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2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 10/17/2023
2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Nurse Practitioner (NP) Badge

Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a Master of Science in Nursing, which you can obtain online. An 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, healthcare policies, and ethical practices. Coursework prepares students for advanced practice roles or continuing their education. There are also a variety of nursing degrees to explore that may help students find their place in the broader healthcare industry. 

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Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In


#1 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.

#2 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.

#3 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.

#4 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.

#5 United States University

  • Salary Score: 79
  • Median Starting Salary: $116,603
  • Locations: National City (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

The United States University (USU) is a private, for-profit university offering an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, which totals 48 credit hours. It can take two years to complete this program. This program requires an in-person four-day immersion during the Advanced Health and Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan course.

USU facilitates online learning on D2L Brightspace. The program’s curriculum follows the Caring Science model, which includes theoretical and evidence-based nursing practices. Sample courses include Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Practice Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Health Policy, and Common Illnesses Across the Lifespan. Students must complete a capstone and 135 hours of preceptored clinicals to graduate. Potential career options include family nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and advanced nurse practitioners.

#6 University of Nevada at Las Vegas

  • Salary Score: 79
  • Median Starting Salary: $116,502
  • Locations: Las Vegas (NV)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, which requires 46 credit hours total. Prospective students can expect to spend at least two years completing this program. Students are required to attend seven mandatory on-campus sessions.

At UNLV, online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on REBELearn. The Family Nurse Practitioner track gives students the skills and knowledge to deliver patient education and counseling. Some of the program’s courses include Nursing Theory and Research, Advanced Health Assessment, and Family Theory and Health Promotion. Students must complete practicums and a culminating experience. Prospective careers include nurse consultants, nurse educators, and family nurse practitioners.

#7 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

  • Salary Score: 78
  • Median Starting Salary: $115,619
  • Locations: Bloomsburg (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

At Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, a public institution, future students can pursue an online Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner, equaling 45 credit hours. It can take two and a half years to complete this program. This program consists of 24 core credit hours and 21 credit hours of clinical sequences.

Bloomsburg’s online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. The program helps students deliver family-centered health care. Sample courses include Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice, Community Assessment and Planning, and Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Adult. An Adult-Gerontology Primacy care practicum and a seminar are required. Graduates may go on to careers like nurse midwives, pain management nurses, and clinical nurse specialists.

#8 Northeastern University Global Network

  • Salary Score: 75
  • Median Starting Salary: $113,631
  • Locations: Boston (MA)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

The Northeastern University Global Network is a private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner that requires 47 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two to three years to complete this program. The program has three program start dates each year.

Northeastern facilitates synchronous online learning on Canvas. The program’s curriculum includes courses that cover family care theory and practice. Example courses include Family Theory, Healthcare of Women in Family Practice, and Pediatric Pharmacology. Students are required to complete practicums to graduate. Potential careers for graduates include family nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, and informatics nurses.

#9 West Coast University

  • Salary Score: 70
  • Median Starting Salary: $110,302
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

West Coast University (WCU) is a private, for-profit university offering online master’s degrees in nurse practitioner: (1) a Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, (2) an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and (3) a Family Nurse Practitioner ranging 154 to 158 credit hours. Students spend 24 to 44 months finishing each program. All programs are divided into trimesters and last two to three years.

WCU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. Each program explores nurse practitioner specialties. Sample courses include Public Health Nursing, Ethics in Healthcare, and Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology. Clinical practicums and culminating experiences are required. Careers include family nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, and nurse practitioners.

#10 Gonzaga University

  • Salary Score: 68
  • Median Starting Salary: $109,524
  • Locations: Spokane (WA)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

At Gonzaga University, a private nonprofit Jesuit university, prospective students can pursue two online master’s in nurse practitioner degrees: (1) a Family Nurse Practitioner and (2) a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Both online nursing master's degrees equal 47 credit hours each. Students can spend three years finishing each program. The program requires five to six in-person immersions.

At Gonzaga, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The first program focuses on family-centered care, while the latter prepares students for primary mental health care. The programs’ courses include Contemporary Healthcare Environment, Psychopharmacology, and Information Technology & Data Management. Students must complete 660 clinical hours to graduate. Family nurse practitioners work in private practice, urgent care, and student health centers.

#11 Wilkes University

  • Salary Score: 64
  • Median Starting Salary: $106,744
  • Locations: Wilkes-Barre (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Wilkes University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers two online master’s in nurse practitioner: (1) a Family Nurse Practitioner and (2) a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nuse Practitioner. Requiring 15 to 16 courses, the online degree can take at least two years to finish. Students must attend one in-person residency.

Wilkes’s online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. Both programs explore niches within nurse practitioner careers. Example courses include Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Pharmacology, and Health Perspectives of Culturally Diverse, Rural and Underserved Populations. The first program requires 584 clinical hours, while the latter requires 500. Potential careers include family nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

#12 University of Connecticut

  • Salary Score: 63
  • Median Starting Salary: $106,347
  • Locations: Storrs (CT)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Nursing - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, which totals 44 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two years finishing this program. The online graduate program requires two in-person campus visits.

At UConn, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. The program’s courses include Nursing Science and Patterns of Knowing, Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Embryology and Neonatal Physiology. Nursing practicums are required for graduation. Graduates can go on to work in health departments, nursing homes, and clinics.

#13 University of Missouri - Kansas City

  • Salary Score: 62
  • Median Starting Salary: $105,985
  • Locations: Kansas City (MO)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) is a public institution offering six online master’s in nurse practitioners, like Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. These online graduate programs in nursing range from 45 to 52 credit hours. It can take two years to finish these programs individually. Students must attend an in-person residency each semester for clinical courses.

UMKC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous learning on Canvas. Each program explores various nurse practitioner specializations. Some sample courses are Pharmacology for the Neonate, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, and Ethics in Advanced Practice and Research. These nursing master's programs require 600 to 742 clinical hours and 90 lab hours. Prospective careers for graduates include nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.

#14 Old Dominion University

  • Salary Score: 62
  • Median Starting Salary: $105,948
  • Locations: Norfolk (VA)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

At Old Dominion University (ODU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue three online master’s in nurse practitioner degrees: (1) a Family Nurse Practitioner, (2) a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and (3) a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These degrees range from 42 to 49 credit hours. Full-time students can complete these programs within two years, and some require in-person training at ODU.

ODU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. These programs explore different specializations in nurse practitioner careers. The programs’ courses are Primary Care Approaches for Children, Health Promotion and Maintenance, and Ethical Concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. All programs require students to complete practicums. Graduates can work in primary care clinics, health departments, and private practices.

#15 La Salle University

  • Salary Score: 62
  • Median Starting Salary: $105,894
  • Locations: Philadelphia (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

La Salle University is a private, nonprofit Catholic institution offering three online degrees in nurse practitioner: (1) a Family Nurse Practitioner, (2) a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and (3) an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. These programs range from 41 to 46 credit hours and last 20 to 36 months. Online students take core nurse practitioner, advanced core, concentration, and clinical courses.

At La Salle, distance learners complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. These programs give students the skills and knowledge to advance their nursing careers. Sample courses include Family System Concepts for Primary Care, Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice, and Psychopharmacology. Students must complete clinical hours. Graduates work in community clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.

#16 Albany State University

  • Salary Score: 61
  • Median Starting Salary: $105,294
  • Locations: Albany (GA)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Albany State University (ASU) is a public historically black university with an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner totaling 44 credit hours. It can take two years to complete this program. The first year includes 26 credit hours, while the second year is 18 credit hours.

At ASU, online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on GaView. This program gives students the knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver advanced nursing practice. Some of the program’s courses are Nursing Theory Development, Primary Care of Children, and Pharmacology in Advanced Practice. A practicum and a thesis or scholarly project is required. Potential career options for graduates are family nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and clinical nurse specialists.

#17 University of St. Francis

  • Salary Score: 57
  • Median Starting Salary: $102,924
  • Locations: Joliet (IL)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of St. Francis (USF) is a private, nonprofit Franciscan university offering two online master’s in nurse practitioner programs: (1) a Family Nurse Practitioner and (2) a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Both nurse practitioner degrees equal 47 to 56 credit hours. Students can spend two years completing each program. The programs’ curriculum is split into graduate, advanced practice, and practical classes, with optional educational courses.

USF facilitates online learning on Canvas. Both programs explore nurse practitioner specializations. Example courses are Population Health, Evidence-Based Health Care, and Nursing Education Methods and Measurement. Students may be required to complete clinical, a practicum, or a residency. Prospective careers include family nurse practitioners, clinical nursing instructors, and nurse administrators.

#18 University of North Dakota

  • Salary Score: 56
  • Median Starting Salary: $102,600
  • Locations: Grand Forks (ND)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of North Dakota (UND), a public university, offers two online master’s in nurse practitioner degrees: (1) a Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner and (2) a Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These programs each require 49 credit hours, and students spend two years completing them, taking both core and specialty courses.

UND’s online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. The first program provides an overview of family care, while the latter hones in on mental health care. Sample courses include Psychopharmacology, Maternal and Child Health in Primary Care, and Individual Therapy. Students are required to complete clinical practicums. Graduates may go on to work in private practices, hospitals, and urgent care.

#19 University of South Carolina - Columbia

  • Salary Score: 56
  • Median Starting Salary: $102,315
  • Locations: Columbia (SC)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

The University of South Carolina - Columbia, a public university, offers three online master’s of nurse practitioner degrees: (1) Family Nurse Practitioner, (2) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and (3) Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. These programs require 46 to 47 credit hours and take two to three years to complete. Importantly, students must attend an on-campus immersion.

South Carolina facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. Each degree explores a nurse practitioner niche. Example courses are Clinical Application of Population Analysis, Theoretical and Conceptual Foundation for Nursing, and Acute Problems in Primary Care for the FNP. Students are required to complete clinical hours to graduate. Potential careers include nurse administrators, informatics nurses, and nurse educators.

2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 AdventHealth University 100 100 $187,060
# 2 #2 Midwestern State University 89 $125,822
# 3 #3 Pace University 81 $118,294
# 4 #4 Fairleigh Dickinson University 80 $117,472
# 5 #5 United States University 79 $116,603
# 6 #6 University of Nevada at Las Vegas 79 $116,502
# 7 #7 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 78 $115,619
# 8 #8 Northeastern University Global Network 75 $113,631
# 9 #9 West Coast University 70 $110,302
# 10 #10 Gonzaga University 68 $109,524
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Overview for Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 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 nursing 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 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. You are also expected to maintain your nursing job while enrolled to practice and implement new skills and eventually complete your practicum.

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 a 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 a school's accreditation status.

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 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.

If you are on a budget, consider exploring our list of the most affordable nurse practitioner master's degrees online.

How To Become a Nurse Practitioner

Becoming an NP — one type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) — begins with earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). RNs who have already earned a BSN may apply to any NP program. RNs with associate degrees in nursing can also apply, but they may need to complete several prerequisite or "bridge" courses in addition to the full MSN curriculum.

Once students have earned their MSN to become an NP and completed their state requirement for practicum hours, they can apply for state licensure and national certification, both of which require comprehensive exams. Each state's nursing board has its own criteria for licensure, so students should check their state's website for full details. Certification varies depending on a student's area of specialization. For example, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) can pursue certification through either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), while NPs who specialize in working with older adults can earn certification through the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission or the ANCC. Both state licensure and certification need to be renewed periodically.

Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Students enrolled in NP programs must choose an area of specialization. Some NPs focus on patients within a particular age group — the most popular of which is the FNP — but there are other possibilities as well. The most common specializations are as follows:

  • Family (individual adults and families)
  • Gerontology (adults, especially older adults)
  • Women (women and patients who identify as female)
  • Neonatal (newborn babies)
  • Pediatrics (children)
  • Psychiatric and mental health patients

Especially for those students focused on older adults and children, coursework may further specialize in providing acute or primary care. Primary care training involves assisting patients with routine medical care, including treatment for chronic conditions, while acute care training focuses on assisting patients who need immediate medical attention for acute illnesses.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs have a bright job outlook. As of the most recent federal data, the median annual wage for NPs was $125,900, and the demand for all NPs is projected to expand by 38% through 2032, which is significantly higher than the 3% average across all occupations. The BLS notes that the aging population in the U.S. is causing a growing demand for healthcare services, and the pandemic has contributed to the need for more nurses. Because NPs can provide many of the same services as doctors, they are becoming an increasingly important component of the team-based approach adopted by many healthcare providers.



The aging population in the U.S. is causing a growing demand for healthcare services, and the pandemic has contributed to the need for more nurses.


APRNs who would like to leave clinical practice and focus exclusively on administrative work in the healthcare industry may want to consider becoming a medical and health services manager. A master's degree may be an advantage in obtaining this job, which has a median annual salary of $104,830 and projected growth of 28% through 2032.

Nursing Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum for online NP programs typically builds upon the foundation laid in baccalaureate courses by providing more advanced, specialized knowledge. Courses emphasize evidence-based practice, including classes on research and statistics. NP programs often require students to come to campus for brief learning experiences, such as on-site examinations or intensives lasting two to five days. Some programs also require a capstone project. Students generally take multiple courses related to their area of specialization, but the following are some of the NP classes commonly found across all programs:

Advanced Health Assessment

This hands-on course combines theory with application to enhance practicing nurses' health assessment skills. Topics covered often include patient interaction, physical assessment of various body parts and systems, cultural sensitivity, and holistic assessments in terms of a patient's lifespan development. Students also explore how to develop a plan of care based on their findings.

Advanced Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology is the study of physical and biological changes that can occur because of a condition or disease. This course is designed to teach nurses how they can recognize these abnormalities so they can enhance patient care by helping with treatment, managing medications, and assisting with diagnostic tests.

Advanced Pharmacology

Expanding on students' knowledge of various drug types and classes, this course is designed to provide a deeper understanding of drug therapy. Topics may include pharmacodynamics, which is the study of a drug's molecular, biochemical, and physiologic effects on the body, and pharmacokinetics, which is the study of how drugs move within the body.

Organizational Systems for Quality and Leadership

Especially important for students who plan to assume managerial roles, this course helps train students to assess and diagnose healthcare organizations. Coursework introduces the idea of organizational change to enhance quality, including how to facilitate it by demonstrating leadership and political skills as well as how to engage others in the process through team-building strategies.

Research and Statistical Methods

In this course, students explore the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods to resolve issues and answer questions related to nursing. Coursework explains the process of identifying problems, designing research efforts, and analyzing and disseminating results. Various methods of analyzing data may be included in the course.

Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations

Students examine the determinants of health, epidemiology, population health, and clinical prevention. Topics include how cultural competency plays a role in delivering equitable health prevention and intervention to diverse populations.

Innovative Models of Health Delivery

Coursework prepares students to become healthcare leaders through the study and design of innovative care delivery models. Students gain experience applying continuous quality management principles and business process improvement strategies to practice management while balancing productivity with quality of care.

Graduation requirements for an MSN also include 600-700 hours of clinical experience, known as practicum hours. Each practicum allows students to apply what they've learned in a healthcare facility under the supervision of other trained professionals. Many schools offering NP programs online have a designated clinical coordinator who helps students arrange for practicum sites, but some may have to secure these opportunities themselves. Clinical practice hours fulfill graduation demands, and they also count toward licensure and certification requirements.

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

  • Earning an online degree is convenient for rural nurses who may work far from universities, shift nurses whose schedules rotate, and anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.

  • The work can be rewarding. Healthcare workers are often passionate about the work they do to improve the well-being of others and consider nursing their vocation — something they feel called to do.

  • There are many opportunities for job growth as a nurse practitioner, not only with annual salaries potentially exceeding $100,000 but also with the possibility to work anywhere — from a healthcare clinic or intensive care unit to a delivery room or private practice — as a travel nurse.

  • An online nurse practitioner degree may be more affordable than on-campus programs because schools often waive campus fees, charge tuition a flat rate, and offer free and affordable digital materials and resources.

Potential Drawbacks

  • Practicum opportunities may be limited for you as an online student if you don't live close to campus and don't live near healthcare facilities. It may be difficult for you to find opportunities locally, especially if you live in a rural area.

  • The work can be stressful, especially for NPs who work in emergency rooms, trauma centers, and neonatal clinics, which can be physically and emotionally exhausting.

  • Work hours and shifts may be irregular and stressful for you and your family. You may be an on-call NP, work rotating shifts, or you may be scheduled for evenings, weekends, or holidays. Your hours are often longer than the average workday, which can negatively impact your free time.

FAQs About Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Can I Get a Nursing Degree Online?


Yes, you can get a nursing degree online. Many accredited schools offer online nursing programs at all levels, including an MSN for a range of NP specializations.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse Practitioner?


Most NP programs require the completion of 42-48 credit hours and at least 600 practicum hours. Full-time students often finish their NP requirements in two to three years, while part-time students may need three to four years.

How Do I Choose a Nursing Program?


Perhaps it's most important to choose an accredited nursing program, but other considerations include cost and whether the program offers the area of specialization that interests you. In addition, many online nursing programs require a few on-campus learning activities, so you may want to factor in the cost of visiting the school several times. Finally, you may want to investigate whether an online NP program's courses are primarily asynchronous or synchronous to ensure the format will give you the flexibility you're looking for.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse Practitioner?


A few online nursing schools offer accelerated NP programs that enable full-time students to graduate in one and a half to two years. Also, students who have previously completed some graduate-level coursework that transfers into their program may be able to graduate in less time than average.

How Much Can I Earn as a Nurse Practitioner?


The BLS notes that, as of 2022, the median annual salary for NPs was $121,610. However, median salaries for NPs vary by state. The annual mean salary for NPs in California, for example, is $158,130, while the mean wage for Tennessee is $99,330.

What Else Should You Consider?

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.

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.

Additional Resources for Nursing Students

  • The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), a 120,000-member organization, improves the quality of nursing healthcare through education, advocacy, and research. AANP members gain access to a number of informative journals and other educational support that help keep them updated on nursing practice, related legislation, and other NP issues. The AANP website features a student resource page.
  • The National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) promotes nursing education and supports nursing students. Among the member benefits are educational resources and discounts on products and services, such as health insurance.
  • Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) is a professional community for NPs who provide healthcare services to women and patients who identify as female. The group promotes best practices, conducting research, and advocating for patients and healthcare workers. Student members of NPWH are entitled to discounted membership fees and can take advantage of educational and other resources.
  • American Nurses Association (ANA) is an advocacy group for nurses that provides its members with educational and professional resources. It also offers several types of NP certifications. Students can subscribe to the ANA for free.

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