2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs

---

Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing for nurse practitioners is for registered nurses and focuses on advanced nursing theory and principles in the design and delivery of primary care. MSN students choose a specialization, such as family health, gerontology, women's health, or neonatal care. The curriculum is intended to prepare students for the national certification exam and also establishes a foundation for pursuing doctoral studies as a DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice. Program completion generally requires 42-48 credits and approximately 600 practicum hours to gain clinical experience. Full-time students may complete the program in two years, while part-time students may need four.

While on-campus NP programs emphasize collaborative group work and class discussion, as an online student, you'll work autonomously. There is also an expectation that you maintain your nursing job while enrolled to practice and implement new skills and eventually complete your practicum.

Admission Requirements

An NP degree program applicant must be a registered nurse with an active license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If your bachelor's degree is in another field, you'll have to enroll in an RN to MSN bridge program. Most programs also require approximately one year of nursing work experience and proof of employment, in addition to letters of recommendation from employers.

Other admission requirements are similar across programs:

• A minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Prerequisites that may include microbiology, physiology, anatomy, psychology, chemistry, and statistics.
• GRE test scores.
• College transcripts.
• A current resume.
• An application fee of approximately $50.

The admissions office may require an interview that an advisor will schedule once they review all the applications.

Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs

You can choose from one of several NP programs based on your prior education, RN status, and career goals. Requirements vary as well as program completion time. Some programs may take two years full-time to complete, while accelerated programs may take RNs as little as a year and a half.

Accelerated NP Programs

There are two distinct types of accelerated nurse practitioner programs: those for current RNs and those for non-nurses. You'll need at least a master’s degree in advanced nursing skills to become a certified NP.

What to Consider When Choosing an Online Nurse Practitioner Program

Career goals, specialization, and relevant experience will dictate which online NP programs may suit you best. Once you identify schools you're interested in, you can narrow your choices by considering several factors.

Cost	You'll most likely incur some student debt, so you'll want to choose an affordable program that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Public colleges often cost less than private, and many online programs cost less than those on campus. Accelerated programs can save both money and time.
Location	If you need to complete campus intensives or other on-campus work, you may want to only consider local programs.
Curriculum	Make sure to look through the course catalog to ensure courses meet your expectations, and that the school offers your specialty.
Clinical experience opportunities	Online programs may require you to complete a minimum number of hours of real-world experience, where you'll treat patients under the supervision of licensed professionals at a recognized healthcare facility.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners exam pass rates	If you're interested in a program such as an online family nurse practitioner (FNP) program, ask school advisors for their NP certification exam pass rates to ensure the number of graduates passing is satisfactory.

The Importance of an Accredited Online Nurse Practitioner Program

Most professional nursing certification exams are only open to those who have completed accredited degree programs. Programmatic accrediting bodies ensure programs in their field offer high-quality curriculum that meets employer needs. Graduates should be proficient in the skills currently in-demand in order to pass certification exams and remain competitive in the job market.

You should choose an online nursing degree program specifically accredited by an agency such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc., the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or the Commission for Education in Nursing. You can visit Ed.gov to check accreditation status.

Common Courses in an NP Program

An online master's degree in nursing with a nurse practitioner concentration includes a combination of foundational, clinical, and specialty courses. Foundational courses cover nursing theory, diversity, ethics, health policy, research, and advanced practice nursing roles. Clinical studies equip you with skills in advanced nursing interventions, anatomy and physiology, assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. You may also choose specialty courses suited to your career interests and, finally, you'll complete a practicum to gain clinical experience.

Below are some classes that remain similar across all nurse practitioner programs to ensure the same learning outcomes.

It's important to note that programs may require some amount of on-campus intensive learning, though it's not extensive. For example, online FNP programs may require you to attend a five-day intensive at the beginning of a course and then to complete an assessment exam in person at the end.

Nurse Practitioner Specializations and Careers

NP specializations through online programs can lead to gratifying careers. NPs work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, trauma centers, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The demand for these roles is high with a median salary of $117,670, which is well above the national average for all jobs of $41,950.

Certification and Licensing Requirements for Nurse Practitioners

Certification is required for NPs to work with patients and to obtain a license. While eligibility requirements may vary, you'll generally need an active RN license and a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours in your specialty to take a certification exam to demonstrate your competency. Once certified and licensed, NPs work in various settings, including clinics, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and physicians' offices.

There are five different NP certification boards in the U.S., each offering certifications for various specialties listed below:

Once you've passed your certification exam, you'll be eligible for licensing through your state's nursing board. Requirements differ depending on the state, but in general, you'll need the following to obtain your license:

• Photo identification.
• Proof of completion for education requirements.
• Proof of NP certification.
• A background check and fingerprints.
• An application fee.

Is an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Worth It?

You can determine whether an online nurse practitioner degree is worth it based on your interests, desired lifestyle, professional goals, and financial situation. Your preferred learning style will also influence your decision whether to complete an online or on-campus program. As with any big life decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Potential Benefits

Potential Drawbacks