Choose the best nurse practitioner program for you

Types of nurse practitioner MSN programs

Nationally-accredited nurse practitioner programs may help lead to certification from organizations such as 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 alternative 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 a 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 must earn 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 also 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 your best route among options such as a specialized NP program, 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 also use “accelerated” to define their direct-entry MSN programs, it can be used to delineate an accelerated time-to-complete period.
• 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 can 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 Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) also accredits these post-graduate certificate programs.
• Doctor of nurse practice (DNP) NP programs: In 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) (PDF, 408 KB) called for moving all entry-level nurse practitioner education to the DNP degree by the year 2025. There are a number of DNP programs online.

There are several MSN-level programs you may also consider:

• Online MSN programs
• Online certified nurse midwife (CNM) programs

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 potential 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 transition to a nursing career.

Additional degrees may be required for future and current nurse practitioners. In 2023, the NONPF reaffirmed their commitment to moving entry-level NP education to DNP programs by 2025. There are more than 300 DNP programs throughout the United States, according to the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) (PDF, 408 KB). Some universities also offer online DNP programs.

Program curriculum

As an online NP student, advanced nursing classes are a part of your nursing program curriculum. In addition to your regular credit load, you are required to complete clinical and practicum hours to gain experience in your field. Your studies will prepare you to take nurse practitioner certification exams, including those administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Many online nurse practitioner programs also include on-campus immersions, where you are required to experience 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. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (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 requirements larger than 500 hours. This varies depending on certification requirements and state licensure.

Potential salary and jobs

There are a variety of nurse practitioner specialties that can help open the door to opportunities in different fields. Careers options may include nurse midwife, anesthetist, educator, neonatal, cardiac, pediatric practitioner, and more. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners will increase 38% from 2022 to 2032. You may also view our page on nurse salary to get an idea of 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.
• A plan of program evaluation.

The CCNE reviews master’s programs 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 can 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 into the nursing field, a post-graduate nursing certificate may assist with a role change or 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 a specialty area.

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. NP programs may vary by school. Specialty may include:

• 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. Some of those options may include:

• Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner – primary care
• Family nurse practitioner
• Health informatics
• Nursing education

Eligibility requirements for a post-graduate program may vary based on the school. It’s important to research each program before applying. Some general requirements may include:

• Holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or the equivalent from an international institution.
• Having a current registered nurse (RN) license.
• Completing 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 meeting certain eligibility standards 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 vary but often include a graduate-level accredited nursing degree, a nationally recognized certification, licensure as a registered nurse, and a paid 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 can often supply scholarships or grant applications 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