Family Nurse Practitioner MSN

Launch your FNP career with Duke University School of Nursing

Duke University School of Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner MSN degree prepares you to deliver exceptional primary care to individuals and families. Our FNP program goes beyond traditional health care. You’ll explore policy, leadership and social contributors of health, developing the knowledge and skills to create a more equitable health care system.

Ranked the #1 Best Master’s Nurse Practitioner Family Program by U.S. News & World Report, our family nurse practitioner degree is distance- based. Most coursework is online, with a few virtual synchronous sessions and course-focused on-campus intensives. Gain clinical experience close to home and graduate in under three years, ready to make a lasting impact on patients of all ages.

Duke also offers optional specializations in cardiology, endocrinology, HIV, oncology, orthopedics, palliative care, pediatric behavioral and mental health or veterans’ health care, allowing you to tailor your expertise to a specific area of interest.

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#1

Master's Nurse Practitioner Family

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver leading comprehensive primary care to persons of all ages. Duke graduates play integral roles in advancing health care and health policy transformation, promoting nurse-led models of care, increasing racial and social equity.

Family NP Post-Graduate Certificate

For students who already have a master’s from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school or in another approved discipline, we also offer a Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate. This program allows you to build on your expertise with specialized skills and knowledge, advancing your career potential.

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Highlights

Our priority is delivering top-tier nursing education. We’re proud of our high rankings, but we maintain our focus on the distinct experiences that distinguish Duke, including:

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A global clinical network:
Family nurse practitioner students can complete clinicals near home with help from our clinical placement team, utilizing a network of more than 2,000 worldwide partner facilities and practices.

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Advanced clinical skills and knowledge:
Our FNP program emphasizes comprehensive primary care across the lifespan. Gain in-depth knowledge and clinical skills to diagnose, treat and manage various health conditions for individuals and families.

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High-fidelity simulation experiences:
Engage in cutting-edge simulation training to prepare for diverse clinical settings like family practice, internal medicine and community health centers. Through FNP intensives, receive live or virtual hands-on experience, enhancing your understanding of NP roles and responsibilities.

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What Can You Do With a Family Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Nurse practitioner ranks among the fastest-growing health care professions. Our FNP MSN program positions you at the forefront of this exciting field, opening doors to diverse career opportunities, leadership roles and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives:

  • Advanced practice and leadership: Deliver comprehensive primary care to individuals and families across all age groups. Duke’s FNP degree prepares you to diagnose and treat illnesses, manage chronic conditions, prescribe medications, perform preventive care and provide patient education. Study current health care issues like policy and nurse-led models of care to influence policy decisions, advocate for patient care access or even manage a clinic setting.
  • Increased autonomy: As an FNP, you can practice with a higher degree of independence compared to registered nurses. Our nurse practitioner degree prepares you to order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans and manage patient care without direct physician oversight, according to state regulations.
  • Diverse practice settings: Meet various societal needs and reinforce a nurse-led model of care to increase health equity. Impact multiple health care settings such as primary care clinics, urgent care centers, community health centers or facilities for long-term care.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses to grow up to 38% by 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. While exact figures vary depending on location, experience, practice specialty and other factors, the BLS reports a median annual salary of $129,480 for APRNs, with the highest 10% earning more than $211,820.

Explore More MSN Program Outcomes

American Association of Nurse Practitioners’ NP Fact Sheet

Meet Our MSN Faculty

Our internationally renowned AGACNP faculty foster a supportive learning environment that prioritizes your academic and professional success. They bring their real-world experience as nurse practitioners into the classroom, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field.

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Elaine D. Kauschinger, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC
Elaine Kauschinger
PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Assistant Professor
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Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, RN, ACNP‐BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE
Benjamin Smallheer
PhD, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Ragan Johnson, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC
Ragan Johnson
DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Brandon Knettel
Brandon Knettel
PhD
Assistant Professor
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Ryan J. Shaw, PhD, RN
Ryan Shaw
PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Allison Stafford, PhD, RN
Allison Stafford
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Valerie Sabol
PhD, MBA, ACNP, GNP, CHSE, CNE, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN
Professor
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Kathryn Trotter
DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Maryellen Kelly, DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Maryellen Kelly
DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Assistant Professor
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Stephanie Ibemere
Stephanie Ibemere
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Kais Gadhoumi, PhD
Kais Gadhoumi
PhD
Assistant Professor
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Desi Newberry
Desi Newberry
DNP, NNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Deirdre K. Thornlow, PhD, RN, CPHQ
Deirdre Thornlow
PhD, RN, CPHQ, CNE
Associate Professor
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Anne L. Derouin, DNP, RN, CPNP, FAANP
Anne Derouin
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF
Professor
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Mary L. Affronti, DNP,  MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Professor
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Michael E. Zychowicz, DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP
Michael Zychowicz
DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP, FNAON
Professor
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Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN
Staci Reynolds
PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN
Professor
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Lisa S. Lewis, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Lisa Lewis
EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Professor
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Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA
Michelle Webb
DNP, RN, CHPCA
Assistant Professor
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Amie Koch, DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Amie Koch
DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Associate Professor
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Christina Leonard, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Christina Leonard
APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Assistant Professor
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Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, FNP-BC
Blanca Iris Padilla
PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Thomas Blodgett, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Thomas Blodgett
PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Kathryn Kreider
Kathryn Kreider
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Professor
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Mitchell Knisely
PhD, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Karin Reuter-Rice, PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Karin Reuter-Rice
PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Marissa Abram
Marissa Abram
PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
Assistant Professor
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Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC
Devon Noonan
PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, CARN
Associate Professor
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Tonia Poteat
Tonia Poteat
PhD, MPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA
Professor
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Michael Cary
Michael Cary
PhD, RN
Associate Professor
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Jacquelyn M McMillian-Bohler, PhD, MSN, BSN, CNM, CNE
Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler
PhD, CNM, CNE
Assistant Professor
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Shari Rushton, DNP, MSN, MS, RN, CCM
Shari Rushton
DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE
Associate Professor
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Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Jennie De Gagne
PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Professor
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Margaret (Midge) T. Bowers, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CHSE, A.A.C.C., FAANP, FAAN
Margaret (Midge) Bowers
DNP, FNP-BC,CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, FACC
Professor
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Alison Edie
Alison Edie
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Debbie Travers
Debra (Debbie) Travers
PhD, MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA
Associate Consulting Professor
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AnnMarie L Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
AnnMarie Walton
PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
Term Chair for the Dorothy L. Powell Professorship, Associate Professor
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Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith
PhD, MSW, FAOSW
Associate Professor
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Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh
Margaret (Peggy) Bush
PhD, MBA, RPh
Professor
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Sean P Convoy, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Sean Convoy
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Schenita D. Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, CNE
Schenita Randolph
PhD, MPH, RN
Associate Professor
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Cristina C. Hendrix, DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Cristina Hendrix
DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Marilyn H. Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Marilyn Oermann
PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Thelma M. Ingles Distinguished Professor of Nursing
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Rémi Hueckel
DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Jamie Lord
Jamison (Jamie) Lord
DNP, MSN, RNC, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Kathleen Turner
DNP, RN
Associate Professor
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Malinda Teague
DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
Assistant Professor
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Kara McGee, DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS
Kara McGee
DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS
Associate Professor
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Tara Albrecht, PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Tara Albrecht
PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Associate Professor
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Carolina (Callie) Tennyson, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Carolina Tennyson
DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Assistant Professor

The Duke Difference

Graduation Time With Students and Signs To Gather

MSN Admissions

The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy. We consider each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades and test scores. This ensures that our nurse practitioner students represent the diversity of patients you will care for in your career.

If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853.


We offer DROP-iN Chat for virtual Q+A Sessions along with PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS for application help.

Student Testimonials

Student Testimonials

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSN Students

As part of our mission to meet the needs of nurse practitioners nationwide, Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students. These include merit- and need-based scholarships up to full tuition for select MSN students. There are also federal student loan options to fully fund your MSN degree.

Learn More About Financial Aid & Scholarships
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Join our nursing community today

Experience the Duke difference. As a top nursing school in the nation, we empower students to become successful nurses who lead with purpose and passion.

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