Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools & Programs

Other NP Specialties

While the popular NP specialties above are often offered as concentrations in NP degree programs, there are other specializations that aspiring NPs can pursue. Think of these as sub-specialties – for example, if you get your degree in Acute Care, you may wish to pursue Emergency or Critical Care NP roles. In some cases, you may be able to enter specialty tracks or take focused courses for these alternative specializations. Check out the list below to learn more:

• Oncology Nurse Practitioner
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Cardiology Nurse Practitioner
• Critical Care Nurse Practitioner
• Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
• Holistic Nurse Practitioner

NP Degree Levels & Education Requirements

There are several degree routes a nurse can take to become a nurse practitioner. The most common educational routes to a nurse practitioner career are the two-year Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) and the three- to four-year Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While both degree levels are offered online, come in various specializations, and will leave you eligible for NP licensure and certification, there are several pros and cons to each. Compare them below to determine which program type is right for you.

Nurse Practitioner Bridge Programs: RN to NP, BSN to DNP

Nurse Practitioner bridge programs are accelerated educational pathways that allow nurses to advance their qualifications without following a traditional academic route. These programs are often quicker and more affordable than completing numerous graduate-level degrees, but can be quite intensive in nature. In some cases, coursework can be completed online. Compare these two bridge programs further:

For those who already have a graduate-level nursing degree and want to enter or switch to a new nurse practitioner specialty, a one-year NP post-master’s certificate is a streamlined educational pathway. While not a standalone degree, these certificate programs are offered in numerous NP specialties and can eliminate the need to complete another full graduate degree program.

Accelerated NP Degree Programs

If you don’t have a nursing degree but want to become an NP quickly, two main programs exist: the accelerated MSN, and the Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP). The difference between these two programs is that the accelerated MSN leads to a general MSN, while the MENP (also sometimes called a direct-entry MSN) allows for specialization as a nurse practitioner other Advanced Practice RN (APRN). Check out more details below:

Program Cost & Length: Online vs. Campus

The cost of nurse practitioner programs varies widely, with options ranging from cheap to more expensive depending on the degree level, location, and whether the program is online or campus-based. Online NP programs tend to offer more flexible and affordable tuition rates, particularly for out-of-state students, who often pay less than they would for an in-person program. Campus-based programs, while sometimes more costly, may offer hands-on support and resources that some students find beneficial.

NP program length can also differ between online and campus-based programs. Many online programs are flexible and offer asynchronous coursework, meaning that students can potentially move through their courses more quickly than campus-based programs.

Compare the length and tuition fees of the most common NP degree programs below:

Getting Licensed and Certified as an NP

The process of becoming a licensed and certified Nurse Practitioner (NP) involves several key steps, each of which ensures that NPs are well-prepared for advanced practice. It’s imperative that you review your specific state’s process for granting and maintaining licensure, as well as your NP specialty’s certification process. Here’s an overview:

1. Complete an NP Program:
   • Enroll in an accredited NP program at the Master's (MSN) or Doctorate (DNP) level.
   • Complete required coursework and clinical hours (usually between 500-1,000 hours depending on program requirements and specialty).
2. Obtain National NP Certification:
   • Choose a certification exam based on your NP specialty (e.g., Family, Acute Care, Pediatrics).
   • Register and prepare for the exam through a recognized certification organization, such as:
     • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
     • American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
     • Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) or others.
   • Pass the exam to become certified, which confirms your competence in your chosen specialty.
3. Apply for State Licensure:
   • Submit a licensure application to the state board of nursing where you plan to practice.
   • Provide proof of education, certification, and any required clinical hours completed.
   • Undergo a background check if required by the state.
4. Fulfill State-Specific Requirements:
   • Complete additional exams if required by the state.
   • Meet continuing education (CE) requirements for both licensure and certification, as each state and certifying body has unique requirements for license renewal.
5. Maintain Certification and Licensure:
   • Renew national certification every 5 years by meeting continuing education and clinical practice requirements.
   • Renew state NP license as required, usually every 1-2 years, by demonstrating ongoing education and practice.

Learn more about RN licensure.

Why Is Choosing an Accredited NP Program Important?

Choosing an accredited nurse practitioner degree program is crucial for ensuring that the education received meets high standards of quality and prepares graduates for licensure and practice. Accreditation assures prospective students that the program has been evaluated by recognized accrediting bodies for its curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Graduating from an accredited program is often a requirement for certification and licensure, affecting a nurse’s ability to practice. Common accrediting bodies for NP programs include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Selecting a program accredited by these organizations helps ensure that graduates are well-prepared for their careers and can provide safe, effective patient care.

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