Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs

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,... leadership, and ethical issues. All tracks require practicum work and a capstone project. AHU is a Seventh-day Adventist school that welcomes students of all backgrounds.

Students use Canvas to access classes asynchronously. Students communicate with classmates and professors and have access to online office hours. Varying points of entry allow nurses to use their previous education to create a personalized course of study. AHU offers scholarships and tuition assistance programs. Students have access to an online job placement service, career fairs, and can take advantage of a strong alumni network.

Nurses applying for admission to the administration/leadership and education tracks for the Summer 2021 semester must apply by April 11, 2021. Classes for the Summer 2021 semester begin May 1, 2021. Students applying to the FNP track for the Fall 2021 semester must apply by May 1, 2021. The start date for the Fall 2021 semester is to be determined. The application process is completed online. Students who take classes online have access to a 24/7 support network.

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... includes preparation for the AANP and ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner National Certification Exam. Students study cultural understanding, physical assessment, pharmacology, and primary care for specific ages and conditions. The program requires that students take two online courses at a time for the first four trimesters and complete clinical requirements for the final three trimesters.

Online coursework is primarily asynchronous. Some courses include conference calls or lectures that students can attend or view later. On-campus attendance is required for one week during trimesters five, six, and seven. Students may transfer credit from other institutions in certain situations. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, including one specifically for veterans, and federal and private loans. Minority Nurse Magazine has recognized the School of Nursing as a Nursing Diversity Champion for its recruiting and retention of diverse students and faculty.

Prospective students can apply three times a year -- in March, July, and November -- with specific deadlines for each cohort. Applications are submitted online with supporting documents mailed. Resources available to online students include academic coaching through the Office of Academic Services and Institutional Support and remote library access.

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... the program in five semesters, while part-time students can finish it in eight semesters. Graduates are eligible for the national nurse practitioner certification exam.

Coursework is completed online, but students are required to attend two on-campus experiences during the program. Graduate students may be eligible for financial aid through the school of nursing or their employers.

Prospective students can choose from three start dates. Successful applicants to the program have a BSN with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, a current RN licensure, and at least one year of recent clinical experience. Accepted students who do not fulfill these prerequisites must take a two-credit bridge course. Distance learners at USC have access to virtual services, including academic advising and technical support.

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... experiences are required throughout each program, allowing online students the opportunity to connect with classmates and faculty in person. Graduates can take the national certification exam for their area of specialty.

USCC delivers asynchronous coursework through Blackboard and AdobeConnect. Enrollees can connect with classmates and receive support from faculty mentors through the informal Student Cafe discussion board. Students can pursue a range of scholarships offered through the School of Nursing.

Prospective students can apply online, but they must first check with their home state guidelines to see if they can enroll in the online NP programs at USCC. Online students have remote access to academic advising and technical support services.

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... as well as an internship experience.

Students at SMU use the Canvas learning management system to access coursework. SMU's online programs combine theory and practice and prepare students for hands-on practice and internship experiences. 86% of students at SMU receive some financial aid. Students have access to SMU's Career Services office and also have access to a robust alumni network. SMU has a low rate of graduates who default on their student loans (0.9% compared to a national average of 9.7%).

Applicants can apply and submit required documentation online. Classes for the Fall 2021 semester begin on September 7, 2021. Online students have access to Canvas support, IT support, the school's online library, online tutoring, writing support, academic advising, and more.

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... with a master's project.

Students use an online learning platform to work through asynchronous classes at times that are convenient for them. FDU is proud to work with military veterans and has been recognized as a Yellow Ribbon School. Students at FDU have access to the career development center, and can also utilize the school's alumni network after graduation.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants can apply and submit all necessary documentation online. Online students have access to library resources and remote tutoring (each student gets 300 free tutoring minutes per semester).

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... Center (ANCC) and apply for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) license from the California Board of Registered Nurses.

This program follows a hybrid online instructional model, including real-time face-to-face instruction and video conferencing, phone conferencing, and/or live chats with faculty and fellow students. Lessons require students to participate in activities with mentors and other students, interact with computer-simulated patients, and review case studies. Students will take part in online and synchronous lectures, discussions, videos, and other activities. Online students must also attend a four-day immersion program at one of the university’s three campuses in San Diego, Tempe, AZ, or Tampa, FL. Students must also complete at least 540 clinical hours, starting in the second year of the program.

Applicants must complete program entrance requirements and submit an application and enrollment agreement. Academic advising, online tutoring, and additional student success resources are also available.

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,... students study nursing research, clinical pathophysiology, ethical issues, and more. Students also take part in an advanced nursing practice seminar.

Online students use Zoom and the Brightspace learning management system to work closely with experienced faculty members. The program combines online courses with hands-on experience. Felician University provides financial aid and offers students financial counseling. Upon graduation, students have access to the alumni network, as well as the school's career development center. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for doctoral study or to sit for the national certification exam from the ANCC, AANP, or the APN.

Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis, and applicants can fill out their information and submit required documents online. Online students have access to The Center for Academic Success, electronic access to the school's libraries, and virtual tutoring services.

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... in total, 18 of which are core-related, 24 are spent in clinical, and the final six on an evidence-based project or thesis. Students will learn how to meet the health-related needs of families.

MSUWSN students use the BrightSpace platform to access their online courses provided by WebAssign. BrightSpace offers videos, meetings, discussion groups, quizzes, exams, and many other classroom tools students can use to move through their coursework. Students can utilize a variety of financial aid resources. There are scholarships awarded for good grades, military service, as well as available grants and loans. Graduates who complete their degree program qualify to take national certification examinations.

MSUWSN allows students to apply for their FNP degree programs online. The university offers virtual library access as well as online tutoring and support programs. 24/7 online support is available for students interested in pursuing their degrees or already started the education process. Students can enroll in the FNP MSN degree program for the fall semester. The deadline to apply for MSN degree courses is April 1st.

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... pharmacology, epidemiology, and community health, pathophysiology, and neonate health assessment.

Online coursework is available through the Canvas learning management platform, which houses virtual teaching tools and class content. Students can access Canvas 24/7, allowing them to study at their convenience. The university created the Double Husky Scholarship to award 25% off tuition to master’s students who also earned their bachelor’s degree at Northeastern.

Applicants must be active RNs with at least two years of experience in the NICU. The application process requires students to submit an online application, academic transcripts, a personal statement, 1-3 letters of recommendation, and a resume. Academic transcripts must indicate a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Distance learners can take advantage of tutoring services, academic advising, library access, and mental health counseling.

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.... The program features 22 core credits (including an independent project) and three 4-credit advanced clinical practicums.

Online courses are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system. Graduates of each program will be prepared to sit for the relevant certification exam for their specialty; passing these exams widens a nurse’s career options.

Prospective students connect with an enrollment advisor when they begin their application process, which requires official college transcripts and a personal statement but doesn’t require GRE scores. Distance learners have access to student services like academic advising, technical support, and assistance with clinical placements.

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... can pursue positions at various institutions, nonprofit organizations, private practices, and more.

Online coursework is delivered on the Brightspace learning platform. In addition to part-time online classes, students must also complete clinicals in a location that is convenient for them. Pace University offers financial aid in the form of scholarships and awards, such as the Veterans Tuitions Award, and grants, including the Pace Grant and the Trustee Admission Grant.

To apply to this program, students must fill out the online application. Online students have access to IT support, career services, library resources, and tutoring.

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... complete the degree in six or seven. The curriculum includes courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, health assessment, and health policy. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner exam administered by the National Certification Corporation.

UC hosts courses on Husky Course Tools, an extension of the Blackboard system. Readings, lectures, and assignments are available 24/7, and students work independently to meet due dates and study for scheduled exams. UC provides many endowed scholarships to help nursing students fund the degree.

There are three start dates for the program, and online applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, students must have two years of professional nursing experience. A personal essay, three letters of reference, a CV, and unofficial transcripts are required for acceptance. Resources for distance learners include technical support, accessibility services, virtual library access, career development support, and online tutoring.

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.... The nursing leadership program is 30 credits and requires 180 clinical hours, while the other two are both 47 credits long and require six on-campus immersions and 660 clinical hours.

Online courses are available 24/7 through Canvas, where students can submit assignments, take quizzes, watch video lectures, download text resources, and engage with classmates and professors through discussion forums and email. Gonzaga doesn’t provide scholarships for graduate students but does have a Career Services office to help graduates in their job search.

To apply to Gonzaga University’s online MSN programs, interested students can submit an online application with their official transcripts, proof of unencumbered RN license, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Students can transfer between six and nine credits from previous academic institutions. Online students have access to resources such as the career center, the Foley Library, disability services, and tutoring.

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... 700 clinical hours to graduate. This online MSN-FNP program is only available part-time.

Students complete their coursework online through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous components. The program offers free clinical placement services that guarantee students a placement site and preceptor within 100 miles of their residence. Marymount participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for military members, veterans, and dependents. The MU nursing program is recognized for its high exam pass rates, faculty with expertise in the field, and student support services.

To apply for a master’s degree at MU, students must fill out an online form and schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor (a required step in the application process). The application deadline for summer classes is April 2, 2021. The next program starts on May 10, 2021. Online resources for students include academic advising, career development, 24/7 Canvas support, and IT support services.

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... and 512 hours for the adult-gerontology primary care program.

Online coursework follows an asynchronous format and is delivered on the Blackboard platform, where students can access and submit their assignments. These programs offer pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same cost for both in-state and out-of-state students. La Salle University’s Common Scholarship Application allows students to apply for relevant scholarships, including awards offered by academic departments. A virtual coffee house series and 1-1 individualized coaching are some of the career-related resources available to students and alumni.

An online application is required for enrollment in the online MSN programs. There are five start dates each year in the spring, summer, and fall, with application deadlines approximately two months before classes begin. Online students have access to resources like Handshake, academic support tutors, and Helpdesk for technical assistance.

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... format, and students complete most assignments online. Monmouth’s online learning platform allows students to connect with faculty and classmates over video conferencing and access lessons via voice-over PowerPoint presentations, YouTube, and email. The same instructors that teach on-campus MSN programs instruct the online versions. Nearly 100% of graduates pass the national certification exams. Monmouth has partnered with Great Lakes & Affiliates to help applicants find scholarships, grants, student loans, and federal aid.

Prospective students must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and one year of experience as a registered RN. Interested candidates must submit an online application to be considered.

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... board exams with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Students at WCU access courses using the Blackboard learning management system. Classes may consist of videos, simulations, interaction with peers, quizzes, and more. Financial aid is offered to students in the form of scholarships and grants. WCU also offers military education benefits to active-duty members and their spouses. WCU accepts transfer credits from prior coursework. Students with military healthcare training may be eligible to receive academic credit. Online students have access to WCU's Career Service Department.

Applicants can fill out applications and submit required materials online. Students are assigned a start date upon acceptance. Online students have access to 24/7 IT support, a success advisor, tutoring, a writing center, and more.

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... care. Graduates are prepared to sit for the nursing certification or licensing exams. Each program requires students to participate in a clinical practicum and travel to ODU’s campus at least once per semester.

ODU’s online classes are hosted on the LEO Online learning platform. Synchronous courses are regularly scheduled each semester, and students meet in group settings over video calls. Students are taught by faculty who have active careers in the field. Graduates of ODU’s PMHNP program have a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam. The program offers financial assistance to students through grants and the Virginia Health Care Foundation’s scholarship program.

Interested applicants can apply online and may qualify for financial assistance and discounts if they live in-state. Once enrolled, online students have access to support staff, professors, online coaching, and other students through the online platform.

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... over seven semesters. The curriculum focuses on supporting health and delivering care in a holistic manner to the specialty population.

Although the didactic coursework is facilitated mostly online, there are on-site clinical practicums 2-3 days of on-campus simulation lab experiences required each semester. UTMB hosts a number of scholarships specifically for graduate nursing students.

Applicants should have a BSN from an accredited program with a 3.0 GPA or higher. They must have an active RN license with at least one year of recent clinical experience. Applications require a resume, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation that focuses on the student’s experience and dedication to a nursing career. Online students have access to 24/7 technical support during their program.

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,... and more. Students are required to complete a practicum in their final year in the form of a preceptorship and a thesis or scholarly project.

Students use the GaVIEW system to access online courses. Class format is at the discretion of faculty members and may include both synchronous and asynchronous components. Many students at ASU receive financial aid and are eligible for both state- and university-based scholarships and grants. Students have access to both a robust alumni network and ASU's Office of Career Services. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to sit for a credentialing exam through the AANP or the ANCC.

Applicants must apply online and submit the required documentation. Online students have access to the online writing center and tutoring services.

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... programs require 660 clinical hours in order to graduate. Students need to attend on-campus residencies each semester during their clinical courses. Graduates will be able to take the national certification exam for their chosen specialty.

Online classes are delivered over Canvas. Most course elements are asynchronous, but some are courses have mandatory class and discussion times. The School of Nursing and Health Studies provides competitive scholarships to eligible applicants.

Candidates must have at least one year of experience as a registered nurse. Prospective students must submit an online application and official transcripts. Students should check their home state regulations to confirm that they will be permitted to enroll in a distance learning program. Academic advisors are available to support students throughout the program.

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... clinical hours. The online portion of the program is divided into seven-week classes, and students can choose from three start dates. Graduates are eligible to sit for the relevant certification exam for their specialty.

Although the classes are offered online, UTEP encourages enrollees to attend the on-site student orientation. Nursing students can pursue funding opportunities through the Office of Scholarships.

Applicants can submit their transcripts, resume, and letter of intent online for admissions consideration. Distance learners can access technical support and academic advising through UTEP Connect. Students also receive customized support from faculty and program directors to help them succeed in this online program.

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... begin clinical hours at the end of their second year of study. Graduates are immediately eligible to take the nurse practitioner certification exam through ANCC or AANP.

Students use Blackboard to access online course content. Lectures are offered synchronously, providing students the opportunity to connect with peers and faculty. For the 2019-2020 school year, 95% of Drexel students were offered financial aid. Graduates have access to the alumni network and the school's career planning and development center.

Students can apply to the program online. Online learners have 24/7 remote library access, can set up appointments with a tutor at the Drexel Writing Center, and can receive telehealth counseling and therapy through the Office of Counseling and Health Services.

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... months if taken full time. The curriculum emphasizes clinical decision-making, health policy and management, and organizational systems and behaviors.

Online coursework is asynchronous and offers interprofessional educational opportunities in an interactive environment. Classwork is delivered 100% online other than clinical rotations. The program’s Clinical Guidance Process ensures that all students receive clinical practice experiences and offers a virtual boot camp that assists students in preparing for the certification examination. The school offers several scholarships, including the Military Appreciation Grant and Herzing University Grant, which offers a 10% discount to veterans and the family members of active-duty military members.

To apply, students may request information online from Herzing University. There are six start-dates per year for incoming students. Prospective students must hold a current, unrestricted, and active license as a registered nurse (RN) in the state where they live. They must also have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Herzing requires students to live in a state where the university is authorized to offer the program.