The healthcare industry in the United States is growing at a faster rate than most other sectors, which makes it an ideal time to start or advance a healthcare career with an online nurse practitioner master’s degree. Nurse practitioners can make a positive difference in patients’ lives by providing primary and specialty care.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of nurse practitioners will grow 45% through 2032, translating to 118,600 new jobs. Nursing practitioners also enjoy higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs), with a median annual wage of $121,610.
Earning a nurse practitioner’s master’s degree online can be a convenient, cost-effective way to pursue a career in this field, but first, students must find the right program. That’s why Intelligent.com reviewed dozens of programs and compiled this list of the best online nurse practitioner master’s degrees. We also interviewed Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor and coordinator at UC-Irvine, for her insights into how to choose an online nurse practitioner degree program and what to consider when deciding between an in-person and online program.
What Can I Expect from an Online Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Program?
Nurse practitioners, also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), function like doctors in many ways, including performing physical exams, diagnosing diseases, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medication.
Because of their extensive responsibilities, nurse practitioners must have advanced clinical training and knowledge obtained through a master’s degree program. However, the curriculum will differ based on the type of program.
| Type of program | Program designed for | Description | Number of credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN-to-MSN/ADN-to-MSN | RNs who have an associate degree in nursing | — Curriculum focuses on developing intermediate and advanced skills in nursing and related topics
— Clinical practice hours required — Some programs may award a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
30-60 |
| BSN-to-MSN | RNs who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing | — Curriculum covers advanced topics and skills in nursing and related areas
— Clinical practice hours required |
30-60 |
| Direct-Entry MSN/Accelerated MSN | Career change students who don’t have an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing | — Curriculum includes foundational, intermediate, and advanced nursing topics and practices
— Clinical practice hours required — May require prerequisite coursework before enrollment — Some programs may award a BSN as well as an MSN |
75-120 |
Core coursework for nurse practitioner master’s programs typically includes classes in pharmacology, health informatics, patient assessment and treatment, evidence-based research and innovation, patient safety and quality of care, and more. Many programs also allow students to select a specific area of focus, such as family practice, women’s health, psychiatric/mental health, neonatal care, or adult-gerontological care.
Because nurse practitioners work directly with patients, hands-on experience is essential to MSN degrees. All nurse practitioner master’s students must complete clinical practice hours for their degree program. The number of hours will vary based on the type of program, the student’s current education and experience level, and state licensure requirements, but it typically ranges from 400-750 hours. Even if they can complete all coursework remotely, students must participate in on-site clinical rotations.
Nurse practitioners must be licensed through the NCSBN and the state in which they plan to practice to practice professionally. Students must confirm that the MSN program they enroll in meets the eligibility requirements for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and state licensure.
Students pursuing an online nurse practitioner master’s degree can choose between synchronous or asynchronous programs. In asynchronous programs, students access and complete lessons and assignments on their own schedules, and there are no designated class meetings. Like traditional programs, synchronous online classes require attendance at specific times, although students can be in any location. Full-time and part-time enrollment options vary by school and program.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online nurse practitioner program
- Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Policy Development: This program focuses on evidence-based practice (EBP) and policy development, addressing the value of scientific evidence and nursing research in providing high-quality health care that is also culturally responsive and appropriate.
- Healthcare Ethics in Practice and Policy: Covers the fundamental issues, prevailing views, and laws in clinical ethics, with a focus on issues related to nursing, including the nurse’s professional role and the nurse-patient relationship; trust, confidentiality, and veracity; informed consent; autonomy and paternalism; the right to refuse treatment; decision-making capacity; surrogate decision-making and advance directives; and conscientious objection.
- Clinical Prevention and Population-Based Health Promotion: This course focuses on health promotion and disease prevention in an aggregate (individuals, families, groups that make up a community and/or a society) and provides students with a different and wider perspective related to incorporating and applying theoretical knowledge into clinical practices.
- Physical Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing: Reviews the theories of physical assessment across the life span and introduces Family Theory as a critical foundation for effective communication and care delivery.
- Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing: Provides a foundation for the application of pharmacology relevant to advanced nursing practice by discussing the process involving medication selection and the potential risks and benefits associated with pharmacotherapy.
The Top 50 Online Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Programs
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online nurse practitioner master’s degree programs in the U.S. The schools on this list are non-profit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with high-quality standards for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, faculty, reputation, student resources, and admission, retention, and graduation rates. We also compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others. Using this data, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs
Individuals who want to work in direct patient care have several options, depending on their level of education and experience. Here are additional opportunities to explore if an online nurse practitioner master’s degree isn’t right for you.
- Online Bachelor’s in Nurse Practitioner Degrees
- Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Degrees
- Online RN-to-BSN Degrees
- Online Accelerated RN-to-BSN Degrees
- Online Master’s in Nursing Degrees
- Online Master’s in Gerontology Degrees
- Online Master’s in Physician Assistant Degrees
What Can I Do With an Online Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree?
An online nurse practitioner master’s degree prepares students to work as nurse practitioners or advanced practice registered nurses, which is the minimum level of education needed for these positions. After earning their master’s, nurse practitioners can also pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) to further their professional practice, research, or teaching opportunities.
The career outlook for nurse practitioners is very strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of nurse practitioners will grow 38% through 2032, with an estimated 29,200 new jobs per year. The median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $126,260, although individuals who work in outpatient treatment centers and hospitals can earn upwards of $136,000 annually.
Depending on the state in which they practice, nurse practitioners may have a broad range of responsibilities, including diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic illnesses; providing primary care for general or specialty populations; prescribing medications or other treatments; performing or assisting with minor surgeries; and educating patients regarding healthy behaviors and treatment options.
Nurse practitioners work in various medical settings, including private practices, community health clinics, hospitals, urgent care centers, home healthcare agencies, college wellness centers, psychiatric treatment facilities, and more.
Most nurse practitioners choose a specialization, either a particular area of medicine or a patient population on which they will focus. Popular concentration options include:
- Family practice
- Psychiatric mental health
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric care
- Adult-gerontological care
- Acute care
- Women’s health
How to Choose the Online Nurse Practitioner Master’s Program That’s Right for You
Step 1: Choose your area of study
“A master’s degree requires an investment of time, money, and energy, so it’s important to reflect on your motivations for pursuing a degree,” Villagomez says. “Start by thinking about your academic interests, career goals, and the types of learning environments you thrive in to identify what types of programs best suit you.”
Villagomez encourages students to use this self-reflection to set parameters for the programs they’ll seek. “This will make the research process much smoother, as there are hundreds of degree programs available.” Parameters can include curriculum and clinical requirements, program duration, course delivery method and schedule, and enrollment options.
For aspiring nurse practitioners, it’s essential to determine whether you need an RN-to-MSN, BSN-to-MSN, or Direct-Entry MSN program based on your undergraduate education and professional experience. This clarification focuses your search on schools that offer the type of program you need. Also, consider your specialization options so you can seek programs that include courses in that area.
If you haven’t already, confirm the licensure requirements for the state where you plan to practice. Each state has its own educational requirements for licensure, and attending an ineligible program can negatively impact a student’s ability to get licensed.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Once you know what you want from an online nurse practitioner master’s program, you can research specific schools and programs.
When you start gathering information about schools, it’s essential to confirm their accreditation status at the institutional and programmatic levels. Verify institutional accreditation through the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database, as this can affect financial aid eligibility, future education opportunities, and licensure. Programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure they meet industry standards for nurse practitioner education.
Other information prospective students should collect includes:
- Course delivery methods (synchronously or asynchronously)
- Curriculum, including core courses, electives, and specialization options
- Faculty bios and qualifications
- Clinical placement requirements
- Available support services for online students, including tutoring, counseling, tech support, library resources, and networking opportunities
- Program costs, including fees
This information is typically available on the school’s website or by contacting their admissions office. Many online programs host virtual open houses or information sessions where prospective students can talk to faculty, current students, and other program representatives.
“Consulting with a trusted teacher, school counselor, or mentor can be a valuable addition to the research process,” Villagomez says. “They can provide valuable guidance and recommendations on how to choose the right fit.”
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
“After conducting research on degree programs and schools, you should have a strong sense of the admission requirements, Villagomez says. “Requirements will vary by school, so it’s important for students to stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines.”
Students can contact the school’s admissions office if they have questions about application requirements and deadlines. An application for an online nurse practitioner master’s program typically consists of:
- Completed application and fees
- Official transcripts from previous schools attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores
The eligibility requirements vary the most for online nurse practitioner master’s programs. Students applying to RN-to-MSN or BSN-to-MSN programs must have an undergraduate degree in nursing from an accredited school and an active RN license. The program may have a minimum undergraduate GPA threshold and professional experience requirements.
For Direct-Entry MSN programs, students must have an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing, although there are likely prerequisite courses that students must complete before enrolling.
Applicants to nursing programs must also submit a criminal background check.
Step 4: Select your program
How many schools you apply to is an individual choice. Nursing programs can be competitive, so some students may choose to submit applications to multiple schools. Other students may select one or two schools based on location, cost, curriculum, or faculty. Remember that schools often charge application fees and budget accordingly if you apply to several programs.
After receiving your acceptance offers, compare your options based on your priorities and choose the one that meets all or most of your needs.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
If you haven’t already, contact the school’s financial aid office to learn more about program costs (including fees) and financial aid options. You’ll also want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid like student loans, grants, and work-study. Students can also explore merit-based aid, such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships, through their school and external organizations.
For students working while earning an MSN, employer tuition assistance benefits may help offset costs. Active-duty military members and veterans may be able to get discounted tuition or use GI Bill benefits to pay for their degrees.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Programs
Should I get a nurse practitioner master's degree in person or online?
The program delivery method that’s right for you depends on your individual needs and learning preferences. Villagomez encourages students to consider costs, program duration, flexibility, and the type of college experience they’re seeking when choosing between in-person and online learning.
“While college tuition rates remain relatively the same across both modalities, additional expenses such as travel, gas, parking, and housing can significantly increase the cost of attending brick-and-mortar colleges,” she says. “Traditional colleges typically require a higher overall cost of attendance to accommodate a thriving campus life. In comparison, online programs may require additional costs such as reliable internet connection and special technical software required for some classes.”
Online degree programs provide maximum flexibility for students juggling responsibilities like jobs or childcare. Asynchronous programs allow students to study according to their own schedules, while synchronous classes give students interactive courses they can attend from anywhere. However, this format is better suited for students comfortable learning independently and staying motivated and accountable without extensive oversight.
Students in an on-campus program will spend more time interacting with faculty and classmates and participating in hands-on projects. They’ll also possibly have a broader range of clinical options. This format is ideal for students who may need extra support to keep them on track.
How do I apply to an online nurse practitioner master's degree program?
The first step is to visit the school’s website or contact an admissions counselor to confirm the application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility requirements for any programs you’re considering. The requirements and processes vary from school to school, so using a spreadsheet or checklist can be helpful to keep track of your application information.
Most programs accept applications and supporting materials through an application portal on their website. Applicants can also use the NursingCAS common application at participating schools. Confirm if all documents can be submitted electronically, or if the school requires hard copies of documents like transcripts and test scores.
Before applying, students should also confirm that they meet the basic eligibility requirements for the specific program they’re applying to. For example, applicants to BSN-to-MSN programs must have a bachelor’s in nursing, while direct-entry programs accept students regardless of their undergraduate major. Additional eligibility requirements may include a minimum undergraduate GPA, prerequisite coursework, or prior nursing experience.
What is the average cost of an online nurse practitioner master's degree?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition for graduate students averaged $12,596 at public schools and $29,931 at private institutions during the 2021-22 academic year.
For the most accurate information on program costs, students should speak to a financial aid counselor at their school. They can break down the total cost of the program, including tuition and fees for labs, virtual classroom technology, online support services, background checks, and more. A financial aid counselor can also review all options for financial aid, such as loans, scholarships, grants, and payment plans.
Students should also be mindful that where they live might impact how much they pay. Public universities typically charge resident students less than those who reside in a different state. However, it’s becoming more common for public institutions to charge students the same tuition rates regardless of residency. Private universities charge all students the same tuition regardless of where they live.
How long does it take to complete an online nurse practitioners master's degree program?
This will depend primarily on how many credits a student must earn for their degree and how quickly they progress through the program. Most programs are designed to be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study, with part-time students finishing in 2-3 years. However, RN and Direct Entry students should consider that the program enables them to bypass a bachelor’s degree and earn a master’s in an accelerated time frame.
Is an online nurse practitioner master's degree worth it?
From a career outlook perspective, earning an online nurse practitioner master’s degree can be well worth it. The demand for nurse practitioners is high and will continue to grow as more healthcare professionals are needed to care for an aging population and replace workers who retire or change professions. The BLS predicts that there will be nearly 119,000 new nurse practitioner jobs added between now and 2032.
The earning potential for nurse practitioners is strong, with a median annual wage of $121,610; top earners in the field can make over $208,000 annually. Nurse practitioners can also significantly impact people’s lives by providing medical care and support to patients and their loved ones.
The value of an online nurse practitioner master’s degree also depends on the time and energy students commit to their program. Students who can focus, participate, and complete their program at a steady pace will find themselves well-prepared for careers as nurse practitioners.