When it comes to the best Nurse Practitioner programs online for 2022, we know you have a lot of options—and that's great!
But we don't want you to get lost in all the noise. We're here to help you make an informed decision by providing you with the most up-to-date information on what's available, what's coming soon, and how each program stacks up against the rest.
We'll start by looking at some of the top programs in the country and explain to you why we love them!
So stay with us and keep reading.
Top Hybrid And Online Best Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools
Here are the top 9 best nurse practitioner programs for 2022 (online & hybrid)
1. Georgetown University - Washington, DC
Georgetown University's School of Nursing and Health Studies is one of the oldest nursing schools in the country. The school has been teaching nursing since 1903 when it was established as a department within Georgetown College.
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Today, the school offers four online nurse practitioner programs that comprise 44 credits and 650 clinical hours, two objective clinical intensives, and on-campus intensives and clinical placement supplement live online classes.
Program Details
- Programs Offered: MSN, DNP, & Post-Master's Certificate
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with current RN license; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Tuition: $2,278/credit
- Credits: 42 to 49
- Clinical Hours: 650
2. Duke University - Durham, NC
Duke University's School of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in eight different nurse practitioner specialties.
The program is offered as a cohort-based program in a classroom setting. It is designed to prepare graduates to meet the needs of patients across the lifespan by providing both theoretical and practical knowledge in clinical settings.
The program includes didactic coursework and clinical practice experiences that help prepare students to meet the needs of patients across the lifespan.
Program Details
- Programs Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Campus: North Carolina.
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with current RN license; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA with a year of experience.
- Tuition: $1,838 per credit
- Credits: 42 to 49
- Clinical Hours: 728
3. George Washington University - Washington, DC
George Washington University's Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program is the best nurse practitioner program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
This program takes a holistic approach to educating nurse practitioners, who will be prepared to work with patients across various settings. The program focuses on both clinical and classroom learning experiences in order to provide students with real-world experience before they graduate.
Program Details
- Programs Offered: MSN: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; MSN: adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; MSN: family nurse practitioner; MSN: psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; current RN license; GPA of at least 3.0; Two letters of recommendation.
- Tuition: $1,395/credit
- Credits: 48 to 50 credits
- Clinical Hours: 650 to 700 hours
4. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH
The University of Cincinnati's Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner program featured in this ranking is the best hybrid and online nurse practitioner program. The university offers two tracks for the Nurse Practitioner degree.
The first track is a traditional on-campus program that requires you to attend classes on campus in Cincinnati, OH. The second track is an online RN to NP program designed primarily for those with an RN license who want to transition into a new career as a nurse practitioner.
This best online Nurse Practitioner program is designed for students who do not reside in Ohio or are unable to commute to campus each day due to work or family obligations. This track allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace while still receiving all the same benefits as their traditional counterparts.
Program Details
- Programs Offered: MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, & Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Campus: Cincinnati, OH.
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; active and unrestricted current RN license; GPA of at least 3.0; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 2.0 or higher; science GPA of 3.0; minimum of one year of RN experience.
- Tuition: $7,451 per semester.
- Credits: 44 credits
- Clinical Hours: 504 hours
5. The University of West Florida
The University of West Florida has been ranked among the best online nursing programs in the country. They offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles and leadership positions.
The program includes instruction on leadership and management, health promotion and disease prevention, behavioral health, and human development. Students will also learn to work with diverse populations within an interprofessional team setting.
The MSN at UWF can be completed in as little as 15 months if students are working full time while enrolled. Students who are not able to take classes full-time may take up to three years to complete the program. Upon completion of their coursework, students will be eligible for certification as Nurse Practitioners (NP).
Program Details
- Programs Offered: MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Campus: Pensacola, FL.
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; active and unrestricted current RN license; GPA of at least 3.0; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 2.0 or higher; science GPA of 3.0; a career goals statement.
- Tuition: $500/credit.
- Credits: 45 credits
- Clinical Hours: 600 hours
6. Texas A & M University-College Station
Texas A&M University is ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the country. The university offers a Master of Nursing Practice degree that qualifies graduates to become Nurse Practitioners (NPs).
This best nurse practitioner program has a family nurse practitioner concentration designed for students who want to specialize in primary care. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares students to be leaders and role models in their communities.
Classes are held online and on campus with lectures, group discussions, and hands-on labs. Students complete clinical rotations at various hospitals throughout Texas during summer breaks.
In two years, students complete advanced coursework in epidemiology, health promotion/disease prevention, and evidence-based practice.
They also develop leadership skills through research opportunities or involvement in community outreach programs.
Students who successfully complete the program may choose to pursue certification from the American Academy for Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Program Details
- Programs Offered: MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Campus: College Station, TX.
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; active and unrestricted current RN license; GPA of at least 3.0; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 2.0 or higher; science GPA of 3.0; Texas state resident.
- Tuition: $6,464/year (in-state); 12,818/year (out-of-state)
- Credits: 48 credits
- Clinical Hours: 45 hours
7. Ohio State University - Columbus, OH
The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with four different Nurse Practitioner specialties. Students can complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Students will study clinical skills, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Clinical experiences are completed at various sites throughout the state of Ohio. The curriculum includes a practicum in which students conduct six months of supervised clinical experience in primary care settings.
Program Details
- Programs Offered: MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, &Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Campus: Columbus, OH
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; active and unrestricted current RN license; GPA of at least 3.0; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 2.0 or higher; science GPA of 3.0; two years of work experience.
- Tuition: $1249 per credit hour.
8. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a top-ranked university that offers an Online Master of Science in Nurse Practitioner program. The USC School of Nursing offers online courses so that students can take their classes at times convenient.
The USC School of Nursing is ranked #1 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report, and it's also a top-10 school for Best Online MBA Programs.
It has more than 40 years of experience teaching nurse practitioners through its online programs, so you know you'll be getting the highest quality education from a reputable institution.
The university says that its curriculum is designed to prepare students to become advanced primary care providers who will be able to provide care for patients with complex medical conditions in diverse settings such as clinics or private practices.
Program Details
- Programs Offered: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; active and unrestricted current RN license; GPA of at least 3.0; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 2.0 or higher; minimum one year of experience.
- Tuition: $2,035/credit
- Credits: 49 credits.
- Clinical Hours: 748 hours
9. University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
If you're looking for a Nurse Practitioner program that will give you the skills and knowledge to practice as an NP in your state, look no further than the University of Alabama's online NP program.
This top-notch program offers students a chance to earn their master's degree in nursing specializing in nurse practitioner (NP) practice. The program is offered online and designed with busy professionals in mind. Students can complete the coursework within two years.
The curriculum covers everything an NP would need to know: internal medicine, psychology, pediatrics, gerontology, obstetrics/gynecology, and more. It also includes a practicum component so that students can gain real-world experience before entering their first job as an NP.
Program Details
- Programs Offered: MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, & Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (Dual Option)
- Campus: Tuscaloosa, AL
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; active and unrestricted current RN license; GPA of at least 3.0; drug and background screen results; unrestricted state permit.
- Tuition: $440/hour
- Credits: 45-72 credits
How to Choose the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Program?
Nurse practitioner programs offer high-quality, hands-on education in a convenient online format. The courses are designed for busy nurses who want to expand their skills and expertise.
Nurse practitioners work with patients at all stages of life and in many different settings, including hospitals, community clinics, private practices, hospices, and more.
There are several factors to consider when choosing an online nurse practitioner program. Here's what you should look for:
Accreditation: Look for an accredited program that meets the standards of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Program Length: Most nurse practitioner programs take four years to complete; however, some programs may take five years or longer if students need additional time to meet specific requirements, such as clinical rotations or internships. Some schools offer accelerated BSN/MSN programs that can be completed in three years or less if students already have an RN degree.
Cost: Most online nurse practitioner programs charge tuition per-credit basis with additional fees for books, lab fees, and other expenses associated with online learning, such as software licenses or internet service provider subscriptions.
Coursework: Ideally, you'll want a program that offers both online and face-to-face courses with lots of hands-on training and clinical work—the more opportunities you get to put your skills into practice, the better!
Faculty: The faculty members at your school should be knowledgeable about both the theory behind their field of study as well as how it's applied in real-life settings. They should also be committed to helping their students succeed both inside and outside of class.
Technology: Make sure that your school uses up-to-date technology for its classes so that you don't feel left behind when you graduate!
What are the Nurse Practitioners Program Requirements?
The following are some of the standard nurse practitioner program requirements that you should be aware of:
BSN Degree
This is one of the essential requirements that must be met before applying for admission into any Nurse Practitioner program. You can get this degree from an accredited college or university which offers BSN degrees in nursing, or you can also earn it online if you prefer this option over traditional education methods.
3.0 GPA
A minimum GPA score of 3.0 or above on a 4-point scale is required for all applicants who wish to enroll in these programs.
Current RN license
Most programs require applicants to hold current RN licensure in their state of residence. Some programs may accept applications from candidates who have active licensure in another state.
Still, these applicants must complete the application process and obtain licensure before beginning their clinical training at an affiliated hospital.
Experience
Most programs require applicants to have at least one year of experience as an RN before applying. Some programs have additional requirements, such as previous experience working with certain types of patients, such as geriatric or pediatric patients.
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best nurse practitioner program, you can't just take a chance. Instead, you have to make sure that your program is going to give you the training and skills that will allow you to flourish in the real world of healthcare.
Before enrolling in any program, make sure it's one of these nine best nurse practitioner programs for 2022 (or one of the hybrid programs).
These are all top-ranked programs, and they offer everything from clinical experience to opportunities for clinical rotations. And when you graduate from one of these schools, you'll be ready for anything!
FAQs
How long is nurse practitioner school?
Nurse practitioner school is not as long as medical school, which can take up to four years. Nurse practitioners typically complete a two-year master's degree program after one or two years of undergraduate studies.
Are online nurse practitioner programs respected?
Yes. Online nurse practitioner programs are respected. They are just as respected as their on-campus counterparts.
The only difference is that the content of these programs is delivered via an online platform. However, the content and standards are still the same as traditional nurse practitioner programs.
Where is the highest need for nurse practitioners?
Nurse practitioners are the rock stars of healthcare. They're busy, and they're in demand, but they're also essential to the quality of care that patients receive.
To be a nurse practitioner, you'll need to get your degree and certification. Then you can start applying for jobs—but where?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there's a high demand for nurse practitioners in New York, California, Texas, and Florida. But if you want to make sure you're getting paid top dollar for your skills and expertise, you can look beyond those states as well.
Is California a good state for nurse practitioners?
Yes! California is an excellent state for nurse practitioners. If you're looking for a place where you can provide excellent care to patients, grow your own practice and make a difference in the lives of your patients, California is the place for you.
What can I do as a family nurse practitioner?
As a family nurse practitioner, you can do everything! You can work in a hospital, a clinic, or even your own home. You'll be able to help patients with everything from chronic pain to common colds.
You'll be able to care for patients of all ages and from all walks of life—from infants to seniors. And you can use your expertise to provide care in whatever setting works best for them: at home, in their own neighborhood, or somewhere else entirely.
