The Master of Science in Nursing at AdventHealth University (AHU) offers three program tracks: family nurse practitioner (FNP), education, and administration and leadership. The program offers varied entry points for nurses depending on their current career stage and can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. This online degree program provides nurses with knowledge in research,
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
As the population in the U.S. continues to grow and age, there is an increasing need for healthcare professionals with advanced skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting an astounding 45% rise in the demand for nurse practitioners through 2029. A nurse practitioner (NP), also known as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), provides primary care and performs tasks comparable to those of a doctor, from prescribing medication to ordering tests and interpreting the results. However, only a master’s degree is required to become a nurse practitioner. The following is a list of the best online master’s nurse practitioner degree programs. Read on for additional information about accreditation, accelerated programs, licensing requirements, and specializations in this growing field.
Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs with the Highest Return on Investment

The national average ROI for nurse practitioner degree programs is $968,000 over 10 years. All of the top online nurse practitioner schools have ROIs above that average, with ROIs ranging from $1,006,200 at Herzing University to $1,691,400 at AdventHealth University. Tuitions start as low as $6,600 per year for these top online nurse practitioner programs. Alumni of the top nurse practitioner programs earn median salaries of over $100,000.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AdventHealth University | $13,000 | $182,280 | $148,677 | $1,691,400 | |
Touro University Nevada | $20,250 | $155,297 | $44,364 | $1,543,500 | |
University of Southern California | $61,845 | $161,637 | $140,524 | $1,489,000 | |
University of South Carolina-Columbia | $9,067 | $131,707 | $46,050 | $1,298,600 | |
Samuel Merritt University | $37,689 | $130,283 | $133,233 | $1,175,300 | |
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $9,900 | $117,274 | $30,750 | $1,169,000 | |
United States University | $11,400 | $116,083 | $53,149 | $1,128,900 | |
Felician University | $12,720 | $113,360 | $35,870 | $1,122,400 | |
Midwestern State University | $7,662 | $114,595 | $48,803 | $1,119,000 | |
Northeastern University | $34,062 | $115,020 | $60,776 | $1,108,400 | |
University of North Dakota | $15,072 | $108,852 | $30,767 | $1,082,300 | |
Pace University | $25,536 | $109,909 | $41,000 | $1,080,500 | |
University of Connecticut | $24,050 | $107,376 | $38,753 | $1,057,200 | |
Gonzaga University | $16,480 | $109,219 | $55,377 | $1,055,400 | |
Marymount University | $24,150 | $104,510 | $33,773 | $1,033,900 | |
La Salle University | $19,435 | $107,089 | $59,980 | $1,027,800 | |
Monmouth University | $19,005 | $105,083 | $47,392 | $1,022,800 | |
West Coast University | $12,268 | $103,078 | $31,483 | $1,022,000 | |
Old Dominion University | $13,685 | $103,913 | $41,000 | $1,018,700 | |
The University of Texas Medical Branch | $12,268 | $102,791 | $34,167 | $1,015,700 | |
Albany State University | $6,600 | $103,913 | $45,242 | $1,013,400 | |
University of Missouri-Kansas City | $14,365 | $101,406 | $27,464 | $1,009,800 | |
The University of Texas at El Paso | $16,422 | $102,754 | $38,835 | $1,009,500 | |
Drexel University | $29,640 | $104,168 | $51,250 | $1,008,600 | |
Herzing University | $23,505 | $102,409 | $38,602 | $1,006,200 |
Best Master's Degrees in Nurse Practitioner (NP) Rankings Details
#1
AdventHealth University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,691,400
- Median Salary: $182,280
- Annual Tuition: $13,000
- Median Debt: $148,677
#2
Touro University Nevada
- 10-Year ROI: $1,543,500
- Median Salary: $155,297
- Annual Tuition: $20,250
- Median Debt: $44,364
The online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program offered at Touro University Nevada (TUN) consists of 53 credits that can be completed in seven trimesters. The degree program is completed primarily online with three on-campus clinical intensives. Students also complete 585 hours in a supervised clinical practicum and a one-credit capstone project, which
#3
University of Southern California
- 10-Year ROI: $1,489,000
- Median Salary: $161,637
- Annual Tuition: $61,845
- Median Debt: $140,524
The Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Southern California (USC) is designed for registered nurses who want a nurse practitioner certification. This program includes 49 credits of coursework in health care technology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and more, along with 784 hours of clinical experience. Full-time students can complete
#4
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- 10-Year ROI: $1,298,600
- Median Salary: $131,707
- Annual Tuition: $9,067
- Median Debt: $46,050
The online Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of South Carolina - Columbia (USCC) is designed for registered nurses who want to improve their career prospects. Students can choose from three nurse practitioner programs: adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. On-site immersive
#5
Samuel Merritt University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,175,300
- Median Salary: $130,283
- Annual Tuition: $37,689
- Median Debt: $133,233
The online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is a full degree program that offers both full and part-time course loads. The program provides instruction on nursing theory, advanced practice nursing, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and more. Students are required to complete a 210-hour clinical practicum
#6
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
- 10-Year ROI: $1,169,000
- Median Salary: $117,274
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Debt: $30,750
The online Master of Science in Nursing program at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) allows students to complete coursework on a full- or part-time basis. Students complete 37 credits, as well as at least 640 clinical hours. Through the course of the program, students learn about diverse medical conditions, practice diagnostic skills, and nursing research. The program culminates
#7
United States University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,128,900
- Median Salary: $116,083
- Annual Tuition: $11,400
- Median Debt: $53,149
United States University offers an online Master of Science Nurse Practitioner program for registered nurses who want to promote and manage the health of patients, families, and communities. The 48-semester credit course is a 24-month program. Graduates can sit for a national certification exam from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing
#8
Felician University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,122,400
- Median Salary: $113,360
- Annual Tuition: $12,720
- Median Debt: $35,870
The online Master of Science in Nursing program at Felician University offers concentrations in adult-gerontology and family nursing. Most students complete the program on a part-time basis, taking approximately five credits per semester. Felician University is a Roman Catholic university but is open to students of all religious/non-religious backgrounds. Throughout the program,
#9
Midwestern State University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,119,000
- Median Salary: $114,595
- Annual Tuition: $7,662
- Median Debt: $48,803
Midwestern State University Wilson School of Nursing (MSUWSN) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Students who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can enroll in the Family Nurse Practitioner program if they intend to move forward with their education and want to work primarily with families. The course comprises 48 credit hours
#10
Northeastern University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,108,400
- Median Salary: $115,020
- Annual Tuition: $34,062
- Median Debt: $60,776
The online Master of Science in Nursing – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Northeastern University is offered in both full-time and part-time formats. This program focuses on providing care to high-risk newborns in levels 2 and 3 in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and advancing current skills in diagnostic reasoning and delivery room management. The curriculum explores advanced
#11
University of North Dakota
- 10-Year ROI: $1,082,300
- Median Salary: $108,852
- Annual Tuition: $15,072
- Median Debt: $30,767
The University of North Dakota offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with three concentrations: adult-gerontology primary care nursing, family nurse practitioner (FNP), and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Each track is intended for RNs looking to advance as leaders in patient-focused health care. Students can finish in as few as eight semesters.
#12
Pace University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,080,500
- Median Salary: $109,909
- Annual Tuition: $25,536
- Median Debt: $41,000
Pace University's Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares students to practice psychiatric mental health nursing at an advanced level. The program places a particular focus on treating patients with substance abuse disorders. Students gain hands-on experience by engaging in complex patient scenarios using simulation software. Graduates
#13
University of Connecticut
- 10-Year ROI: $1,057,200
- Median Salary: $107,376
- Annual Tuition: $24,050
- Median Debt: $38,753
The online Master of Science in Nursing – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at the University of Connecticut (UC) is intended for current nurse practitioners looking to advance their careers. Students in this 44-credit program must attend an on-campus orientation and two on-site simulations at different times. Full-time students can finish in five semesters and part-time students can
#14
Gonzaga University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,055,400
- Median Salary: $109,219
- Annual Tuition: $16,480
- Median Debt: $55,377
Gonzaga University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree with concentrations in nursing leadership in health care, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health tracks are available as second M.S.N. degrees to Registered Nurses who want to add a specialty to their practice.
#15
Marymount University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,033,900
- Median Salary: $104,510
- Annual Tuition: $24,150
- Median Debt: $33,773
The online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Program (MSN-FNP) at Marymount University (MU) provides instruction in population health, care delivery, practice management, leadership, health promotion, and family care. The 45-credit hour online degree program also includes in-person clinicals and a two- to three-day on-campus residency. Students must complete
#16
La Salle University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,027,800
- Median Salary: $107,089
- Annual Tuition: $19,435
- Median Debt: $59,980
The online Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees at La Salle University include family nurse practitioner (FNP) and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGNP) programs, which require 45 and 41 credit hours, respectively. The accelerated online programs require students to complete a number of clinical hours: 692 hours for the family nurse practitioner master
#17
Monmouth University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,022,800
- Median Salary: $105,083
- Annual Tuition: $19,005
- Median Debt: $47,392
Monmouth University offers a 33-45-credit hour Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing in adult-gerontological nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner. The programs require that students complete clinical placements throughout the state or at the Monmouth Medical Center and Hacken Meridian Health system.
Online courses follow a hybrid learning
#18
West Coast University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,022,000
- Median Salary: $103,078
- Annual Tuition: $12,268
- Median Debt: $31,483
West Coast University (WCU) offers several online degree options, including the Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner (40-month program), MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (36-month program), and the MSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (32-month program). Upon graduation, students are prepared to sit for national
#19
Old Dominion University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,018,700
- Median Salary: $103,913
- Annual Tuition: $13,685
- Median Debt: $41,000
Old Dominion University (ODU) offers three online programs for practicing and licensed nurses pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing: family nurse practitioner (FNP), pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Concentrations are available in telehealth, holistic medicine, national healthcare solutions, health promotion, and restorative
#20
The University of Texas Medical Branch
- 10-Year ROI: $1,015,700
- Median Salary: $102,791
- Annual Tuition: $12,268
- Median Debt: $34,167
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program with four possible concentrations: adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and neonatal nurse practitioner. The program is intended for experienced registered nurses and is divided into 14 courses
#21
Albany State University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,013,400
- Median Salary: $103,913
- Annual Tuition: $6,600
- Median Debt: $45,242
Albany State University (ASU) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree. This degree program is offered in both part-time and full-time formats. The program requires 44 credits total, and it's recommended that part-time students take six to seven credits per semester. Throughout the program, students learn about pathophysiology, pharmacology, research in nursing practice,
#22
University of Missouri-Kansas City
- 10-Year ROI: $1,009,800
- Median Salary: $101,406
- Annual Tuition: $14,365
- Median Debt: $27,464
The University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree with seven concentrations: adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, women's health nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, and pediatric nurse practitioner (primary or acute care).
These 52-credit online
#23
The University of Texas at El Paso
- 10-Year ROI: $1,009,500
- Median Salary: $102,754
- Annual Tuition: $16,422
- Median Debt: $38,835
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers experienced registered nurses an online Master's of Science in Nursing with a choice of concentration in nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and pediatric nurse practitioner (acute or primary care). These programs range from 46–49 credits and require 675–775
#24
Drexel University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,008,600
- Median Salary: $104,168
- Annual Tuition: $29,640
- Median Debt: $51,250
The online Master of Science in Nursing at Drexel University offers several specialty options in women's health/gender-related nursing, adult-gerontology, family nursing, pediatric acute care, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric/mental health nursing. This degree program requires 56 credits and is offered on a part-time basis. Most students take two classes per semester and
#25
Herzing University
- 10-Year ROI: $1,006,200
- Median Salary: $102,409
- Annual Tuition: $23,505
- Median Debt: $38,602
The online Master of Science in Nursing at Herzing University offers an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree and an accelerated RN to MSN-FNP program. The program consists of 48 semester hours, 30 of which must be in the FNP concentration. Another 675 total clinical hours and 500 total patient encounters are required. The program is five semesters and can be completed in 20
Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Degree Overview & Career Information
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for nurse practitioners is usually a two-year degree, but some schools require three years of training. Students are expected to already be a practicing nurse, and they will learn about topics such as women's health, family practice, pharmaceuticals, injury treatment and prevention, and various types of medical testing. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will give students all of the same tools and knowledge as an MSN, but with more in-depth analysis. DNPs also usually require a residency period, where students work under the guidance of a licensed NP.
Anyone applying to a nurse practitioner preparation degree program must be a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree. Some schools require that applicants have a certain amount of experience, measured either in years or hours. While on-campus NP programs emphasize collaborative group work and class discussion, online students do most of their learning alone. Most online students are also expected to maintain a nursing job while they are enrolled in order to implement and practice new skills as they learn them. Schools may ask for proof of employment and letters of recommendation from employers.
Online Master's Degrees in Nurse Practitioner (NP)
An online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a nurse practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in the field. Programs focus on advanced nursing theory and principles in the design and delivery of primary care. This training helps students prepare to take the national certification exam after graduation. Master's NP programs also establish a foundation for pursuing doctoral studies in the field.
Program Requirements
Applicants to an online nurse practitioner master's program should hold a bachelor's degree in nursing and a registered nurse (RN) license. Students may be required to complete prerequisite courses such as statistics and basic computer courses. Once enrolled, NP master's students will generally need to complete 42-48 credits including clinical practice hours. Full-time students may complete the program in two years, while part-time students may require three to six years.
Curriculum
An online master's degree in nursing with a nurse practitioner concentration will include a combination of foundation, clinical, and specialty courses. Foundation courses cover nursing theory, diversity, ethics, health policy, research, and advanced practice nursing roles. Clinical courses equip students with skills in advanced nursing interventions, anatomy and physiology, assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Students choose specialty courses that best represent their career interests and complete a practicum to gain clinical experience. Specialty courses may include adults and older adults, health promotion, pediatrics, and women's health. MSN programs also typically include a comprehensive exam requirement in the final semester.
Master's programs help prepare students to provide primary care to individuals of all ages in various settings. Graduates may be able to take up NP positions in clinics, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and physicians' offices. Job opportunities may also available at care centers that specialize in areas such as oncology, nephrology, and women's health. NPs are in high demand in rural and under-served areas, and some graduates choose to pursue careers in the global health arena. Graduates may also go on to work in nursing administration and research or as faculty members in schools of nursing.
Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Programs
Nurse practitioners need at least a master’s degree in advanced nursing skills to become certified. Accelerated online NP programs provide a way for non-nurses or current registered nurses to earn the master’s credential in a shorter time frame. There are two distinct types of accelerated nurse practitioner programs: those for current RNs and those for non-nurses.
Accelerated NP programs for current bachelor’s degree-level RNs take approximately a year and a half to complete. These programs often utilize online courses for the didactic portion of the degree; students still complete clinical classes in their local area. Like NP programs for non-nurses, these accelerated degrees are available in a variety of advanced practice areas.
Accelerated NP programs for non-nurses usually take around three years to complete. These programs are open to individuals with an accredited bachelor’s degree and prerequisite courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, developmental psychology, and statistics. After being accepted to the program, non-nurses complete a period of bachelor’s-degree-level bridge coursework; this usually takes one year to complete. After completing this successfully, students take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) nursing exam to earn their general nursing license. After passing this test, nurses then begin two years of master’s-level NP coursework.
Examples of common course requirements in accelerated NP degree programs include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology: This course takes an advanced look at the biology of disease and how medicine treats diseases.
- Applied Pharmacology: Students learn how to utilize knowledge about drug dosage and interactions when working with different types of patients.
- Evaluating Evidence in Advanced Practice Nursing: This course teaches nurses how to take into account the various metrics of patient health when developing a diagnosis.
- Health Assessment & Diagnosis: Nursing students learn how to interview patients and perform physical exams.
The Importance of an Accredited Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Accreditation is an important factor to consider when deciding which online degree or certificate NP program to attend. One of the most important reasons for attending an accredited program is that most professional nursing certification exams are only open to candidates who have completed an accredited degree program. When a program is accredited, it means that it meets the nationally-recognized standards set by independent agencies with regard to curriculum and the qualifications of faculty, among other things. Accreditation also helps to ensure that the credits you earn will be transferable to other accredited institutions and that you will be eligible for federal financial aid.
Prospective NPs should choose online degrees that are accredited by programmatic accrediting agencies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and by institutional accrediting agencies, such as the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintain databases of all accredited schools and programs.
Licensing and Certification Requirements for Nurse Practitioners
All US states regulate the practices of nurse practitioners. Depending on the state, licensed NPs may be referred to as either an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). Many states still accept an MSN with a concentration in NP studies as qualification to earn a license to practice; however, some states are slowly phasing this degree out in place of a DNP degree. Applicants should consult their state's licensing board and talk to current NPs in their state to determine if the laws are likely to change soon. Those who do not need a doctorate for licensure purposes will probably find that a master’s degree program meets their professional needs.
To work as an NP anywhere in the United States, you must obtain a license through your state's nursing board. Licensing requirements vary by state. To work as an NP, most states require a nurse to be licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN). At a minimum, prospective NPs must complete these steps:
- Gain clinical patient experience, which is often a prerequisite for NP school.
- Earn a graduate degree (MSN or DNP).
- Choose a specialization. All NP programs are specialization-specific.
Certification is required to work with different patient populations. There are five different NP certification boards in the U.S., with each offering certifications for different patient groups. These include:
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Family
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Psychiatric-Mental Health
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Pediatric Acute Care
The National Certification Corporation (NCC)
- Neonatal
- Women’s Health-Gender Related
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP)
- Family
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
In addition to national certification, there may be additional requirements on a state level. Specific requirements for nurse practitioner licensure can vary on a state-by-state basis, but in general, applicants need the following to practice legally in any state:
- Photo identification
- Proof of completion for education requirements
- Proof of legal name change (if applicable)
- Criminal history and fingerprinting for background checks
- An application fee
Nurse Practitioner Specializations
The online NP master’s degree is a specialized degree program. Prospective NPs should decide which area of advanced practice care they would like to work in. Potential clinical areas include acute care, adult care, family care, geriatric care, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric/mental health nursing.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family nurse practitioners (FNP) provide collaborative healthcare for patients of all ages, from infants to adults. They work in many different settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, and urgent care clinics. Responsibilities for FNPs include interviewing and counseling patients, reviewing patient medical histories, performing physical examinations and screenings, promoting self-care and disease prevention, and designing treatment plans. Family nurse practitioners provide comprehensive care to individuals while also taking into account the family system as a whole.
Students interested in pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner will need to begin by earning a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution. They will then need to work full-time for at least one year as a licensed registered nurse before applying to a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nurse Practice degree program. Some schools offer MSN programs with a family nurse practitioner concentration, while others offer a separate FNP certificate program for master's and doctoral graduates. After completing a graduate degree program and at least 500 hours of supervised practicum experience, graduates can then take an FNP certification exam through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Adult nurse practitioners (ANP) are registered nurses (RNs) who have completed advanced training at the graduate level. They specialize in working with patients in all stages of adulthood, from young adults to seniors. Some ANPs work independently, while others are employed by hospitals, clinics, or public health units and work as part of a larger healthcare team to provide primary or acute care services to patients.
People who would be most successful in this career field are those who have a strong interest in individual and public health. Adult patients are not only individuals, they are also a part of families and communities, and nurse practitioners need to understand how their healthcare needs factor into these relationships as well.
To become an ANP, nurses must complete an accredited master's, doctorate, or post-master's certificate program and a clinical practicum with approximately 500-600 hours. Candidates who apply for an ANP program must have an accredited bachelor's degree and a current RN license, as well as relevant nursing experience. Some colleges will only admit prospective students who have achieved a minimum GPA in their undergraduate program. GRE scores may need to be submitted for consideration with the other application materials.
ANPs must have strong oral and written communication skills in order to effectively share information with patients, co-workers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Much of an ANP's time will be spent interviewing patients, recording patients' medical histories, and conducting or ordering medical tests. The ANP will also be responsible for reviewing and interpreting test results and sharing them with patients in ways they can easily understand. The practitioner must have excellent listening skills and be able to create an atmosphere where patients can share their health concerns openly and directly.
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center offer certification exams for adult nurse practitioners. Certification exams test candidates' competency in many areas, such as clinical decision making, cultural competence, evidence-based practice, health promotion and disease prevention, interviewing concepts, and pharmacological therapies. ANPs can apply for a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license through their state's licensing board.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Degrees
How is a nurse practitioner different from a clinical nurse specialist?
Both the nurse practitioner role and the clinical nurse specialist role require master's degrees because they involve advanced healthcare activities. In fact, there is a fair degree of overlap between the two in terms of education, training, and practices. Both are required to be licensed to treat patients, conduct physical exams, and coordinate patient care. The main difference between the two roles is the focus. Nurse practitioners are more likely to provide direct patient care, while clinical nurse specialists are more likely to be employed in administrative, research, program development, and teaching positions.
What's the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?
In some ways, the roles of nurse practitioner and physician's assistant are similar. Professionals in these roles must hold master's degrees and be licensed to practice, and they earn comparable salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects a dramatic increase in demand for professionals with either of these credentials. In practice, however, the roles are quite different. Nurse practitioners come from the nursing tradition, so they focus on long-term care and wellness. Physician's assistants come from the medical model and are focused on diagnosing and treating ailments and injuries.
What's the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor?
Nurse practitioners and doctors have overlapping responsibilities but are different from one another in training criteria and scope of practice. It takes less time and a more flexible timeline to become an NP than a physician, and the medical model of patient care is different than the nursing model.
How much can I expect to earn as a nurse practitioner?
The median annual income for a nurse practitioner was $109,820 as of May 2019, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth rate for nurse practitioners and other advanced nursing positions is projected to be 26% through 2028, which is much higher than the average for other employment opportunities.
Can nurse practitioners write prescriptions?
NPs can have prescriptive authority, including prescriptions for controlled substances, in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Not every state offers the same level of independence, however. Depending on where an NP practices, he or she may treat and prescribe under the supervision of, or in collaboration with, a physician. In addition to pharmaceuticals, medical devices and certain services may also require physician oversight. It depends on a state’s “practice authority,” which refers to the ability of an NP to practice and work to the extent of their education, training, and highest level of certification. In some states, NPs must also apply for prescriptive authority separately.
How can I fulfill the clinical practice requirement for a nurse practitioner program if I'm going to school online?
Some nurse practitioner degree programs require students to complete a minimum number of hours of real-world experience as part of the curriculum. When students are completing their degrees online, they may have to work with their advisor or another faculty member to make arrangements to complete this requirement at a recognized healthcare facility that is convenient to the student. Students will need to work under the supervision of licensed professionals at the chosen facilities. The purpose of clinical hours is to give students valuable experience in treating patients.