit hours and 1200 clinical hours. Like the MSN program, the DNP program is designed to be flexible so that students can work full-time while pursuing their degrees.
University of North Alabama
- Florence, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 41
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $340 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
This program takes about two years to complete full-time. All classes are completed online, but students are required to attend two on-campus intensives at the campus’s state-of-the-art Harrison Hall and Simulation Laboratory. Each on-campus visit can last up to three days. Students can complete clinical requirements close to their homes or communities but are responsible for finding their own clinical sites and preceptors. Note that the University of North Alabama does not accept students residing in California or the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands at this time.
University of South Alabama
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $594 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The FNP program at the University of South Alabama is one of a handful of options offered by the College of Nursing. Students take common core online classes covering research, theory, concepts, and issues relating to the nursing profession and can usually complete clinical hours at sites close to their homes. Students may have to be on campus several times during the program, generally at the end of the fall, spring, and summer semesters, to take final exams and attend next-semester orientation. Each student must also attend one on-campus clinical skills intensive simulation. A unique thing about the University of South Alabama’s program is that it offers nine subspecialties for students to focus on, including addiction nursing care, palliative care, and emergency NP.
University of South Alabama Dual Role
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 57
Clinical Hours: 1080
Tuition: $594 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The University of South Alabama also offers a dual-role NP program that prepares students for certification as an FNP and an Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Students interested in this program must have at least one year of experience in direct patient care in either an emergency room or intensive care unit within five years of applying for the program. Core courses are all available online, and clinical requirements can usually be completed at sites close to the student’s community. Before enrolling in the first clinical course, all students are required to attend two mandatory on-campus orientations and clinical skills intensives with simulation workshops and basic skills demonstrations.
Online FNP Programs
There are a few options for online FNP programs in Alabama. It’s worth noting that, due to the nature of the profession, even programs that offer classes online may still require visits to campus for skills labs and simulations. All programs also require in-person clinical hours, but many will allow students to work at clinical sites close to their homes.
FNP programs that offer the most online-friendly options include Auburn University at Montgomery, Troy University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Mobile, University of North Alabama, and University of South Alabama. All of these programs require occasional visits to campus, but these visits are generally spread out over the course of the program.
Best FNP Programs in Alabama
The best FNP programs in the state highly depend on what you are looking for.
For those who want the most distance-friendly option, Troy University is a flexible, affordable option that offers tracks for both an MSN and DNP.
The University of Alabama offers a unique program where students can get dual certification as an FNP and an AGNP, making graduates more marketable and opening up many career opportunities. DNP options are also available, but remember that these programs do not accept students residing in certain states.
The University of Mobile, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the University of North Alabama are also great options because they offer state-of-the-art simulation labs on campus that can help prepare students for clinical and professional practice.
MSN to FNP Post-Graduate Certificate
Nurses who have an MSN in another area of nursing, like education or informatics, can complete a post-graduate certification program to receive the education and experience required to take state certification exams and practice as FNPs. Many of these programs allow for a gap analysis to see if students meet the criteria for any of the course requirements, so some can be tailored to the needs of individual students.
Auburn University
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 19 credits
Clinical Hours: 690
Tuition: $607 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Auburn University’s postgraduate certificate allows nurses to build on their existing clinical skills and education and explore new opportunities as an FNP. Classes are primarily online, but students are required to visit campus one or two times a semester. While out-of-state students are accepted into the program, nurses interested in applying should check with Auburn to ensure that clinical sites are available in their state.
University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 40 credits
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $440 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
This post-master’s program from the University of Alabama offers an FNP track for nurses with an MSN or DNP in another nursing specialty. Students in this program complete NP courses but will not have to complete an MSN and can continue straight to a DNP. Some classes, including direct care courses, may be transferable if completed within five years before applying and if completed with a B or higher. Again, students residing in the following states are not accepted into nursing programs at the University of Alabama: Alaska, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Samford University
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online classes with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical hours
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $961 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
This program is for nurses with an MSN or DNP who wish to qualify to sit for the FNP national certification exam. Most of this program is completed asynchronously online, but students may have to attend periodic synchronous class meetings via Zoom and attend two- to four-day on-campus sessions throughout the program. The program length and requirements vary depending on their previous degrees and experience, but many complete the program in about two years. Out-of-state students should check with their state boards to ensure this program meets their state requirements. The Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing currently does not accept applicants living in California, Colorado, Louisiana, or New York for its graduate programs.
Troy University
- Troy, Alabama
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 35
Clinical Hours: 1000
Tuition: $550 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Troy University’s post-master’s FNP program allows students to pursue their DNP through online classes with minimal on-campus requirements. This program is 35 credit hours in total with 1000 clinical hours, and students can complete the program on a part- or full-time basis. All students must pass competency evaluations and a Synthesis Project. The program accepts a maximum of 12 transfer credits, and all credits must be completed within eight years of degree completion.
University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical hours
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $421 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The post-master’s FNP program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is a hybrid program. Most of the coursework is completed online, but students are required to come to campus for some class requirements, typically every other Wednesday. Students must complete at least 700 clinical hours, of which at least 500 must be direct patient care. This program has three prerequisite/corequisite classes that can be completed at another institution before entering the program as long as they were completed within two years of applying.
University of Mobile
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 38 to 43
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $735 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Students in the post-master’s program at the University of Mobile take courses online and attend three on-campus intensives throughout the program. The program is flexible enough for students to work full-time while pursuing their degrees. While on campus, students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs that help them prepare for clinical practice. This program consists of 38 to 43 hours, with some courses being optional depending on prior education and experience.
University of North Alabama
- Florence, Alabama
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 23 to 32
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $495 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The University of Alabama’s post-master’s FNP program features online classes with two required on-campus intensives at the school’s new state-of-the-art Harrison Hall and Simulation lab. Each of these visits lasts up to three days and gives students hands-on experience to prepare for clinical and their careers. The program is currently not accepting students who reside in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and California.
Alabama’s Most Affordable FNP Programs
The most affordable FNP program in Alabama is at the University of North Alabama, which costs $340 per credit hour. The University of Alabama in Huntsville comes in next at $421 per credit hour, followed by the University of Alabama at $440 per credit hour.
Remember that these prices are just for the cost per credit hour. Each university has its fee schedule, and costs can vary significantly.