The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2025
Credit: Anchiy / Getty ImagesOnline nurse practitioner (NP) programs prepare registered nurses (RNs) for advanced roles and a broader scope of practice. Nurses can become NPs with a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.
Online NP programs offer a flexible way to advance your nursing career. Discover the best program for you with our ranking of the best online nurse practitioner programs.
The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools
Texas A & M University
College Station, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Texas A&M's family nurse practitioner or FNP hybrid program prepares future nurse practitioners (NPs) for a career in primary care. Classes are primarily online. However, one word of caution: courses are only open to Texas residents.
Prospective students visit the university's College Station campus up to four times for in-person clinical experiences. The supervisor or preceptor you choose for these experiences is often a practicing NP, but the program also accepts physicians and physician assistants. If you're unable to find a preceptor, the school will help you find one.
We like this program because of its clinical preceptor flexibility, and willingness to assist students in finding placements.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Online/in-person hybrid program
- 84% graduation rate
- Assistance with arranging clinical experiences
Considerations
- People who live outside of Texas are not eligible to apply
- Lodging and travel are at student's expense when the program matches a student with a preceptor
- Program leaders make the final decision on preceptors
- In-State$8,443
- Out-of-state$36,637
- In-State$6,885
- Out-of-state$19,593
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled76,633
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UWF offers an online MSN program to nurses nationwide. Classes are taught by practicing NPs and other experienced clinicians and leaders.
Courses include advanced pathophysiology, health systems leadership and policy strategies, and integration of evidence in advanced nursing practice.
We like this program because it offers various financial aid options for online students. Military members and veterans may be eligible for free tuition.
UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Program completion in as few as 27 months
- 93% pass rate on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners FNP certification exam
- Faculty includes experienced NPs and clinician leaders
Considerations
- Must be taken full-time
- Only accepts transfer credits from institutions previously approved by UWF
- Program is selective and acceptance can be challenging
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled13,521
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
The George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Headquartered in Washington, DC, GW's online MSN program specializes in mental health. Future psychiatric and mental health NPs learn about neuroscience, acute and chronic mental illnesses, behavioral change theories, and other aspects of mental health, all from a holistic perspective.
Students may be required to make occasional visits to the simulation facilities at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.
We like this program because it consistently ranks among the best online MSN programs for veterans by Military Times.
GW's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Program focuses holistically on mental health and mental healthcare
- Variety of scholarship opportunities
- 85% graduation rate
Considerations
- Three on-campus visits required
- Does not accept applicants from Alabama, Louisiana, or New York
- Students must take a prerequisite course in ethics
- In-State$60,856
- Out-of-state$60,856
- In-State$33,930
- Out-of-state$33,930
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled25,568
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
St. John Fisher University (SJF)
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
SJF's online MSN program focuses on providing care for people and families across the lifespan. Your classes will include trauma-informed assessment and intervention, psychopharmacology, and complex care of chronically ill adults.
Classes are fully online except for one visit to the school's campus in Rochester, New York, for a pre-clinical immersion. This immersion allows students to practice hands-on nursing skills while meeting other students.
We like how this program offers students two tracks: the 24-month accelerated track and the 28-month part-time track.
SJF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Part-time and accelerated tracks
- Offers an interest-free payment plan
- 16 credits of specialty coursework unique to the FNP program
Considerations
- Students must find their own preceptors
- Must be currently employed as an RN in a clinical setting
- Requires one year of current clinical experience
- In-State$36,748
- Out-of-state$36,748
- In-State$18,756
- Out-of-state$18,756
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled3,680
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Sacred Heart University (SHU)
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
SHU's online MSN program offers FNP or psychiatric mental health NP tracks. This 42-credit program has eight FNP specialization courses.
Classes include family and community context for healthcare, healthcare policy and ethics, and principles of healthcare research.
We like how Sacred Heart offers a 24-credit, post-MSN program designed to prep graduates for their certification exams.
SHU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Two main tracks with eight possible specializations
- Values transparency and affordability
- Students have access to one-on-one mentors
Considerations
- Average 2.5 year program duration
- Two required on-campus visits
- Students may have to travel significant distances to clinical sites
- In-State$46,310
- Out-of-state$46,310
- In-State$34,852
- Out-of-state$34,852
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled11,179
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Rockhurst University (RU)
- Kansas City, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
RU's FNP program is designed for working nurses. You can choose from the program's full-time and part-time options.
To be eligible to apply, you must reside in one of the following states: Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, or West Virginia.
We like the program’s flexibility tailored to working nurses.
RU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Designed for working nurses
- Full clinical placement services and preceptor matching support
- Can switch between part- and full-time programs
Considerations
- Prioritizes Jesuit values
- Nurses who don't reside in approved states are ineligible
- Students attend one on-campus clinical immersion for two days
- In-State$40,700
- Out-of-state$40,700
- In-State$17,028
- Out-of-state$17,028
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled3,496
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 2 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
WGU's online FNP program allows students to work at their own pace. The program's 16 evidenced-based courses are based on the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties' standards.
You will take courses in professional presence and influence, leadership and management of complex healthcare systems, advanced evidence-based innovation in nursing practice, and more.
We like WGU's flexibility and absence of on-campus requirements.
WGU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- No on-campus requirement
- Cost-effective program
- Can complete in as little as one year
Considerations
- 64% graduation rate
- Nurses residing in the following states are ineligible: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington
- Must obtain an initial APRN license in current state of residence
- In-State$7,404
- Out-of-state$7,404
- In-State$7,765
- Out-of-state$7,765
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
NSU's online MSN program is designed for future FNPs. It has 51 credits and generally takes seven semesters to complete.
Courses include healthcare policy and leadership, behavioral health, pharmacology, pediatrics, women's health, and more.
We like how NSU hosts weekly virtual sessions with nursing faculty to educate prospective students about the program.
NSU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Study policy and leadership as well as nursing skills
- Postgraduate certificate program prepares students for national exam
- Offers a student health insurance plan
Considerations
- Potential on-campus visits to Palm Beach or Tampa Bay, Florida
- Requires a current Florida license
- Must have at least one year of direct care experience
- In-State$34,500
- Out-of-state$34,500
- In-State$22,062
- Out-of-state$22,062
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled20,877
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UC's FNP program is 100% online and can be completed in as few as two years. Students are not required to visit campus, and they work at their own pace.
FNP graduates interested in pursuing mental health can enroll in the post-master's psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner part-time program. This opportunity takes four semesters, or one year and four months.
We like how students have access to ample support, such as the student success coordinators, enrollment advisors, and clinical planning support team.
UC is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Earn degree in as few as two years
- FNP certification exam pass rate of 100% in 2023
- Professors are practicing nurses
Considerations
- No available scholarships unique to online programs
- Part-time students must take at least one credit per semester
- Students may have to alter their work schedules to meet clinical requirements
- In-State$11,892
- Out-of-state$27,226
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled43,976
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Missouri (UCM)
- Warrensburg, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UCM's online NP program has two tracks: FNP and nurse educator (NE). The NE track is 100% online, while the FNP program is hybrid, requiring occasional campus visits to Lee's Summit, Missouri.
FNP students take classes in healthcare policy and advocacy, primary care of women, advanced pathophysiology, and more. NE classes include teaching theory in nursing, teaching clinical practice in nursing, and designing nursing curriculum.
We like this program because students can benefit from low student loan debt through their scholarships, work-study, loans, and grants.
UCM is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Nurse educator track
- Cost-effective
- Hybrid and 100% online options
Considerations
- 49% graduation rate is lowest on this list
- Admissions department prioritizes UCM BSN graduates
- Students can only retake a nursing course once
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$16,080
- In-State$8,136
- Out-of-state$16,272
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled12,788
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online NP Program
The best online nurse practitioner programs provide a strong clinical foundation for advanced nursing practice. It’s important to identify quality online NP programs and determine which offer the best fit for your unique needs.
Before you apply, consider these factors when choosing the NP program.
Admission Requirements
Nurse practitioner online programs often prefer applicants with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, 1-2 years of work experience, and an active RN license.
Specializations
Programs allow NP students to pursue a nursing specialty, such as adult-gerontology, family nursing, or neonatal nursing. Available specialties vary by program and school.
Program Curriculum
NP programs cover evidence-based clinical nursing and theory. Students also take courses in their chosen nursing specialty. The quality of the curriculum matters because it prepares graduates for national certification in their nursing specialization.
Clinical Experience
To meet national credentialing requirements, nurse practitioner online programs require students to complete clinical hours in person. Some schools provide clinical placements near a student’s residence or at the hospital where they currently work.
Accreditation
Nursing accreditation lets students and employers know that an independent agency reviewed the program and determined that it met academic and industry standards. Applicants must submit proof that their degree came from an accredited program to sit for the board certification examination and apply for state licensure.
Program Length
It takes full-time students 24-36 months to complete NP programs online. Nursing schools require 40-50 credits and roughly 600-800 clinical hours in a student’s expected specialty area. Program length varies by school.
School Graduation Rate
Nursing school at any level is hard. A school’s graduation rate provides insight into its student success rate and its ability to provide the resources and support that prevent students from dropping out or failing.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
In an online nursing program, students view lectures and complete coursework remotely, offering greater convenience and flexibility than an in-person program. Nurse practitioner online programs may offer a blend of asynchronous and synchronous work or function entirely asynchronously.
Why Is Online NP Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation ensures that your nursing program provides a high-quality education. Accrediting agencies conduct regular, rigorous reviews to determine whether NP programs effectively prepare graduates.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredit online nurse practitioner programs.
Accreditation matters because:
- Third-party review ensures that programs meet quality standards and prepare nurses for practice.
- Employers prefer nurses from accredited online nurse practitioner programs.
- DNP programs may not accept credits from an unaccredited NP program.
- National credentialing agencies may not recognize unaccredited NP programs.
- The nursing profession benefits from accreditation, which sets high standards for patient safety and clinical practice.
How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work
Online NP programs design their curriculum for working RNs. NP classes may follow asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live) formats, which makes it easier for students to complete coursework on their schedule, without traveling to campus.
However, NP programs are not entirely online. Whether in an online or on-campus program, NP students must meet clinical experience requirements to be eligible for licensure. Some online programs work with learners to arrange in-person clinicals with approved supervisors. However, students may need to find these experiences in their local area on their own.
Clinical practicums develop the clinical judgment and NP specialty skills needed to pass certification exams. Online NP programs may have in-person or residency requirements so students can complete labs and clinical hours.
Learn more about getting clinical experience in an online nursing program, or explore our guide comparing online vs. in-person nursing programs to determine whether distance education is right for you.
Applying to an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
To be admitted into nurse practitioner online programs, students must meet the educational requirements and hold a current RN license. While some programs admit ADN-prepared nurses, most require a BSN for admission.
Admittance requirements — such as minimum GPAs, work experience, and supplemental materials — vary by nursing school.
- Admission Requirements: Online NP programs often require that students hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. Applicants commonly need at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with lower GPAs may be granted provisional admission.
- Experience Requirement: Incoming students need an RN license from the state where they plan to meet clinical requirements. Most programs also require or recommend 1-2 years of bedside nursing experience.
- Admission Materials: Applicants typically submit a resume, personal statement, and 2-3 letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors.
Paying for Your Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Nursing school can be expensive. Tuition, fees, textbooks, and expenses related to clinical practicums can add up quickly. The cost of online nurse practitioner programs also varies widely.
Before submitting applications, compare the total cost of online NP programs to find more affordable options, including programs that offer in-state tuition discounts or flat tuition rates for distance learners.
Here are some additional tips to help you pay for your nursing degree:
Maximize your financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see whether you qualify for federal student aid, state aid, and institutional aid.- Research and apply for scholarships and grants for nursing school, which do not need to be repaid.
- Determine whether your healthcare employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
- Research student loan forgiveness or repayment programs for nurses to pay off loans sooner.
Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook
Nurse practitioners have advanced clinical training and education to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. They work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in private or public educational services.
NPs earn a median annual salary of $129,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of NP salaries reach $169,950.
In 2024, the BLS named NPs the nation’s fastest-growing occupation for the second straight year. The NP workforce is projected to grow by 46% from 2023-2033 — more than 10 times greater than the national average job growth of 4%.
NPs can specialize either in primary or acute care. Students can explore NP specialties that speak to their personal interests and advance their career trajectories. Some popular specialties include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner: Family NPs provide primary care to patients of all ages. They work in a variety of settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and treatment facilities.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric nurse practitioners assess, treat, and prescribe medication for mental health disorders. They work in correctional facilities, independent practices, and psychiatric hospitals.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric NPs work either in acute or primary care, where they treat patients from birth to age 18. They work in pediatric clinics, hospitals, and urgent care settings.
Online NP Student Testimonials
We asked graduates of online NP programs to weigh in on the experience, including the benefits and challenges of completing an NP program online. Overall, the experience was positive, with the greatest reported benefit of an online program being flexibility.
On the Online Experience
“My experience earning my MSN online was a fulfilling one. I needed to work full time while completing the program, and the online option allowed me to do that.”
— Dorian Jackson, women’s health nurse practitioner
“The online MSN program allowed me to work a full-time job and still be able to go to school. The hours were flexible for my schedule and I was able to care for my family while still earning my degree.”
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
On-Site Clinical Experience
“We had to attend several simulation labs, and we had to choose locations for our clinical practice. The on-campus requirements were minimal, and they gave you enough time in advance to be able to plan to attend on-campus activities. The clinical requirements could be completed in your home state or city.”
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
“I had to go on site for specialty clinical teaching 1-2 times per school year. I also had to complete one of the core classes on the main campus as well.”
— Dorian Jackson, women’s health nurse practitioner
Challenges
“The biggest challenge for completing an online degree program is time management. If you’re not a good steward of your time, not a self-starter, or have trouble with procrastination, being an online student can be very difficult.”
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
“Some of the challenges with earning an online degree were accountability and consistency with completing assignments.”
— Dorian Jackson, women’s health nurse practitioner
Are online nurse practitioner programs worth it?
“I believe it is definitely worth getting a degree online if this type of curriculum suits your needs and work ethic. I would recommend it to other prospective nursing students who want to become NPs if they have the discipline, consistency, and desire to earn their degree online.”
— Dorian Jackson, women’s health nurse practitioner
“I would recommend it 10 out of 10! This is one of the best life choices that I made. It doesn’t mean that it will be easy; it doesn’t mean that you get to slack off or show mediocre effort. You can still take care of yourself and your family while furthering your education and that’s incredible.”
— Naida Rutherford, nurse practitioner
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Yes, online accredited NP programs meet the same standards as accredited in-person programs, making them a legitimate option for nursing students. Online NP programs can also meet licensure requirements.
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