The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

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Updated February 12, 2024

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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Credit: Anchiy / Getty Images

Completing an online nurse practitioner program puts current registered nurses (RNs) on track to a higher-paying career. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who focus their careers in specific areas of nursing, such as acute care, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, family nursing, and psychiatric mental health.

Nurses can become certified as nurse practitioners after completing a graduate-level program: either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). You can complete either degree online.

Featured Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online Nurse Practitioner Program Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
$60,446 $60,446 13%
#2 George Washington University
Washington, DC
$32,850 $32,850 50%
#3 The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
$7,088 $22,166 53%
#4 Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH
$9,864 $9,864 62%
#5 Harding University
Searcy, AR
$10,540 $10,540 54%
#6 Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Columbus, OH
$19,168 $19,168 52%
#7 Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT
$34,509 $34,509 66%
#8 University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY
$4,282 $4,282 85%
#9 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH
$13,224 $24,966 85%
#10 Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO
$14,346 $14,346 92%

Learn About the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools

#1 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

USC's online master of science nurse practitioner program explores the impact of biomedical and social factors on patient care. The university offers a full-time track for RNs to specialize in family nursing in less than 21 months and a part-time route that takes 33 months. Enrolling its first students in 1920, USC's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing delivers this 50-credit program.

Each enrollee engages in 680 hours of clinical practicums and two on-campus intensives to apply what they've learned in real-world work environments.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Los Angeles, California
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $2,137 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing or a master's in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of clinical experience
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 21 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $190,972 for master's nursing graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
49,318
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

George Washington University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

GW's hybrid MSN program focuses on advanced practice nursing across the lifespan, allowing learners to choose part-time or full-time schedules. Available specializations include adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, family nursing, psychiatric mental health, or nurse midwifery.

The program takes three years and comprises 48-50 credits of online and on-campus learning. Students may complete 600-840 clinical hours, depending on the specialization. Accepted enrollees can begin classes either in the fall or spring.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Washington, D.C.
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $1,450 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020/2021): 100% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $110,856 for master's nursing graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,894
Out-of-state
$57,894
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,850
Out-of-state
$32,850
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
26,457
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

The University of West Florida

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UWF's master's in nursing program prepares learners to pursue family nurse practitioner careers in just 27-30 months. Throughout the curriculum's 45 credits, students gain 600 hours of direct experience in family nursing. The program offers specialized courses for family nurse practitioners, equipping them to care for adults, children, and families.

UWF students typically earn their MSNs in three years, with a 93% pass rate on the family nurse practitioner exam.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Pensacola, Florida
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $500 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 27 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 81.45% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
13,288
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Cedarville University

  • Cedarville, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cedarville's online program for family nurse practitioners emphasizes the use of nursing as a Christian ministry. The 45-48 credit program integrates three credits of Bible studies and offers an optional nursing education certificate. Each student participates in four on-campus immersive visits in preparation for the three semester-long, 200-hour clinical practicums. Cedarville offers part-time and full-time enrollment options.

After graduation, learners can pursue certifications from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Cedarville, Ohio
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $680 per credit 
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; profession of faith in Jesus Christ
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,174
Out-of-state
$33,174
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,864
Out-of-state
$9,864
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
4,643
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Harding University

  • Searcy, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Harding's master's in family nurse practitioner degree offers an education that stays faithful to the school's Christian values. The Carr College of Nursing's hybrid MSN program combines online courses, proctored tests, and field experiences. Throughout the program, each enrollee completes 45 credits, 750 clinical practicum hours, and three intensives on campus in Seary, Arkansas. Learners can choose part-time or full-time pacing. 

In addition to demonstrating Christian ethics, the program helps students develop leadership and collaboration skills, along with clinical judgment.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Searcy, Arkansas
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $1,131 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA proof of 2,000 hours of experience as an RN
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 97.7% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,690
Out-of-state
$21,690
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,540
Out-of-state
$10,540
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
4,973
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Mount Carmel College of Nursing

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Registered nurses can pursue a primary nursing care focus in 18 months through MCCN's master's nurse practitioner online degree. MCCN boasts a 120-year history of educating future nurses. The 48-credit program includes online coursework and on-the-ground immersions. Each MSN degree-seeker completes 500 hours of clinical primary care as a mentee. 

MCCN also offers specialized MSN degrees in adult gerontology acute care and psychiatric-mental health nursing. All specialties provide advanced courses in physiology, pathophysiology, health assessments, and pharmacology. 

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Columbus, Ohio
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $850 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in Ohio; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of clinical experience
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 70.15% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,134
Out-of-state
$22,134
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,168
Out-of-state
$19,168
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
52%
Students Enrolled
790
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Sacred Heart University

  • Fairfield, CT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

SHU's MSN family nurse practitioner program offers convenient online coursework and local clinical placements. The 42-credit program takes an average of 2.5 years to complete. Over three semesters, each enrollee secures their own clinical placements to complete 540 experience hours.

Online learners must visit the campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, for a two-day orientation and clinical competencies. The in-person components merge theory and practice with the study of healthcare policy, healthcare research, and primary care of children, women, and families. 

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Fairfield, Connecticut
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $955 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 100% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $105,141 for master's in nursing graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,960
Out-of-state
$44,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$34,509
Out-of-state
$34,509
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
9,785
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#8 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Registered nurses can earn a master's in family nurse practitioner degree online at UC, a private liberal arts college founded in 1842. The 48-credit degree prepares graduates to integrate theory, leadership, and evidence-based practices as they pursue careers as family nurse practitioners. Each enrollee completes online didactic coursework, a 360-hour internship, and 120 advanced practice clinical hours.

Online learners at UC enjoy small class sizes, free textbooks, and personalized faculty support and feedback. The program's most recent cohort passed certification exams with a rate of 83%.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Williamsburg, Kentucky
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $539 per credit 
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 34.5% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,282
Out-of-state
$4,282
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
19,272
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Enrollees in UC's family nurse practitioner master's program can graduate in as little as two years with no on-campus requirements. The 51-credit program features asynchronous courses in biostatistics, differential diagnosis, and clinical reasoning. Students learn from doctorate-educated faculty in online classrooms and put their learning into practice during 672 required clinical hours. 

UC also offers master's degrees in adult-gerontology primary care, nurse-midwifery, and women's health nursing. Credit and clinical requirements vary depending on program selection.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $892 per credit for Ohio students; $907 per credit for out-of-state learners
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license with one year of work experience; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $107,950 for master's in nursing graduates, according to College Scorecard 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,099
Out-of-state
$25,433
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,224
Out-of-state
$24,966
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
40,329
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Maryville University of Saint Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Maryville's MSN nurse practitioner degree offers concentrations in primary or acute adult-gerontology care, pediatric care, family practice, and psychiatric mental health. The program ranges from 41-50 credits of courses and clinical hours, depending on the program. Full-time students can expect to graduate in as few as 20 months, while part-time enrollees may take 28-32 months.

Online coursework blends healthcare policy, professional role development, health promotion and disease promotion, and leadership development. Students can complete clinical requirements near their homes.

  • Program: Master of Science in Nursing
  • Campus: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $838 per credit 
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; one year of nursing experience; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 91.89% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $108,677 for master's in nursing graduates, according to College Scorecard 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,766
Out-of-state
$24,766
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,346
Out-of-state
$14,346
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
10,596
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best schools for online nurse practitioner programs, including both MSN and DNP programs. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Nurse Featured Online NP Programs

NurseJournal asked Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW to review each of the online NP programs below. In their review, they considered factors that influence nursing student experiences, including reputation, faculty, program quality, and value.

The following are the featured programs selected by Elizabeth Clarke.

1. University of Southern California

“While this program is one of the more expensive options available, the school places students in their clinicals within 100 miles of their home. This is huge — most online programs do not assist with clinical placement, and many FNP students are left scrambling to find clinical sites and preceptors to graduate on time.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


2. Sacred Heart University

“Sacred Heart University is a fantastic option for the RN who is looking to advance their career as an NP and continue working while in school. Sacred Heart's program is 100% online, and courses are asynchronous. Asynchronous programs are a great option for students who want or have to work while also enrolled in their program. By allowing the student to complete their courses on their own schedule, it allows a great deal of flexibility.

“Students enrolled in their MSN-FNP program can earn their degree in 2.5 years; most other programs are typically approximately three years in total.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


3. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

“The University of Cincinnati's MSN FNP online course appears geared towards working professionals. The program has waived all enrollment fees for 2024, making the application process much more affordable.

“All courses are completed online and asynchronous, which allows students to continue working as an RN while enrolled. No onsite visits to the campus are required, which is helpful to out-of-state students. Each student is assigned an advisor to guide them through the program from application to graduation. Students also have a resource team to assist with clinical placement, which is not often the case with online programs.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or, go straight to our data-driven ranking of the best online nurse practitioner programs.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online Nurse Practitioner Program

What makes one nurse practitioner online program different from another? Often, factors like cost and schedule flexibility. Nurses take NP programs online for the convenience and format, but other key factors influence student decisions. The best online nurse practitioner programs prepare nurses for their chosen careers and offer a format and time line that suits their lifestyle.

Take a look at some of the information we highlight in our program rankings and why it's important.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility requirements for an online nurse practitioner program are often listed in the admissions guidelines. Nurse practitioner online programs often want applicants with about 1-2 years of work experience, who hold an RN license with applicable credentials.


Specializations

Nurse practitioner programs allow students to specialize in specific areas of nursing, such as adult-gerontology, family nursing, neonatal nursing, or healthcare leadership. Keep in mind that specialties vary by nursing school.


Program Curriculum

NP programs provide an education in evidence-based clinical nursing and theory. Students also take courses in their chosen nursing specialty. The quality of the curriculum matters because you want to be prepared for national certification in your nursing specialization.


Clinical Experience

To meet national credentialing requirements, nurse practitioner online programs require students to complete clinical hours in person, often in the same state the nurses study in.

Some schools make this mandate more convenient than others. For instance, nursing schools may provide clinical placements near a student's hometown or at the hospital they currently work at rather than by the college campus.


Accreditation

Quality nurse practitioner online programs hold accreditation. This stamp of approval lets students know their education is vetted by an independent accrediting agency. In order to sit for the board certification examination and apply for state licensure, applicants must submit proof that their degree came from an accredited program.

Learn more about accreditation for nursing programs.


Program Length

It takes full-time students an average of 24-26 months to complete NP programs online. Nursing schools require about 40-50 credits and roughly 600-800 clinical hours in a student's expected specialty area. Program length varies by school.


School NCLEX Pass Rate

Students enrolling in online nurse practitioner programs have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and hold an RN license. However, the NCLEX pass rate still provides insight about a nursing school's ability to prepare all nursing students — undergraduates and graduate students — to succeed.

A school with a low pass rate cannot be expected to prepare students for national credentialing exams.


School Graduation Rate

Nursing school at any level is hard. A school's publicized graduate rate can inform you about that school's ability to provide resources and support to prevent students from dropping out or failing.


Online Learning Format and Requirements

How online nursing programs work differs from how in-person programs work. Nurse practitioner online programs may offer a blend of asynchronous and synchronous work, or function entirely asynchronously.

For synchronous formats, you need to meet online at set times to attend lectures. For asynchronous work, students often listen to prerecorded lectures on their own time. Consider if you can meet the learning requirements, especially if you work or have other obligations.

Why Is Online Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation ensures that your nursing program offers an effective, quality education. Accrediting agencies also work to improve all nursing education programs and fellowships.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing both provide accreditation to online nurse practitioner programs. Accreditation matters because:

  • It ensures that programs meet quality standards.
  • Employers prefer nurses from accredited online nurse practitioner programs.
  • DNP programs may not accept credits from an unaccredited NP program.
  • National credentialing agencies may not recognize unaccredited NP programs.
  • Nursing as a whole benefits from accreditation, which can improve education.
  • Curriculum continues to improve with accreditation.

How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work

Online nurse practitioner programs design learning formats for working RNs. Courses feature asynchronous and synchronous work to allow students to work on their own time, without traveling to campus.

That said, nursing programs are not entirely online. NP students who enroll in online and on-campus programs need clinical experience. This means they must work under the supervision of a certified and licensed advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in their chosen specialty.

Learn more about getting clinical experience in an online nursing program, or explore our guide breaking down online vs. in-person nursing programs to determine whether distance education is right for you.

Applying to an Online Nurse Practitioner Program

Students need to meet the educational requirements and hold a current RN license to gain admission into nurse practitioner online programs.

Admittance requirements — such as minimum GPAs, work experience, and supplemental materials — vary by nursing school.

Online nurse practitioner programs often have residency requirements so students can complete in-person labs and clinical hours.

  • Online nurse practitioner programs often require that students hold a bachelor's in nursing degree from an accredited program. Incoming students also need an RN license from the state where the school makes clinical assignments. They may also need 1-2 years of bedside nursing experience.
  • Students may need to pass an undergraduate statistics course with at least a "C" grade to gain admission to online nurse practitioner programs. Applicants also may need to submit resumes, personal statements, and three letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors.
  • To apply for online nurse practitioner programs, applicants commonly need at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with lower GPAs may be granted provisional admission.

Paying for Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nursing students may think they have the means to pay their tuition out of pocket, but several factors make college more expensive. For example, nurses who cannot work while in school may need additional money to cover their living expenses. And colleges may charge more to students who cannot establish state residency.

Many graduate-level nursing students are eligible to receive scholarships and grants for nursing school, which they do not need to repay. Many employers or medical centers also offer tuition remission or reimbursement programs.

Working as a Nurse Practitioner

You can find NPs working in physicians' offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in private or public educational services, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Nurse practitioners have backgrounds as RNs, but they also have advanced clinical training and education to diagnose and treat complex health conditions.

NPs earn a median annual wage of $121,610, according to 2022 BLS data. NP salaries can reach more than $160,000 among the top 10% of earners. It takes at least an MSN degree to become an NP, but the American Association of Colleges of Nursing now recommends that all APRNs earn a doctor of nursing practice.

Working as an NP provides the career flexibility to choose a specialty area either in primary or acute care. Nursing students pick NP specialties that determine their career trajectory with options to become a family nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner, among others.

  • Family Nurse Practitioner: Family nurse practitioners provide care to patients of all ages. They work in varied settings, like clinics, hospitals, and emergency departments to treat chronic conditions.
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric nurse practitioners work with greater autonomy than other NPs to assess, treat, and prescribe medication for mental disorders. These NPs work in correctional facilities, independent practices, and psychiatric hospitals.
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric nurse practitioners work either in acute or primary care, attending to patients from birth to age 21.

Online NP Student Testimonials

We asked graduates of online nurse practitioner programs to weigh in on the experience, including the benefits and challenges of completing an NP program online. Overall, the experience was positive, with the greatest reported benefit of an online program being flexibility.

On the Online Experience

"My experience earning my MSN online was a fulfilling one. I needed to work full time while completing the program, and the online option allowed me to do that."

Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner

"The online MSN program allowed me to work a full-time job and still be able to go to school. The hours were flexible for my schedule and I was able to care for my family while still earning my degree."

Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner

On-Site Clinical Experience

"We had to attend several simulation labs, and we had to choose locations for our clinical practice. The on-campus requirements were minimal, and they gave you enough time in advance to be able to plan to attend on-campus activities. The clinical requirements could be completed in your home state or city."

Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner

"I had to go on site for specialty clinical teaching 1-2 times per school year. I also had to complete one of the core classes on the main campus as well."

Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner

Challenges

"The biggest challenge for completing an online degree program is time management. If you're not a good steward of your time, not a self-starter, or have trouble with procrastination, being an online student can be very difficult."

Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner

"Some of the challenges with earning an online degree were accountability and consistency with completing assignments."

Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner

Is an Online NP Program Worth It?

"I believe it is definitely worth getting a degree online if this type of curriculum suits your needs and work ethic. I would recommend it to other prospective nursing students who want to become NPs if they have the discipline, consistency, and desire to earn their degree online."

Dorian Jackson, women's health nurse practitioner

"I would recommend it 10 out of 10! This is one of the best life choices that I made. It doesn't mean that it will be easy; it doesn't mean that you get to slack off or show mediocre effort. You can still take care of yourself and your family while furthering your education and that's incredible."

Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

How do I get started as a nurse practitioner?

The first step to becoming an NP is to earn a bachelor's in nursing and become an RN. Practicing nurses then complete an MSN or a DNP degree program, focusing on a specialized area of study. They get certified in a specialty, or perhaps more than one, through national organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Learn more about the steps to becoming a nurse practitioner.

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner online?

It takes about 6-8 years to become an NP if you factor in the time it takes to complete your undergraduate and graduate education. NPs hold a bachelor of science in nursing degree, which takes four years for full-time students. Online nurse practitioner programs can take 2-3 years, depending on the program and required clinical hours.

Is MSN the same as NP?

You can become an NP by earning a general MSN degree. However, an MSN degree offers other options other than nurse practitioner, like nursing informatics or nurse educator. Online nurse practitioner programs provide a more specialized education in a nursing focus area.

Which NP makes the most money?

Psychiatric nurse practitioners rank as the highest-paid NP jobs. According to Payscale, psychiatric nurse practitioners make an average salary of $118,800, as of November 2023, with clinicians who have 5-9 years of experience making an average salary of $123,000.

The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal. Page last reviewed September 20, 2022. The nurse featured programs were reviewed by Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW, on February 5, 2024.

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Nurse practitioners are in high demand and enjoy high salaries and professional autonomy. Learn about the best online nurse practitioner programs for your career goals.