DNP Degree | Online FNP Program | Liberty University

Credit Hours

Online* with required virtual intensive

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | March 23, 2026 | May 18, 2026

Complete the Highest Level of Nursing Education with Liberty’s Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Liberty’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree is designed to help you pursue top-level roles as a nursing professional. This program provides advanced training in clinical care with an emphasis on family medicine. You can become better equipped to serve as a nurse practitioner (NP) in a variety of healthcare settings and offer family-focused care to many populations.

Learn how to synthesize academic knowledge with ethically sound nursing practices. At Liberty, you can receive a flexible, rigorous, high-quality education. We can help you lead with excellence and integrity in your industry.

Partner with us and learn how to provide the best possible care to your patients.

Your officially conferred degree name will be Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Accreditation

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Liberty University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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600+ Online Degrees
No Standardized Testing for Admission
Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty

Why Choose Liberty University’s FNP Program?

We know that while searching for nurse practitioner programs online, you are searching for excellent credentials that can help you excel in your career. As a leader in online education, Liberty is dedicated to your success. We know that going back to school is a big decision.

Most of our FNP courses are offered online. That means you can complete your classes from the comfort of your home and easily access your books and materials whenever you need them. Our FNP program does have 1 required intensive that is offered virtually. With flexibility like this, you can complete your degree when it’s most convenient for you. Most importantly, you can stay invested in the things that really matter – like your family, job, church, and community – while taking the next step in your academic journey.

In this online BSN to FNP program, you’ll study under nursing professionals with years of real-world experience. Our faculty will provide valuable instruction and guidance that can help strengthen your nursing expertise. For some of your courses, you will have weekly online meetings with your professors, allowing you to further benefit from their mentorship.

If you want to earn your nursing doctorate but don’t have a master’s degree, then Liberty University’s DNP program is for you! This degree is a BSN to NP online program. This means you can apply as long as you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and at least 1 year of professional nursing experience prior to practicum enrollment. And, if you already have a master’s degree, this DNP also serves as an MSN to NP program online!

Liberty University’s online DNP program includes 1 virtual intensive. During this intensive, you’ll have set login times where you can interact live with your professor and classmates. This provides you with a unique opportunity to have an interactive experience without the commitment and expense of travel.

What Will You Study in Our BSN to Nurse Practitioner Program?

This degree is broken down into 4 main parts: core nursing courses, advanced practice classes, project and practicum courses, and the FNP specialization. Throughout this program, you will explore the theoretical, clinical, and administrative aspects of nursing. You can develop the skills you need to pursue many career paths at the highest level of nursing practice.

Learn how to design and implement innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. Our core DNP classes provide a solid foundation in nursing research, evidence-based care, interprofessional collaboration, translational research, and clinical prevention. You can also learn how to address various ethical challenges that arise in the healthcare industry. That way, you can make medical decisions that are morally and scientifically sound.

Within the FNP concentration, you will study topics like family nursing, global health, women’s health, and children’s health. You’ll complete extensive DNP and FNP practicums, allowing you to gain hands-on clinical experience. Additionally, you’ll write and defend a scholarly project based on original research in the field.

At Liberty, we also have optional nurse educator electives. The Nurse Educator Elective Sequence was developed to include the National League of Nursing (NLN) core nurse educator curriculum requirements for Nurse Educators.

Potential Career Opportunities

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Practicum Experience Requirements

Practicum Placement Process
Our Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs’ practicum placement process is designed to be a collaborative partnership between the student and our dedicated practicum team. We believe this cooperative approach ensures our students’ best possible learning experience.

Collaborative Partnership
The practicum team is committed to assisting students in identifying suitable preceptors and practicum sites. While we provide support in this process, we also encourage students to take an active role in finding potential placements, as they are more familiar with their local areas and potential opportunities.

Preceptor and Site Matching
Our goal is to match each student with a preceptor and site that aligns with their educational needs. However, please note that the assigned term may not always meet the student’s initial preferences. Due to the limited availability of preceptors, and the need for sites that offer specialties, students may need to travel longer distances to complete their practicum requirements. If a student declines a site provided for them based on distance, they will be asked to identify a new site that meets the requirements for the practicum course needed.

Travel and Restrictions
Students should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel or other restrictions as part of their practicum placement. Flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring a successful practicum experience.

Telehealth Sites
For students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, telehealth sites are permitted for up to 50% of their practicum hours. However, telehealth sites are not allowed for students in the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Compliance and Requirements
Students must complete all required steps in the placement process and become fully compliant with all requirements to be eligible to move forward with their practicum experience.

Fees and Costs
Any fees or costs required by a practicum facility and/or preceptor are the responsibility of the student and should be negotiated directly between the student and the site. Liberty University is unable to control additional onboarding requirements or fees charged by a practicum facility.

We are dedicated to supporting our students throughout their practicum journey and ensuring they receive the best possible clinical education. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at APRN.DNPPracticum@liberty.edu.

Additional Information

Disclosures

RN Licensure

Students must hold a current and active RN license within the United States.

Non-Discrimination Statement

View the School of Nursing Non-Discrimination Statement.

For advising, please contact dnp@liberty.edu.

Disclosure Statement

Enrollment in one of Liberty University’s licensure programs does not guarantee a degree from Liberty or qualification for licensure. Students are responsible for meeting all academic and professional requirements for graduation. Further information regarding these academic and professional requirements is outlined on this program page and on the full admission page linked on the Admission Requirements tab. Students enrolled in a licensure program are responsible for knowing the material outlined for their program. Further, it is the sole responsibility of the student, not the institution, to obtain information regarding prerequisites for licensure as outlined by their particular state Board of Nursing.

Licensure requirements for any state are subject to change without notice. Liberty University is not responsible for knowing when changes occur. Additionally, there might be other states with unique licensure requirements. Please reference our State Requirements for NP and APRN Licensure page and contact your State Board of Nursing for further information.

Liberty University Online State Approval Disclosure

Practicum Sites

Degree Completion Plan

State Licensure Requirements

Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

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Tuition & Aid

At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

Doctoral Full Time	$610/Credit
Doctoral Part Time	$675/Credit

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online FNP School Program

Admission Requirements

At this time, our DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner degree is limited in certain states. Please view the licensure/certification requirements for your state. International students can contact the School of Nursing for questions about admission to their specific degree of interest.

Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). Transcripts must show all post-secondary schools, and must show a regionally or nationally accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This bachelor’s or master’s degree must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission to this program requires the following additional items to be submitted:
- Active, unencumbered RN license. Applicants must hold RN license in the state in which the Practicum will be held. RN licensure number and state where license was issued will be required in the application. If a past sanction or disciplinary action exists on a professional license, the applicant may be contacted by the Nursing Admission Review Committee for further explanation.
- One year of professional nursing experience prior to enrollment in the Practicum. Applicants will provide consent for LU’s DNP Program to contact their most recent employers to verify the year/s of professional nursing experience.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license and associated professional certification, if applicable. Note: APRN Licensure is only required if an applicant is currently licensed in an advanced practice nursing specialty.
  - If a past sanction or disciplinary action exists on a professional license, the applicant may be contacted by the Nursing Admission Review Committee for further explanation.
  - A copy of the certification form must also be provided, in addition to the license. Please submit a copy of your license and certification to luoverify@liberty.edu.
  - Maryland students may submit a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) license in place of an APRN.
- 3 Recommenders’ Contact Information (one academic, one professional, and one personal reference).
  - Students will submit an electronic form through APEX
  - RCIs for this program will expire after 1 year
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample
  - A document using APA rules of grammar. First person is permitted; APA formatting (i.e. title page, headers) is not needed. Return completed writing sample to luoverify@liberty.edu. Entire document should be 1,500 words minimum and 3,000 words maximum.
    - A document discussing introduction and world view, professional experience/ goals, and vision for professional practice including scholarly project.
  - Please also provide the following:
    - Name of present or most recent employment and position
    - Length of Employment (Indicate in MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY. If still employed, write ‘current’ as the end date)
- American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers with AED. Copies must be submitted to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Department Admission Review approval required – upon all documents being received on the checklist, the application will be sent for admission review by the department. Review times can vary due to several factors but they will be completed as soon as possible.
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.

A graduate-level biostatistics course is also required as a prerequisite to NURS 832, but this course may be completed after acceptance into the program.

For advising, please contact dnp@liberty.edu.

Supplemental Acceptance Steps

After reviewing applications, the School of Nursing will contact selected applicants for an interview. Please note that not all applicants will be requested to interview with the School of Nursing. Interviews can be conducted remotely, as needed. If an acceptance offer is extended to an applicant, there will be additional application steps needed before attending courses.

Included in these steps is the purchase of a standardized background check and submission of immunization records. More information will be provided to selected applicants.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your BSN or master’s degree.
Complete a Master’s or Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree, within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree, or show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours for a bachelor’s degree.
Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.

Admissions Office Contact Information

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Start Online Application

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

Active Duty
Reserve/National Guard
Veterans/Retirees
Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $375/credit hour. Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

View Military Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions About Our FNP Program

What is a family nurse practitioner (FNP)?

Can I get a nurse practitioner degree online?

At Liberty, you can earn your DNP – FNP degree almost completely online. You will need to complete 1 virtual intensive, as well as practicums. The required intensive and practicums are designed to provide you with a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Additionally, during your intensive, you’ll have the opportunity interact live with your professor and classmates. With opportunities like these, you can stand out from the competition and take the next step in the nursing field.

How long is the family nurse practitioner program?

How long should you be a nurse before becoming a nurse practitioner?

At Liberty, all you need to have is a BSN degree and at least 1 year of professional experience prior to your practicum placement. Other DNP nurse practitioner online programs may have extensive requirements for how long you need to be a nurse before being able to become a nurse practitioner.

Whether you are just entering the nursing profession or are a seasoned veteran seeking positions of added responsibility, we believe that the process of becoming a nurse practitioner should be attainable and seamless. We want to partner with you as you take the next step in the nursing profession.

Are online nursing schools legitimate?

As long as you attend an accredited institution, you can be confident that your online nursing degree is a valuable, industry-recognized credential.

Liberty’s online doctorate in FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). We provide a rigorous curriculum and hands-on training that can help equip you for success. In addition to program-specific accreditation, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), so you can be confident that you are earning a world-class education.

How do online nurse practitioner programs work?

Do I need to have my MSN first?

Does this program have any additional accreditation?

What resources will be available to me in this program?

You can access a wealth of resources through our research portal while completing your DNP at Liberty University. Liberty University’s nursing programs are designed to help you graduate career-ready. To fulfill this mission, we’ve designed a top-notch curriculum based on cutting-edge research and biblical principles. Apply to our online DNP – FNP program today and prepare to become a Champion for Christ.

Are you ready to change your future?

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

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Online FNP Program (DNP) Compassionate Clinicians for the Family

Complete the Highest Level of Nursing Education with Liberty’s Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Accreditation

What Sets Us Apart?

Why Choose Liberty University’s FNP Program?

What Will You Study in Our BSN to Nurse Practitioner Program?

Potential Career Opportunities

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Practicum Experience Requirements

Additional Information

State Licensure Requirements

Not sure what to choose?

Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Admission Information for Our Online FNP School Program

Admission Requirements

Supplemental Acceptance Steps

Preliminary Acceptance

Transcript Policies

Admissions Office Contact Information

Ready to Apply?

Military

Frequently Asked Questions About Our FNP Program

What is a family nurse practitioner (FNP)?

Can I get a nurse practitioner degree online?

How long is the family nurse practitioner program?

How long should you be a nurse before becoming a nurse practitioner?

Are online nursing schools legitimate?

How do online nurse practitioner programs work?

Do I need to have my MSN first?

Does this program have any additional accreditation?

What resources will be available to me in this program?

Are you ready to change your future?

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