Completing an online nurse practitioner program puts current registered nurses (RNs) on track to a higher-paying career. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who focus their careers in specific areas of nursing, such as acute care, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, family nursing, and psychiatric mental health.
Nurses can become certified as nurse practitioners after completing a graduate-level program: either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). You can complete either degree online.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best schools for online nurse practitioner programs, including both MSN and DNP programs. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs According to Our Nurse Panel
NurseJournal asked a two-person panel of nurses to review each of the online nurse practitioner programs below. In their review, these nurses considered factors that influence nursing student experiences, including reputation, faculty, program quality, and value.
The following are the top-scoring programs according to our panel of nurses.
“USC is a respected university that maintains an extremely high graduation rate. There are two options for completion, which allows flexibility; a full-time track that can be completed in 21 months and a part-time track that can be completed in 33 months.
The school offers only the family nurse practitioner (FNP) option online, but it is integrated into the school of social work, which is unique and provides advanced practice nurses with a holistic perspective and a focus on social determinants of health.”
“University of Southern California's nurse practitioner program is completely online, assists with clinical placement, and offers live online classes that are available on demand 24/7.
USC also offers a bridge course option to support students who may need extra assistance in pathophysiology and pharmacology (which tend to be the most tedious and challenging courses). The cost may be high, but they actually publish how much their program costs in detail.”
“Georgetown is a well-respected university, and the program boasts an extremely high graduation rate. There are multiple specialty tracks, and the hybrid learning environment offers flexibility for distance learners.”
“Georgetown University offers clinical placement assistance, name recognition, and a high passing rate for ANCC and AANPCB certification exams (100% for ANCC and 98% for AANPCB).
The financial information is not clear on the website; it may be challenging to find the total cost of education.
Programs also require that a statistics course be completed within the last five years. This may be challenging for prospective students who graduated with their BSN RN more than five years ago, and would require additional coursework before starting (meaning extra costs).”
“The graduation rate for George Washington University is relatively high for an online program, yet not the highest. There is rolling admission, allowing for flexibility, and there are a wide variety of specialties offered — including Nurse Midwifery and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students must find their own preceptor, which may present a challenge.”
“George Washington University offers fixed-rate tuition and is a reasonably priced option for students. Nurse practitioner programs are offered in both part and full-time course options.
The program is also fully online with several clinical tracts for the MSN, including PMHNP, CNM, and FNP. The program does not assist in finding clinical placements; its website states that students are encouraged to find their own placements.”
Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or, go straight to our data-driven ranking of the best online nurse practitioner programs.
Featured Online NP Programs
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
What makes one nurse practitioner online program different from another? Often, factors like cost and schedule flexibility. Nurses take NP programs online for the convenience and format, but other key factors influence student decisions. The best online nurse practitioner programs prepare nurses for their chosen careers and offer a format and time line that suits their lifestyle.
Take a look at some of the information we highlight in our program rankings and why it's important.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility requirements for an online nurse practitioner program are often listed in the admissions guidelines. Nurse practitioner online programs often want applicants with about 1-2 years of work experience, who hold an RN license with applicable credentials.
Specializations
Nurse practitioner programs allow students to specialize in specific areas of nursing, such as adult-gerontology, family nursing, neonatal nursing, or healthcare leadership. Keep in mind that specialties vary by nursing school.
Program Curriculum
NP programs provide an education in evidence-based clinical nursing and theory. Students also take courses in their chosen nursing specialty. The quality of the curriculum matters because you want to be prepared for national certification in your nursing specialization.
Clinical Experience
To meet national credentialing requirements, nurse practitioner online programs require students to complete clinical hours in person, often in the same state the nurses study in.
Some schools make this mandate more convenient than others. For instance, nursing schools may provide clinical placements near a student's hometown or at the hospital they currently work at rather than by the college campus.
Accreditation
Quality nurse practitioner online programs hold accreditation. This stamp of approval lets students know their education is vetted by an independent accrediting agency. In order to sit for the board certification examination and apply for state licensure, applicants must submit proof that their degree came from an accredited program.
Learn more about accreditation for nursing programs.
Program Length
It takes full-time students an average of 24-26 months to complete NP programs online. Nursing schools require about 40-50 credits and roughly 600-800 clinical hours in a student's expected specialty area. Program length varies by school.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Students enrolling in online nurse practitioner programs have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and hold an RN license. However, the NCLEX pass rate still provides insight about a nursing school's ability to prepare all nursing students — undergraduates and graduate students — to succeed.
A school with a low pass rate cannot be expected to prepare students for national credentialing exams.
School Graduation Rate
Nursing school at any level is hard. A school's publicized graduate rate can inform you about that school's ability to provide resources and support to prevent students from dropping out or failing.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
How online nursing programs work differs from how in-person programs work. Nurse practitioner online programs may offer a blend of asynchronous and synchronous work, or function entirely asynchronously.
For synchronous formats, you need to meet online at set times to attend lectures. For asynchronous work, students often listen to prerecorded lectures on their own time. Consider if you can meet the learning requirements, especially if you work or have other obligations.
Why Is Online Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures that your nursing program offers an effective, quality education. Accrediting agencies also work to improve all nursing education programs and fellowships.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing both provide accreditation to online nurse practitioner programs. Accreditation matters because:
- It ensures that programs meet quality standards.
- Employers prefer nurses from accredited online nurse practitioner programs.
- DNP programs may not accept credits from an unaccredited NP program.
- National credentialing agencies may not recognize unaccredited NP programs.
- Nursing as a whole benefits from accreditation, which can improve education.
- Curriculum continues to improve with accreditation.
Learn More About the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University offers a 44-hour online family nurse practitioner program that prepares students for the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board exam. The Jesuit based curriculum provides a holistic family health perspective, incorporating spiritual, physical, and mental health perspectives.
The program trains students to provide family-focused primary care, in a clinical setting, from newborns to geriatric patients. The seven-term course requires 650 clinical practicum hours and two in-person clinical intensives.
- Programs: Family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery/women's health nurse practitioner (NM/WHNP), and women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP).
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $2,358 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from a CCNE-accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA; "C" or higher grade level for a three-credit statistics course; 12 months minimum full-time experience working with critically ill patients; an active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 27 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 96.88%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,876
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California offers an online master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner program at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing. The program is for RNs with a bachelor of science in nursing degree, where working students can opt for a 33-month part-time or a 21-month full-time schedule.
USC's family online nurse practitioner program prepares students for board certification that allows them to work in primary care with patients through the lifespan. The curriculum includes courses in diagnosing and treating routine health issues, medication prescriptions, lab and X-ray results, and wellness promotion.
USC offers a clinical placement team to help students procure clinical sites near them. Students must also complete two Los Angeles-area, on-campus intensives.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Los Angeles, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $5,656 per semester for part-time, in-state residents; $9,755 per semester for part-time, out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: BSN or MSN from an accredited institution; 3.0 or higher GPA; three-credit statistics course; unencumbered RN license; 12 months of full-time clinical work experience. A graduate-level bridge course may be required for students with a "C+" or lower grade in the sciences or for those with transcripts older than five years.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 21 months for full-time students; 33 months for part-time students
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $163,225
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Stony Brook University School of Nursing offers several online concentrations for master of science in nursing students planning to become nurse practitioners. These specialties include adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, family health, women's health, neonatal health, pediatric primary care, pediatric acute care, psychiatric mental health, and nurse-midwifery. Each track offers unique programming and is aimed at preparing nurses to provide primary care for various specialties.
Nurses learn to diagnose, assess, and manage various symptoms and conditions, with the ability to provide primary care once they are board certified. The Office of Clinical Placements assists students in setting up clinical practicums.
- Programs: Master of science in nursing - nurse practitioner: adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, family health, women's health, neonatal health, pediatric primary care, pediatric acute care, psychiatric mental health, nurse midwifery
- Campus: Stony Brook, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit hour for in-state residents; $963 per credit hour for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited institution; 3.0 GPA; current, unencumbered RN license; one year minimum experience; three credits in health assessment; three credits in statics, clinical practice portfolio, and malpractice insurance
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 95.5%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $105,661
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of West Florida offers an online 45-semester-hour master of science-family nurse practitioner program that provides students with the necessary skills to become a primary care provider after obtaining board certification.
Family nurse practitioners care for patients throughout their lifespan. The full-time program requires a minimum of six credits per semester and 600 clinical practicum hours total. The course content is delivered asynchronously online. An orientation and virtual skills workshop is required.
- Program: Master of science - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Pensacola, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: BSN in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours of nursing coursework; active, unencumbered RN license; "C" or higher grade from an undergraduate statistics course; a CV with work history and educational background; 150-200-word written narrative describing professional goals
- Minimum Time Commitment: 27-30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
George Washington University offers an online 22-credit-hour master of science in nursing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. The curriculum focuses on theories of behavioral change (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), learning, motivation, and neurobiology.
Once students have taken and passed the state board exam, they can legally assess, diagnose, and manage mental health conditions for patients throughout their lifespan. A required on-campus course prepares nurses for taking patient histories and performing physical exams. The program offers RNs an opportunity to expand their scope of practice and qualify for advanced careers in the mental health field.
An entry-level BSN-to-DNP track is available for all online nurse practitioner programs at GWU. The online DNP nurse practitioner course is a hybrid program with online classes and on-campus training requirements.
- Programs: Master of science in nursing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; master of science or doctor of nursing practice in adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, or family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,395 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: A bachelor of science in nursing from a regionally accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; letters of recommendation; current CV; statement of purpose; unencumbered RN license; current CPR certificate; immunization records
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $101,254
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas A & M University's Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing offers a 48-credit-hour, online master of science family nurse practitioner course aimed at educating RNs in advanced practice. After board certification, family nurse practitioners become licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat patients throughout the lifespan.
The program teaches nurses the skills needed to improve the quality of patient care in culturally diverse populations. The curriculum focuses on research, health promotion, policy, and community health.
- Program: Master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Corpus Cristie, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $397 per credit hour for in-state students; $863 per credit hour for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: A bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 2.7 GPA; 3.0 upper-level GPA; current, unencumbered Texas RN license; one year RN inpatient clinical experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 76.08%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $104,454
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cedarville University offers a 41-44-credit-hour, full- or part-time, online master of science family nurse practitioner program. The accredited online nurse practitioner program focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating various acute and chronic conditions.
After board certification, family nurse practitioners receive a license to employ evidence-based prevention and treatment practices. Four on-campus experiences are required.
The clinical practicum requirement is 600 hours. A clinical placement coordinator is available to help learners secure the best clinical placement near the student's local geographic area.
- Program: Master of science family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Cedarville, Ohio
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $648 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Profess a religious faith; bachelor of science degree from a regionally accredited institution; 3.0 or higher GPA preferred; professional and religious references; recent CV
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing offers an online bachelor of science in nursing to doctor of nursing practice (BSN-to-DNP), a post-master's doctor of nursing practice, or an on-campus nurse anesthesia program.
Several specialty nurse practitioner concentrations are available at the University of Cincinnati's main campus. Most doctor of nursing practice nurse practitioner programs are available online, with one campus visit required during the final semester.
The doctor of nursing practice program prepares nurses to employ evidence-based practice in primary patient care. Graduates design, manage, and evaluate health promotion and restoration programs, often procuring leadership positions.
- Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice - adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care or family nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Campus: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $771 per credit hour for in-state residents; $1,333 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: The BSN-to-DNP program requires a bachelor of science in nursing degree with a recommended 3.25 GPA or higher and a science GPA of 3.0 or higher. The post-master's doctor of nursing practice requires a master of science in nursing from a program leading to nurse practitioner certification or a clinical nurse specialist, nursing administration, nurse anesthesia, or nurse-midwifery. Most programs require one year of RN experience. A current, unencumbered RN license is required for all doctor of nursing practice programs.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $94,013
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Sacred Heart University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Sacred Heart University offers a 42-credit-hour online master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner program and a hybrid master of science in nursing to doctor of nursing practice (BSN-to-DNP) family nurse practitioner program. The clinical practicum comprises 550 hours, which can be completed in the student's local geographic area.
The online nurse practitioner program gives students the training needed to provide primary care for patients of all ages. Graduates can perform physical exams, make diagnoses, and educate patients on wellness and health restoration.
- Programs: Master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner; doctor of nursing practice family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Fairfield, Connecticut
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $995 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: A bachelor of science in nursing with a 3.2 GPA or higher from an accredited institution; official transcripts of prior nursing and other academic programs; a resume; two letters of recommendation; a criminal background check; prerequisite statistics and research and health assessment undergraduate courses; a current, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Master of science in nursing curriculum takes place fully online with in-person, local clinical practicum requirements. The doctor of nursing practice is a hybrid program.
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 99%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $92,829
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing offers an online master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner program. RNs gain the skills to provide primary care to patients throughout the lifespan. The program is taught by experienced physicians and nurse practitioners. Successful program completion qualifies RNs to sit for the American Nurses' Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners family nurse practitioner certification exam.
A 24-month flexible, hybrid doctor of nursing practice emergency nurse practitioner program is available for master's-level family nurse practitioners. Applications are not accepted from students in states with strict distance learning regulations, including Oregon, New York, Colorado, California, Colorado, and Louisiana.
- Programs: Master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner; doctor of nursing practice emergency nurse practitioner
- Campus: Birmingham, Alabama
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $924 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: A bachelor of science in nursing with a cumulative 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution; video application submission; 2.0 or higher grade from an undergraduate nursing research course; 3.0 or higher grade from an undergraduate health assessment course; refundable (if accepted) $750 application fee; active, unencumbered RN license.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 92.57%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $99,380
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work
Online nurse practitioner programs design learning formats for working RNs. Courses feature asynchronous and synchronous work to allow students to work on their own time, without traveling to campus.
That said, nursing programs are not entirely online. NP students who enroll in online and on-campus programs need clinical experience. This means they must work under the supervision of a certified and licensed advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in their chosen specialty.
Learn more about getting clinical experience in an online nursing program, or explore our guide breaking down online vs. in-person nursing programs to determine whether distance education is right for you.
Applying to an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Students need to meet the educational requirements and hold a current RN license to gain admission into nurse practitioner online programs.
Admittance requirements — such as minimum GPAs, work experience, and supplemental materials — vary by nursing school.
Online nurse practitioner programs often have residency requirements so students can complete in-person labs and clinical hours.
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Online nurse practitioner programs often require that students hold a bachelor's in nursing degree from an accredited program. Incoming students also need an RN license from the state where the school makes clinical assignments. They may also need 1-2 years of bedside nursing experience.
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Students may need to pass an undergraduate statistics course with at least a "C" grade to gain admission to online nurse practitioner programs. Applicants also may need to submit resumes, personal statements, and three letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors.
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To apply for online nurse practitioner programs, applicants commonly need at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with lower GPAs may be granted provisional admission.
Paying for Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Nursing students may think they have the means to pay their tuition out of pocket, but several factors make college more expensive. For example, nurses who cannot work while in school may need additional money to cover their living expenses. And colleges may charge more to students who cannot establish state residency.
Many graduate-level nursing students are eligible to receive scholarships and grants for nursing school, which they do not need to repay. Many employers or medical centers also offer tuition remission or reimbursement programs.
Working as a Nurse Practitioner
You can find NPs working in physicians' offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in private or public educational services, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Nurse practitioners have backgrounds as RNs, but they also have advanced clinical training and education to diagnose and treat complex health conditions.
NPs are one of four advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), making a median annual wage of $120,680, according to 2021 BLS data. NP salaries can reach more than $160,000 on average for the top 10%. It takes at least an MSN degree to become an NP, but the American Association of Colleges of Nursing now recommends that all APRNs earn a doctor of nursing practice.
Working as an NP provides the career flexibility to choose a specialty area either in primary or acute care. Nursing students pick NP specialties that determine their career trajectory with options to become a family nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner, among others.
- Family Nurse Practitioner: Family nurse practitioners provide care to patients of all ages. They work in varied settings, like clinics, hospitals, and emergency departments to treat chronic conditions.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric nurse practitioners work with greater autonomy than other NPs to assess, treat, and prescribe medication for mental disorders. These NPs work in correctional facilities, independent practices, and psychiatric hospitals.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric nurse practitioners work either in acute or primary care, attending to patients from birth to age 21.
Online NP Student Testimonials
We asked graduates of online nurse practitioner programs to weigh in on the experience, including the benefits and challenges of completing an NP program online. Overall, the experience was positive, with the greatest reported benefit of an online program being flexibility.
On the Online Experience
"My experience earning my MSN online was a fulfilling one. I needed to work full time while completing the program, and the online option allowed me to do that."
— Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner
"The online MSN program allowed me to work a full-time job and still be able to go to school. The hours were flexible for my schedule and I was able to care for my family while still earning my degree."
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
On-Site Clinical Experience
"We had to attend several simulation labs, and we had to choose locations for our clinical practice. The on-campus requirements were minimal, and they gave you enough time in advance to be able to plan to attend on-campus activities. The clinical requirements could be completed in your home state or city."
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
"I had to go on site for specialty clinical teaching 1-2 times per school year. I also had to complete one of the core classes on the main campus as well."
— Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner
Challenges
"The biggest challenge for completing an online degree program is time management. If you're not a good steward of your time, not a self-starter, or have trouble with procrastination, being an online student can be very difficult."
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
"Some of the challenges with earning an online degree were accountability and consistency with completing assignments."
— Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner
Is an Online NP Program Worth It?
"I believe it is definitely worth getting a degree online if this type of curriculum suits your needs and work ethic. I would recommend it to other prospective nursing students who want to become NPs if they have the discipline, consistency, and desire to earn their degree online."
— Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner
"I would recommend it 10 out of 10! This is one of the best life choices that I made. It doesn't mean that it will be easy; it doesn't mean that you get to slack off or show mediocre effort. You can still take care of yourself and your family while furthering your education and that's incredible."
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
How do I get started as a nurse practitioner?
The first step to becoming an NP is to earn a bachelor's in nursing and become an RN. Practicing nurses then complete an MSN or a DNP degree program, focusing on a specialized area of study. They get certified in a specialty, or perhaps more than one, through national organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Learn more about the steps to becoming a nurse practitioner.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner online?
It takes about 6-8 years to become an NP if you factor in the time it takes to complete your undergraduate and graduate education. NPs hold a bachelor of science in nursing degree, which takes four years for full-time students. Online nurse practitioner programs can take 2-3 years, depending on the program and required clinical hours.
Is MSN the same as NP?
You can become an NP by earning a general MSN degree. However, an MSN degree offers other options other than nurse practitioner, like nursing informatics or nurse educator. Online nurse practitioner programs provide a more specialized education in a nursing focus area.
Which NP makes the most money?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners rank as the highest-paid NP jobs. According to Payscale, psychiatric nurse practitioners make an average salary of $115,300, as of January 2023, with clinicians who have 5-9 years of experience making an average salary of $119,000.
Page last reviewed September 20, 2022. The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team. The top programs according to our nurse panel were reviewed by Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC, and Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW, on January 2, 2023.
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