2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
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Program Types Courses Careers LicensureAn online master's degree in nursing that focuses on nurse practitioners teaches students how to effectively diagnose, assess, and treat patients in a clinical setting. Students study pathophysiology, pharmacology, research methods as well as healthcare policies, ethical practices, and management techniques. Medical teams and patients alike value nurse practitioners for their mastery of skills and compassion.
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a Master of Science in Nursing, which you can obtain online. This graduate degree prepares students for advanced practice roles or continuing on to the doctoral level. There are also a variety of nursing degrees to explore that may help students find their place in the broader healthcare industry.
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
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Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In

Regent University Online
Annual Tuition: $16,952
1 Programs (view all)

Western Governors University
Annual Tuition: $7,790
1 Programs (view all)

South College
Annual Tuition: $27,550
7 Programs (view all)
2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
---|---|---|---|
University of Southern California | $167,228 | ||
AdventHealth University | 100 | $187,060 | |
Midwestern State University | 89 | $125,822 | |
Pace University | 81 | $118,294 | |
Fairleigh Dickinson University | 80 | $117,472 | |
United States University | 79 | $116,603 | |
University of Nevada at Las Vegas | 79 | $116,502 | |
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania | 78 | $115,619 | |
Northeastern University Global Network | 75 | $113,631 | |
West Coast University | 70 | $110,302 |
#1 University of Southern California
- Salary Score: 100
- Median Starting Salary: $167,228
- Locations: Los Angeles (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private university with an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner. This degree requires 49 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in 21 months.
USC students use Blackboard as their primary learning management system (LMS), where they can complete courses online. Coursework may come in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. The curriculum for this program takes an evidence-based approach to develop a student's professional skills in nursing. Among the required classes are Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis and Research Methods, Community-Based Research, and Health Care Technology and Innovation. Students are also required to complete a clinical placement and two on-campus intensives. Career opportunities to become nurse practitioners may be available after graduation.
#2 AdventHealth University
- Salary Score: 100
- Median Starting Salary: $187,060
- Locations: Orlando (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
AdventHealth University (AHU) is a private university that hosts a Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner. In order to receive this online degree, students must complete between 31 and 57 credit hours, which is typically done within two years.
Online students at AHU use Canvas, a popular LMS, to complete their coursework. Classes are delivered online in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete their work on a flexible schedule. The curriculum teaches students to utilize evidence and research in their practice effectively. It also provides the foundational strategies and ethics that make up the professional healthcare industry. There are a number of required courses, such as Strategic Leadership in Nursing, Role Fidelity and the Exercise of Power, and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice. An on-site practicum is also required. Graduates may find employment as clinical nurse managers or nurse practitioners.
#3 Midwestern State University
- Salary Score: 89
- Median Starting Salary: $125,822
- Locations: Wichita Falls (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Midwestern State University (MSU) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner requiring 48 credit hours. The average completion time for this degree is around two years for full-time students. MSU also offers a Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum for either online program meets the requirements set by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, allowing graduates to pursue certification.
At MSU, students use Brightspace as their LMS, where courses are delivered 100% online/ While some instructors allow for a flexible timeline, some courses are delivered synchronously on a set schedule. Here are three examples of required courses: Pathological Processes for Advanced Nursing Practice, Theoretical Foundations in Nursing, and Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice. Students must also complete an advanced practicum in a family practice clinical site. Graduates for either degree may pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.
#4 Pace University
- Salary Score: 81
- Median Starting Salary: $118,294
- Locations: New York (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Pace University is a private university that offers an online Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This degree requires 42 credit hours, which is generally completed in two years while studying full time.
Brightspace is the main LMS used by Pace students to obtain their degree, which can be completed mostly online. Students are required to visit campus at least once per semester. This degree explores various mental diseases and disorders and how to prevent, assess, and treat them — specifically as they relate to vulnerable populations. The curriculum includes classes, such as Psychopharmacology in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing, Diagnoses and Therapeutic Management in Advanced Practice Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, and Pathophysiology For Advanced Practice Nursing. Additional credits are required for a practicum in a clinical setting. Jobs for graduates may be available in private practices, substance abuse centers, and trauma centers.
#5 Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Salary Score: 80
- Median Starting Salary: $117,472
- Locations: Teaneck (NJ)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private university offering a Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner that requires 37 credit hours. If studying at a full-time pace, students can complete this online degree program in two-and-a-half years. However, the expected completion time for working students is between three and five years.
At FDU, students use the Blackboard LMS to access their online courses. Students do not have set hours to attend their classes. As a whole, the curriculum for this program teaches students how to apply effective and accurate treatment methods using information based on their own research. Required courses include Intro to Advanced Nursing Philosophies, Theories, Roles, and Issues; Translating Research into Evidence-Based Practice; and Advanced Pathophysiology. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take their nursing certification exams. Graduates may pursue career opportunities as nurse practitioners and in nursing leadership roles.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 5/23/2023