Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
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- Nurse practitioners are some of the most in-demand healthcare professionals.
- The BLS projects that demand for NPs will grow by a whopping 40% in the next decade.
- An online nurse practitioner program can set you on a meaningful, high-paying career path.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have it all: Excellent bedside manner? Check. Known for providing excellent patient satisfaction? Check. Probably our best hope for responding to a growing physician shortage? Check. Overall, some of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet? Double check.
If you're a registered nurse who wants to advance your career by becoming an NP, you're going to need an advanced degree, like a master of science in nursing (MSN). Fortunately, you don't have to put your life on pause to complete a nurse practitioner program — you can do it online. Here's how:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online nurse practitioner programs and our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Is a Nurse Practitioner Master's Degree Worth It?
Yes: Nurse practitioner programs can unlock your career potential as a nurse. NPs are some of the most specialized and highly-paid nursing professionals in healthcare. They have more autonomy and authority than registered nurses and get to work as primary care providers.
As a nurse practitioner, you'll perform many of the same services as physicians, including:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prescribing Medication
- Counseling
- Disease Prevention
NPs typically specialize in caring for a specific group of people, such as children, older adults, and those who need psychiatric mental health services. So if there is a patient population you're really passionate about, becoming an NP can give you the opportunity to take even better care of them.
On top of all that, patients love NPs. A 2020 study in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners indicates that NPs perform just as well as physicians when it comes to patient outcomes and clinical safety — and they often perform better than doctors when it comes to patient education and satisfaction.
“I chose to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner so I would have the tools, knowledge, and scope of practice to help patients in so many more ways than I could as a nurse. I feel like I make so much more of a difference as a nurse practitioner, and I have more control over how much I can help patients.”
— Kayla Potter, DNP
Benefits of Getting a Nurse Practitioner Degree
- Increase your expertise and salary potential: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual pay for nurse practitioners in 2021 was $120,680.
- Choose from high-paying career options: Nurse practitioners in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services earned an average annual wage of $148,980 in 2021.
- A growing demand for the role: The BLS projects the nurse practitioner field will grow by 40% from 2021-2031 — more than five times faster than average.
3 Reasons for Getting Your Nurse Practitioner Degree Online
- Save time: The flexibility of online nurse practitioner programs — many of which offer asynchronous classes and accelerated courses — allows you to complete coursework as quickly or as slowly as you want.
- Save money: Going to school online means you won't have to move, commute, or pay on-campus fees. Tuition for online students may be more affordable as well, depending on the school.
- Keep working: No need to put your nursing career on hold. Pursuing a master's degree online makes it possible to hold down a job (and keep building up invaluable experience) while you're studying.
Nurse Practitioner Programs You Should Consider
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
“Most of my program was online, and two of my children were born while I was in school! Online learning allows you to go at your own pace, which is great for busy nurses but can be difficult if you have a hard time managing your time efficiently.”
— Kayla Potter, DNP
Read More: How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Master's Programs
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Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,635
Out of State | $1,635
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 95.58%
On-Campus Requirements | Yes
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Duquesne offers nurse practitioner programs fully online, with only two required visits to the Pittsburg, Pennsylvania campus for lab training. The school's master's nurse practitioner programs include acute care, family, and mental health tracks.
The school's nursing curriculum includes 700 hours of clinical experience. To apply, Duquesne requires a bachelor's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA or higher, a current RN license, and one year of full-time nursing experience. You must also provide two reference letters.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $813
Out of State | $813
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 93.08%
On-Campus Requirements | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Maryville offers nurse practitioner programs online for acute care, pediatric, mental health, primary care, and family nurse practitioners. The online nurse practitioner degrees welcome applicants with a bachelor's in nursing, post-master's students, and doctoral students seeking advanced practice training.
You'll complete 745 supervised clinical hours over four semesters. You can complete these clinical experiences locally. For admission, you'll need a bachelor's in nursing with a 3.0 GPA, a current RN license, three recommendation letters, and an essay.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $685
Out of State | $685
Credits to Graduate
49
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 94.93%
On-Campus Requirements | Yes
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
IWU offers you flexibility and individual attention to advance your education. The faculty bring professional experience in nursing and pharmacology. IWU's online nurse practitioner program includes 700 hours of supervised work experience over four courses.
You need a bachelor's in nursing with a 3.25 GPA to apply. You also need an RN license, three reference letters, and one year of professional experience. In addition, the family nurse practitioner program requires at least 500 hours of direct patient care before enrolling.
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $232
Out of State | $640
Credits to Graduate
49
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 91.89%
On-Campus Requirements | Yes
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
ASU's master's nurse practitioner degree offers online, flexible learning for nurses seeking advanced practice training. The curriculum includes online classes with some on-site training in diagnostic methods and procedures.
You must complete clinical requirements in Texas. However, the school can often find placements near your home in the state.
Admission to ASU's nurse practitioner program requires a bachelor's in nursing with a 3.0 GPA or higher. You must also have a valid Texas RN license and one year of nursing experience.
Bluefield College
Bluefield, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
Family Nurse Practitioner In and Out of State | $495
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner In and Out of State | $665
Credits to Graduate
44-55
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | N/A
On-Campus Requirements | Yes
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Bluefield's online nurse practitioner program offers specializations in family and mental healthcare. The hybrid program combines online courses with in-person clinical practicums near you.
Clinical experiences include 750 hours, and you must complete an evidence-based project and pass a comprehensive exam. Bluefield College's nurse practitioner program encourages servant leadership, including participation in medical mission work.
You need a bachelor's degree in nursing and a valid RN license to apply.
Samuel Merritt University
Oakland, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,560
Out of State | $1,560
Credits to Graduate
49
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 85.45%
On-Campus Requirements | Yes
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
You can complete SMU's master's nurse practitioner degree in five semesters. The school offers full-time and part-time enrollment. The online nurse practitioner program includes two brief visits to the Sacramento campus during the program. And you can complete your required clinical practicums locally.
For program admittance, you need two reference letters, registered nurse experience, and a criminal background check.
Frontier Nursing University
Versailles, KY - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $646
Out of State | $646
Credits to Graduate
52
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | N/A
On-Campus Requirements | Yes
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
FNU offers you the opportunity to earn a master's nurse practitioner degree fully online. Once you graduate, you can move seamlessly into a doctor of nursing practice program. In addition to FNU's family nurse practitioner degree, you can take programs in women's health, mental health, and nurse-midwife.
The school works closely with providers in each student's home area to find clinical placements. And you must complete 675 clinical hours.
For admission, you need a bachelor's degree in nursing, one year of nursing experience, and an active RN license.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,060
Out of State | $1,060
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 85%
On-Campus Requirements | Yes
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
MCPHS specializes in nursing education with programs like family nurse practitioner and mental health nurse practitioner. And the school offers an RN to master's program, as well.
While you can complete the clinical hours locally, MCPHS's nurse practitioner program requires three on-campus residencies at Worcester, Massachusetts. These include a new student orientation, a clinical orientation, and a final visit around graduation.
You need a bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and a valid RN license to apply. Accepted students can begin classes in the summer, fall, or spring.
Cox College
Springfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $610
Out of State | $610
Credits to Graduate
45-46
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 85.25%
On-Campus Requirements | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cox College offers nurse practitioner programs in family nurse practitioner and mental health concentrations. Specialty courses equip you with knowledge in caring for patients across the lifespan. You'll also complete clinical practicums.
Cox College's nurse practitioner program offers all courses online with flexible scheduling. Its clinical placements assistance program helps you find convenient sites to complete hands-on practicums.
Application requirements include a 3.0 GPA or higher and an active RN license.
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $959
Out of State | $959
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 94%
On-Campus Requirements | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Davenport's online family nurse practitioner programs feature fully online classes, primary-care clinical experience, and a capstone project. The school reports a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio in clinical placements.
For Davenport University's program, you must have an active RN license, a bachelor's degree in nursing with a 3.0 GPA and two professional recommendations. You must also write a professional essay. Bonus: Members of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association enjoy a 20% tuition discount.
How Much Does an Online Nurse Practitioner Master's Cost?
Well, it's not cheap. But when it comes to advanced degrees, an MSN has one of the best cost-to-benefit ratios out there.
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution | 2019-2020
$12,394
Private Institution | 2019-2020
$26,621
Read More: How Much Does Online College Cost?
How Long Does an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Take?
A student entering with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) may complete an online nurse practitioner program in as few as two years. If you're considering a direct-entry MSN (because you hold an unrelated undergraduate degree), expect it to take closer to three years.
Required Course Credits*
30-60 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
Field Study Requirements
Yes
Keep in mind: MSN-NP programs typically include approximately 600-700 hours of clinical practice. If you earn your degree online, your program may help you find a facility near you where you can complete your clinical hours.
How Much Money Will You Make With a Nurse Practitioner Degree?
The highest-earning NPs make over $200,000 a year. Nurse practitioners working in hospitals and outpatient care centers tend to pull the biggest salaries.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Nurse Practitioner Master's Degree?
The job outlook for NPs is, frankly, amazing. The BLS projects nurse practitioners will be the number one fastest-growing occupation for the next several years. Talk about a return on your investment: You should have no problem finding a good job anywhere in the country.
“Learning is a lifelong process in nursing, and pursuing a master's opens so many new opportunities and career paths.”
— Kayla Potter, DNP
Common Jobs as a Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Read More: Nursing Salary: How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make?
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs
RN-to-MSN/ADN-to-MSN Programs
RN-to-MSN and ADN-to-MSN programs allow RNs with associate degrees in nursing to earn their MSN degrees without first earning their BSNs. Some RN-to-MSN programs award you a BSN degree en route to the MSN. Programs for nurse practitioners typically include approximately 60 credits of coursework and clinical practice hours. You can often earn your MSN degree in 2-3 years.
BSN-to-MSN Programs
BSN-to-MSN programs prepare students with BSN degrees for both clinical and non-clinical roles. Programs for aspiring nurse practitioners typically include 30-60 credits of coursework and 600-700 hours of clinical practice. Full-time students can earn their MSN degrees in two years.
Direct-Entry MSN/Accelerated MSN Programs
Direct-entry and accelerated MSN programs cater to college graduates who studied subjects other than nursing in college. Some programs award you a BSN degree while you work toward your MSN degree, while others do not. If you enroll in a direct-entry MSN program, you can earn your RN license, MSN degree, and NP certification within three years.
Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
Nurse practitioner certificate programs allow you to prepare for certification in a specialty other than the one you pursued while earning your degree. NP certificate programs typically include 18-35 credits of coursework and 500-700 hours of supervised clinical practice. Many NP certificate programs take approximately 1-2 years to complete.
Licenses and Certifications
To become an NP, you must hold an active RN license, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, pass the national certification boards for your specialty, and meet your state's requirements. You can apply for licensure as an APRN once you have earned your MSN and completed other state-specific requirements.
In most states, NPs must take national certification exams to be eligible for licensure. Prospective NPs take exams to gain certification in their areas of expertise.
Common certifications nurse practitioners can pursue:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP)
- Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Healthcare Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Nurse Practitioner Degree
What do nurse practitioners do?
Nurse practitioners offer primary, acute, and specialty health care services to specific patient populations.
How long should I work as a nurse before pursuing an MSN-NP?
Many programs require at least 1-2 years of nursing or clinical nursing experience before enrolling.
Note: Applicants to direct-entry MSN programs do not need to be licensed RNs.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a nurse practitioner master's degree?
Depending on your specialty, certifications, and experience, you can rake in some serious cash with a master's degree from an NP program. Here are three high-paying specializations to consider:
| Specialization | Average Annual Salary (February 2023) |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist | $162,520 |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $115,140 |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $113,640 |
Note: These base salary reports from Payscale may even be conservative (and don't take into account bonuses or profit sharing) — for example, the BLS reports that nurse anesthetists made a median salary of $195,610 a year in 2021.
With Contributions By:
Kayla Potter, DNP
Kayla Potter is a doctorally-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. She started her private telehealth practice — Lioness Healing and Wellness — to be able to bring much-needed mental health services to her small hometown of Culpeper, VA, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Potter loves to learn and has been a student for most of her life — she has two bachelor's degrees (psychology and nursing) from Longwood University and James Madison University, and a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) from George Mason University. Her primary area of interest is in perinatal and maternal mental health. In her free time, Dr. Potter loves to spend time with her husband and three kids, paint, and CrossFit.
