The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in 2021
| Staff Writers
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Nurse practitioner (NP) programs train NPs to provide comprehensive patient care, with 69% of professionals delivering primary care and 65.4% choosing to become certified family nurse practitioners (FNPs). In addition to performing necessary work, NPs gain access to lucrative salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that NPs earn a median base annual salary of $115,800.
As the U.S. healthcare system grows, NPs benefit from the rising demand for their expertise. BLS data indicates a 45% projected job growth rate from 2019-29, pointing to the value of earning a degree through an online NP program.
NPs can pursue a master’s degree or higher through distance learning programs offering synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid online classes. The necessary clinical experience must be obtained in person.
Students in NP programs can expect to encounter coursework covering topics like advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Students graduate in 2-4 years, depending on their specialization and enrollment status.
Graduates emerge prepared to perform many of the same job duties as physicians in their specialty areas. The demand for NPs should increase with the aging population and the need for preventive care. To help you select the best NP program for you, we’ve applied our methodology to rank the best online NP programs.
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Featured Online Programs
Top Online Nursing Practitioner (NP) Programs of 2021
Texas A&M University's online MSN with a nurse practitioner track prepares candidates for primary care roles. Full-time students can complete the 48-credit online nurse practitioner program in six semesters, while part-time learners graduate in eight semesters. This program includes some in-person components, such as clinical hours, diagnostics, and procedures.
Applicants must hold a 2.0 GPA at minimum, provide essays and three letters of recommendation, and undergo an interview with the selection committee. Competitive candidates hold one or more years of professional experience. Individuals must live in Texas and hold an unencumbered RN license to apply.
Program: Master of science in nursing-family nurse practitioner
Campus: College Station, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $24,791 per year in-state; $31,721 per year out-of-state
Samford's BSN-to-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner option gives RNs the knowledge and skills required to care for patients across the lifespan. Graduates qualify to take the FNP national certification exam. Samford also allows its MSN graduates to move seamlessly into the DNP program without reapplying.
The program features start dates in the fall and spring semesters. Candidates beginning their studies in the spring can graduate in six semesters, while those who start in the fall can earn their degree in five semesters. Most coursework is offered online, although students must attend three campus visits.
Program: MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Birmingham, Alabama
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $888 per credit
Admission Requirements: 3.0 GPA; BSN from CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN and regionally accredited institution; video submission; RN license.
Founded in 1897 in Illinois, Bradley serves nearly 6,000 students from over 43 countries. The university is home to eight colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which offers multiple advanced nursing programs. Students with an ADN and unencumbered RN license can take advantage of Bradley's RN-to-MSN online nurse practitioner program, which comprises 59 credits and 750 clinical hours.
Bradley's BSN-to-MSN online NP program is intended for candidates with a BSN and a valid RN license. Requiring 50 credits and 700 clinical hours, the program was designed to suit working professionals. Neither program requires in-person attendance, and students can select their own preceptors for clinical components.
Program: ADN-to-MSN-FNP; BSN-to-MSN-FNP
Campus: Peoria, Illinois
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $930 per credit
Admission Requirements: ADN or BSN from CCNE-accredited school; RN license; 3.0 GPA
Enrollees at DeSales can consider three different online nurse practitioner programs, preparing them for national certification in their desired area of practice. NP students can choose between an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program, a family nurse practitioner program, or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner option.
Each NP program features the same admissions requirements and tuition rates, but learners focus on different course content depending on their focus area. Across programs, some course topics include advanced family health, role development with special populations in psychiatry, and advanced physical assessment.
Program(s): MSN adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; MSN family nurse practitioner; MSN psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Campus: Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $885 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from a CCNE-accredited institution; 3.0 minimum GPA; one year of professional nursing experience; active RN license
Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, Maryville offers a flexible online NP degree that features five opportunities for specialization. Focus areas include family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Prospective NPs complete coursework entirely online, fulfilling all clinical requirements in a location near their home. Regardless of specialization, each curriculum blends theory, research, and evidence-based practice, exposing learners to the field's best practices and training candidates to provide holistic care across patient populations.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner; MSN adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; pediatric nurse practitioner; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Campus: Saint Louis, Missouri
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $813/credit
Admission Requirements: BSN from a CCNE-accredited institution; 3.0 minimum GPA; active RN license; curriculum vitae or resume; 500-word essay; one year of professional nursing experience
RNs considering doctoral-level online NP programs enjoy multiple options at WSU. Located in Winona, Minnesota, the university offers adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializations.
All students enrolled in the nurse practitioner doctoral program must complete clinical hours along with the required coursework. Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner students complete 74 semester hours and 1,260 clinical hours, and family nurse practitioner learners complete 73 semester hours and 1,080 clinical hours. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner enrollees must satisfy 43-54 semester hours and 1,260 clinical hours.
Program(s): DNP adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; DNP family nurse practitioner; DNP psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Campus: Winona, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $428 per credit
Admission Requirements: MSN from a nationally accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of clinical nursing experience; active RN license; NP national certification; three letters of recommendation; background check
USC offers one of the nursing field's most innovative online nurse practitioner programs. The unique curriculum allows students to build a foundation in both social work and advanced nursing practice, exploring topics in healthcare technology and innovation, pharmacology, and community-based research.
Degree-seekers must complete 49 credits of coursework, 784 clinical hours, and two on-campus intensives. Learners can pursue part- or full-time enrollment. All applicants should hold a BSN or an MSN with a 3.0 minimum GPA. Along with a completed application, prospective students should possess an active RN license and demonstrate proof of one year of clinical experience and completion of a three-credit statistics course.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,995 per unit
Admission Requirements: BSN or MSN; 3.0 minimum GPA; active RN license; one year of clinical experience
Milledgeville-based Georgia College's online nurse practitioner program allows BSN-holders to pursue concentrations in nurse midwifery, nurse education, women's health nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner.
Learners must complete their clinical rotations in Georgia with a School of Nursing-approved preceptor. Enrollees must satisfy all degree requirements within seven years. MSN graduates can also earn a post-master's nursing certificate in one of five specialty areas.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner; MSN psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; MSN women's health nurse practitioner; MSN nurse education; MSN nurse midwifery
Campus: Milledgeville, Georgia
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $7,286 per year
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited nursing program; active RN license; 2.75 minimum GPA; three letters of recommendation; current resume or curriculum vitae; statement of professional goals
GW's online master of science in nursing features concentrations in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nursing leadership and management, nurse-midwifery, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
GW nursing students experience a unique, hybrid program format that combines in-person training in simulation centers with online coursework. MSN graduates who want to continue their nursing education can also consider the university's DNP program and graduate certificate opportunities.
Program(s): MSN adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; MSN adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; MSN family nurse practitioner; MSN nursing leadership and management; MSN nurse-midwifery; MSN psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Campus: Washington, D.C.
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,395 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; current resume; personal statement; active RN license
Located in Morehead, Kentucky, MSU offers online nurse practitioner programs for RNs interested in expanding their career opportunities. The online FNP program prepares learners to take the national FNP certification exam and go into practice as advanced practice nurses.
MSN candidates must complete 49 credit hours. The post-MSN option, intended for nurses who already hold a master's degree, includes 48 credit hours. MSU offers career planning services, internship placement, interview and resume preparation, and job search assistance for graduates.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Morehead, Kentucky
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $374 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN or MSN from an accredited institution with a 3.0 minimum GPA; cover letter; goal statement; current resume or curriculum vitae; active RN license; completed criminal background check
Emphasizing experiential learning, UTA's online FNP program prepares RNs to work in a variety of healthcare settings, with patients across the lifespan. The curriculum introduces specialized concepts in advanced research and clinical management, diagnostics, pharmacology, and health assessment.
Degree-seekers undergo intensive training in evidence-based primary care, completing clinical experiences in their local area. Learners can choose from multiple start dates, making the program ideal for those who desire flexible scheduling.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Arlington, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $654 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited program; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license
U.S. News & World Report ranks Loyola's online nurse practitioner programs among the nation's best. The MSN program lets distance learners choose from three specialization areas: family nurse practitioner, nursing informatics, and healthcare systems administration and leadership.
Candidates who select the family nurse practitioner track complete 48 credits of coursework and 720 practicum hours. Both the nursing informatics and healthcare systems administration and leadership tracks comprise 36 course credits and 180 practicum hours.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner; MSN nursing informatics; MSN healthcare systems administration and leadership
Campus: New Orleans, Louisiana
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $818 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; statement of purpose; current resume; minimum of 1,800 hours of recent nursing experience; three references
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Simmons offers two online nurse practitioner programs. Designed for RNs who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing, the online RN-to-MSN curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences relevant to the family nurse practitioner role.
Learners can pursue part-time or full-time enrollment. Some can graduate in as few as 32 months. The curriculum prepares candidates for state board exams and 800 hours of immersive clinical practice.
Program(s): RN-to-MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,210 per credit
Admission Requirements: ADN or diploma in nursing; current resume; personal statement; three letters of recommendation
SJC's MSN program allows learners to choose from adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education specializations.
All MSN candidates must complete the same 24-credit common core curriculum before focusing on specialty courses. The core curriculum explores topics in nursing informatics, organizational and systems leadership, and population health and interprofessional collaboration.
Program(s): MSN adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; MSN family nurse practitioner; MSN nursing administration; MSN nursing education
Campus: Standish, Maine
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $663 per credit
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; resume or curriculum vitae; career statement; three references
Denver-based Regis' MSN program focuses on the neonatal nurse practitioner specialty. The 44-credit curriculum combines healthcare policy, ethics and leadership, and nursing theory with courses that focus on the clinical management of high-risk newborns and diagnostic, therapeutic procedures.
Courses are presented entirely online in a synchronous format, allowing learners to participate in real-time class discussions. Candidates participate in courses once a week from 8am-5pm. Graduates can pursue advanced study in Regis' online DNP program.
Program(s): MSN neonatal nurse practitioner
Campus: Denver, Colorado
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $910 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 2.75 GPA; active RN license; three letters of recommendation; resume; essay; admissions interview; two years of clinical nursing experience
Ideal for working professionals, UCM's 44-credit MSN program emphasizes advanced practice nursing skills and knowledge. Candidates are encouraged to enroll on a part-time basis and must seek permission to study full time.
Students must hold a Missouri nursing license or licensure in a compact state. Earning a failing grade in any graduate level course results in administrative withdrawal from the nursing program at the end of that semester. Nursing students can initiate a retention form with the instructor of their failed course one time during their program. If a student withdraws from the program on their own accord, they must reapply for admission if they decide they want to re-enroll.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Warrensburg, Missouri
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and National League for Nursing
Tuition: $370 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; at least one year of professional nursing practice
Located in Waco, Texas, Baylor offers two doctoral-level online FNP programs: a BSN-to-DNP and a post-master's DNP. The online DNP prepares registered nurses to deliver primary care to patients across the lifespan.
Students in the BSN-to-DNP program complete 75 credits and graduate in just over three years. The post-master's option includes 31-37 credits of coursework and takes about two years to complete. Core courses follow an online format with on-campus immersions weaved throughout. Learners also complete 1,125 practicum hours.
Program(s): DNP family nurse practitioner
Campus: Waco, Texas
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,100 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited school of nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA
Students in Duquesne's online nurse practitioner program can choose from a variety of specialization options, including family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner tracks. All complete their studies in cohorts of 12-15 students.
The rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for certification through online coursework and three on-campus visits. Students complete 12 courses in total, comprising 42-44 credits, along with 550-750 clinical hours. Most degree-seekers can fulfill all program requirements in about three years.
Program(s): MSN adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
Campus: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,509 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN; resume or curriculum vitae; professional goal statement; two references
Part of the Texas Tech University system, ASU offers a convenient, flexible online FNP program that prepares graduates to care for patients across the lifespan in many settings. The program is presented primarily through distance education, with minimal on-campus requirements. Students can fulfill clinical requirements in a part of Texas that is convenient to them.
The 49-credit hour curriculum covers topics, such as informatics and healthcare technology for advanced nursing, evidence-based practice and theory for advanced nursing, and advanced health assessment.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: San Angelo, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $614 per credit
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of clinical experience; active RN license; three references; personal statement; curriculum vitae or resume
The 24-month, part-time program combines online coursework with clinical experiences that take place in students' own communities. The curriculum surveys conditions, such as anxiety, dementia, and depression. Graduates are qualified to sit for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification exam.
Program(s): MSN psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,235 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; letter of recommendation; resume
Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Morningside's MSN program features a family nurse practitioner emphasis that prepares candidates for national certification. The curriculum explores topics in advanced pharmacology, education in practice, and evidence-based research. Graduates are qualified to care for patients across the lifespan.
Learners complete a total of 47 credit hours, including 25 credits within the FNP specialization and 22 credits of core coursework. Students must also satisfy a 600-hour practicum requirement and participate in three on-campus residencies.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Sioux City, Iowa
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $570 per credit
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; valid RN license; BCLS certification; two letters of recommendation; professional goals essay; resume or curriculum vitae
NAU's online NP program trains RNs to become family nurse practitioners. The program emphasizes concepts and skills needed to pursue national certification and enter professional practice.
Candidates complete at least 30 core course units, conduct individualized research, and complete a thesis. Enrollees should maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete all degree requirements within six years of beginning the program.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Flagstaff, Arizona
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $575 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; three letters of recommendation
King's online MSN stands out among online nurse practitioner programs for its customizability. Licensed RNs can tailor the curriculum to align with their career goals and academic interests by choosing from three specialization options: pediatric nurse practitioner, administration, and nurse education.
Depending on the concentration, learners must satisfy between 35-45 credit hours of coursework. All candidates survey core topics in healthcare informatics, global health awareness, and a theoretical basis of nursing practice. Nursing students also complete 420-600 practicum hours, depending on their concentration.
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $605 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; three letters of recommendation; personal essay; current curriculum vitae
Illinois-based ONU offers a 52-credit MSN program with a family nurse practitioner track for RNs who hold a BSN and want to transition into advanced practice nursing.
The accelerated master's program consists of eight-week online classes. Learners can double their course load to graduate sooner, finishing the program in as few as 24 months. Olivet graduates who want to teach nursing students can also complete a post-master's nursing education certificate.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner
Campus: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $690 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; at least 2,000 hours of professional experience working as an RN
Students enrolled in SFA's online nurse practitioner program can focus on the family nurse practitioner specialty or the nursing education option. The university also offers a post-master's certificate for graduates interested in becoming family nurse practitioners.
The family nurse practitioner MSN features a part-time, online format and requires degree-seekers to complete 46 credit hours of coursework and 720 clinical hours. Nursing education students complete 36 credit hours of coursework and 180 clinical hours within their own community or at the nursing school.
Program(s): MSN family nurse practitioner; MSN nursing education
Campus: Nacogdoches, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $613 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 minimum GPA; three letters of recommendation; active RN license; one year of full-time professional experience as an RN
Common admission requirements for a master of science in nursing (MSN) include a registered nurse (RN) license and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited school. Bridge programs, such as RN-to-MSN programs, provide options for RNs that hold associate degrees or non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.
Most MSN programs require 1-2 years of clinical experience as a nurse, which applicants usually gain working as RNs prior to applying to graduate school. Some programs require minimum GPAs and/or GRE scores.
Applicants who have worked as RNs may not need to show specific coursework, but admissions committees generally prefer candidates who have taken anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, and statistics. Programs typically ask for submissions of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and resumes.
In order to work as an FNP, graduates need to obtain state-specific licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
Depending on the educational path, it can take about eight years, including earning a BSN, either on its own or as part of a bridge program, logging 1-2 years of nursing experience, and spending 2-4 years in graduate school. Certain specializations may also add to the timeline, as will part-time versus full-time study.
What is accreditation, and why is it important?
NPs become licensed as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and state boards require degrees from accredited programs. Most receive credentials from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). CCNE and ACEN also confer specialty accreditation for online FNP programs, online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs, and other areas.
Is a nurse practitioner a good job?
NPs perform many of the same job duties as physicians, but spend less time earning their degree. They also earn among the highest pay of those in the nursing profession. Both challenging and rewarding, the job can be stressful, but also fulfilling for those who want to help people.
What can I do as a nurse practitioner?
NPs find employment in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and care centers. They may work with a specific patient population, such as older adults, children and teens, patients with mental health issues, or those fighting cancer. NPs coordinate patient care and provide primary services, including diagnosis and treatments, assessment and testing, and referring patients to other specialists.
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