Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2025
Nurse practitioners save lives and help people while pulling six-figure salaries. If that sounds like a good deal, check out these top online NP programs to begin your nursing career.
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2025Transitioning from registered nurse (RN) to nurse practitioner (NP) can enhance your career, finances, and professional expertise.
Fortunately, you don’t have to put your life on pause to pursue a nurse practitioner degree. Learn more about the benefits of online master’s degrees, what to expect, and our top-ranked nurse practitioner programs.
Best Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs
How We Rank Schools
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Texas A&M University's MSN-family nurse practitioner program equips students to serve as primary care providers, emphasizing areas like health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and illness management.
The program holds accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. While classes are primarily delivered online, students are required to come to campus for specific program requirements such as clinical hours, clinical experiences, and primary care courses.
Highlights
- Most affordable tuition on this list
- 92% retention rate
- 84% graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Only one start date each year
- Several on-campus visits required
- Applicants must be residents of Texas
40%
$ 6,885
94%
$19,593
- Acceptance Rate
- 63%
- Students Enrolled
- 76,633
- Institution Type
- Public
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner MSN program at George Washington University uses a curriculum that draws from nursing science, neuroscience, behavioral change theories, motivational theories, and other psychotherapeutic frameworks to prepare nurses to diagnose and treat chronic mental illness.
The part-time program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and requires 50 credit hours and 600 clinical hours. It can be started in the fall or spring semester.
While the program is online, the advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning summer course has on-campus requirements.
Highlights
- 91% retention rate
- 85% graduation rate
- 79% of students awarded financial aid
Know Before You Apply
- Online students from Alabama, Louisiana, or New York are unable to apply
- Has an on-campus requirement
25%
$33,930
92%
$33,930
- Acceptance Rate
- 44%
- Students Enrolled
- 25,568
- Institution Type
- Private
Rockhurst University
- Kansas City, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Rockhurst University's online MSN in family nurse practitioner is 49 credits and offers two specializations: family practice and adult-gerontology acute care. The program also offers a dual-degree track option, specializing in both areas in a 62-credit program.
The program is delivered by Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Coursework can be completed entirely online and is offered both full-time and part-time. One two-day campus immersion in Kansas City and one virtual immersion is required.
Highlights
- 82% retention rate
- Dual-degree track option
- More affordable than other top schools
Know Before You Apply
- Rockhurst University is a private Jesuit university
- Available for residents of 22 states
- Has an on-campus requirement
43%
$17,028
84%
$17,028
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,496
- Institution Type
- Private
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The online family nurse practitioner program at Duquesne University prepares students for a career as a primary care provider, offering asynchronous classes for a more flexible learning environment.
The program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, spans two and three years and includes 12 courses, 42 credits, and 700 clinical hours. While coursework is offered entirely online, two campus visits are required throughout the program.
Students have the option to add to their degree with concentrations offered in forensic nursing, nursing education and faculty role, or transcultural nursing.
Highlights
- 86% retention rate
- 75% graduation
- Three start dates per year
Know Before You Apply
- Not as affordable as other top picks
- Two campus visits required
- Accepts students from 43 states
38%
$25,578
86%
$25,578
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,137
- Institution Type
- Private
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Nova Southeastern University's family nurse practitioner MSN-APRN degree spans seven semesters and consists of 51 credits.
The program, delivered by the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offers fall and winter admission. Coursework is a mix of online and on-site classes at the college's Palm Beach and Tampa Bay campuses.
Prospective students must hold a current Florida professional nursing (RN) license, one year of clinical experience, and reside within 150 miles of the program campus. Those without a BSN must complete an additional six-credit course before starting the program.
Highlights
- 76% retention rate
- Fall and winter admission
Know Before You Apply
- 64% graduation rate
- Not as affordable as other options
- Applicants must live within 150 miles of campus
52%
$22,062
76%
$22,062
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,877
- Institution Type
- Private
Bradley University
- Peoria, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Bradley University's MSN family nurse practitioner program spans nine semesters and is ideal for mid-career medical professionals who want to retrain as family nurse practitioners.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, program requires between 50 and 59 credit hours of coursework, along with five supervised clinical practicums and a capstone project. Distinct tracks are available for students with a BSN and those with an ADN, nursing diploma, or non-nursing bachelor's.
All courses in the program are delivered online, and there are no campus residency requirements. Additionally, students have the flexibility to fulfill their clinical requirements locally.
Highlights
- 84% graduation rate
- 72% graduation rate
- More affordable than other top schools
Know Before You Apply
- No on-campus requirements
- Distinct tracks for students with a BSN and those without
49%
$17,820
84%
$17,820
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,217
- Institution Type
- Private
St. John Fisher University
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The online primary care family nurse practitioner program from Saint John Fisher College will prepare students to pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification.
As part of the program, students must complete 46 credits, 600 clinical place hours, and attend one in-person immersion at the Rochester, New York campus. The program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, covering core subjects for all nurse practitioners and specialized clinical coursework designed for family nurse practitioners.
Highlights
- Offers full-time and part-time options
- 84% retention rate
- 74% graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Has an on-campus requirement
- Students will qualify for New State and national certification after graduation
- University describes itself as an "independent institution in the Catholic tradition"
39%
$18,756
84%
$18,756
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,680
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Cincinnati's online MSN family nurse practitioner program, offered by the UC College of Nursing, is designed for BSN-prepared nurses looking to advance their careers.
The program is made up of 51 total credit hours and 672 clinical hours and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Courses are offered entirely online and asynchronous with no campus visits required.
For additional flexibility, the program accepts transfer credits and courses are offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Highlights
- 86% retention rate
- 72% graduation rate
- More affordable than other top schools
Know Before You Apply
- Not available to students in seven states
- Prospective students must have a BSN
- No on-campus requirement
62%
$13,224
86%
$24,966
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Simmons University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Simmons University's online MSN for working RNs is aimed at working RNs who have their associate degree or nursing diploma and who are seeking career advancement as an FNP.
The program includes live online classes and more than 800 hours of clinical practice. Students can choose between full-time, part-time, and extended study options and finish in as little as 32 months. Students can also take advantage of the program's three annual start dates and rolling admissions.
Highlights
- 82% retention rate
- 71% graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Not as affordable as other top picks
- Bachelor's degree or BSN is not required for admittance
68%
$27,152
82%
$27,152
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,053
- Institution Type
- Private
Ohio University-Main Campus
- Athens, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Ohio University's online MSN family nurse practitioner program comprises 11 courses, 40 credits, and 750 direct care hours.
Courses are delivered online, though students will be required to be on campus for in-person intensives. In total, the program takes approximately six semesters on a part-time schedule. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Applicants are required to have a BSN degree and two years of full-time RN experience. Students can start the program in the fall and spring
Highlights
- 88% retention rate
- One of the most affordable programs of our top picks
- Part-time scheduling
Know Before You Apply
- 66% graduation rate
- Communication online and in-person program
- BSN degree required for admittance
63%
$ 9,444
83%
$17,436
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 24,640
- Institution Type
- Public
Is a Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Worth It?
NP master’s programs can unlock your career potential as a nurse. NPs are some of the most specialized and highly paid nursing professionals in healthcare. They have more autonomy and authority than registered nurses and can work as primary care providers in some states.
NPs typically specialize in a patient population, such as children, older adults, and those who need psychiatric mental health services. So, if there is a patient population you’re passionate about, becoming an NP can help you take even better care of them.
On top of that, patients tend to love NPs. A 2020 study in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners indicates that NPs perform as well or better than physicians when it comes to patient outcomes and clinical safety.
“I chose to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner so I would have the tools, knowledge, and scope of practice to help patients in so many more ways than I could as a nurse. I feel like I make so much more of a difference as a nurse practitioner, and I have more control over how much I can help patients.”
— Kayla Potter, DNP
Benefits of Getting a Nurse Practitioner Degree
- Increase your expertise and salary potential: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual pay for nurse practitioners was $129,210 in 2024.
- Choose from high-paying career options: Nurse practitioners in outpatient care centers earned an average annual wage of $137,640, according to the BLS. Those in hospitals and other inpatient settings earned an average annual wage of $137,790.
- Benefit from a growing demand for the role: The BLS projects the nurse practitioner field will grow by 46% from 2023-2033 — more than four times faster than other healthcare practitioners.
3 Reasons for Getting Your Nurse Practitioner Degree Online
- Save time: The flexibility of online nurse practitioner programs — many of which offer asynchronous classes and accelerated courses — allows you to complete coursework as quickly or as slowly as you want.
- Save money: Going to school online means you won’t have to move, commute, or pay on-campus fees. Tuition for online students may also be more affordable, depending on the school.
- Keep working: No need to put your nursing career on hold. Pursuing a master’s degree online makes it possible to hold down a job (and keep building up invaluable experience) while studying.
How Much Does an Online Nurse Practitioner Master’s Cost?
Some nursing schools charge less for online NP programs. Online program costs can vary depending on whether you attend a public or private school, travel to attend on-campus events, or pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. Despite the expense, becoming an NP helps you access advanced job opportunities and higher salaries.
Average Annual Cost of a Master’s Degree, 2021-2022
Public Institution
$12,596
Private Institution
$28,017
How Long Does an Online NP Program Take?
NP candidates entering an online master of science in nursing (MSN) program with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can expect to graduate in 1-2 years. The typical timeline depends on your previous education and whether you are a full-time or part-time student.
The graduation timeline for part-time NP students or those enrolled in a direct-entry MSN program with an unrelated bachelor’s degree can be longer. However, these accelerated programs require students to attend full-time, allowing them to graduate in as little as five semesters.
An online NP program can require 35-50 credits, depending on the program. The required clinical hours vary depending on the specialty and the school, ranging from 200-600 hours with a preceptor.
How Much Money Can You Make With a Nurse Practitioner Degree?
The median annual salary for a nurse practitioner was $129,210 in 2024, according to the BLS, offering a strong return on your investment. NP salaries vary depending on your workplace, geographical location, and specialty.
For example, nurse practitioners working in hospitals or outpatient care centers average about $138,000 as a median annual wage, reports the BLS. NPs working in offices of other health practitioners make the lowest median annual wage of $117,780.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree?
The job outlook for NPs is, frankly, amazing. The BLS projects nurse practitioners will be one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. from 2023-2033.
With rapid growth driven by an increasing demand for preventative and aging healthcare services, NPs should have no problem finding a good job anywhere in the country.
| Job | Average Salary (Oct. 2024) |
|---|---|
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $112,890 |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $121,230 |
| Gerontological Nurse Practitioner | $109,000 |
| Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner | $101,480 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $104,724 |
Read More: Nursing Salary: How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make?
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs
RN-to-MSN/ADN-to-MSN Programs
RN-to-MSN and ADN-to-MSN programs allow RNs with associate degrees in nursing to earn their MSN degrees without first earning their BSNs.
Some RN-to-MSN programs award you a BSN degree en route to the MSN. Programs for nurse practitioners typically include approximately 60 credits of coursework and clinical practice hours. You can often earn your MSN degree in 2-3 years.
BSN-to-MSN Programs
BSN-to-MSN programs prepare students with BSN degrees for both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Programs for aspiring nurse practitioners typically include 30-60 credits of coursework and 600-700 hours of clinical practice. Full-time students can earn their MSN degrees in two years.
Direct-Entry MSN/Accelerated MSN Programs
Direct-entry and accelerated MSN programs cater to college graduates who studied subjects other than nursing. Some programs allow you to earn a BSN while you work toward your MSN, while others do not.
If you enroll in a direct-entry MSN program, you can earn your RN license, MSN degree, and NP certification within three years.
Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
Nurse practitioner certificate programs allow you to prepare for certification in a specialty other than the one you pursued while earning your degree.
NP certificate programs typically include 18-35 credits of coursework and 500-700 hours of supervised clinical practice. Many NP certificate programs take approximately 1-2 years to complete.
Licenses and Certifications
To become an NP, you must hold an active RN license, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, pass the national certification boards for your specialty, and meet your state’s requirements.
You can apply for licensure as an APRN once you have earned your MSN and completed other state-specific requirements.
In most states, NPs must take national certification exams to be eligible for licensure. Prospective NPs take exams to gain certification in their areas of expertise.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Healthcare Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Nurse Practitioner Degree
NPs assess and diagnose health conditions, order and interpret medical tests, prescribe medication, and collaborate in patient care across diverse settings. They provide high-quality, cost-effective, individualized care to patients and families, comparable to the quality physicians and physician assistants offer.
With Contributions By:
Kayla Potter is a doctorally-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. She started her private telehealth practice — Lioness Healing and Wellness — to be able to bring much-needed mental health services to her small hometown of Culpeper, VA, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Potter loves to learn and has been a student for most of her life — she has two bachelor’s degrees (psychology and nursing) from Longwood University and James Madison University, and a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) from George Mason University. Her primary area of interest is in perinatal and maternal mental health. In her free time, Dr. Potter loves to spend time with her husband and three kids, paint, and CrossFit.
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