Inside the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Review top schools, compare program cost, and learn how you can start your journey to an advanced career as a nurse practitioner.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are some of the most experienced nurses in medical and health settings. They perform many of the tasks that physicians do, including ordering and interpreting medical tests, diagnosing ailments, and collaborating with others on patient care. NPs work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities and in both primary and urgent care.

In addition to being some of the most experienced medical professionals, NPs are also some of the highest paid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $120,680 as of May of 2021. Those in the top 10% of the profession earned $163,350. Due to increased demand of their services, the BLS estimates a 52% growth in NP job openings between 2020 and 2030, one of the fastest rates for all U.S. occupations.

Most nurse practitioners have either a master’s degree (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). An MSN can take 2 years to complete, with a DNP taking another 3-4 years after that. For students who need flexibility, online nurse practitioner programs are a great option. Many online NP programs allow nurses to take courses online and tackle any necessary patient-facing elements on-the-job or on-campus.

Online NP programs offer a convenient way to continue your nursing education. That said, no one should spend their time, money, and energy on an online program without learning how they work and, more importantly, how they can take your nursing career exactly where you want to go. The following page gives you the inside scoop on the best programs, the different specialties available, and what you’ll face when you apply, enroll, and graduate.

Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2023

With dozens of online nurse practitioner programs out there, it can be hard to find the right one for you. How much can you afford? Will the ones in your price range have quality instruction and online flexibility? What about career placement? The best way to get answers is to dive into the details of some of today’s most popular nurse practitioner programs online. We’ve researched and reviewed a pair of solid programs to get you started.

#	School Name	Type	Cost	Online Programs	School Information	Online Students	Academic Counseling	Career Placement	Students w/Institutional Aid
1	Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH	Public	$$$	4	Ohio University offers several Master of Science in Nursing specialties, with the intention of preparing master’s level nurses for their careers as advanced practice professionals as nurse practitioners. Their programs focus on direct patient care, whether in acute settings or across the lifespan as a family healthcare provider. For those interested in a more academic track for master’s level nursing, Ohio University also offers nurse educator and nurse leader degrees, which are geared towards individuals who want to become clinical educators, nursing faculty members, or serve in an executive-level nursing role. Each degree requires didactic education and practical experience, and Ohio University prides itself on the up-to-date research it utilizes to inform the curriculum. Program Highlights: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Credits: 37 credit hours plus 500 clinical hours Cost: $668/credit hour Length: 5 semesters Mode: Online MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Credits: 38 credit hours plus 500 clinical hours Cost: $668/credit hour Length: 5 semesters Mode: Online MSN Nurse Educator Credits: 32 credit hours plus 200 hours of teaching experience Cost: $601/credit hour Length: 5 semesters Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
2	University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH	Public	$$	3	Nurses who have decided to advance their education to the next level efficiently and affordably would find a great fit with the University of Cincinnati’s School of Nursing. It offers numerous nurse practitioner degree tracks, allowing nurses to follow their passions as they specialize as advanced practice providers. Students are eligible to sit for relevant licensing exams following graduation, and the curricula of each degree offer staples such as advanced health assessment and differential diagnosis, while also offering clinicians education on the entire course of a patient’s treatment and care, like intrapartum, postpartum, and antepartum courses in the nurse midwifery degree. Program Highlights: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Credits: 51 credit hours plus 672 clinical hours Cost: $746 in-state, $761 out-of-state Length: 2 years Mode: Online MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Credits: 44 credit hours plus 504 clinical hours Cost: $746 in-state, $761 out-of-state Length: Two years Mode: Online MSN Nurse-Midwifery Credits: 57 credit hours plus 784 clinical hours and 42 lab hours Cost: $746 in-state, $761 out-of-state Length: Two years Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationHLC
3	Winona State UniversityWinona, MN	Public	$$	4	Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Winona State University’s Department of Graduate Nursing understands the need for flexibility to aid students in “leveling-up” their knowledge and skill in nursing. With two Master of Science degrees, six Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, and six post-graduate certificate programs, there is an advanced course of study for most nurses who want to expand their career trajectory. From students who thrive embedded in understanding systems of healthcare to those who want to care for acute, critical, or chronic illness, to those who want to work with patients from all walks of life and across the lifespan, there is a degree that suits your needs. Program Highlights: Adult Gerontology Acute Nurse Practitioner DNP Credits: 74 credits plus 1,260 clinical hours Cost: $64,000 Length: 5 – 9 semesters Mode: Online Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP Credits: 72 credits and 1,140 clinical hours Cost: $62,000 Length: 4 - 9 semesters Mode: Online Family Nurse Practitioner DNP Credits: 73 credits and 1,080 clinical hours Cost: $64,000 Length: 4 - 8 semesters Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
4	New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM	Public	$	1	New Mexico State University takes to heart that the American Association of Colleges of Nursing predicts that the DNP degree will be the level of entry for all advanced practice nurses by 2030. With the increased clinical and theoretical knowledge encompassed by this rich degree, NMSU’s nurses are well-equipped to engage in the highest level of nursing practice. Coursework will focus on the health care of families across the lifespan, including advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and managing acute and chronic illnesses in families. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification exam after completing their coursework through a thoughtful roadmap in three years. Program Highlights: Family Nurse Practitioner DNP Credits: 72-74 credits plus over 1,000 contact clinical hours Cost: $687/credit hour in-state, $2,115/credit hour out-of-state Length: 3 years Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
5	University of IowaIowa City, IA	Public	$$	1	Seeking to educate nurses through didactic and clinical experiences to successfully enter the primary care field as healthcare leaders, the University of Iowa’s Doctor of Nursing Practice in family nurse practitioner will allow FNPs to be full partners in developing the health care system of the future. In addition to classical courses like advanced physiology, pharmacology, and primary care, University of Iowa ensures excellence in its graduates through other coursework that includes social determinants of health and system inequities, health systems, finance, and economics, interprofessional skills for advanced practice, and evaluating evidence for practice. Program Highlights: DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner Credits: 83 credits plus 1,000 clinical hours Cost: $77,494 in-state, $143,329 out-of-state Length: 3 years Mode: Hybrid (Online & On-Campus)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
6	East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
7	Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station, TX	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
8	Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, AZ	Public	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationHLC
9	The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
10	Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo, TX	Public	$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
11	Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse, NY	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio6/1	AccreditationMSCHE
12	The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
13	Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GA	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
14	Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
15	University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
16	The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
17	University of North GeorgiaDahlonega, GA	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
18	Weber State UniversityOgden, UT	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1	AccreditationNWCCU
19	University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
20	Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
21	Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
22	Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
23	University of MemphisMemphis, TN	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
24	Radford UniversityRadford, VA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
25	Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
26	Morehead State UniversityMorehead, KY	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
27	Delta State UniversityCleveland, MS	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
28	Texas A & M University-Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TX	Public	$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
29	Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
30	SUNY BrockportBrockport, NY	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationMSCHE
31	Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond, LA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
32	South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
33	Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
34	The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonGalveston, TX	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
35	University of MaryBismarck, ND	Private not-for-profit	$$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1	AccreditationHLC
36	The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN	Public	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
37	The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
38	Husson UniversityBangor, ME	Private not-for-profit	$$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1	AccreditationNECHE
39	Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MI	Private not-for-profit	$$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1	AccreditationHLC
40	Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato, MN	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationHLC
41	Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, IN	Public	$$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio28/1	AccreditationHLC
42	Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette, MI	Public	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationHLC
43	Clarkson CollegeOmaha, NE	Private not-for-profit	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
44	Herzing University-MadisonMadison, WI	Private not-for-profit	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
45	South CollegeKnoxville, TN	Private for-profit	$$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
46	Herzing University-BrookfieldBrookfield, WI	Private not-for-profit	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1	AccreditationHLC
47	Herzing University-KenoshaKenosha, WI	Private not-for-profit	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationHLC
48	Herzing University-AtlantaAtlanta, GA	Private not-for-profit	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationHLC
49	Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL	Private not-for-profit	$$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
50	Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham, AL	Private not-for-profit	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationHLC
51	ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach, VA	Private for-profit	$$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
52	Chamberlain University-IllinoisAddison, IL	Private for-profit	$$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationHLC

Simmons University

From its home base in Boston, Simmons University provides women-centered degrees that prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions in their field. The online family nurse practitioner program maintains accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and allows learners to choose from part- and full-time plans of study.

Simmons focuses on providing individualized education and does that by ensuring class sizes stay small so professors can interact with each student separately. Most classes have 15 or fewer learners. The program requires 48 credits and at least 672 clinical hours to graduate. Some of the topics covered include advanced pharmacology across the lifespan, clinical decision-making, global perspectives in health promotion, and scholarly inquiry.

Simmons’ program uses a cohort model, meaning learners enter as a group and progress through coursework together. The school offers four different start dates each academic year. Regardless of where they live, all students pay the same tuition rate of $1,385 per credit. The department offers several scholarships to help offset these costs. Students can rest assured knowing Simmons adequately prepares learners for careers after graduating. In 2017, the school maintained a board pass rate of 94.2%, as compared to the national pass rate of 81.5%.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University’s School of Nursing and Health Studies provides a family nurse practitioner program for individuals who want to offer primary care services across the lifespan. Designed for registered nurses who already possess a bachelor of science in nursing, this program consists of 44 credits and requires at least 650 clinical hours to graduate.

Full-time graduates finish in 19 months while part-time students spend 27 months moving from start to finish. Regardless of chosen path, both require two on-campus intensives. Upon completing all requirements, newly minted graduates qualify to seek board certification and credentialing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). They can also sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners’ Certification Program (AACNP). As of 2017, the school maintained a 100% pass rate for the ANCC and a 97.8% pass rate for the AACNP.

After completing all curricular requirements, NPs in training move on to clinical requirements. Program administrators are on hand to help students find approved sites in their area. Georgetown’s program maintains accreditation via the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Online NP Program Specializations

Interested in a more specialized online nurse practitioner program? Nurse practitioners have a wide range of education and career tracks from which to choose. Get the details on these popular specializations, or read on to learn how today’s online nurse practitioner programs work.

Program Levels for Nurse Practitioners

Because nurse practitioners must perform many advanced medical services, it’s important they possess the knowledge and skills to discern how to handle a wide range of medical issues. Most registered nurses begin their careers by completing either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Because online NP programs require applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree when applying, those who pursued an associate degree may need to complete a bridge program before enrolling. The following section takes a look at the different levels of nursing degrees and how each contributes to becoming a nurse practitioner.

Undergraduate Nursing Degrees

ASN/ADN:
The Associate of Science in Nursing allows you to begin work as RNs after graduating and passing all licensing exams. Because this degree only requires two years of full-time study, it appeals to individuals who think they want to pursue this field but do not feel fully confident embarking on a full bachelor’s program until they test the waters. Since this program exists as an introductory degree, most schools do not require prerequisites. While an ASN does allow people to work as RNs, they’ll need to complete a bridge program before they can start an online NP program. Read more about campus and online associate degrees in nursing.

BSN:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees appeal to those who know they want to work in the nursing field and already possess aspirations to progress their careers in years to come. These four-year programs, like an ASN, allow individuals to work as RNs, but also allow them to move immediately into MSN programs. Common prerequisites include chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, biology, and statistics.

LPN-to-BSN:
Licensed Practical Nurses gain their qualifications after completing a year-long educational program. While this allows them to work in a supervised support role, salaries tend to be far lower than those commanded by RNs. After working as an LPN for a while, some decide they want to take their careers to the next level by completing an LPN-to-BSN bridge program. These programs typically take four semesters of full-time study. Applicants must possess an unencumbered LPN license, have at least one year of employment history, and credits in statistics, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. Check out campus, hybrid, and online LPN to BSN programs.

RN-to-BSN:
RN-to-BSN programs serve as the most common option for individuals who completed an ASN but now want to upgrade their degree. These programs admit registered nurses and typically take 18-24 months to complete. Applicants must already possess an ASN degree with courses in chemistry, English, biology, anatomy, and microbiology.

Graduate NP Degrees

MSN:
To become a nurse practitioner (or nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife), individuals must possess at minimum a Master of Science in Nursing. These programs take approximately three years to complete and require students to undertake coursework alongside an extensive clinical internship (usually totaling between 600-800 hours, depending on the state). Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree at minimum, although it does not always need to be in nursing. Students should have multiple credits in areas of human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, biology, behavioral sciences, and statistics. These programs tend to cost more per credit than undergraduate degrees, but also lead to higher annual wages.

DNP:
Completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice takes between three and four years of full-time study, including approximately 80 credits and 1,000 clinical practicum hours. These programs allow nurse practitioners to move into the upper echelons of the field and prepare them for clinical, research, and teaching roles. Learners who decide to undertake DNPs usually want to specialize their knowledge in a particular area or move into an academic position. Options exist for those with BSNs or MSNs, with prerequisites depending on the highest level of education already completed.

#	School Name	Type	Cost	Online Programs	School Information	Online Students	Academic Counseling	Career Placement	Students w/Institutional Aid
1	Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches, LA	Public	N/A	3	The College of Nursing at Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a plethora of specialties for anyone looking to become a nurse practitioner. Those with a master’s degree can enter one of three post-graduate certificate program concentrations: family, psychiatric mental health, or adult gerontology acute care. Incoming students with only a bachelor’s degree would be more suited for the MSN program where they can choose from the same three concentrations as those in the post-graduate master’s certificate program but also have the options of primary care pediatric, women’s health, and adult gerontology primary care. Regardless of which academic track a student chooses, they graduate prepared to take their respective national certification exams. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Credits: Varies Length: Varies Cost: $2,590.00/semester (in-state); $7,984.00/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); CCNE (program) Post-Master’s Certificate Credits: Varies Length: Varies Cost: $2,590.00/semester (in-state); $7,984.00/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); CCNE (program)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid65%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
2	University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY	Public	N/A	3	Nursing students at the University of Buffalo who want to become family nurse practitioners need to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree by completing the Post-BS to DNP Program. Coursework is offered in a hybrid learning format at a part-time or full-time pace. Part-time students take about seven years to graduate, while full-time students can graduate in just three years. At the end of their programs, students complete a DNP Project. This is their opportunity to demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge by applying it to real-world nursing environments. Program Highlights: DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner Credits: 97 Length: 3 to 5 years Cost: $5,655.00/semester (in-state); $6,785.00/semester (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: MSCHE (school); CCNE (program)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid65%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
3	Florida International UniversityMiami, FL	Public	N/A	2	Florida International University’s premier online nursing program is its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This program offers several clinical focus areas, including Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The classroom portion of the curriculum can be completed fully online. In addition to traditional coursework, students also complete a capstone project and a clinical residency. As a way to enhance the learning process, there are ample opportunities for DNP students to collaborate with the FIU Academic Health Center. To make the application process as easy as possible, applicants are not required to take the GRE. However, interested students need to have a master’s degree or post-graduate certificate in an advanced practice nursing specialty. Program Highlights: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Credits: 36 Length: 6 semesters Cost: $621.72/credit (in-state); $1,017.16/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); CCNE (program)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid76%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
4	University of ToledoToledo, OH	Public	N/A	3	Aspiring nurse practitioners have a multitude of options at the University of Toledo. At the master’s level, there’s the Master of Science in Nursing Program that offers two online hybrid nurse practitioner programs: family and pediatric primary care. At the doctoral level, students choose from either the MSN to DNP track or the BSN to DNP track. Both programs offer hybrid curriculums that combine online coursework and clinical training. They also both provide the same five nurse practitioner concentrations: adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology primary care, family, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric mental health. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Credits: Varies Length: Varies Cost: $614.91/credit (in-state); $1,079.05/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: HLC (school); CCNE (program) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Credits: Varies Length: Varies Cost: $754.35/credit (in-state); $1,218.49/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: HLC (school); CCNE (program)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid92%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
5	University of Nevada-RenoReno, NV	Public	N/A	3	Prospective nurse practitioners have three academic credentials to consider when attending the University of Nevada - Reno. Those looking to earn an MSN degree can select among the following nurse practitioner specializations: adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology primary care, family, pediatric acute care, and psychiatric mental health. Students already possessing an MSN degree might find it quicker to enroll in an Advanced Graduate Certificate program. It offers the same nurse practitioner concentration as the MSN program except for adult gerontology primary care. Finally, there’s the BSN to DNP program. This program has the same opportunities for nurse practitioner specialization as the MSN program. When it comes to the online curriculum for all of these programs, most of the classes are online, but some may have the occasional on-campus visit, and most have in-person clinical requirements. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Credits: Varies Length: Varies Cost: $233.00/credit (in-state); $488.75/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: NWCCU (school); CCNE (program) Advanced Graduate Certificate Credits: Varies Length: Varies Cost: $233.00/credit (in-state); $488.75/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: NWCCU (school); CCNE (program) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Credits: Varies Length: Varies Cost: $233.00/credit (in-state); $488.75/credit (out-of-state) Mode: Partially online Accreditation: NWCCU (school); CCNE (program)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid44%	AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
6	Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse, NY	Public	N/A	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
7	University of Southern IndianaEvansville, IN	Public	N/A	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid62%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
8	University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO	Public	N/A	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid71%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
9	New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid65%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
10	The University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11	Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid70%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
12	University of IowaIowa City, IA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid76%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
13	University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage, AK	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid30%	AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
14	Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond, LA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid56%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
15	Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
16	University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid59%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
17	Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid57%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
18	Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid25%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
19	University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg, MS	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid73%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20	University of ArizonaTucson, AZ	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid83%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
21	Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid13%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
22	South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid53%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
23	East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid37%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
24	Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementNo	Students w/ Institutional Aid15%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
25	University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid54%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
26	Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid12%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
27	Kent State University at KentKent, OH	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid79%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
28	Winona State UniversityWinona, MN	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid49%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
29	Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid59%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
30	Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid43%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
31	University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore, MD	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
32	Washington State UniversityPullman, WA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid76%	AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
33	Radford UniversityRadford, VA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid21%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
34	Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid60%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
35	Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid10%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
36	The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid48%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
37	University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia, SC	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid62%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
38	University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid51%	Accreditation#N/A
39	Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid90%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
40	Weber State UniversityOgden, UT	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid59%	AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
41	Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo, TX	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid60%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
42	University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington, NC	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid39%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
43	The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TX	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid45%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
44	Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid37%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
45	Texas Woman’s UniversityDenton, TX	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid44%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
46	Francis Marion UniversityFlorence, SC	Public	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid27%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
47	Wilmington UniversityNew Castle, DE	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid16%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
48	Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls, TX	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid69%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
49	University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid57%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work

As online learning continues to expand and options become more sophisticated, potential virtual learners can choose from several different learning styles and find one that best suits their individual needs. Given that nurse practitioner programs require time spent in clinical rotations, it’s impossible for all learning to take place from the comfort of home. Many online NP programs also require learners to visit campus to take part in intensives lasting a few days to a week. But degree seekers do have some control over how and when the learning takes place, making it important for them to understand the differences of each option.

Online NP Program Options

Synchronous programs

Nurse practitioner classes taught through synchronous learning most closely mimic brick-and-mortar classrooms. Nursing students must log-in at specific times to take part in live, face-to-face learning sessions. Most use videoconferences, telephones, and webcasts to connect peers and professors in real time. This method can increase student engagement and make it easier for learners who need more of a hands-on approach to feel involved and connected. They also make it easier to stay on track with learning, as classes happen at the same time each week.

Asynchronous programs

Asynchronous learning appeals to nursing students with busy schedules who possess the discipline needed to complete readings, assignments, and responses on their own timeline. While professors in your online NP program still set overarching deadlines for when work must be turned in, NP students can watch lectures, respond to peers, and study for exams at times that fit their schedule. Students who choose this option must know how to remain focused and on task without the weekly requirement of face-to-face interactions.

Hybrid programs

Hybrid learning includes both classroom and online learning, making it possible for nurse practitioner students to enjoy the benefits of both over the course of their degree. This appeals to those enrolled in schools near their home who feel they might miss out on a traditional experience if they do online only, but also do not possess the time or resources to visit campus multiple times per week. On the flip side, students may feel too stretched or have trouble switching their brains between the two learning styles.

Signs of a Strong Online NP Program

Even with so many online nurse practitioner programs available, potential students can easily narrow their options when considering program components. For starters, only apply to programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, as this better ensures your chance of receiving licensure and competing for jobs. Also make sure the program offers a concentration in your area of focus, such as gerontology, family, or pediatric care. Program delivery also matters, so check whether the program exists in a synchronous or asynchronous format. Lastly, look for faculty with experience.

Nurse Practitioner Courses Online

While many nurse practitioner online programs offer similar courses, it’s important to remember that all are not created equally. Students should carefully examine curricula, look for alumni reviews, and ask probing questions about the level of rigor involved. They should also make sure that a program covers both basic and advanced topics, with electives that help them build population-specific skills. Check out a few popular courses below.

Population Health: Students in this course examine population-specific health issues across the lifespan and how evidence-based practice informs treatment decisions. Learners also cover topics related to epidemiology, statistics, and the use of biostatistics when caring for patients.

Roles of APNs: This class familiarizes advanced practice nurses with common responsibilities, legal and regulatory requirements, and ethical standards. The course introduces case studies to help students understand how to respond to myriad scenarios throughout the course of their careers.

Advanced Pharmacology: In this course, learners cover various therapeutic modalities, the diagnosis and ongoing management of health issues, common treatment plans, and the role of clinical pharmacology within primary healthcare.

Health and Illness Across the Lifespan: Primarily designed for individuals pursuing family nurse practitioner positions, this class takes a look at each developmental stage of human life and how to both assess and provide care at each level. Learners also discover how things like genetics affect treatment plans.

Informatics: This class helps learners better understand existing and emerging health information technologies and how they can inform patient care. Students pay close attention to the use of technologies in evidence-based practice and how these can be used to create safe care environments.

How Much Do Online NP Programs Cost?

Online nurse practitioner programs, like any other degree, range in cost depending on the institution, number of credits required, and whether the student plans to transfer any existing hours when they matriculate. The following list gives prospective degree seekers a sense of what to expect, but they should check with individual schools to get exact numbers. In general, online degrees tend to cost less, both in terms of per-credit fees and savings on transportation, housing, and other costs related to studying on campus.

1	1. Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner	$27,340 total
2	2. Duke University, Doctor of Nursing Practice	$1,769 per credit
3	3. Simmons University, Family Nurse Practitioner	$1,385 per credit

Tackling the Tuition of Your Online NP Program

The costs of online nurse practitioner programs vary. While some tuitions may seem initially prohibitive, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of highly affordable online nurse practitioner programs as well as other funding options to help offset costs and help learners avoid student loan debt. Check out the options below, but also speak with admissions personnel at potential schools to learn if any other options exist, such as fellowships or teaching assistantships. Our guide to financial aid can help get you on the right path, too.

Scholarships
Scholarships have the broadest appeal as this type of funding does not need repayment so long as students meet all requirements. Learners should research scholarships originating from schools, academic departments, private foundations, nonprofits, and all levels of government. Explore over 15 of the top scholarships for nurse practitioner students and see if you qualify.
Loans
These can be both subsidized and unsubsidized. The federal government offers a number of subsidized (meaning interest does not accrue while enrolled) and unsubsidized loans at the graduate level. Students should exhaust all other funding options before taking out loans, and only take exactly what they need to pay for tuition and fees.
Veterans benefits
Students previously enrolled in a branch of the military can take advantage of educational assistance programs to cut costs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Yellow Ribbon Program all provide financial support to qualified veterans.
Employer tuition assistance
Employers who choose to participate in these programs can provide learners with up to $5,250 in tax-free educational benefits per year. In exchange, most require the employee to study a particular topic and/or commit to working at the organization for a certain number of years.
Payment plans
Some schools allow students to make payments on their education while enrolled rather than taking out a loan. This option is usually open to those who don’t need a loan, but can’t pay the full balance up front. Schools usually charge a small administrative fee or low interest rate.

Nurse Practitioner Certification & Licensure

After finishing an online NP program, graduates are eligible to sit for exams from two nursing certification agencies. While not necessarily required, certifications can help newly minted nurse practitioners stand out from the competition and provide more options for individuals to network and continue building their specialized skills. Students looking to understand more about their options can read about the two credentialing agencies below.

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) Exam:
The AANPCP offers certifications in areas of family NP, adult-gerontology NP, and emergency NP for individuals who want to demonstrate their competencies and clinical knowledge within each specialty area. Graduates must successfully pass the exam to receive certification and apply for recertification every five years to maintain good standing. To be eligible to sit for the AANPCP exam, applicants must have the following:
- MSN, post-master’s certificate, or doctorate
- Active RN license
- At least 500 clinical hours supervised by a faculty member
- Final transcript
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Exam:
The ANCC provides certifications in several nurse practitioner focus areas, including family, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology acute care, and adult-gerontology primary care. These cost $395 for non-members and $295 for members. After passing the initial exam, NPs must renew their certification every five years and demonstrate a history of continuing education from the time of their first certification. To sit for the ANCC examination, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Current RN license
- A master’s degree, post-graduate, or doctoral degree in their specialization
- At least 500 clinical hours supervised by a faculty member
- Graduate courses in physiology, pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
- Graduate-level content in health promotion and maintenance, disease management, and differential diagnosis

Licensure

Given the importance of this profession and its position within medical support professions, all states require licensure. In order to obtain licensure as an advance practice registered nurse, you must first pass all RN licensure requirements. To gain this next level of licensure, individuals must successfully complete an MSN program or post-graduate nursing degree. If you are unsure about the specific mandates of your state, check with the state licensing board.

What Are the Career Advancement Opportunities for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners who want to continue moving up the career ladder can elect to focus their skills in particular areas of the field, thereby increasing their specialized knowledge and positioning themselves to be in high demand. Some may decide to work in psychiatrics while others may feel more drawn to pediatric care.

Another option to for increasing income and career advancement opportunities is to move to a state seeing the most growth in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Ohio possess the highest employment levels. California, Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York currently pay the highest annual mean wages.