The Best Accelerated Online NP Programs
- 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?
Prospective nurse practitioners (NPs) can follow various educational pathways. If you are interested in completing your education in less time, consider an online accelerated NP program, where full-time students can graduate in 18-24 months.
You can take online classes wherever there is internet access and arrange studies around your current schedule. Explore how online NP programs work, what to look for, and more information on choosing the best program for your career goals.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN 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 Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,260
- Out-of-state$59,260
- In-State$47,880
- Out-of-state$47,880
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled46,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,740
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled26,782
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,961
- Out-of-state$55,961
- In-State$31,770
- Out-of-state$31,770
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled27,017
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,364
- Out-of-state$32,364
- In-State$9,065
- Out-of-state$9,065
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled4,461
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,634
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,712
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled8,525
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,248
- Out-of-state$33,248
- In-State$20,587
- Out-of-state$20,587
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled5,729
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Frontier Nursing University
- Versailles, KY
- 4 year
- Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$18,617
- Out-of-state$18,617
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,436
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Brockport
- Brockport, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled7,592
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled10,979
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Sacred Heart University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,080
- Out-of-state$44,080
- In-State$34,806
- Out-of-state$34,806
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled9,313
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an Accelerated Online NP Program
When exploring online accelerated NP programs, keep in mind the metrics listed below — factors that also shape our rankings.
Admission Requirements
It may go without saying, but it’s important that you 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 nurse 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.
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 needed to pass a national certification exam and get licensed.
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 18 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. This matters because 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?
Nursing programs become accredited after independent reviewers assess their ability to produce competent nurses. Accreditation ensures nursing students can pass the NCLEX and practice in professional settings. This process protects both nurses and patients.
The value of accreditation extends beyond nursing to healthcare employers and the government. Program accreditation is necessary for:
- Government financial aid
- State licensure
- Employment
- Nursing school credit transfers
How Online Accelerated Online 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
Application requirements ensure you are a safe and competent nurse who is capable of successfully completing nurse practitioner programs.
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:
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s in nursing degree from an accredited college
- 1-2 years of nursing experience
- Valid RN license
Admission Materials
- Criminal background check before clinical placement
- Official college transcripts
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal essay
GPA Requirement
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate studies
Paying for Accelerated Online NP Programs
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 more lenient repayment plans than private loans.
Students can also apply for nursing scholarships and grants, which they do not need to repay.
What Can You Do as a Nurse Practitioner?
An NP’s advanced education allows them to perform assessments, make diagnoses, and prescribe medication. NPs can work in clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals, private physicians’ offices, and nursing homes. 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.
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 $86,070, while NPs earn a median annual salary of $126,260. NPs also have the flexibility of working in specialized areas like family nursing, neonatal nursing, or women’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Online NP Programs
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Are You Ready to Earn Your Online Nursing Degree?
Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.