Inside Online NP Programs: An In-Depth Guide
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 pay of $129,480, with those in the top 10% of the profession earned $211,820. Due to increased demand of their services, the BLS estimates a 40% growth in NP job openings between 2023 and 2033, 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.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Public
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Private
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
Wheeling University
Wheeling, West Virginia
Private
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Public
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
Public
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Public
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, Texas
Public
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
Private
Keuka College
Keuka Park, New York
Private
Marymount University
Arlington, Virginia
Private
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Public
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Private
Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Private
Clarkson College
Omaha, Nebraska
Private
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Private
Harding University
Searcy, Arkansas
Private
Husson University
Bangor, Maine
Private
Radford University
Radford, Virginia
Public
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Public
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Public
Salve Regina University
Newport, Rhode Island
Private
La Salle University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Standish, Maine
Private
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Public
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri
Private
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Public
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Public
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Public
Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
Private
Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Public
Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois
Private
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Public
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Public
Walsh University
North Canton, Ohio
Private
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
Private
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
Public
Lewis University
Romeoville, Illinois
Private
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Private
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Private
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Private
Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, Iowa
Private
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
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.
- 1-Year Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Online BSN to DNP Programs
- Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Online NP Programs with Financial Aid
- Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Online DNP Programs
- Online Adult Gerontology NP Programs
- Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Programs
- Online Post Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificates
- RN to NP Bridge Programs
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.
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
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 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 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.
