An online nurse practitioner program is a great optwion for those looking to supplement their nursing education and advance their career. Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who fall into different categories, each with a specific focus and purpose. They work directly with patients across the lifespan to diagnose and treat illnesses.
Though there are a few ways to earn your nurse practitioner degree, an online nurse practitioner program may offer more flexibility and accessibility than non-distance learning options. Nursing professionals pursuing an online degree can fit their continuing education into their schedule.
Sponsored Online Nursing Programs
Sponsored
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing online from Simmons University.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Earn an MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing
- The Wegmans School of Nursing is ranked among the top 100 nursing schools nationally, and is No. 6 in New York state1
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
Earn your MSN online from USC’s School of Social Work.
- Prepares RNs to pursue board certification as family nurse practitioners
- Earn a CCNE-accredited MSN in as few as 21 months
- Choose from part-time and full-time study options
1 U.S. News & World Report, 2022 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s. Ranked in 2021.
Sponsored
Accredited Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
The nurse practitioner online programs below may have on–campus components and may only be available in the state where their campus is located. Be sure to check with your preferred university for more information. The list below was last updated in May 2021.
University | Location | Program Length | Clinical Hours | Specialization |
---|---|---|---|---|
Advent Health University | Orlando, FL | 24+ months | 600 hours | FNP |
Albany State University | Albany, GA | 24–36 months | N/A | FNP |
American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Aurora, CO | 28–34 months | 630–720 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | N/A | N/A | FNP |
Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 24+ months | 840 hours | AGACNP FNP |
Ball State University | Muncie, IN | 6–8 semesters | 690 hours | FNP |
Bradley University | Peoria, IL | 32–40 months | 700–750 hours | FNP |
Boise State University | Boise, ID | 36 months | 700 hours | AGNP |
Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | 24 months | 600 hours | FNP |
Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | 24 months | 660 hours | FNP |
Chamberlain University | Downers Grove, IL | 36 months | 625 hours | AGNP FNP |
Carlow University | Pittsburgh, PA | 30 months | 525–600 hours | FNP WHNP |
Clarkson College | Omaha, NE | 6–12 semesters | 650 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
Concordia University—Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | 36–48 months | 720 hours | AGPCNP FNP |
DeSales University | Center Valley, PA | 24–36 months | 675 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 36 months | 640–720 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC WHNP |
Duke University | Durham, NC | 24–48 months | 560–728 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP NNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC WHNP |
Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | 36 months | 550–750 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
East Carolina University | Greenville, SC | 24–36 months | N/A | NNP |
East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | 5–8 semesters | 540 hours | FNP PMHNP |
Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | N/A | N/A | FNP PMHNP |
Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 4 semesters | 630–780 hours | NNP WHNP |
Frontier Nursing University | Versailles, KY | N/A | 675 hours | FNP PMHNP WHNP |
George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | N/A | 500+ hours | FNP |
George Washington University | Washington, D.C. | 24–36 months | 600–700 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PMHNP |
Georgetown University Sponsored Program | Washington, D.C. | 23–27 months | 600–1,000+ hours | AGACNP FNP NM/WHNP WHNP |
Georgia College | Milledgeville, GA | 24–36 months | 570–675 hours | FNP PMHNP WHNP |
Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 24–48 months | 500–630 hours | AGPCNP FNP PMHNP PNP–PC |
Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA | 9 semesters | 660 hours | FNP PMHNP |
Graceland University | Independence, MO | 8–12 trimesters | 540–600 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
Herzing University | Milwaukee, WI | 24–32 months | 540–675 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | 30–60 months | 675 hours | FNP |
Indiana University Kokomo | Kokomo, IN | 30 months | 600 hours | FNP |
Indiana University Northwest | Gary, IN | 7 semesters | 600 hours | FNP |
Indiana University — Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | 24–36 months | 525–600 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PMHNP PNP–PC |
Kent State University | Kent, OH | 24–42 months | 600 hours | WHNP |
La Salle University | Philadelphia, PA | 18–20 months | 512–692 hours | AGPCNP FNP |
Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | N/A | 540 hours | PMHNP |
Loyola University New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 24–36 months | 720 hours | FNP |
Maryville University | St.Louis, MO | 28–32 months | 580–830 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PMHNP PNP |
Middle Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 24 months | 630 hours | AGACNP |
Midwestern State University Texas | Wichita Falls, TX | N/A | 512–640 hours | FNP PMHNP |
Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ | N/A | N/A | AGPCNP FNP PMHNP |
Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 24–36 months | N/A | NNP |
Northern Illinois University | DeKalb, IL | 24–48 months | N/A | FNP |
Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | 20–22 months | 500–600 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PMHNP |
Norwich University | Northfield, VT | N/A | 660 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
Ohio University | Athens, OH | 24+ months | 500–650 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | 24–36 months | 600–712.5 hours | FNP NNP PMHNP |
Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | 24–30 months | 560–600 hours | FNP NNP PNP PMHNP |
Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, IL | 24 months | 720 hours | FNP |
Pace University | New York City, NY | 24+ months | 550 hours | PMHNP |
Purdue University Northwest | Hammond, IN | 36 months | 555 hours | FNP |
Regis College | Weston, MA | 28–36 months | 600 hours | AGNP AGACNP FNP PMHNP PNP WHNP |
Regis University | Denver, CO | 24–26 months | 630 hours | FNP NNP |
Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | 36 months | 550 hours | FNP |
Saint Francis Medical Center | Peoria, IL | 36–48 months | N/A | AGACNP FNP NNP PMHNP |
Saint Louis University | St. Louis, MO | 36–48 months | 525–675 hours | AGACNP FNP PNP–PC Family PMHNP |
Salve Regina University | Newport, RI | 28 months | 600 hours | FNP |
Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 24–27 months | 660–1200 hours | FNP Family PMHNP |
Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | 36–48 months | 540–675 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP PNP–PC |
South College | Knoxville, TN | 18–36 months | N/A | AGACNP FNP PMHNP PNP |
Simmons University Sponsored Program | Boston, MA | 24–32 months | Minimum of 672 hours | FNP |
Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | 24–36 months | N/A | AGPCNP FNP NNP PMHNP PNP–PC |
St. John Fisher College Sponsored Program | Rochester, NY | As few as 24–36 months | 600 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP PCFNP PMHNP |
St. John’s College | Springfield, IL | 24–36 months | 660 hours | FNP |
Texas A&M University | Bryan, TX | 24–36 months | 646 hours | FNP |
Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA | 24–36 months | 672 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP NNP PNP–PC WHNP |
Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | 30–36 months | N/A | AGACNP FNP PNP–PC |
Troy University | Troy, AL | N/A | 705 hours | FNP |
Union University | Jackson, TN | 16 months | 560 hours | FNP Family PMHNP |
United States University | San Diego, CA | 24 months | 540 hours | FNP |
University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 5–8 semesters | 540 hours | FNP PMHNP |
University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 24–36 months | N/A | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP NNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC WHNP |
University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage, AK | 7–9 semesters | N/A | FNP PMHNP |
University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | 24 months | 504–672 hours | AGPCNP FNP WHNP |
University of Colorado – Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Aurora, CO | 36 months | 540–630 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC WHNP |
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | Up to 6 years | 630 hours | AGPCNP FNP PMHNP |
University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 24–36 months | 700–800 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP NNP |
University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing | Columbia, MO | 36 months | 600–720 hours | FNP PMHNP PNP–PC |
University of Missouri–Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | 24–36 months | 660–742.5 hours | AGNP FNP NNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC WHNP |
University of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson, MS | 24 months | 540–990 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP NNP PMHNP PNP |
University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM | 24 months | 650–800 hours | AGACNP FNP PNP–PC PMHNP |
University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | 32 months | 600 hours | FNP PMHNP |
University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 24–48 months | 600–1,080 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP/AGACNP FNP/Emergency NP FNP NNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC WHNP |
University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | 8 semesters | 672 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
University of Southern California Sponsored Program | Los Angeles, CA | 21–33 months | 784 hours | FNP |
University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN | 36 months | 655–705 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP |
University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | N/A | 616–672 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP Family PMHNP PMHNP PNP PNP/NNP |
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, TX | 7 semesters | N/A | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP NNP |
University of Texas Arlington | Arlington, TX | 29–35 months | 720 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PNP–AC PNP–PC |
University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | 3 years | 675–775 hours | AGACNP FNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC |
Utica College | Utica, NY | 8 semesters | 720 hours | FNP |
Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | 1–3 years | 620–1,365 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP ENP FNP NM/FNP NNP PMHNP PNP–AC PNP–PC WHNP WHNP/AGPCNP |
Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | N/A | 640 hours | AGACNP AGPCNP FNP PMHNP PNP–PC |
Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre, PA | 24–28 months | 500–584 hours | AGPCNP FNP PMHNP |
William Paterson University | Wayne, NJ | 16–20 months | 510–680 hours | AGNP FNP |
Youngstown State University | Youngstown, OH | 18–20 months | 540–600 hours | AGACNP FNP |
Types of Nurse Practitioner MSN Programs
Nationally accredited nurse practitioner programs may help lead to certification by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or the National Certification Corporation (NCC). There are several types of nurse practitioner degrees with specializations in different populations and approaches to care.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Programs
ACNP programs help prepare nurses to care for acutely ill patients. Some ACNP programs may have a population focus, such as adult-gerontology or pediatric. The curriculum for ACNP programs may include acute care management, clinical residencies, acute care procedures and diagnostics and acute care clinical skills. Learn more about online acute care nurse practitioner programs.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP and AG-PCNP) Programs
Nurses who may wish to focus on acute and long-term care of adolescents and adults may become an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner or adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. Students who enroll in an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program learn how to diagnose and manage acute health problems in adult patients. Curriculum may include evidence-based practice, advanced practice care of elders, pathophysiology and pharmacology.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
From newborns to seniors, a family nurse practitioner provides complete, advanced care for the whole family. As an online FNP program student, you may learn skills including how to diagnose and manage acute and primary healthcare problems, disease prevention and management, counseling, and how to provide health and wellness education for families.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Specializing in the care and treatment of preterm and full-term newborns, neonatal nurse practitioners hold their graduate degree in nursing. This may be a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral program. Curriculum for NNP programs may include embryology, neonatal physiology, and family dynamics.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Nurses seeking to become a pediatric nurse practitioner will need to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. The PNP program curriculum may focus on pediatric health assessment, child and adolescent development and theory, nutritional and pharmacologic management, and pediatric sociocultural issues. Completing a PNP program may help prepare nurses for certification by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
To become a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, nurses may pursue a graduate degree in a PMHNP program. Curriculum for PMHNP degrees may include pathophysiology, pharmacology, counseling and psychotherapy, psychiatric mental healthcare, and organizational systems and behaviors.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
For nurses seeking to become a women’s health nurse practitioner, an online women’s health nurse practitioner program may help prepare students to provide gynecologic and primary care to women. As an online WHNP student, you will learn and acquire the skills and experience to treat and prevent illnesses and health concerns unique to women. Areas of focus will include primary care, prenatal and postpartum care, menopause, reproductive healthcare, and general wellness.
Additional Nurse Practitioner Programs
When researching the best nurse practitioner program for your goals and aspirations, you may find that a specialized NP program is your best route, a bridge nursing program, or an online nursing program.
- Accelerated NP Programs: Accelerated nursing programs are available for future nurse practitioners who may already hold a BSN or their RN license. While universities may use “accelerated” to also define their Direct-Entry MSN Programs, it may also be used to delineate an accelerated time to complete.
- Dual Degree NP Programs: There are a variety of dual degree programs focused on nurse practitioners. Some university programs combine one specialty with another NP focus or combine primary and acute care specialties.
- Bridge NP Programs: Nursing bridge programs for nurse practitioners are likely to be those that bridge to an MSN, such as RN-to-MSN programs and BSN-to-MSN programs. You may also pursue a BSN-to-DNP program which may also prepare you for APRN careers.
- Graduate Certificate Programs for NPs: Universities may offer a post-master’s certificate in nurse practitioner fields such as Adult-Gerontology, Psychiatric-Mental Health and Women’s Health. These certificate programs may require proof of an RN license and national NP certification. The CCNE also accredits these post-graduate certificate programs.
- Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) NP Programs: The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) announced in 2018 that entry-level nurse practitioner education will move to DNP programs by the year 2025. There are already a number of DNP programs online.
There are several MSN-level programs you may also consider:
What to Consider When Choosing an Online NP School
Nurse practitioner programs vary from school to school. Courses may also vary depending on the specialty you choose. Learn more about the educational requirements for your program and what you can do with your degree below.
Education Requirements
Regardless of what specialty you choose, most online MSN programs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, current nursing license, and documented clinical experience. Direct-entry online nurse practitioner programs are also available to help students with a degree of any kind, not necessarily in a medical field, begin their nursing education.
Additional degrees may be required for future and current nurse practitioners. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) recently announced a change in requirements to the nurse practitioner field. By 2025, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will become the new threshold requirement for entry-level positions. There are more than 300 DNP programs throughout the United States according to the NONPF. Some universities also offer online DNP programs.
Program Curriculum
As an online NP student, advanced nursing classes are part of your nursing program curriculum. Aside from your credit load, you are also required to complete clinical and practicum hours to gain the experience to be an expert in your field. Your studies will prepare you to take nurse practitioner certification exams, including those administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Many online nurse practitioner programs also include on-campus immersions, where you are required to complete a certain number of classes or hours on campus. Refer to your school’s program website for a list of courses you will be expected to take.
Clinical Hour Experience
All nurse practitioner programs that are nationally accredited will require clinical hour experiences. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), a minimum of 500 hours is required in all curriculum plans for accredited nurse practitioner programs. CCNE requires all degree programs and post-graduate APRN certificates to incorporate clinical practice experiences that are appropriate for the role or specialization.
Depending on your specialization and degree program, you may encounter more than 500-hour requirements. This varies depending on certification requirements and state licensure.
Potential Salary and Jobs
There are a variety of nurse practitioner specialties that open up opportunities in different fields. Careers may include nurse midwives, anesthetists, educators, neonatal, cardiac, pediatric practitioners and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners will increase 45% from 2020 to 2030. You may also view our page on nurse salary to get an idea what a nurse practitioner earns by state.
Accreditation
There are two agencies that award accreditation for nurse practitioner programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
For master’s programs, the ACEN reviews for standards such as:
- Administrative capacity to operate the program
- Qualified and credentialed faculty
- Achievable program outcomes
- A curriculum that supports safe practice in healthcare environments
- Resources that are sufficient in support of program outcomes
- Plan of program evaluation
The CCNE reviews master’s programs (PDF, 217 KB) on quality in terms of mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, and curriculum and teaching-learning practices, as well as effectiveness assessing and achieving program outcomes.
Certification agencies and organizations may require an accredited degree from one of these organizations. Check with your preferred certificate awarding agency and state licensure board for more specific information.
NP Degree vs. a Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate
The main difference between earning an NP degree and a post-graduate certificate is the post-graduate certificate may be supplemental to your NP degree. Once you have earned your degree from an accredited NP program, you may start applying for certificates or attend an accredited post-graduate certificate program that may help advance your career.
While there may be multiple paths to entry for the nursing field, a post-graduate nursing certificate may assist with a role change or role expansion. A post-graduate certificate or post-master’s certificate is designed for nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing. These certificate programs provide graduates with an opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and nursing knowledge in several specialty areas.
Since post-graduate certificate programs are for those who have a master’s degree or higher, you may be required to go through the prerequisite programs to earn an NP degree first. What is offered by NP programs may vary by school. The specialty options are generally the same. Those options may be:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Family NP
- Neonatal NP
- Pediatric NP
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP
- Women’s Health NP
Post-graduate certificate programs may offer different specialization options based on the school you choose, but the options are generally the same. Some of those options may include:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Health Informatics
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
Eligibility requirements for a post-graduate program may vary based on the school. It’s important to research each program before applying. However, some general requirements may include:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or the equivalent from an international institution.
- Have a current registered nurse (RN) license.
- Complete a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited program.
Professional Organizations and Credentials
There are several agencies and organizations that award certifications for nurse practitioners. These often require eligibility requirements such as experience in the field, a completed accredited nursing degree, and a passing score on an examination.
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers four initial certifications for nurse practitioners: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- For future family, adult-gerontology primary care, and emergency nurse practitioners, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) offers certification.
- Adult-gerontology primary and acute care nurse practitioner certifications are also available from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
- The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) awards certifications for primary and acute care pediatric nurse practitioners.
- Certifications as a neonatal nurse practitioner or women’s health nurse practitioner are offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Your licensure as a nurse practitioner is determined by your state’s nursing board. Requirements are likely to vary but most include a graduate-level accredited nursing degree, a nationally recognized certification, like those above, license as a registered nurse, and an application fee. Check your state’s nursing licensure requirements for more information.
Scholarship Options for Nurse Practitioner Students
When researching scholarship opportunities for your NP program, check with your admitted university. They often list scholarships or grants for their graduate nursing students. You may also view our page of nursing scholarships. For other opportunities you may refer to:
- AACN Scholarships and Financial Aid
- AANP Scholarships
- Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Health Workforce Loans and Scholarships
- Your State’s Nurses Association – American Nurses Association
FAQs
The best nurse practitioner online program for you depends on your career goals. For example, if you’d like to become a women’s health nurse practitioner, an online WHNP program may help you earn certification and licensure. There are several different types of nurse practitioner programs online that you may choose from.
Depending on your career goals and available time, an online nurse practitioner program may be worth it for you.Completing an online NP program may provide more flexibility on coursework and completion times.
The time to complete an online program varies by school. Generally, they are available on a part-time or full-time basis and may be completed in two to four years.
An online nurse practitioner program is a graduate program that expands on registered nurse knowledge and practice. The curriculum typically helps prepare you for national certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure. As a graduate program, it may be more difficult than an online BSN program. However, the difficulty may depend on many personal and professional factors.
If you plan on working full time while being enrolled in a full-time nurse practitioner program, it may be challenging to juggle both. But, balancing work and school as a full-time student is possible with the right planning and structure in place.
If you plan on working full time while being enrolled in a full-time nurse practitioner program, it A part-time nurse practitioner program may be worth it for you if you need time to balance work, personal life responsibilities and schooling. You will earn the same degree as your full-time classmates, but it will take longer to complete your NP program.
When thinking about the differences between an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and a nurse practitioner (NP) program, you must first know that an NP is one of four types of APRN (the other three are certified nurse-midwife [CNM], certified registered nurse anesthetist [CRNA] and clinical nurse specialist [CNS]). Nurse practitioners differ because they specialize in a certain area, such as women’s health. There are many different types of online APRN programs that include CNM, CRNA and CNS programs. Online nurse practitioner programs have several different types as well but may help prepare a nurse to become a nurse practitioner as compared to a nurse midwife or nurse anesthetist.
Information on this page was retrieved in January 2022.