Mary-DNP

Online programs from truly online schools (like Kaplan, University of Phoenix, etc.) are generally quite expensive when you look at the cost per credit hour. If you can find a campus college or university in your state that offers a blended format (where course work is delivered primarily online with a few 2-3 day on campus intensive sessions per year), that might be a better option. When picking a school I would make sure that you consider their accreditations. Should you ever decide to go on to earn an MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing... many require that your BSN be from an nationally (CCNE or NLNAC) accredited program. Most seem to want your undergraduate GPA be 3.0 or higher, so keep those grades up... :)

My experience has been that most attending school for APRN specialty roles like NP, CNS, etc. actually work while going to school. Honestly, though it's tougher, I think it offers a much better learning experience and yields a better nurse in the end. You get to see the things you're learning about in action at work on a daily basis.

Sheronep, Keep your chin up and don't count yourself out.

Are you looking for an RN to MSN program with a specialty role of Family Nurse Practitioner? Or do you plan to first earn your BSN and then get an MSN with FNP specialty? or get a BSN and then look for a BSN to DNP with FNP specialty? Most programs simply require experience as an RN. I don't recall ever seeing program requirements specifically say that prospective students have experience as an RN "in a hospital environment".