An online nurse practitioner program is a great option 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 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 a Master of Science in Nursing online from Simmons University.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Preparation to pursue certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner
- Part-time, full-time, and extended plans of study
Earn your MSN online from USC’s Top-Ranked 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
Sponsored
Accredited Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
| University | Location | Length | Clinical Hours | Nurse Practitioner Specialty Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scroll to Duke University | Durham, NC | 24-48 Months | 560-840 Hours |
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| Scroll to George Washington University | Washington, D.C. | 24-36 Months | 600-700 Hours |
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| Scroll to Georgetown University Sponsored Program |
Washington, D.C. | 19-27 Months | 600-1,000+ Hours |
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| Scroll to Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | 36 Months | N/A |
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| Scroll to Simmons University Sponsored Program |
Boston, MA | 24-32 Months | Minimum of 672 Hours |
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| Scroll to Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | 24-36 Months | N/A |
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| Scroll to Texas A&M University | Bryan, TX | 24-36 Months | 646 Clinical Learning Hours |
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| Scroll to University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 30-48 Months | 540-1080 Hours |
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| Scroll to University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 24-36 Months | N/A |
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| Scroll to University of Southern California Sponsored Program |
Los Angeles, CA | 21-33 Months | 784 Hours |
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| Scroll to Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | 24-36 Months | 630 Hours |
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Duke University
Program Name: Online Masters of Science in Nursing
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Acute and Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Health Informatics
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing and Health Care Leadership
- Nursing Education
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute and Primary Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 42-49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 560 – 840 Hours Depending on Specialization
Length of Program: 24-48 Months
Additional Features: Students will be required to come to campus at least once every semester for intensives where face-to-face interactions, simulation and hands-on activities will be conducted.
Learn more about the master of science in nursing (MSN) program at Duke University.
George Washington University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Acute and Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36-50 Credits Depending on Specialization
Clinical Practice Hours: 600-700 Hours
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Additional Features: GW Nursing offers a progressive MSN program that blends online learning with in-person training on campus.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing program at George Washington University.
Georgetown University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: MS in Nursing
Specialty Areas:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP)
Enrollment Options: Part-Time for FNP Program; Part-Time for AG-ACNP, WHNP, and NM/WHNP program
Coursework Credits: 40-49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600-1,000+ Hours
Length of Program: 23-27 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or CNL/entry-level MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
- Hold a current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA
- Have successfully completed a college level three-credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better
Sponsored Nursing Program
Ohio State University
Program Name: Online Nursing – Master of Science
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Leader
Enrollment Options: Full-Time
Coursework Credits: 40-50 Credits Depending on Specialization
Clinical Practice Hours: Degree candidates can complete clinical hours in their local communities.
Length of Program: 36 Months
Additional Features: The program is available in a distance learning format and only to particular states.
Learn more about the traditional master of science in nursing program at Ohio University.
Simmons University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time and Extended Track Option
Coursework Credits: 48 Course Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Minimum of 672 Hours
Length of Program: 24-32 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or institution
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Transcripts from all academic institutions attended
- Completed (with a grade of 83 or better) a three-credit course in statistics and a three-credit course in health assessment.
- A current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if your native language is not English.
Sponsored Nursing Program
Stony Brook University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 45 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Degree candidates can complete clinical hours in their local communities.
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Additional Features: The program is available as a distance education with on-site requirements.
Learn more about the master of science in nursing programs online at Stony Brook University.
Texas A&M University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing
Specializations/Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 48
Clinical Practice Hours: 45 Hours to be Completed On-Campus
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Additional Features: On-campus intensives required.
Learn more about the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program at Texas A&M University.
University of Alabama
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 45-72
Clinical Practice Hours: 540-1080 Hours
Length of Program: 30-48 Months
Additional Features: The program is available in a distance learning format and only to particular states.
Learn more about the MS in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Alabama.
University of Connecticut
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing
Specializations/Concentrations: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 44
Clinical Practice Hours: Degree candidates can complete clinical hours in their local communities.
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Additional Features: Coursework is delivered fully online with three on-campus visits required over the course of the program.
Learn more about the Neonatal Nursing Master’s Degree Online program at the University of Connecticut.
University of Southern California – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: Traditional – 49 credits or Bridge Program – 51 credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 784 Hours
Length of Program: 21-33 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 grade point average in your BSN or MSN program
- Completion of a 3-credit course in statistics, with a grade of C or better
- Must be a U.S.-licensed registered nurse (RN) and reside within the United States upon application and throughout the duration of the program
- One year of clinical experience
Sponsored Nursing Program
Vanderbilt University
Program Name: Online Masters of Science in Nursing
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Acute and Primary Care
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute and Primary Care
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 37+ Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 630 Hours
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Additional Features: The program is offered in a modified-distance format. Online conferencing and clinical practicum placement in your home region may be required.
Learn more about the online master of science in nursing (MSN) program at Vanderbilt University.
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
Despite 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.
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 2019 to 2029. 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.
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
Information on this page was retrieved in September 2020.