HPU – BSN to DNP (FNP) Program

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Prepare to work more effectively with all populations

The United States is predicted to face a shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians, in both primary and specialty care areas, by 2033.* This shortage is worse in rural communities, where more than 50 million people live but only 9% of the nation's physicians practice. The imbalance between number of patients and available doctors has created an unprecedented demand for nurse practitioners.

Hawai‘i Pacific University’s BSN to DNP – FNP online program is a practice-oriented pathway designed for registered nurses seeking to provide primary care and lead healthcare innovation. In one integrated program, you’ll earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) while becoming eligible for FNP certification.

With asynchronous courses, clinical placement support, and a focus on evidence-based leadership, the program can equip you to meet the needs of families, communities, and health systems.

*Fierce Healthcare

Program at a Glance

Online Coursework

100% online coursework with mobile-friendly delivery

Class size

Small classes with accessible faculty who care about your well-being

Cert exam

Prepare to pass ANCC and AANP certification exams on your first attempt

support

Dedicated student support from first contact through graduation

Earn your degree

Earn your MSN and DNP in under 4 years

Transfer credits

Up to 12 transfer credits accepted

*Full-time students take 34 months and part-time students take 44 months to complete the program.

Why Choose HPU’s Online BSN to DNP – FNP?

HPU’s nursing programs emphasize patient-centered care, leadership, and cultural competence. Our DNP-FNP track prepares you to lead in outpatient care settings and contribute to better health outcomes through innovation and collaboration.

One Cohesive Degree Path

Earn your DNP without having to first earn an MSN.

Focused on Preventative & Lifespan Care

Learn to treat families across all stages of life.

Leadership Preparation

Study systems thinking, policy, and health equity.

Supportive Online Format

Engage with faculty and peers through virtual tools.

Preceptor Matching Included

We help secure approved clinical placements.

Online BSN to DNP – FNP Curriculum Overview

The FNP curriculum is designed to prepare you for both direct care and systems-level leadership. Coursework covers clinical reasoning, advanced practice procedures, and tools to lead population-focused health initiatives.

Courses include:

  • Advanced Theory: Primary Care of Children
  • Advanced Theory: Primary Care of Women
  • Episodic Conditions in Primary Care
  • Chronic Conditions in Primary Care
  • Advanced Clinical Decision Making
  • Evidence Based Practice for Advanced Nursing
  • Leadership and Systems Management
  • Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
  • Doctoral Projects: Development, Implementation, and Data Analysis and Dissemination

You’ll complete over 1,000 supervised practicum hours and develop a final project that applies evidence-based interventions to improve primary care delivery.

Clinical Placement Services

HPU helps you identify and coordinate placements aligned with FNP certification. Whether you’re practicing in a rural, urban, or underserved setting, our team assists in:

  • Matching you with qualified preceptors
  • Securing outpatient, family medicine, and public health sites
  • Ensuring compliance with state licensure requirements
  • Supporting documentation, onboarding, and evaluations

BSN to DNP – FNP Career Outcomes

Graduates of HPU’s BSN to DNP – FNP program are prepared to lead in outpatient clinical care and health system innovation.

What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?

FNPs provide primary care services to patients across the lifespan, from pediatric to geriatric populations. They often serve as a patient’s main provider, managing both prevention and chronic disease.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Conducting exams and wellness visits
  • Ordering and interpreting diagnostics
  • Prescribing medications and managing treatment
  • Educating patients and families
  • Collaborating with healthcare teams to improve outcomes

 

Practice Settings

Clinical Roles

  • Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Practice Provider
  • Community Health NP Telehealth NP

Leadership Opportunities

  • Nursing Faculty
  • Clinical Director
  • Population Health Leader

Job Outlook

  • Median Salary: $116,000 (ZipRecruiter)
  • Projected Growth: 40% growth from 2023 through 2033 (BLS)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university
  • 3.0 GPA from undergraduate degree preferred
  • U.S. unencumbered state RN license
  • Undergraduate statistics course is required

To complete your application, you’ll need:

  • Application and application fee
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Statement of purpose

Tuition & Financial Aid

HPU offers competitive tuition, transparent pricing, and personalized support to help you plan your investment in a doctoral nursing degree.

  • $1,065 per credit
  • Total credits vary by entry point (BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP)
  • Scholarships, grants, and employer reimbursement available
  • Military and veteran benefits support

FAQs: BSN to DNP – FNP