Best Nurse Practitioner Programs

Top Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Degrees

The best nurse practitioner schools will be accredited and confer at least one MSN degree, a pre-requisite for becoming an NP. Each of the following schools offers at least one online nurse practitioner degree program.

MSN: FNP MSN: Nurse Midwifery	Georgetown University -- Two-year online programs offered through the School of Nursing and Health Studies, Georgetown University's MS in nursing curriculum for family nurse practitioners and women's health practitioners prepares graduates to properly integrate "advanced nursing knowledge, ethical principles and clinical excellence" in their area of specialization. The school and its programs follow the Jesuit values and ideals set forth through the university's mission.
MSN: Administration MSN: Education	Kaplan University -- The Kaplan University Master of Science in Nursing program teaches a curriculum that examines the dynamic healthcare nursing environment. Courses include Advanced Nursing Roles, Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in a Diverse Community.
MSN: Education MSN: Informatics MSN/MBA Dual Degree MSN/MHA Dual Degree	University of Phoenix -- The University of Phoenix MSN, MSN - Nurse Practitioner, MSN - Health Education, and MSN - Health Informatics degrees offer a wide selection of options to advanced your nursing knowledge. In today's fast growing nursing field, ensure that you have the tools to reach the top by attending one of these great programs.
RN to MSN MSN: Case Management MSN: Infection Control MSN: Nurse Management MSN: Nurse Informatics	American Sentinel University -- The graduate nursing programs RN to MSN; MSN: case management; MSN: infection prevention & control; MSN: management & organizational leadership; MSN: nursing informatics are all offered at American Sentinel University. The degree programs are specialized to help meet the challenges of a demanding healthcare field and provide managerial expertise.
RN to MSN MSN: Education MSN: Informatics MSN: Leadership	Walden University -- The MSN, MSN - informatics, MSN - education, MSN - leadership at Walden University all have unique attributes that makes them a great fit for the individual nurse. The Informatics program combines nursing with computer science to help nurses use technology effectively to improve patient care, the Education track incorporates teaching skills to the advanced nursing program, and the Leadership program prepares nurses for advanced careers and entry into management level positions.
MSN: Education MSN: Education Bridge	Capella University -- Capella University offers a MSN - nurse education and MSN - nurse education bridge to students that dream of a new career teaching their skills to the next crop of top nursing talent. The program prepares you for positions in higher education institutions, health care organization, and the military.
MSN: Clinical Nursing MSN: Family Nursing MSN: Nurse Midwifery MSN: Women's Health More MSN Degrees...	University of Cincinnati -- The MSN Programs at the University of Cincinnati's College of Nursing teach perspectives from nursing sciences and holistic care to enhance the quality of health care its students can provide. Several MSN degrees are offered, including MSN - family nursing, MSN - adult nursing, MSN - nurse midwifery, MSN - nurse administration, MSN - women's health nursing.
MSN: Education MSN: Leadership MSN/MBA: Leadership	Grand Canyon University -- At Grand Canyon University, the MSN - Nurse Education, MSN - Nurse Leadership, and MSN/MBA - Leadership degree programs provide advanced instruction in the education and leadership fields. Often times today, nurses are ill-equipped to enter educational and management positions. Don't get left behind--explore these programs.
MSN: Adult Acute Care MSN: Adult Psych Care MSN: Clinical Trials MSN: Nurse Leadership	Drexel University -- Drexel University provides students a wide variety of specialized MSN programs including adult acute care, adult psychiatric care, and nurse leadership. Courses are offered online, and the college is connected with the finest teaching hospital in the U.S.
Accelerated RN to MSN Accel MSN: Adult Health Accel MSN: Education	South University -- The South University MSN program trains registered nurses to be leaders in their careers. The degree format allows nurses to pursue their education goals while continuing their career. Courses are designed to teach clinical skills and cutting-edge research methods.
Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP - Adult Nurse DNP - Family Psych Nurse DNP - Gerontology Nurse DNP - Neonatal Nurse DNP - Pediatric Nurse	Brandman University -- Brandman University is one of the nation’s highest-rated educators that provides Nurse Practitioner degrees because of its dedication to its students and alumni. The Masters degree programs are a great way to quickly advance your career as Nurse Practitioners, Adult Health Nurse Practitioners, Family Psychology Nurse Practitioners, Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, and Pediatricians.
MSN: Health Systems Mgmt	Vanderbilt University -- As one of the nation's leading providers of higher education, Vanderbilt University stands out from the rest. It has now added an online option for its renowned Masters of Science in Nursing: Health Systems Management degree. This is a prestigious program that demands much from students, including work experience and a bachelor's. While students will take the same rigorous study as the campus program, the online option offer more flexibility in hours.
RN to MSN MSN: Health Management	Loyola University of New Orleans -- With two prominent educational tracks for nurses including RN to MSN and MSN: health management degree, Loyola University of New Orleans puts nurses in position to succeed. An RN to MSN degree will allow nurses to further hone their nursing skills at a graduate level. MSN: health management degree focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to thrive as leaders within health care organizations.
RN to MSN MSN: Education MSN: Leadership	Gonzaga University -- The General MSN, MSN Nurse Education, and MSN Nurse Leadership degrees from Gonzaga University features a curriculum that provides the very best in nursing education. These degrees prepare graduates for success in the education and management nursing fields.
MSN: Clinical Leadership	St. Xavier University -- The mission of St. Xavier's is to serve the students they teach. St. Xavier University offers a variety of graduate level nursing programs. Of these, the MSN - clinical leadership benefits those that seek to become managers of healthcare settings.
MS in Nursing	Benedictine University -- The Masters of Science in Nursing at Benedictine University is offered in an online format that connects students to the fascinating world of advanced nursing. The program offers courses that both excite and stimulate the mind. A master's degree separates you from the rest of the field and promotes your success.
MSN: Clinical Leadership MSN: Nurse Education MSN: Patient Services	Sacred Heart University -- The graduate-level nursing programs at Sacred Heart University include: MSN: clinical nursing (focuses on issues of safety, quality of care, and costs within healthcare); MSN: nursing education (preps nurses to practice as faculty members); MSN: patient care services administration (elevates one's skills and knowledge in nursing management); RN to MSN (provides the expertise to assume the role of nurse manager).
See all schools that offer Nurse Practitioner degrees ...

Learn About Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurse practitioner (NP) programs are created for experienced nurses to enhance their knowledge and abilities when working with patients. NPs are able to diagnose and treat illnesses. The job of an NP is long term care and maintenance for a patient, and it is a rewarding career that allows you build on your experience as a nurse. There are many NP program specifically for nurses who are still working full time, making it easy to find a program that fits with your schedule. All NPs must first work as registered nurses before being accepted into an NP program. NPs are trained in general medical care and sometimes specialize in one area.

What Are the Differences Between a Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor?

The best way to understand the differences between an NP and a doctor is to think of it as the nursing model versus medical model. This means treating the patient with medicine, as well as maintenance and monitoring of lifestyle versus only medicine for treatment. Very few MDs go into primary care, which is the first level of contact with patients. Coincidentally, this is the area where we’re seeing major NP growth. An NP serves as the primary care contact for patients seeking ailment from a cough, cold, the flu, or manageable diseases like diabetes. If the patient needs specialized care, the NP would then refer the patient to a doctor or specialist.

The objectives are health management and prevention with patients, which are not touched on by a doctor consulting patients. The priority of an NP is diagnosing and treating illness, and educating a patient how to maintain health. A doctor’s objective is solely treatment through medicine. An NP can work independently from a doctor without supervision and have the ability to run their own clinics. An NP often sees a patient repeatedly, following through with the treatment plan from beginning to end. Following treatment, an NP can regularly see the patient for follow-up concerns and health guidance that may not involve medicine. Another difference between an NP and a doctor is that an NP is continuing with nurse-style care for a patient. NPs are a vital part of the medical community and fit to diagnose, treat and educate patients; with the growing need for primary caregivers, there is a bigger demand for qualified NPs. NPs can also write prescriptions in many states.

Where Will I Work as a Nurse Practitioner?

Most NPs are employed by hospitals or clinics. A shortage of physicians in the 1960s is what created the position of nurse practitioner. Patients are able to be diagnosed and receive treatment without waiting to see a doctor. The role of an NP is extremely important, as you’re handling records and caring for patients in the same manner as a doctor. In most states nurse practitioners are allowed to write prescriptions for drugs.

Working in a Clinic as a Nurse Practitioner

NPs working in a clinic are often the only practitioner on duty. There is not always a doctor on duty. This is done to lower the cost of what the clinic spends, while still providing patients with qualified, proper medical care. Working in a clinic, you may be over a team of nurses or medical assistants (or a combination). NPs working in clinics often work in areas with mid-low levels of income. The clinic may be paid for by the government and sometimes, your resources are limited. A common clinic that employs NPs is Planned Parenthood. This position illustrates how a nurse practitioner differs from a doctor. A nurse practitioner would work directly with women, educating them on safe sex, STDs, and other standard sexual education. This may take time to learn the woman’s sexual history and why she has visited the clinic that day. These are general medical issues that do not have to be addressed or treated by an MD.

Working in a Hospital as a Nurse Practitioner

Working in a hospital, an NP has many duties. He or she may be over an entire floor or in charge of a group of nurses and medical staff. NPs at hospitals wear many hats and should be very comfortable with technology. Hospitals are increasing their use of mobile technology because it makes patient records and treatment more efficient. Another medical professional can immediately see what the patient has been diagnosed with and what the course of action is thanks to computer programs that store all of this information. Working in a hospital, nurse practitioners utilize their prior skills as nurses and also care for more severe cases. NPs are favored for areas of the hospital where patients stay for a long period of time.

Can I Specialize in a Certain Area as a Nurse Practitioner?

An NP can complete the bulk of his or her clinicals in the area they hope to specialize in. These areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Geriatric and Senior Care
• Child Care/Pediatrics
• OBGYN/Women’s Health
• Family Care

Online Resources for Learning More about Nurse Practitioners

1. Mayo Clinic – Nurse Practitioner as a Career
2. A Nurse Practitioner’s View
3. New Family Nurse Practitioner
4. Advance Web – New Grad NP
5. A Nurse Practitioner’s Place
6. Because Your Nurse Practitioner Says So
7. NP Business
8. Nurse Practitioners – Doctors?
9. NP Central
10. Pixels and Pills – The Rise of the Nurse Practitioner

Can I Work in Any State as a Nurse Practitioner?

For the most part, you will be able to move states and continue to work as an NP. The only thing that may change is your ability to write prescriptions. This varies by state, but you still are able to practice as an NP, giving primary care or specialized care in your area of expertise. Job opportunities are good across the board, especially in urban cities where there is a shortage of physicians. NPs are increasingly becoming the primary care option for many; in order to continue working as an NP, you must have your license renewed every five years. This is done with continuing education courses, which is common for those working in the medical community.

What is it Like to Work as a Nurse Practitioner?

It can be very hectic, but it is a rewarding field. NPs appreciate working one on one with patients, providing primary care and treating illnesses within their realm of expertise. The focus is patient health and education on maintenance for the illness. They are often less driven by pharmaceutical companies and medical supply companies than doctors. For example, most NPs do not sit in for pharmacy presentations. They choose treatment for a patient based on experience, what the patient needs and by conversing with other NPs.

An NP sees the same patients regularly when working in a hospital. This gives the NP an opportunity to connect with the patient and continue to educate on health maintenance after treatment. They enjoy building connections with patients through medical treatment and tap into other resources and techniques they have learned through nursing experience. Even with a very busy schedule, nurse practitioners make it a point to provide high quality care that nourishes the patient mentally and physically. The goal of an NP is to provide patient care and treatment using the nursing model.

Traditional Nurse Practitioner Program vs. Online Nurse Practitioner Program

NP programs are for students who have a degree in nursing and at least a year of working with patients. Because you have this foundation, an online NP program is ideal for working nurses. Online NP programs allow you to study at your own pace, and the program can be completed in as little as 18 months or can be broken up so it takes about two years. This depends on the program and your time commitment.

There’s no reason to quit your job to attend traditional classes for an NP program. Online nursing programs are widely acceptable in the medical community. The only suggestion is for you to apply for an online program that has a traditional campus. You will still take courses online and you won’t make many visits to the campus, but it makes clinicals far easier. A school with an established online NP program and other medical programs has connections to place you in clinicals. Without that, you may have to find a hospital or clinic to complete clinicals on your own. This is not impossible, but it is far easier when the program sets them up for you. If you currently work in a hospital or clinic, you may be able to talk with the staff about completing clinicals at the same facility. You should understand what the requirements are to do this before signing up for classes.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nurse Practitioner Program?

You must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and at least one year of field work to apply for most NP programs. If an online NP program is claiming you need no prior medical experience to sign up, take this as a sign that the school that is only after your money. To work in all 50 states in the U.S., an NP must have a degree in nursing, as well as experience and proper licensing for all titles. Your license to work as an NP must be renewed every five years through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.