Homeonline collegesnurse practitioner programs Nurse Practitioner Degrees Nurse practitioner degree programs aim to provide students the ability to pursue work in a higher position in medical practice. Many work full time. Students must complete a certification exam. They may then earn licensure They may then provide care directly to patients. Many take this program after earning a bachelor of science in nursing. What Is a Nurse Practitioner Program? Nurse practitioner programs aim to teach the skills to pursue work as a nurse practitioner. This is a high level position in the health care industry. These professionals may often focus their education. They may evaluate patients and create treatment options for them. Many times, NPs can might operate their own clinical practice. Nurse practitioner programs could teach them how to do this. Some may complete a disease prevention program. Others could complete a family nurse practitioner program. Acute care could be an option. Adult gerontology is another. What Nurse Practitioner Degree Levels Are There? Students may need to earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree to pursue a career as an NP. This program comes after a bachelor’s degree. This is a BSN degree. There may be a few ways to reach this goal. BSN – a 4 year programLPN to BSN – A licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse may take this routeRN to BSN – This program is often available to those who are a registered nurse (RN)Second Degree BSN – This program is for those who have a 4 year degree in another fieldAccelerated Degree BSN – This program could allow students to earn their degree faster Students may then complete their master’s degree program. They may focus in areas such as health care ethics or clinical practicum. Other options include health care policy and pharmacology. Students may continue after earning an MS. They could complete a doctoral program as well. This earns a student a DNP. What Could I Do with a Nurse Practitioner Degree? With an NP degree, a student may have more responsibility in their daily work. They may make decisions about diagnosis and treatment plans for patients. They may prescribe medications in many states. This is obtained at the MSN level. Doctoral students could often run their own practice. Is a Nurse Practitioner Program Worth It? Those working as a Nurse Practitioner may earn more overall. They may also have more freedom to manage patient care. Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Jobs & Median Annual Salary Occupation Median Annual Salary Jobs Outpatient Care Centers $119,920 18,820 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals $115,790 47,420 Offices of Physicians $108,930 95,820 Offices of Other Health Practitioners $108,660 6,210 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools $105,310 6,710 State Salary information for Jobs as a Nurse Practitioner State Jobs Annual Mean Wage New York 14,060 $122,550 California 13,900 $138,660 Texas 13,620 $115,440 Florida 12,310 $101,510 Ohio 8,950 $103,780 What Classes Could I Take in an Online Nurse Practitioner Program? Courses for an online NP program may differ from one to the next. That is because students may focus their education in many areas. And, many programs have a hands on section. This allows students to practice their new skills beyond course work. Master’s degree courses may include classes and clinical hours like these. HEALTH CARE POLICY Students could learn how to create policies. They may learn about the financial and political aspects of forming policy. Students may learn to think critically about these subjects. They may also learn how to deliver a new policy to the practice. THEORY AND PRACTICE This type of course is often based on the focus the student selects. This may include mental health or family medicine. The area may often include training on certain treatments in these areas. Students may learn about diagnosing in their field. HEALTH CARE ETHICS This area often focuses on the patient and provider relationships. It is about ethics in health care overall. This may include some legal aspects of managing a practice. It may often include a focus on moral judgment. ADVANCED CONCEPTS IN PHARMA NPs may prescribe medicine in some states. This course is often a must in the MSN practicum. It teaches prescription guidelines. They may learn about side effects. They may also cover drug interactions. Students may learn how to prescribe for many conditions. Doctorate degree courses may include: ECONOMICS AND FINANCE Students could learn to balance the economics of running a practice with patient care. Students often learn about business and finance. They may have the chance to learn about strategies to reduce costs. THEORY AND RESEARCH Students may align their education with research studies. These may meet the student’s unique interests. EPIDEMIOLOGY FOR POPULATION HEALTH This course may focus on evidence recommendation methods. The focus is on the population’s health. You could have the chance to learn topics such as deterrents of health based and diversity. ANALYZE AND APPLY HEALTH DATA This course could teach how to use data to make decisions. This may include population health or public health. It may focus on other areas. It also may include clinical prevention or health promotion topics. Popular Nurse Practitioner Areas Many nursing schools offer focal areas to prepare NPs for certain nursing roles. Apart from online learning, you are likely to take part in a practicum. This training aims to grow decision making skills suitable for a certain patient group or issue. Once you graduate, you may be ready to take the exams required to practice a nurse practitioner specialty. 1. Adult Gerontology Acute Care An acute care nurse practitioner takes care of very ill patients. With a focus on geriatrics, you focus these skills on the elderly who are sick or in hospice care. 2. Adult Gerontology Primary Care An adult gerontology nurse practitioner treats elderly patients as they age. Classes for this area tend to cover health assessment and diagnosis. You also tend to study the aging process and common medications for the older adult. 3. Psychiatric Mental Health A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner treats patients with mental illness. You may learn about these conditions (e.g. depression). Plus ways to test for them and suitable drugs or therapies. 4. Women’s Health A women’s health nurse practitioner cares for female patients during their lifespan. From puberty to childbearing. So you often study things like family planning and fertility. 5. Family Nursing A family nurse practitioner (FNP program) focus is about providing primary care to patients of all ages. You are likely to learn how to perform physical exams. And, assess, diagnose and treat common diseases and injuries. How Long Does It Take to Earn a Nurse Practitioner Degree Online? Many factors play a role in this. Here is a look at some of the options available and what you can expect. University Level of Degree # of Credits Required Starts Per Year Minimum Months to Complete University of Southern California Masters 49 21 Seton Hall University Masters 48 36 Sacred Heart University Masters 39 24 Purdue University Global Doctorate 48-60 18 Georgetown University Doctorate 69-74 33 Clemson University Doctorate 35 18 What Accreditations Are There for My Program? Nursing practitioner programs are accredited by several agencies. The common accrediting bodies include: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Additional accreditations exist as well. This includes the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Scholarships for Nurse Practitioner Programs To offset the cost of an online NP program, you may qualify for financial aid. Scholarships are one type that nursing schools and other sources offer. They tend to go to students who show financial need or academic merit. If you meet the criteria, apply before the deadline. Lighting the Way for Nursing Scholarship From the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN). This LPN/LVN scholarship is for $5,000. There is one nurse selected. Applicant must have an interest in long term care obtain a BSN or higher nursing degree. Deadline: December 18, 2020 AfterCollege Nursing Student Scholarship Open to students working toward a certificate or associate’s degree. Applicants must attend an accredited school. The recipient receives a $2,000 award in 4 payments of $500. Deadlines: March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 District of Columbia Nursing Scholarship National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) offers this award. There are two recipients, each of $2,500. To qualify you must have a 3.25 GPA. And, attend or plan to attend a nursing program at the University of the District of Columbia. Deadline: January 31, 2021 National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program If an NBNA member you may qualify for one of 14 annual awards. Applicants must be current nursing program students with at least a year of studies ahead. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and each has slightly different criteria. Deadline: April 15, 2021 NLN Foundation for Nursing Education Scholarship Awards National League for Nursing scholarships award up to $8,000 each. These are for nurses going for an advanced degree (MSN/DNP) in nurse education. Applicants must have at least one year of studies under their belt. Deadline: May 31, 2021 15 Nurse Practitioner Programs We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down. Chamberlain University IllinoisSouth University Savannah OnlineUniversity of Texas At ArlingtonMaryville University of Saint LouisSimmons University Purdue University GlobalUniversity of Cincinnati Frontier Nursing University Indiana Wesleyan UniversityOlivet Nazarene University Texas Woman’s University Graceland University Grand Canyon University Nova Southeastern UniversityGeorge Washington University FIND A NURSE PRACTITIONER DEGREE PROGRAM Here is a closer look at these 15 schools and the online NP programs they offer. 1 Chamberlain University Master of Science in Nursing Online Chamberlain offers a CCNE accredited MSN with 7 specialty tracks. Some are health care policy, nurse executive, nursing informatics, and population health are a few If you take one class each 8 week session you may finish the program in two years. The school also awards a Become Extraordinary Grant while funds are available. Courses include: Nursing InformaticsDiagnosis Pharmacology Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $19,900Grad: $13,940 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$2,783 Average Net Price:$23,715 More Degree Programs: MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN Family Nurse PractitionerDoctor of Nursing Practice 2 South University’s Online Program Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner Online South’s MSN is CCNE accredited. The FNP focus is about how to manage common health problems at all life stages. Other courses may grow your ability to make sound clinical decisions. The program also places a strong emphasis on health promotion. Courses include: Health Policy Role of the APRN nursePracticum – Family Health 2020/21 Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $13,594Grad: $14,520 Average Grants & Scholarship Aid:$4,489 Average Net Price:$21,860 More Degree Programs: Online Nursing RN to BSN 3 University of Texas at Arlington Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Online UTA Online offers two CCNE accredited paths. An MSN Nurse Educator and MSN Administration. Both allow you to work towards an MSN (if you have an RN license) in an accelerated format. Courses include: Research in NursingScience and TheoriesInformatics Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $58,195Grad: $47,107 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$39,516 Average Net Price:$37,521 More Degree Programs: RN to BSNRN to MSN – FNP 4 Maryville University Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Practitioner Online Maryville’s CCNE accredited program is for nurses with their MSN. It creates a path to a DNP while also earning the academic degree needed to take NP credentialing exams. There is an option to choose from five specialty areas: AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, and PMHNP. Courses include: Clinical Inquiry I/IIPatient Safety Ethics for Advanced Practice Nursing Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $28,470Grad: $15,646 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$14,968 Average Net Price:$29,357 More Degree Programs: BSN to DNPMSN 5 Simmons University Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Online Simmons offers a CCNE accredited program with full time, part time, and extended program options. They also have a placement team to assist students in finding local clinical experiences. Courses include: PharmacologyPathophysiologyPhysical Assessment Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $42,070Grad: $22,818 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$27,038 Average Net Price:$30,841 More Degree Programs: RN to MSN to FNPDoctor of Nursing Practice 6 Purdue University Global Doctor of Nursing Practice Online Purdue’s CCNE accredited program is for APRNs who want to reach the highest level of nursing. There are a few start dates and each term lasts 10 weeks. Apart from courses, the program ends with a supervised DNP project. Courses include: Clinical Decision MakingEthics, Policy, AdvocacyEpidemiology Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $14,358Grad: $10,580 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$5,289 Average Net Price:N/A More Degree Programs: BSNRN to BSNMSN 7 University of Cincinatti Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Online / Campus UC offers a CCNE accredited program so as a graduate, you may take certification exams. This program aims to ready nurses to diagnose and manage common and complex medical conditions. Both across the lifespan and from children to the elderly. Courses include: BiostatisticsCare of Well Women/ChildrenHealth Care Policy Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $26,994Grad: $26,210 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$7,568 Average Net Price:$19,219 More Degree Programs: RN to BSNBSN to DNPMSN to DNPPost MSN to DNPPhD in Nursing Nurse AnesthesiaDoctor of Nursing Practice Adult Gerontology Nursing Administration Pediatric Acute CarePsychiatric Mental Health 8 Frontier Nursing University Master of Science in Nursing – Community Based Family Nurse Practitioner Online Frontier offers the FNP specialty track that you may go for on a full or part time basis while completing a MSN or a Post Grad Certificate. The course plan has a strong academic and clinical basis. It also includes classes about how to be an entrepreneur and leader. Courses include: Primary Care Gynecologic HealthPsych Concepts for APRN Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $19,675Grad: $19,675 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:N/A Average Net Price:N/A More Degree Programs: MSNMSN Women’s Health CareMSN Psychiatric Mental Health Doctor of Nursing Practice 9 Indiana Wesleyan University Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Online IWU offers a few Christian focused programs through their school of nursing. This one studies the links between theory, research and evidence based practice. Apart from your course credit hours, there are university approved preceptors at clinical sites in various areas. Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, and in areas of Illinois and Michigan bordering Indiana. Courses include: Intro to Prof. DevelopmentEthics and Health PolicyAdvanced Pharmacology Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $9,743Grad: $11,977 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$6,167 Average Net Price:$21,511 More Degree Programs: RN to BSNDoctor of Nursing PracticeMSN (Associate to Master’s) Nursing AdministrationMSN (Associate to Master’s) Nursing EducationMSN / MBAMSN/ Nursing Education and MPH 10 Olivet Nazaret University Master of Science in Nursing Program Family Nurse Practitioner Online Olivet Nazarene U offers an accelerated program with 8 week classes. This format may require as few as 24 months to complete. There are 3 start dates to choose from and an option to work towards a post master’s Nursing Education Certificate. Courses include: Moral and Ethical Decision MakingNursing InformaticsAdvanced Pathophysiology Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $37,070Grad: $13,420 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$22,791 Average Net Price:$21,043 More Degree Programs: Accelerated BSNRN to BSNRN to MSNMSN Nurse EducationMSN Transformational Leadership 11 Texas Women’s University Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Online TWU’s CCNE accredited program is for BSN prepared nurses. It features 13 week courses and 3 start dates per year. Of the classes, 6 have associated clinical hours and some students finish in under three years. Courses include: Research and Quality ImprovementHealth PolicyAdvanced Practice Nursing Role Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $7,926 / $18,055Grad: $7,497 / $15,093 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$6,791 Average Net Price:$9,830 More Degree Programs: MSN Health Systems ManagementMSN Nurse Education PhD in Nursing Science 12 Graceland University Master of Science in Nursing Online / Campus Graceland offers online Master of Science in Nursing programs with specialty tracks in 3 areas. Family nursing, adult gerontology acute care, and psychiatric mental health. The format uses online cohort courses, on campus focus sessions, and faculty and preceptor guided practicums which one completes in a local community. Courses include: Intro to MSNTheory in NursingResearch Methods Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $30,420Grad: $17,580 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$21,059 Average Net Price:$17,952 More Degree Programs: RN to BSN to MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice 13 Grand Canyon University Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Online GCU’s program meets AACN standards. It aims to ready nurses to provide primary health care to persons of all ages and locales. Including underserved urban and rural areas. For your clinical practicum, you may choose a community based primary or family health focused site. Courses include: Intro to Advanced Registered NursingOrganizational LeadershipHealth Promotion Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $17,800Grad: $11,074 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$7,322 Average Net Price:$18,405 More Degree Programs: RN to BSNMBA/MSNMSN Fast Track Doctor of Nursing Practice 14 Nova Southeastern University Master of Science in Nursing Online / On Campus NSU offers a hybrid program with 3 specialty tracks. FNP, AGACNP and psychiatric mental health. Some courses are totally online and others use a mix of online and in class. In the basic program, one studies concepts of policy, data analysis, and the advanced nursing role. Courses include: Evidence and PracticeHealth PromotionBehavioral Health Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $32,110Grad: $21,206 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$19,195 Average Net Price:$24,776 More Degree Programs: MSN in Nursing EducationMSN in Executive Nurse LeadershipMSN Nursing InformaticsBSN to DNPDNP to PhD (PhD in Nursing Education option)Doctor of Nursing Practice 15 George Washington University Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner Online / On Campus GWU offers this program to BSN prepared nurses. It comes with two entry points (post BSN or post MSN). The school also stresses key nursing practice skills and innovation. Some courses have seminars in live stream with faculty members and other students. You also have two to three on campus experiences. While enrollment is in fall, you may study full or part time. Courses include: Diagnostic ReasoningKnowledge Mgmt. Health Care Quality Improvement Tuition and Fees:Undergrad: $56,935Grad: $31,824 Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:$29,939 Average Net Price:$38,829 More Degree Programs: RN to BSNMSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care or Primary CareMSN FNPMSN Nurse MidwiferyMSN Nursing Leadership and ManagementMSN Psychiatric Mental HealthPost BSN DNP (AGAC or AGPC) MSN DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership DNP in Health PolicyDNP in Nursing PracticePhD in Nursing