Why This Matters
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THE U.S. NEEDS 53,300 MORE OF YOU BY 2028
Demand for nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 28% over the next few years, as they are increasingly used as part of primary care teams in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics.
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700,000 RNS TO RETIRE IN THE NEXT DECADE
The rising demand for registered nurses is also influenced by the projected retirement rate of RNs within the next 10 years. Nurse practitioners will help fill in the gaps caused by these retirements.
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EARN $35,300 MORE AS A NURSE PRACTITIONER
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual salary for nurse practitioners as $107,030. Meanwhile, the average annual salary for registered nurses is $71,730.
Our Research
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a nurse practitioner concentration is the most common route to becoming an NP. Individuals with a master’s degree can earn a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP). Individuals with less educational experience can do a BSN to MSN or DNP accelerated track program. Our list includes all types of degree routes.
The programs on this list are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), as well by a regional accrediting body. These accreditations are important when it comes to obtaining licensure.
Although all programs are advertised as online, accredited nurse practitioner programs do have experiential learning components in clinical settings.
We evaluated the programs for their reputation, faculty, flexibility, cost, and course strength. Then we calculated an Intelligent Score based on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 51 hours to write this article
- 129 universities and colleges we assessed
- 282 education programs we compared
The Top 68 Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
Although students may be able to complete all of their coursework online in a given program, accredited nurse practitioner programs also have in-person requirements for clinical learning. Since healthcare is a human services field, this hands-on learning is key in preparing nurse practitioners to treat and interact with patients. The number of clinical hours and the settings in which students complete them vary based on the program and state regulations. When researching programs, find out the specifics of their clinical requirements, including what kind of placement assistance students receive from the program.
In order to provide services as a nurse practitioner, individuals must obtain a certification and licensure. National certification boards like the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners certify nurse practitioners. The certification process usually entails paying a fee and passing an examination. There is also a recertification process for maintaining credentials.
Nurse practitioners receive their licenses from the state in which they are practicing. State regulations can affect where a student receives their degree. If you are considering an online degree from a school in a different state, it’s important to confirm that the school is authorized to grant degrees to students in your home state and that your state’s licensing board will recognize the degree.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Nurse Practitioner programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Most MSN programs seek students who already have a BSN and an RN license. Some schools offer “bridge programs” to students with an associate degree. Look at the eligibility requirements for programs to determine which one best suits your education and experience level.
- Is there an accelerated track to a Doctor of Nurse Practice? For students seeking a DNP, some schools offer an accelerated track that allows students to start working on the doctorate while completing the MSN program. They may also guarantee acceptance into the DNP program upon successful completion of the master’s. If this path interests you, look for a school that offers this kind of track, as it can save you time and money.
Be sure to look at all the program’s admission requirements and deadlines. Gathering your application materials well ahead of the submission deadline will help the process go smoothly. Financing your master’s degree is another important consideration. If you are already employed, find out if you are eligible for tuition assistance from your employer. You can also look into scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid.