The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2026
- Top NP Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Application Requirements
- Paying for School
- Salary and Career Outlook
- Student Testimonials
- FAQ
Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs offer a flexible way to advance your nursing career. Online NP programs prepare registered nurses (RNs) for advanced roles and greater responsibility. Nurses can become NPs with a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.
Discover the best program for you with our ranking of the best online NP programs.
The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools
Brenau University – Fastest Time to Graduate
- Gainesville, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Brenau: Become an FNP in as Few as 20 months
Brenau’s MSN program offers the fastest pathway to becoming a family nurse practitioner on our list. The 52-credit program costs $866 per credit and can be completed in as few as 20 months.
The program prepares you for licensure and certification as a family NP. It includes online courses, clinical practicum experiences, and monthly Saturday classes for all hybrid students at the university's Norcross, Georgia, campus. You’ll take two courses each semester over eight semesters, including two summer semesters.
Program Highlights:
- Accredited by CCNE
- Learn from practicing NPs
- Includes a course on NP certification preparation
Good to Know:
- RN with an active, unrestricted license requested. If your RN license is not active, you must demonstrate at least one year of full-time work experience within the past five years.
- Requires a bachelor's degree in nursing and a cumulative 3.0 GPA from all transcripts
- An interview may be requested for admissions.
61%
$14,130
65%
$14,130
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,436
- Institution Type
- Private
Duquesne University – Most Available NP Tracks
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose DUQ: Choose From Three NP Pathways
We chose DUQ's MSN program because it offers three nurse practitioner tracks: family, adult-gerontology, and psychiatric mental health. The 41-credit program costs $1,840 per credit and requires three years of study, with additional fees ranging from $157 to $242 per semester.
The program requires 18 core credits in areas such as ethics, pharmacology, physical assessment, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice. You’ll also complete 775-800 clinical hours, with the exact time depending on your chosen specialty. Two courses in the family and psychiatric mental health tracks require on-campus residencies. The adult-generontology track requires three on-campus experiences.
Other Highlights:
- One of 17 nursing schools in the United States endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.
- Yellow Ribbon School (Max funding for all eligible students)
- Accredited by the CCNE
Good to Know:
- The acute care track requires at least one year of acute care experience, preferably in an ICU setting.
- Each track accepts a maximum of 9 transfer graduate credits earned within the past 5 years.
- Must have at least one year of nursing experience before you enroll in clinical or specialty courses.
39%
$26,568
84%
$26,568
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,234
- Institution Type
- Private
Franklin University – Best All-Around Education
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Franklin: Four Start Dates, Demonstrated Track Record of Student Success, and Military-Friendly Environment
We chose Franklin’s MSN-FNP program for its four start dates and demonstrated student success, evidenced by a 100% pass rate on the FNP certification exam. Franklin is also designated as a gold-level military-friendly school and a Yellow Ribbon school that provides the maximum funding to all eligible students.
The 49-credit program can be completed in as few as 27 months. It prepares you to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Other Highlights:
- Learn from experienced, working nurse practitioners
- Accredited by CCNE
- GRE and GMAT are not required.
Good to Know:
- 1:1 transfer support with more than 90% of students transferring credit to Franklin.
- Base tuition costs $17,221 per year.
- Offers a tuition rate lock from enrollment to graduation
96%
$12,060
47%
$12,060
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 8,697
- Institution Type
- Private
Marymount University – Best for Working Students
- Arlington, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Marymount: Part-Time Schedule, Fully Online Coursework, and Clinical Placement Assistance
Marymount’s MSN program enables working nurses to qualify for a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification while continuing to work.
You’ll take a total of 48 credits from experts in your field, one on-campus residency, and 750 clinical hours at clinical placement sites that are coordinated for you at no additional cost. The program offers a dedicated student support advisor who will work with you throughout your MSN program to get you the resources you need.
Other Highlights:
- A Yellow Ribbon School that offers maximum funding to 20 master's-level graduate students.
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Accredited by CCNE
Good to Know:
- Tuition costs $1,301 per credit.
- The PMHNP track is only offered on a part-time basis.
- Must have one year of clinical nursing experience by the first day of class
56%
$22,950
75%
$22,950
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,667
- Institution Type
- Private
Spalding University – Strongest Commitment to Social Justice
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Spalding: Emphasis on Social Justice, Culturally Sensitive Care, and Diverse Student and Patient Populations
We chose Spalding’s master’s in nursing program because it helps students learn to provide ethical, culturally sensitive, and holistic advanced practice care. The program utilizes a social justice framework to integrate nursing leadership principles that guide effective and safe practice across healthcare settings. Thirty-one percent of students in the program self-identify as people of color.
The program offers two hybrid tracks: family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Both tracks require 44 credits, 750 clinical hours, and 20 professional hours outside of the classroom. Spalding University has a graduate clinical coordinator who will help you find a clinical placement site that suits your needs.
Other Highlights:
- A Yellow Ribbon School that offers $7,500 to all eligible students.
- Accredited by CCNE
- About 96% of Spalding students pass their certification exam.
Good to Know:
- Must start the program in the summer semester
- Tuition costs $825 per credit, totaling an estimated $37,125 for the 45-credit program.
- Rolling admissions with a maximum cohort size of 15 students
48%
$12,960
70%
$12,960
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,555
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Choose Schools
At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.
Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.
All data was verified in November 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online NP Program
The best online nurse practitioner programs provide a strong clinical foundation for advanced nursing practice. It’s important to identify quality online NP programs and determine which offer the best fit for your unique needs.
Before you apply, consider these factors when choosing the NP program.
Admission Requirements
Nurse practitioner online programs often prefer applicants with a degree, 1-2 years of work experience, and an active RN license.
Specializations
Programs allow NP students to pursue a nursing specialty, such as adult-gerontology, family nursing, or neonatal nursing. Available specialties vary by program and school.
Program Curriculum
NP programs cover evidence-based clinical nursing and theory. Students also take courses in their chosen nursing specialty. The quality of the curriculum matters because it prepares graduates for national certification in their nursing specialization.
Clinical Experience
To meet national credentialing requirements, nurse practitioner online programs require students to complete clinical hours in person. Some schools provide clinical placements near a student’s residence or at the hospital where they currently work.
Accreditation
Nursing accreditation lets students and employers know that an independent agency reviewed the program and determined that it met academic and industry standards. Applicants must submit proof that their degree came from an accredited program to sit for the board certification examination and apply for state licensure.
Program Length
It takes full-time students 24-36 months to complete NP programs online. Nursing schools require 40-50 credits and roughly 600-800 clinical hours in a student’s expected specialty area. Program length varies by school.
School Graduation Rate
Nursing school is hard at any level. A school’s graduation rate provides insight into its student success rate and its ability to provide the resources and support that prevent students from graduating.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
In an online nursing program, students view lectures and complete coursework remotely, offering greater convenience and flexibility than an in-person program. NP online programs may offer a blend of asynchronous and synchronous work or function entirely asynchronously.
Why Is Online NP Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation ensures that your nursing program provides a high-quality education. Accrediting agencies conduct regular, rigorous reviews to determine whether NP programs effectively prepare graduates.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the (CCNE) accredit online nurse practitioner programs.
Accreditation matters because:
- Third-party review ensures that programs meet quality standards and prepare nurses for practice.
- 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.
- The nursing profession benefits from accreditation, which sets high standards for patient safety and clinical practice.
How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work
Online NP programs design their curriculum for working RNs. NP classes may follow asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live) formats, which makes it easier for students to complete coursework on their schedule, without traveling to campus.
However, NP programs are not entirely online. Whether in an online or on-campus program, NP students must meet clinical experience requirements to be eligible for licensure. Some online programs work with learners to arrange in-person clinicals with approved supervisors. However, students may need to find these experiences in their local area on their own.
Clinical practicums develop the clinical judgment and NP specialty skills needed to pass certification exams. Online NP programs may have in-person or residency requirements so students can complete labs and clinical hours.
Learn more about getting clinical experience in an online nursing program, or explore our guide comparing online vs. in-person nursing programs to determine whether distance education is right for you.
Applying to an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
To be admitted into nurse practitioner online programs, students must meet the educational requirements and hold a current RN license. While some programs admit ADN-prepared nurses, most require a BSN for admission.
Admittance requirements — such as minimum GPAs, work experience, and supplemental materials — vary by nursing school.
- Admission Requirements: Online NP programs often require that students hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. Applicants commonly need at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with lower GPAs may be granted provisional admission.
- Experience Requirement: Incoming students need an RN license from the state where they plan to meet clinical requirements. Most programs also require or recommend 1-2 years of bedside nursing experience.
- Admission Materials: Applicants typically submit a resume, personal statement, and 2-3 letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors.
Paying for Your Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Nursing school can be expensive. Tuition, fees, textbooks, and expenses related to clinical practicums can add up quickly. The cost of online nurse practitioner programs also varies widely.
Before submitting applications, compare the total cost of online NP programs to find more affordable options, including programs that offer in-state tuition discounts or flat tuition rates for distance learners.
Here are some additional tips to help you pay for your nursing degree:
Maximize your financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see whether you qualify for federal student aid, state aid, and institutional aid.- Research and apply for scholarships and grants for nursing school, which do not need to be repaid.
- Determine whether your healthcare employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
- Research student loan forgiveness or repayment programs for nurses to pay off loans sooner.
Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook
Nurse practitioners have advanced clinical training and education to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. They work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in private or public educational services.
As of May 2024, NPs earned a median annual salary of $129,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of NP salaries reached an average of $165,240.
The NP workforce is projected to grow by 40% from 2024-2034 — more than 10 times the national average of 3%.
NPs can specialize either in primary or acute care. Students can explore NP specialties that speak to their personal interests and advance their career trajectories. A few popular specialties include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner: Family NPs provide primary care to patients of all ages. They work in a variety of settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and treatment facilities.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric nurse practitioners assess, treat, and prescribe medication for mental health disorders. They work in correctional facilities, independent practices, and psychiatric hospitals.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric NPs work either in acute or primary care, where they treat patients from birth to age 18. They work in pediatric clinics, hospitals, and urgent care settings.
Online NP Student Testimonials
We asked graduates of online NP 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
Are online nurse practitioner programs 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
Yes, online accredited NP programs meet the same standards as accredited in-person programs, making them a legitimate option for nursing students. Online NP programs can also meet licensure requirements.
Related Nurse Practitioner Resources
Nurse Practitioner Job and Salary Outlook 2025: By the Numbers
Nurse practitioner jobs are in high demand. Discover NP salary and job data, including the highest-paying specialties and locations.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners benefit from strong demand and high salaries. Discover how to become a nurse practitioner, including nurse practitioner salary data.
APRN vs NP: What’s the Difference?
APRNs and NPs are in demand and enjoy a high earning potential. Understand the similarities and differences to choose the right career for you.