Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Washington, DC

Last Updated On Oct 24, 2024

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

10 Min Read

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

At some point in their career, many nurses consider more advanced and higher-paying positions within the medical field. The role of a nurse practitioner is one of the highest-paying and independent positions that nurses can strive for but many but few realize just how easy it is nowadays to become a nurse practitioner and how fast and affordable nurse practitioner programs have become, especially if they have already graduated from a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. Learn about the quickest and cheapest nurse practitioner positions in DC in the sections below.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

There are many educational routes to becoming a nurse practitioner, but the fastest (in general) is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs typically take between 2 – 6 years to complete but through the use of online learning and summer programs, you may be able to complete your program much faster than a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or even the minimum 2 years usually needed to graduate from an MSN program. One of the fastest options in DC for MSN programs is Howard University which allows students to graduate in 2 years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

While the cost of living is rapidly increasing in Washington DC, there are still plenty of affordable nurse practitioner degree programs if you know where to look. Again, MSN degree programs are usually the most ideal here because you are required to be enrolled for a shorter amount of time. The low cost of MSN degree programs can be further compounded if you have previous nursing education and if your prospective school has a smaller nursing department. One affordable option in DC is Howard University which offers a tuition of $25,000 to $35,000.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

In your research of nurse practitioner programs, you’ve likely noticed that many of them come in a variety of specialized programs that allow nurse practitioners to focus their practice in a specific medical field such as gerontology or midwifery. In fact more nurse practitioner programs than not offer specialization, especially DNP programs. One example of this is the Family Nurse Practitioner program offered at George Washington University.

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

As mentioned, there are alternative educational routes for becoming a nurse practitioner besides MSN and DNP degrees. Below are a few other degree options you be interested based on your own specific circumstances.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs usually take between two and six years to complete. To enroll, you’ll need a BSN degree and an RN license. Here are a few examples available in the DC area:

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs (also known as RN to MSN programs and ADN/ASN programs) are ideal for nurses who want to become nurse practitioners and have an associate’s degree in nursing and an RN license. They usually take about four years, give or take, depending on how many credits you’re able to transfer. As of now, the only school in DC that offers this type of program is Trinity Washington University.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest level of education you can accomplish as a nurse practitioner is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs take four to six years of full-time study to complete and will allow you to apply to some of the most advanced and highest-paying nurse practitioner positions on the job market. Here are a few you can find in DC:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

While they’re not technically degrees, Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are a great option for licensed nurse practitioners who want to change their specialization or dual specialize in a different practice area. Here are a few that are available in DC:

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

Some students may have a bachelor’s degree but not in nursing. If this describes your educational background,, you don’t necessarily need to get a whole new bachelor’s degree before applying for MSN programs. 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 any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. Here are a few to choose from in DC:

General Admissions Requirements

As with any type of degree program, the specific admissions requirements will depend on the school. However, you can generally expect to submit the following:

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

Washington DC NP License and Certification Requirements

Becoming a nurse practitioner in DC requires meeting specific qualifications. Applicants must:

Hold an active RN license in Washington, DC
Graduate from an accredited NP program

To complete the process, candidates need to submit proof of their credentials, fill out an application, and pay an estimated $230 fee. More detailed instructions are available through the DC Board of Nursing.

Certification is also required, and it can be obtained through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Most NPs must have an RN license and have completed a graduate-level NP program before applying for certification.

In DC, NPs have full practice authority as of 2023, which allows them to work independently, diagnosing and prescribing without physician involvement. Additional support and resources are offered by the DC Nurses Association.