There are lots of descriptive terms that apply to nurse practitioners. Among them are: highly-skilled, highly-respected, well-paid, and in-demand. With a projected job growth rate of 46.3%, nurse practitioners are among the most sought-after professions today. As a working registered nurse (RN), you may already realize the opportunities available, which is likely why you’re here to learn about becoming an NP yourself. Keep reading to find out how you can take that next big step in your nursing career through an online NP degree or certificate program. Jump To SectionOnline Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs: Choosing a School
A Look Inside Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Online nurse practitioner programs are designed with working RNs in mind, often featuring didactic coursework presented entirely online. Furthermore, that coursework may be delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning that students can access and complete their studies at any time that fits their busy work and life schedules.
It’s not uncommon, however, for many NP programs to be in a hybrid format, which includes some on-campus classes, short-term residencies, or other campus-based activities. Also, with the possible exception of a few NP programs focused on specialties not requiring clinical practice, online NP students will still need to complete in-person clinical rotation requirements at program-affiliated medical facilities.
Virtually all NP specializations available from campus-based programs can be found online. There are a number of basic credential types that you’ll be considering as you decide on your nurse practitioner training. Below are three of the most common avenues to becoming an NP, along with an online program example for each.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The MSN is the most popular credential for gaining the knowledge and training to become a nurse practitioner. MSN programs are available in every NP specialization field. Most require between two and three years to complete, depending on your chosen specialization and study pace. As mentioned above, most MSN programs include extensive clinical hours requirements.
There are two types of nurse practitioner MSN programs: the RN to MSN bridge program (for RNs with associate degrees in nursing) and the BSN to MSN (for RNs with nursing bachelor’s degrees). Some MSN programs also admit students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.
University of Missouri: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Duration: Two to three years
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: $630 per credit hour (residency dependent)
- Admissions Requirements: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on your last 60 credit hours of undergraduate nursing coursework or evidence of outstanding professional leadership, practice, and/or scholarship
- Curriculum:
- Advanced Nursing Roles and Professional Communication
- Scientific Foundations for Health Sciences
- Translational Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Public Health, Sociocultural Issues, and Health Policy
- Practice Inquiry
- Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics
- Advanced Health Assessment and Promotion
- Family Dynamics and Intervention
- Adult and Geriatric Primary Care I & II
- Newborn Through Adolescence Primary Care
- Reproductive and Sexual Health Primary Care
- Advanced Diagnostics and Reasoning I
- Advanced Clinical Nursing Practicum
Best For: Registered nurses with a BSN degree seeking to become NPs for the first time
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Post-Master’s Certificate
Nurse practitioner post-master’s certificates allow nurses with MSN degrees to train for a specific NP specialized practice without having to take on an additional entire graduate degree program. Most certificate programs require between one and two years to complete, depending on specialization, school, and the student’s study pace. Like with MSN programs, you’ll find online certificate programs available in all NP specialized areas of practice. Also, as with MSN programs, you’ll likely be completing substantial in-person clinical internships/practicums as part of your course of study.
- Duration: 12 to 16 months
- Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
- Cost: $834 per credit hour (residency dependent)
- Admissions Requirements: an MSN from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, a current unencumbered NP license in a specialty other than the discipline you want to study, and a current unencumbered RN license in the United States
- Curriculum
- Care of Persons Across the Life Span Psychiatric Mental Health Concerns for Advanced Practice Professionals — Theory I, II, & III
- Advanced Practice Nursing Care Across the Life Span of Persons with Mental Health Concerns — Medication Management
- Care of Persons Across the Life Span Psychiatric Mental Health Concerns for Advanced Practice Professionals — Practicum I, II, & III
Best For: MSN degree holders seeking to expand their nursing practices to include an additional NP specialization
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice programs provide students with the ability to expand their nursing practices with an NP specialization while also preparing for top-level healthcare leadership roles. Most NP specializations are available in fully-online or partially-online formats. Many programs offer both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP options, each with its own total credit and clinical hours requirements. Program lengths also vary, with MSN to DNP programs typically requiring two to three years and BSN to DNP programs taking three to five years to complete.
Ohio State University: BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Duration: three to four years
- Mode: online with in-person clinicals
- Cost: $1,159.95 per credit hour
- Admissions Requirements: an active RN license, a BSN degree, a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in your last degree earned (relevant to program of study), and completed prerequisite statistics course with a grade of B- or higher
- Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology
- Evidence Based Practice
- Health Promotion, Theory, and Population Health
- Health Assessment
- Pharmacology
- Implementation of Evidence Based Practice
- Health Informatics
- Leadership
- Healthcare Economics and Finance
- System Application I, II, III, & IV
- Final Seminar
Best For: RNs seeking to gain an advantage in the competition for top-level advanced nursing practice and leadership roles
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying. . .
Pursuing NP training can be a great move for RNs seeking to advance their careers into specialized practice. This path can also come with bigger paychecks and greater job growth potential, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re unsure if taking on an NP program is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I ready to make the major commitment of time, effort, and money required to pursue a nurse practitioner education?
- What area of specialized practice am I interested in, and what career opportunities are open to me in my specialization choice?
- Which program type (MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificate, or bridge program) offers the right education path for me?
- Which content delivery format (online or campus-based) best fits my study style and work and life schedules?
- Can I afford the cost of an NP program, and is financial aid available to help me pay for it?
Student Support: FAQs About NP Programs
What is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is an umbrella title for a variety of advanced specialized roles for registered nurses. Included under this umbrella are nurse practitioners in all specializations, certified registered nurse anesthesiologists, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and others.
If you’re interested in becoming an APRN, you’ll find online programs available in all of these APRN occupations. You can also expect to complete substantial in-person clinical internships or practicums as part of your APRN online program requirements, no matter which occupation you pursue.
What is the easiest NP program to get into?
“Easy” can be a relative term. When it comes to NP programs, it can be applied to several program elements. In terms of credential type, RN to MSN programs often offer the easiest path for registered nurses advancing into NP roles.
In regard to specializations, those often featuring the most generous admissions and curriculum requirements include family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology care NP programs. In practical terms, however, the easiest NP program for you will be the one that best suits your professional practice interests and goals.
What is the quickest way to become a nurse practitioner?
RN to MSN programs are not only among the easiest paths to becoming an NP, they’re often the quickest as well, at least for students without a previously earned master’s degree. RN to MSN programs allow a registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing to, in essence, combine coursework that would normally have been part of a BSN program with MSN coursework into a single curriculum that can be completed in a little as two years full-time and three years part-time.
How long does an online NP program take?
We’ve touched on the many online academic paths you can take to becoming a nurse practitioner, each geared toward a particular student type and background, and each with its own range of program lengths. Here’s a brief recap:
- RN to MSN: two to three years
- BSN to MSN: two to three years
- Post-master’s certificate: one to two years
- BSN to DNP: three to five years
- MSN to DNP: two to three years
Remember that these are general program lengths. Your particular program may take more or less time, especially when you consider study pace (full-time, part-time, or self-paced).
Can you become an NP without being an RN?
No, you cannot become an NP without being an RN first. Regardless of which of the many paths available you choose to get your NP education, you need to qualify for advanced nursing licensure and practice as a nurse practitioner. Before you can get to this step, you must obtain licensure as an RN. Many NP programs will also require you to have a set number of clinical-professional experience hours as an RN before you can enroll.
Tuition & Fees of Online NP Degrees: Cost Comparison
Regardless of the chosen degree or certificate path, cost is a major concern for many nurse practitioner students. If you’re ready to get started on your online NP education but are worried about affording it, there are plenty of affordable online NP programs you can consider.
Below, we’ve provided cost figures for five online NP programs currently offered. Along with the ones listed in the programs profiled earlier, these figures will provide you with a general idea of what you can expect to find during your NP program search. Bear in mind that some of these figures do not include additional costs for various program fees, such as books and materials and travel expenses for attending in-person clinicals, all of which will add to your total program price tag.
While total fees may initially feel overwhelming, you should keep in mind that you’re likely eligible for a number of financial aid resources for NP students that can help you lower that price tag as well.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN) | $464/credit hour; $250 course fees |
| Sacred Heart University | Post-Master’s FNP Certificate | $955/credit hour; $150 course fees |
| University of Arkansas | BSN to DNP | $594.77/credit hour; $50,910.45 total tuition and fees |
| University of South Alabama | DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $594/credit hour plus additional fees |
| University of Texas-Arlington | RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | $654/credit hour; $38,308 total tuition and fees |
Salary & Employment Outlook for Nurse Practitioners
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $94,530 | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| Alabama | $82,340 | $103,830 | $136,190 |
| Alaska | $70,100 | $133,930 | $179,040 |
| Arizona | $99,220 | $130,960 | $165,930 |
| Arkansas | $93,880 | $109,330 | $136,280 |
| California | $86,190 | $164,050 | $227,310 |
| Colorado | $81,110 | $124,280 | $161,450 |
| Connecticut | $101,380 | $135,390 | $174,240 |
| Delaware | $106,420 | $130,260 | $164,600 |
| Florida | $93,380 | $120,370 | $153,470 |
| Georgia | $91,770 | $119,490 | $165,140 |
| Hawaii | $100,880 | $129,160 | $165,240 |
| Idaho | $97,920 | $122,660 | $155,210 |
| Illinois | $98,650 | $126,950 | $160,930 |
| Indiana | $100,500 | $124,470 | $147,490 |
| Iowa | $104,930 | $126,620 | $164,250 |
| Kansas | $98,480 | $119,930 | $141,690 |
| Kentucky | $77,530 | $109,530 | $134,220 |
| Louisiana | $86,380 | $118,830 | $153,360 |
| Maine | $102,490 | $123,140 | $149,150 |
| Maryland | $87,810 | $127,990 | $163,650 |
| Massachusetts | $107,200 | $138,570 | $185,850 |
| Michigan | $98,290 | $122,040 | $140,400 |
| Minnesota | $105,490 | $131,000 | $160,060 |
| Mississippi | $85,990 | $110,540 | $157,050 |
| Missouri | $86,580 | $117,910 | $140,210 |
| Montana | $99,890 | $127,570 | $151,560 |
| Nebraska | $86,830 | $122,410 | $157,950 |
| Nevada | $109,530 | $138,780 | $204,510 |
| New Hampshire | $104,400 | $128,490 | $159,650 |
| New Jersey | $100,110 | $142,950 | $178,300 |
| New Mexico | $95,210 | $133,090 | $170,730 |
| New York | $100,510 | $137,630 | $180,690 |
| North Carolina | $96,630 | $121,450 | $145,600 |
| North Dakota | $105,040 | $124,040 | $159,740 |
| Ohio | $101,400 | $123,690 | $152,040 |
| Oklahoma | $78,870 | $124,070 | $161,100 |
| Oregon | $110,000 | $137,440 | $182,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $99,530 | $126,140 | $162,820 |
| Rhode Island | $109,300 | $128,720 | $166,460 |
| South Carolina | $95,660 | $112,510 | $140,160 |
| South Dakota | $96,260 | $119,410 | $149,650 |
| Tennessee | $53,450 | $105,420 | $132,190 |
| Texas | $98,160 | $126,580 | $165,340 |
| Utah | $83,070 | $123,200 | $171,000 |
| Vermont | $103,940 | $123,920 | $158,020 |
| Virginia | $84,740 | $123,950 | $153,400 |
| Washington | $113,460 | $141,040 | $181,720 |
| West Virginia | $82,540 | $108,830 | $147,250 |
| Wisconsin | $105,880 | $126,910 | $156,930 |
| Wyoming | $80,220 | $122,950 | $159,970 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Alabama | 4,540 | 6,770 | 2,230 | 49.10% | 470 |
| Alaska | 500 | 550 | 50 | 10.00% | 30 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 11,200 | 4,660 | 71.30% | 860 |
| Arkansas | 3,000 | 4,840 | 1,840 | 61.30% | 360 |
| California | 21,500 | 34,100 | 12,600 | 58.60% | 2,500 |
| Colorado | 3,700 | 5,780 | 2,080 | 56.20% | 420 |
| Connecticut | 3,150 | 4,560 | 1,410 | 44.80% | 310 |
| Delaware | 1,000 | 1,550 | 550 | 55.00% | 110 |
| District of Columbia | 600 | 850 | 250 | 41.70% | 60 |
| Florida | 18,910 | 29,980 | 11,070 | 58.50% | 2,190 |
| Georgia | 7,900 | 12,500 | 4,600 | 58.20% | 910 |
| Idaho | 900 | 1,440 | 540 | 60.00% | 110 |
| Illinois | 8,970 | 12,660 | 3,690 | 41.10% | 850 |
| Indiana | 6,550 | 9,550 | 3,000 | 45.80% | 660 |
| Iowa | 2,400 | 3,670 | 1,270 | 52.90% | 260 |
| Kansas | 3,240 | 4,630 | 1,390 | 42.90% | 310 |
| Kentucky | 4,730 | 6,870 | 2,140 | 45.20% | 470 |
| Louisiana | 4,470 | 6,420 | 1,950 | 43.60% | 440 |
| Maine | 1,330 | 1,800 | 470 | 35.30% | 120 |
| Maryland | 5,240 | 7,450 | 2,210 | 42.20% | 500 |
| Massachusetts | 2,730 | 4,010 | 1,280 | 46.90% | 280 |
| Michigan | 7,370 | 10,410 | 3,040 | 41.20% | 700 |
| Minnesota | 5,570 | 8,010 | 2,440 | 43.80% | 550 |
| Mississippi | 4,110 | 5,860 | 1,750 | 42.60% | 400 |
| Missouri | 7,520 | 10,670 | 3,150 | 41.90% | 720 |
| Montana | 880 | 1,330 | 450 | 51.10% | 90 |
| Nebraska | 1,790 | 2,430 | 640 | 35.80% | 160 |
| Nevada | 1,840 | 2,780 | 940 | 51.10% | 200 |
| New Hampshire | 1,520 | 2,290 | 770 | 50.70% | 160 |
| New Jersey | 6,790 | 10,230 | 3,440 | 50.70% | 720 |
| New Mexico | 1,590 | 2,620 | 1,030 | 64.80% | 200 |
| New York | 16,600 | 20,970 | 4,370 | 26.30% | 440 |
| North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
| North Dakota | 580 | 860 | 280 | 48.30% | 60 |
| Ohio | 11,020 | 15,710 | 4,690 | 42.60% | 1,060 |
| Oklahoma | 3,030 | 4,200 | 1,170 | 38.60% | 280 |
| Oregon | 2,240 | 3,420 | 1,180 | 52.70% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | 8,010 | 11,430 | 3,420 | 42.70% | 770 |
| Rhode Island | 1,440 | 2,090 | 650 | 45.10% | 140 |
| South Carolina | 4,120 | 6,620 | 2,500 | 60.70% | 490 |
| South Dakota | 820 | 1,280 | 460 | 56.10% | 90 |
| Tennessee | 13,620 | 21,500 | 7,880 | 57.90% | 1,570 |
| Texas | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
| Utah | 3,680 | 5,900 | 2,220 | 60.30% | 430 |
| Vermont | 810 | 1,100 | 290 | 35.80% | 70 |
| Virginia | 7,170 | 11,160 | 3,990 | 55.60% | 800 |
| Washington | 4,150 | 6,020 | 1,870 | 45.10% | 600 |
| West Virginia | 1,700 | 2,590 | 890 | 52.40% | 180 |
| Wisconsin | 4,950 | 7,480 | 2,530 | 51.10% | 530 |
| Wyoming | 480 | 710 | 230 | 47.90% | 50 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
