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Nurse Practitioner Guides

  • Nurse Practitioner Degrees & Certifications
    • Nurse Practitioner Degree Overview
    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AG-ACNP)
    • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AG-PCNP )
    • BSN – DNP
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice
    • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
    • Master’s in Nursing (MSN)
    • Pediatric Primary Care (PNP)
    • Post-Master’s Certificate
    • Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)
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Top Nurse Practitioner Programs

Welcome to our rankings of the top nurse practitioner schools in the country! There are many schools offering online programs and we hope you find our rankings useful as you begin to advance your nurse practitioner career.

A career as a Nurse Practitioner can offer many opportunities to those interested in healthcare. Nurse Practitioners perform many of the same tasks as medical doctors, including assessing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and offering education and resources.

Wherever they work, NPs care for patients, work with other healthcare professionals, and many seek out continued education opportunities to stay up-to-date in the field of nursing. Starting a career as an NP is an excellent and rewarding choice and selecting an online program to obtain the training you need is a smart and convenient option.

Choosing an Online Nurse Practitioner Program

With so many online education options available, it’s not surprising that Nurse Practitioner programs are one of the offerings. Many questions surround online education, especially as it pertains to the healthcare field. Here are common questions and answers about online Nurse Practitioner programs.

Click here to go directly to the program rankings.

Why Should I Choose an Online NP Program?

Online NP programs make advanced education attainable for people who are too busy to attend brick-and-mortar schools. The benefits of advanced education are clear: higher earning potential, opportunities for career advancement, and the opportunity for a career you that you are passionate about. You can achieve all of these things by taking online courses when it’s convenient for you.

Rather than working your schedule around school, you can complete your courses online and only visit the campus when it’s required. Many programs require your presence on campus at some point; however, these programs are far more flexible than classes with in-person requirements throughout each term.

Online programs are often more affordable than traditional educational programs at colleges and universities, which is an added benefit for people who desire an advanced education but cannot afford full-time degree programs.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?

The bottom line is that every online degree will vary in cost. Depending on what courses you need, which program you join, and what school you are virtually attending, the cost can vary. Some programs start at around $400 per credit while others begin closer to $2,000 per credit.

There may also be a price difference in in-state versus out-of-state tuition, which is an important consideration if you select a program outside your home state. Even for online programs, universities and colleges can still charge out-of-state tuition.

In addition to per-credit tuition, you should also consider the other types of fees which may apply to your online degree, such as:

  • Application fees
  • Enrollment/tuition deposits
  • Student body fees
  • Laboratory fees
  • Review charges
  • Testing fees
  • Challenge/Audit Fees
  • Matriculation/Internship Fees

Many students take out loans to pay for their online degree costs, which can also add fees and costs on top of the basic charges.

Is My Degree Legitimate if I Earn It Online?

The short answer is yes; your degree is legitimate even if you earn it online. The key is finding a reputable school which is accredited and meets the requirements of the national certification agency which will ultimately allow you to practice as an NP.

Here, we’ll look at esteemed programs with reputable schools all over the country, providing you with the options you need to earn a legitimate healthcare degree online.

School Rankings

#1 George Washington University

Location: Washington DC

Credit Requirement: 36-50

Cost Per Credit: $1,395

Programs: RN-MSN

Registered Nurses can earn their BSN online in 15 months at George Washington University and then work toward a Master of Science in nursing in one of the University’s specialty areas.

  • Concentrations include:
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse-Midwifery
  • Nursing Leadership and Management
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
 Some courses are remote, but the clinical components are on-campus. Programs require between 600 and 700 clinical hours for each degree option. Hands-on training includes acute care, primary care, diagnostics, and patient care management, among other learning exercises.

#2 Georgetown University

Location: Washington DC

Credit Requirement: 40+

Cost Per Credit: $2,065

Programs: FNP, AG-ACNP, NM/WHNP, WHNP

Georgetown University’s programs cater to RNs with on-the-job experience. Graduates of the programs will then sit for the national certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

Multiple programs are available, with differing credit and intensive requirements, and applicants must be working nurses. Some programs require a specific amount of experience in a hospital setting.

 Program requirements vary but may include up to three on-campus intensives, in addition to 600 or more clinical hours.

#3 University of Southern California

Location: California

Credit Requirement: N/A 21 month commitment

Cost Per Credit: $1,800

Programs: FNP

The University of Southern California offers an MSN program which combines live online classes with USC faculty with clinicals in applicants’ own communities. With this hybrid program, current RNs can complete their coursework from anywhere and obtain an MSN in as little as 21 months.

 Through the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, nurses prepare to become FNPs to care for individuals and communities. Applicants must have an RN and BSN before beginning the program; other tracks to RN status do not qualify.

#4 Walden University

Location: Minnesota

Credit Requirement: None specified

Cost Per Credit: $578

Programs: MSN, AG-ACNP, AG-PCNP, PMHNP, FNP

Applicants to Walden University must already be a Registered Nurse, but their program requirements are different from many other MSN tracks. With Walden, you must be a licensed RN with at least two years of experience for NP specializations, but you can hold either a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Concentrations include:

  • Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Executive
  • Nursing Education
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Public Health Nursing

The online program utilizes a doctorally prepared classroom faculty and collaboration in an online and interactive educational environment.

#5 Ohio State University

Location: Ohio

Credit Requirement: 55-61

Cost Per Credit: $7,662 for 8 credits

Programs: MSN, FNP, PMHNP, NNP

Ohio State University offers programs which have received authorization for distance education through the state regulatory agency and the State Board of Nursing. Therefore, the program is only available in specific states, despite the online components, with limited authorization in other states.

  • Program tracks at Ohio State University include:
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Leader

Sample courses include topics such as Leadership in Advanced Nursing Care, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Life Span, and Advanced Health Assessment.

#6 Gonzaga University

Location: Washington DC

Credit Requirement: 47

Cost Per Credit: $1,020

Programs: MSN, FNP, PMHNP, NLH

Gonzaga University requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as be a licensed nurse. Program tracks span 47 credit hours and include concentrations such as:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Leadership in Healthcare
 Programs span nine semesters and involve online class attendance plus on-campus immersions. NP tracks involve an average completion time of nine semesters through 660 clinical hours. Nursing Leadership & Healthcare programs require 30 credits and on average take six semesters to complete, with one on-campus immersion

#7 University of Connecticut

Location: Connecticut

Credit Requirement: 44

Cost Per Credit: $825

Programs: NNP

The University of Connecticut offers a single concentration in the NP field: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. The program requires two years of full-time RN experience in a level three neonatal intensive care unit prior to admission.

Applicants to the University of Connecticut’s NP program must attend for either five or seven semesters, depending on either full-time or part-time attendance. Three on-campus visits are a requirement to complete the program, including one orientation visit and two simulation experiences.

For nurses with experience and passion for neonatal care, the NNP program offers a singular path toward earning the Master of Nursing degree specific to the field.

#8 Creighton University

Location: Nebraska

Credit Requirement: 37-38

Cost Per Credit: $900

Programs: MSN, CNL

Applicants to Creighton University’s Master of Science in Nursing program must hold a BSN degree and can choose from the following tracks:

  • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
  • Clinical Systems Administration

Applicants must also hold a nursing license valid in Nebraska, and those residing in Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, and Oregon (except for neonatal NP students) may not apply.

Students may attend part or full time and are not required to take the GRE or submit a thesis. However, a 300-hour clinical residency is a graduation requirement.


#9 Clarkson College

Location: Nebraska

Credit Requirement: 39-47

Cost Per Credit: $598

Programs: FNP, AG-PCNP, MSN

Clarkson College requires between eight and 12 semesters to completion, depending on part- or full-time attendance, and awards students with an MSN degree. Graduates must sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program National Certification Examination.

  • Specializations at Clarkson College include:
  • Nursing Health Care Administration
  • Nursing Education
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner

#10 Stony Brook University

Location: New York

Credit Requirement: 45

Cost Per Credit: $462 in-state/$1,256 out-of-state

Programs: FNP

The distance education program at Stony Brook University is an online option which does have some on-site requirements. Applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree in nursing or, in lieu of a BSN, applicants with non-nursing BS degrees can submit a clinical practice portfolio. However, all applicants must be RNs with a current license and have at least one year of recent experience.

Specialties at Stony Brook University include:

  • Adult-Gerontology
  • Family Health
  • Women’s Health
  • Neonatal Health
  • Pediatric
  • Psychiatric Mental Health

#11 Samford University

Location: Alabama

Credit Requirement: 42

Cost Per Credit: $850

Programs: FNP

Students at Samford University can plan to complete their 42-unit requirement either in a five- or six-semester plan of study. Applicants must have a B.S.N. and current RN licensure to apply.

The Master of Science nursing program involves web-based learning and clinical experiences which the program highlights are “close to home.” With a variety of primary care sites, Samford University offers clinical hours opportunities all over the United States. Areas of study include pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and adult/geriatrics.

Upon completion of the program, graduates must sit the FNP national certification exam with either the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCB). Samford University notes that its pass rate is consistently at or near 100 percent.


#12 Winona State University

Location: Minnesota

Credit Requirement: 48

Cost Per Credit: $244 in-state/$443 out-of-state

Programs: FNP, AG-ACNP, PMHNP, AG-CNS, NE

Winona State University offers flexible programs for students, including on-campus, online, or hybrid classes. Hybrid options involve on-campus attendance or synchronous web-based meetings up to four times per semester. The remainder of classes take place strictly online.

The distance option with this program requires three years of attendance and includes all courses in a hybrid format.

Programs at Winona State University span the following areas:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Leadership Program: Nursing and Organizational Leadership Emphasis
  • Nursing Leadership Program: Practice and Leadership Innovations Emphasis

#13 University of Texas Medical Branch

Location: Texas

Credit Requirement: 14 courses required

Cost Per Credit: $2,300 per course

Programs: FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, CNL, ENL, NNP, NE

Applicants to the University of Texas Medical Branch’s MSN program must have a current RN license as well as a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) to qualify for enrollment. 

Remote programs include orientation each semester with online learning the remainder of the semester. Students can complete the program in seven semesters, including simulation experiences, clinical experience, and interactive online courses.

Program offerings include:

  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Executive Nurse Leader
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator

The University also offers post BSN/MSN certificates for students to continue furthering their education.

#14 Regis University

Location: Colorado

Credit Requirement: 48-56

Cost Per Credit: $815

Programs: MSN, FNP, NNP

The FNP program at Regis University requires applicants to have a current RN license and a BSN from a regionally accredited institution. Clinical components of the FNP program start in the fourth semester of the program, and there are two clinical practicums which can take place in your home area if you join the Rural and Underserved FNP Pathway programs.

The Rural and Underserved FNP Pathway program utilizes synchronized online learning to allow students to participate in online classrooms remotely. There are also five on-campus intensives required throughout the program.

Online programs at Regis University include:

  • Nursing – Post BSN to DNP
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Leadership in Health Care Systems
  • Nursing – Completion for Certified Nurse Practitioners

#15 Midwestern State University

Location: Texas

Credit Requirement: 48

Cost Per Credit: $174 in-state/$239 out-of-state

Programs: FNP, PMHNP, NE, MSN

Applicants to Midwestern State University’s MSN program must hold a BSN degree and a current RN license to apply. Programs involve 18 hours of nursing core, 24 hours of clinical, and six hours of thesis or evidence-based project courses.

Other degree selections require different amounts of courses, and all degrees require sitting for exams.

Available programs include:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator

All nursing programs are distance education models, and coursework focuses on pharmacotherapeutics, nurse practitioner leadership, and health assessments. The FNP track requires a focus on diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, while the psychiatric mental health concentration encompasses coursework in mental health diagnosis and treatment strategies.


#16 Northern Arizona University

Location: Arizona

Credit Requirement: 48

Cost Per Credit: $964

Programs: MSN, FNP, NG

At Northern Arizona University, the FNP program allows applicants with either a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an associate degree in nursing (along with a bachelor’s degree in another subject) to apply.

Asynchronous programs allow for flexibility for online degree completion; however, some courses require students to attend live sessions either on campus or online. FNP students in their final year of education must visit the campus once or twice for testing as well.

Two tracks are available with Northern Arizona University’s Master of Science in Nursing program:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Generalist

Note that Northern Arizona University does not require the GRE is not required for the School of Nursing graduate program.

#17 MCPHS University

Location: Massachusetts

Credit Requirement: 42

Cost Per Credit: $960

Programs: CAGS, MSN

MCPHS University offers a flexible FNP program which spans 24 months in a part-time structure. Clinical experiences take place within your community for optimum flexibility while you complete your degree.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a current RN license for their state. Students must attend two residencies during their program, to amount to about six days total.

  • Program offerings at MCPHS University include:
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (CAGS)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (CAGS)
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN)

#18 Frontier Nursing University

Location: Kentucky

Credit Requirement: 61

Cost Per Credit: $599

Programs: MSN, CFNP, FNP, WHCNP

RNs with either an AND degree or a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for Frontier Nursing University’s programs. However, the University also reviews applications of students with an RN license plus another type of degree or diploma in nursing as well as a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Frontier Nursing University’s offerings include online programs with clinical practicum options in your own community, plus the option to continue your education and earn a DNP with only 19 additional credit hours. The MSN degree is available in either part-time or full-time attendance options totaling 675 clinical hours.

#19 Samuel Merritt University

Location: California

Credit Requirement: 49

Cost Per Credit: $1,394

Programs: FNP

Samuel Merritt University prioritizes applicants with a bachelor’s degree in nursing paired with an RN license. However, they will review the applications of nurses with bachelor’s degrees in another field on a case-by-case basis.

Samuel Merritt University’s online program is available for nurses licensed and living in:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Nevada
  • Ohio
  • Texas (not regulated)
  • Virginia

The FNP program includes rigorous curriculum totaling 49 credit hours and spans topics such as Research Methods, Advanced Pathophysiology, Family Centered Advanced Practice Nursing, Analysis of Health Policy Issues, Clinical Practicum, Care of Chronic and Complex Conditions, and more.

#20 Simmons University

Location: Massachusetts

Credit Requirement: 48

Cost Per Credit: $1,385

Programs: MSN, FNP

Applicants to Simmons University must have an RN license and a bachelor’s degree to gain admittance into the FNP program. However, there are alternate tracks available for other students with RN licenses and other types of degrees.

Although the FNP program is online, all students must travel to campus for a clinical immersion experience. The immersion involves seminars and workshops in preparation for clinical courses.

Clinical placements, however, take place in your local area within 100 miles of your location. Simmons University utilizes a clinical placement team to help you find the opportunity that fits with your area of clinical interest and your geographical location.

What to Expect from an Online NP Program

While an online program might be easier to manage as you can complete your work remotely, it is still a demanding academic experience. Here’s what to expect from an online NP program.

Admission Requirements

Before you begin an NP program, you must first possess Registered Nurse licensing as well as a nursing degree. Although there are three paths toward a nursing degree, including a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and hospital degree, many universities and colleges are picky about which applicants they admit.

For many programs, routes other than a bachelor’s degree in nursing will not satisfy their requirements. Essentially, you are building on your BS degree in nursing by earning an NP degree, so in many cases, you must first have that program completed.

For some schools, they may require additional application materials if you do not yet possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or if you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject. There may also be extra fees associated with these types of applications and reviews.

Many online programs will also require proof of past work as a nurse as well as confirmation of your RN certification. You must retain a nursing license in your state, but you may also have to hold a license in the state of the school you wish to attend, even if you are doing so virtually.

If you do not yet have experience in nursing or do not yet have your RN degree, an alternative track, apart from an MSN, may be a more viable option for you to achieve your educational goals. For example, there are BSN to MSN degree programs available at many nursing colleges.

Curriculum Demands

Curriculum in online courses is just as demanding as in-person courses, if not more so. Many remote nursing programs require you to “drop in” on actual classes virtually, meaning you are an active learner in the classroom environment.

Apart from interacting with peers online, you may also need to visit your college in person for orientations, intensive workshops, and other in-person events. Requirements vary based on the school and its programs, however, and many schools will present their students with opportunities local to them in place of requiring travel to the campus.

Skills Development

In addition to online or otherwise remote courses, MSN students will also participate in clinical programs. Locations vary for placement and will depend on where you live, what nursing facilities are near you, and which program you are studying under.

Certifications and Licensure

All nursing programs require that you at least have an RN license and are working as a nurse prior to enrollment. Colleges may vary in terms of their admittance, however, allowing either a bachelor’s degree or associate degree to fulfill their degree requirements.

Upon completing your Nurse Practitioner program, you may need to sit for specific exams to receive licensing as an NP. In some programs, however, you may not need to sit for exams, as the educational institution has the power to grant your NP status without them.

Certification and licensure requirements vary depending on your state as well as your educational institution, however, so it’s important to consider those factors before you apply to a program.

NP Program Specializations

While a Nurse Practitioner role requires a specific type of advanced degree, there are other advanced nursing roles which require additional education and certification. Some specializations require only a few extra classes, while others require an additional degree. Here are a few common NP specializations you may want to consider.

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AG-ACNP)
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AG-PCNP)
  • BSN to DNP
  • FNP
  • MSN
  • Pediatric Primary Care (PNP)
  • Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)
  • Post-Master’s Certificate

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list: many colleges and universities also create their own degree programs with specific titles. You may also continue studying to earn a DNP or other degree or certification upon completion of your preliminary program.

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