Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in New Hampshire

Whether you’re based in Concord or Manchester, New Hampshire is a fantastic place to be a nurse. But if at a certain point you might find yourself looking for more independent and better paying roles within the medical field, you may want to consider becoming a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners have some of the highest salaries in the medical field and best of all, they get to specialize in unique and interesting practice areas that they’re passionate about. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Depending on your level of exposure to nurse practitioner programs, you personally may not think to describe them using the words “fast” and “affordable.” But surprisingly, cheap and quick nurse practitioner programs are actually widely available in New Hampshire — if you know where to look.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The fastest educational track for students with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This option allows students to become nurse practitioners in as little as two years, and sometimes even less if utilizing online learning options or summer programs. This is a much faster timeline than a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree which can take almost a decade to complete. One great option for fast MSN programs in New Hampshire is Southern New Hampshire University which offers an online program.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Whether they’re already working in the nursing field or just starting out, when researching nurse practitioner programs the first question on everyone’s mind is “How much is it going to cost?” You may be surprised to learn that nurse practitioner programs located in New Hampshire (especially MSN programs) can be much lower than programs offered in other states. This is especially true if you have established residency in New Hampshire and you’re looking for schools with smaller nursing programs and in areas where the cost of living is lower. One good example is Colby Sawyer College which has a tuition range between $8,000 and $15,000.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One of the most well-known benefits to nurse practitioner programs is that they allow students to specialize in a particular medical field such as pediatrics, cardiology, or nursing education. This is true regardless of the level of degree you choose. For example, Rivier University offers an MSN program that specializes in Family Nurse Practice.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

If a traditional MSN or DNP doesn’t work for your specific needs, don’t fret! There are several different types of nurse practitioner programs beyond these two options. Depending on what degree level you’re currently at, you may be eligible to enroll in a bridge program which could shorten your graduation time saving you thousands of dollars in the process.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is one of the most common NP degrees. It is available in many NP specializations and takes about two years to complete. Here are a few you can find in New Hampshire:

• Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, NH
• University of New Hampshire – Durham, NH

RN to NP Programs

More commonly known as ADN to MSN programs or RN to MSN programs, this bridge track allows registered nurses with an associate’s degree to bypass the typical BSN degree and move to an accelerated version followed by a shortened MSN curriculum. Southern New Hampshire University currently offers the state’s only RN to MSN program.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree an NP can obtain. These programs can take 6-8 years to complete, depending on the education level you enter with. Examples in the state include:

• University of New Hampshire – Durham, NH
• Rivier University – Nashua, NH

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. Post-master’s nurse practitioner certificates are not technically degrees. However, they can be a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• University of New Hampshire – Durham, NH
• Rivier University – Nashua, NH

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in an alternative area to become nurse practitioners in a shorter amount of time. Examples in New Hampshire include:

• University of New Hampshire – Durham, NH
• Franklin Pierce University – West Lebanon, NH

General Admissions Requirements

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices of nurse practitioner programs, it’s time to start applying! Below are the usual admissions requirements you can expect:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

New Hampshire NP License and Certification Requirements

Following your nurse practitioner degree program, you'll need to gather the necessary documents—like proof of your RN license and transcripts from your nurse practitioner program. Then, you'll submit an application to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and pay the required fee, which is usually around $100. Be sure to follow the board's detailed instructions to avoid any issues with your application.

You'll also need to get certified in your specialty area. Certification is available through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Most certifications require you to pass an exam, so you'll need to prepare for that after completing your graduate program.

The good news? As of 2023, New Hampshire grants nurse practitioners full practice authority. This means you can diagnose, create treatment plans, and even prescribe medications independently, without needing physician supervision.

For additional support, continuing education, and professional resources, you can connect with the New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association (NHNPA), which provides valuable resources for NPs in the state.

List of NP Programs in New Hampshire

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