The Best Accelerated Online NP Programs

If you want to switch careers in nursing and boost your salary in a single year, consider an accelerated online nurse practitioner program. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have greater professional freedoms with specialized nursing training, and they earn higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs).

Our guide features the best online NP programs that take 24 months — or less. Find out how to enroll in an accelerated NP program online, how they function, and what they cost.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best ADN-to-MSN (RN to NP) bridge programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

When shopping for an online accelerated NP program, keep in mind the metrics listed below — factors that also shape our rankings.

The accelerated online NP programs featured in our rankings hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accelerated online NP program accreditation gives students the assurance that their education meets quality standards, but it also ensures that they can advance in nursing. State boards of nursing and certification agencies require prospective NPs to have graduated from accredited programs.

Employers also look favorably on nurses from accredited accelerated online NP programs.

Benefits of accreditation include:

Accelerated online NP programs offer a quick path to a career as an NP. Instead of the usual 15-week courses, online accelerated NP programs often offer courses that last 4-6 weeks. Because of the accelerated format, online nursing students generally cannot work, at least full time, while they attend courses. In some cases, NP nursing students can opt for part-time tracks.

While online accelerated NP programs are mostly online, students must complete clinical placements in person. Additionally, nursing schools may require in-person orientation or labs.

Learn more about online nursing programs, such as how online nursing students get clinical experience, and how online differs from in-person nursing programs.

You can expect admission requirements to vary by program, but generally every prospective student needs to have the same academic achievements and work history. They also submit similar supplemental materials.

Accelerated online NP programs often discourage students from working full time because of the fast-paced format. As a result, students may not be able to count on their income to pay for nursing school. Additionally, if you plan to attend a college out of state, you must factor in the increased expense of nonresident tuition.

Luckily, nursing students have financial aid resources to help them pay for college expenses. Loans —both private and federal —provide financial aid to nursing students to pay for tuition and books. Federal loans generally have lower interest rates and lenient repayment plans than private loans.

Students can also apply for nursing scholarships and grants, which they do not need to repay.

Nurse practitioners have an advanced education to perform assessments, make diagnoses, and prescribe medications in clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals, private physicians’ offices, and nursing homes. In their role, some NPs may work in collaboration with, or independently of, physicians. Each state regulates NP practice authority and determines whether they work in full practice, reduced practice, or restricted practice.

The pay for NPs exceeds what RNs earn. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs make a median annual salary of $77,600, while NPs earn a median wage of $120,680. NPs also have the flexibility of working in a specialized area such as family nursing, neonatal nursing, or women’s health.

Yes. Accelerated online NP programs have the same rigorous coursework and reputation in nursing as in-person programs, often with the same faculty.

Typically, it takes 2-3 years to complete an NP program. Completing an accelerated NP program online can take as few as 18 months or up to 24 months. It takes additional time to earn NP certification, which requires passing a national exam.

The fast-paced format of an accelerated online NP program often makes it difficult to work full time. Programs may also recommend that nursing students not work. There are accelerated online NP programs for working students, which offer part-time options that take up to two years.

Yes. According to the BLS, the demand for NPs exceeds all other occupations at a projected growth rate of 46% from 2021-2031. Roughly 30,200 jobs for advanced practice registered nurses will be added to the workforce during that decade.

Page last reviewed October 24, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.