The Best Accelerated Online NP Programs for 2025
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- Best Accelerated Online NP Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Applying
- Paying
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Maskot / Maskot / Getty ImagesNurse practitioners (NPs) can follow various educational pathways. While the full path to NP status can take 6-8 years, an online accelerated NP program can take just one year for full-time students.
Online learners can take classes wherever there is internet access. This flexibility allows you to arrange your schedule and coursework in the way that best suits you.
Explore how online NP programs work, what to look for, and more information on choosing the best program for your career goals.
Popular Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn About the Best Accelerated Online NP Programs and Schools
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UC's accelerated online FNP program doesn't require any campus visits. Practicing nurses teach courses in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
You will learn about family health, healthcare policy, clinical management of well women and children, and differential diagnosis. The self-paced curriculum can be completed in as little as two years.
We like this program because it provides ample support throughout the enrollment and clinical placement processes.
UC's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- 100% certification pass rate in 2023
- High-quality research institution
- Transfer student-friendly
Considerations
- BSN required
- 51 credits and 672 clinical hours
- Requires science GPA of 3.0 or higher
- In-State$11,892
- Out-of-state$27,226
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled43,976
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
Mt. Carmel's accelerated online NP program lasts for 18 months with 1-2 day immersions starting in the third semester.
You will take classes in primary care, procedures and diagnostics, leadership in advanced nursing roles, and advanced health assessment.
We like Mt. Carmel College's commitment to the nursing profession by educating nurses for over a century, and their tuition assistance through the Mt. Carmel Scholarship Foundation.
Mt. Carmel's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Highlights
- Full-time clinical coordinator
- No more than two classes at a time
- Average of 30 people per class
Considerations
- 65% graduation rate
- Requires one year of recent clinical experience
- 48 credits and 500 clinical hours
- In-State$24,356
- Out-of-state$24,356
- In-State$24,000
- Out-of-state$24,000
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled766
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Missouri
- Warrensburg, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UCM's accelerated online NP program has two tracks: family nurse practitioner (FNP) and nurse educator (NE). The NE track is 100% online, and the FNP track uses a hybrid format.
FNP students take courses in healthcare policy and advocacy, advanced pathophysiology, and organizational leadership in complex health systems. They must occasionally visit campus at Lee's Summit.
We like this program's affordability, track options, and encouragement of part-time study for working professionals.
UCM's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Both tracks are two-year programs
- 100% American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Credentialing Center exam pass rate
- All nursing FNP faculty are practicing NPs
Considerations
- 49% graduation rate
- Clinicals must be completed in Missouri
- Graduate nursing students can only repeat a course once
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$16,080
- In-State$8,136
- Out-of-state$16,272
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled12,788
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Duquesne University's online NP program occurs predominantly online with two campus visits. You will take courses in healthcare ethics in practice and policy, pathophysiology, and transitioning to advanced practice nursing.
We like how this program offers the FNP post-master's certificate for students who want specialty certifications.
Duquesne University's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- A National League for Nursing Center of Excellence
- Offers three start dates per year
Considerations
- 75% graduation rate
- Requires a BSN from an accredited college or university
- Must hold a current, unencumbered RN license
- In-State$45,376
- Out-of-state$45,376
- In-State$25,578
- Out-of-state$25,578
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled8,137
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Winona State University
- Winona, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
WSU's accelerated online NP program offers two MSN tracks: nurse educator (NE) and nursing leadership (NL). The NE track comprises 48 credits and 300 clinical hours, and the NL track comprises 46 credits and 546 clinical hours.
NE students will take courses in instruction and evaluation, curriculum and program design, and advanced health assessment. NL students explore human resource management, strategic project management, and financial resource management in nursing service courses.
We like the flexibility of this program, including its two-year and three-year study plans. Students can also choose from two tracks.
WSU's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- NE program can be completed in 4 semesters and 2 summer sessions
- NL program can be completed in 4 semesters and 1 summer session
- Students who don't meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement may qualify for provisional admission
Considerations
- 60% graduation rate
- At least one professional reference must be from someone with relevant experience
- Minimum of one year of clinical nursing experience
- In-State$8,388
- Out-of-state$15,120
- In-State$8,320
- Out-of-state$12,560
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled6,154
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Morehead State University
- Morehead, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
MSU's accelerated online NP program is 100% online and lasts for two years.
You will take classes in health policy and economics, care of the aging population, common alterations in primary care, and professional practice.
We like how Morehead University offers the RN-to-MSN track for post-licensure BSN students to make a seamless transition to the master's program. BSN students can take nine credits of coursework that applies to both BSN and MSN programs.
MSU's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Provides career counselors
- Offers career personality assessments
- Accepts transfer credits from other MSN programs
Considerations
- 49% graduation rate
- Students must complete a three-credit graduate or undergraduate descriptive statistics course before enrollment
- Minimum of one year or 2,080 hours of experience
- In-State$9,240
- Out-of-state$13,966
- In-State$9,096
- Out-of-state$13,680
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled8,810
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- Standish, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
SJC's accelerated online NP program is for students who want to pursue master of business administration (MBA) or health administration (MHA) degrees with their MSNs. The combined degrees are a total of 60 credits.
You will take MSN classes in organizational leadership, population health, public policy and research, and informatics.
We like this program because it offers post-graduate certificates and dual-degree programs.
SJC's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Program can be completed in just two years
- Students have up to five years to complete their degrees
- Offers four specialization tracks
Considerations
- 70% graduation rate
- Students need at least two years of nursing experience
- Courses are offered in March, June, September, and December
- In-State$41,586
- Out-of-state$41,586
- In-State$9,630
- Out-of-state$9,630
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled1,478
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Woman's University
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
TWU's accelerated online NP program requires two years of full-time enrollment or up to four years for part-time delivery. You will complete 45 credits and three patient care experiences.
You will take 14 classes encompassing patient assessments, applied research, pharmacology, treatment methods, and evidence-based practice for the promotion of quality outcomes.
We like this program because it prioritizes student well-being by providing clinical placement services.
TWU's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Students can extend graduation dates
- Clinical placement support
- Start dates in spring, summer, and fall
Considerations
- 44% graduation rate
- Program available in 29 states
- Students must complete an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course
- In-State$7,140
- Out-of-state$19,740
- In-State$5,112
- Out-of-state$12,456
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled15,585
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Herzing University-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
Herzing University's accelerated online NP program occurs entirely online, accepts applications on a rolling basis, and offers six start dates.
You will take courses in scholarship for nursing practice, health policy and management, systems-based practice, and clinical decision-making.
We like how this program enables you to earn credits toward a doctorate of nursing practice while taking MSN classes.
Herzing University's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Assists with clinical placement
- Offers lifelong career coaching
- Can be completed in 20 months, among the fastest on this list
Considerations
- 42% graduation rate
- Requires a BSN from an accredited institution
- Must hold current and unrestricted license in state of residence
- In-State$11,820
- Out-of-state$11,820
- In-State$9,520
- Out-of-state$9,520
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled3,473
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
King University
- Bristol, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
King University's accelerated online NP program offers four concentrations: nurse leadership and administration, adult gerontology acute care, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
You will take classes in research design in nursing, global health awareness, healthcare informatics, and other classes unique to your specialty.
We like how this military-friend program accepts GI Bill® benefits and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
King University's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Offers income share agreements after students exhaust scholarships and grants
- Provides guaranteed admission for the university's BSN students
- Team-based learning
Considerations
- 46% graduation rate
- Requires current unrestricted Tennessee or compact license
- Requires laptop computer with Microsoft Office 365
- In-State$31,942
- Out-of-state$31,942
- In-State$14,181
- Out-of-state$14,181
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled1,299
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an Online Accelerated NP Degree Program
When exploring online accelerated NP programs, keep in mind the metrics listed below — factors that also shape our rankings.
Admission Requirements
It’s important to understand and then meet the admission requirements for any degree program that interests you. Admission requirements give you an idea about the average student accepted into a nursing program, including their academic background, work history, and clinical experience.
Specializations
Taking an accelerated NP program online gives you specialized training in areas of healthcare, such as family NP, pediatrics NP, psychiatric mental health NP, or women’s health NP. The selection of specializations varies by school.
Program Curriculum
Most accelerated online NP programs offer similar advanced theoretical and clinical nursing curricula, but electives and specializations vary. For instance, one accelerated online NP program may focus on primary care management, while another emphasizes leadership in nursing.
Clinical Experience
Clinical hours are a core element of every accelerated online NP program. You can expect to complete in-person clinical hours. Some programs offer free clinical placement services and advisors, a process that can be otherwise time-consuming. Most programs, however, require students to find their own clinical placements.
Accreditation
You want your accelerated online NP program to have accreditation because it offers a distinction recognized by your peers and future employers. Accreditation also ensures that an accelerated online NP program meets the clinical and educational requirements for certification and licensure.
Program Length
Consider how much time you have available to devote to earning a higher degree. Completing the average accelerated NP program online takes about 24 months, but some programs only take 12 months. Alternatively, nurses can study part time and graduate in about 28 months.
School Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate provides clues about how well a program and its faculty prepare students to achieve their career goals. You can get an idea about how long it takes the average student to earn a degree by looking at the graduation rate.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Accelerated online NP programs operate virtually, but how students access lectures and materials differs. Students may prefer mostly asynchronous courses with no set class times or live courses that offer face-to-face interaction.
Why Is Accelerated Online NP Program Accreditation Important?
There are three major agencies that accredit nursing schools: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). One of these agencies reviews a nursing program and ensures it meets the standards for education and clinical practice training.
Choosing a non-accredited program could seriously limit your options:
- No financial aid. You usually need to be enrolled in an accredited program to be eligible for federal financial aid and many scholarships.
- You might not be eligible for state NP licensure. Many states require graduation from an accredited program to sit for the NP licensure exam.
- Issues transferring license. If you move states, you might need proof of graduating from an accredited nursing program to transfer the license.
- Tough time transferring credits. If you choose to pursue further education down the road, your completed coursework might not be accepted if the program wasn’t properly accredited.
- Employers may require it. Some employers prefer or require nurses to have graduated from an accredited program.
How to check accreditation? Visit the program’s website and look for accreditation info, often listed on the “About Us” page. You can also check on the ACEN or CCNE agencies’ website by searching for the school’s name in their directory.
How Online Accelerated NP Programs Work
Some accelerated NP programs have no set class times. Students can take classes at their own pace, but they may have to meet certain deadlines. Other programs require students to attend class at a specific time. In this case, students may access lecture recordings.
Regardless of whether coursework occurs in person or online, students must physically attend clinical rotations. Some programs help students find facilities where they can complete their clinical hours, while in others, students must find facilities on their own.
Instead of the usual 15-week courses, online accelerated NP programs often offer courses that last 4-6 weeks. Due to the pace, full-time students usually can’t work while in school. Part-time learning options take longer but allow more time for work.
Applying to an Accelerated Online NP Program
Your application is the admissions department’s first impression of you. Make it count by following the directions carefully and submitting everything by the deadline. Although some programs may ask you for materials unique to their needs, expect to provide the following information:
Paying for Accelerated Online NP Programs
Accelerated online NP programs are often fast-paced, leaving little room for full-time employment. However, many people cannot afford to stop working. For some, that means needing to save in advance — especially if their income supports their household. Financial aid options can help offset some expenses and make this transition more affordable.
Loans — both private and federal — provide financial aid to nursing students to pay for tuition and books. While taking on debt is a big decision, federal loans generally have lower interest rates and more lenient repayment plans than private loans. You can also explore nursing scholarships and grants, which do not need to be repaid.
Employers may also help with education costs. Some facilities, especially medical centers, offer tuition remission or reimbursement. Many RNs work and undertake NP programs at the same time, until clinicals start.
What Can You Do as a Nurse Practitioner?
An NP’s advanced education allows them to perform assessments, make diagnoses, and prescribe medication. NPs may collaborate with physicians or work independently. Each state regulates NP practice authority and determines whether NPs work in full practice, reduced practice, or restricted practice.
| NP Specialties | Workplace |
|---|---|
| Family practice | Physician’s offices, primary care clinics, and community health centers, urgent clinics, retail clinics |
| Women’s health | OBGYN clinics, private physician’s offices, and women’s health centers |
| Neonatal nursing | Hospitals, neonatal intensive care units (NICU) |
| Pediatrics | Hospitals, doctor’s office, and primary care clinics |
| Psychiatric mental health | Hospitals, behavioral health centers, and private practices |
The pay for NPs exceeds what RNs earn. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2024, RNs make an average annual salary of $98,430, while NPs earn an average annual salary of $132,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Online NP Programs
The fastest way to become an NP is through an accelerated NP program, which requires a bachelor of science in nursing degree and can be completed in 12 months. Direct-entry master of science in nursing programs may be a good fit for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and typically take 2-3 years to complete. They also have to sit for the NCLEX-RN after the first year of the program.
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