Earn an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree

Nowadays, earning an advanced nursing degree online from the comfort of your own home is quite simple. The following schools are tops in the nation in terms of delivering a quality, accredited online nursing practition education.


University of Cincinnati
MSN - Clinical Nursing
MSN - Family Nursing
MSN - Nurse Admin
MSN - Women's Health
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 University of Cincinnati — The MS in nursing degree program with a specialization in women's health practice offered online by the University of Cincinnati is geared toward nursing students wanting to receive expert training on women's health issues. Cincinnati also offers many other nurse practitioner degree programs, including MSN specialties in clinical nursing, nurse administration, family nursing, nurse midwifery, and mental health nursing.
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South University
MSN for Nurse Practitioners
 South University — South University has built a reputation on class flexibility and affordability and their general MSN program for nurse practitioners is no exception. This program is ideal for busy working healthcare nurses and professionals looking for advancement in their respective careers.
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University of Phoenix
MS in Nursing
MSN / MBA Dual Degree
MSN / MHA Dual Degree
MSN - Health Education
MSN - Health Informatics
University of Phoenix — The Master of Science in nursing for nurse practitioners from the University of Phoenix is a flexible online program from an accredited school. Students will learn advanced nursing skills, finance, change management, and evidence-based nursing research. Upon completion, graduates will be well prepared to advance their nursing careers. MSN specialties are offered in health education and health informatics. Dual degrees (MSN + MBA and MSN + MHA) are also available.
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Liberty University
MSN for Nurse Practitioners - Acute Care
 Liberty University — Liberty's Master of Science degree program in nursing is geared toward individuals interested in acute care nursing. Students of this program will be trained to become a clinical nursing specialist (CNS) in acute care. Liberty University is the largest online evangelical Christian university in the nation.
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Gonzaga University
RN to MSN - Practitioner
MSN - Nurse Education
MSN - Nurse Leadership
 Gonzaga University — Gonzaga's RN to MSN degree program will dutifully prepare anyone for a career as a nurse practitioner. Students of this program learn administrative, human capital management, financial, ethical, and legal skills. Other programs are offered in nurse education and health systems leadership.
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Walden University
MS in Nursing - RN Track
RN to MSN - Informatics
RN to MSN - Education
RN to MSN - Leadership
 Walden University — The Walden School of Nursing offers several unique master's in nursing degree programs for the aspiring nurse practitioner. For those RNs who have already obtained their BSN degrees, there are multiple fast-track MSN programs offered that will get you on the path to your degree as fast as possible. MSN specialty programs are available in subjects like informatics, education, and leadership.
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Drexel University
MSN - Adult Acute Care
MSN - Adult Psych Care
MSN - Clinical Trials
MSN - Nursing Leadership
 Drexel University — Drexel's MSN - adult acute care nurse practitioner program is geared toward preparing students for professional nursing practice with acutely ill patients. Graduates of this program can find careers in several settings, including ICUs, clinics, emergency departments, medical research laboratories, and more. Programs are also available in adult psychiatric care, clinical trials, and nursing leadership.
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Capella University
MSN - Nurse Educator
MSN - Nurse Educator Bridge
 Capella University — The master's degree in nursing education is taught in two flavors by Capella University. The regular MSN in nursing education is geared toward nurses with a BSN under their belts. They also offer an MSN bridge degree in nursing education that is designed for bachelor's degree holders in other subjects not related to nursing.
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Benedictine University
MS in Nursing
Benedictine University — The online Master of Science degree in nursing program from Benedictine University prepares students to become nurse educators, leaders, administrators, case coordinators, managed care consultants, and more. This program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
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Kaplan University
MSN - Nurse Admin
MSN - Nurse Education
 Kaplan University — The MSN nurse administration and nurse education degree programs from Kaplan allows nurses with bachelor's degrees to take their careers to the next level. Students of these programs will learn advanced nursing theory, health policy, evidence-based decision making, financing, and more.
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Grand Canyon University
MSN - Nurse Education
MSN/MBA - Leadership
MSN - Nursing Leadership
 Grand Canyon University — Grand Canyon University is always worth a look for students seeking a well-rounded education that integrates the ideals of the Christian belief set. GCU is not only one of the most renowned Christian universities in the nation, but also offers a variety of graduate-level nursing degrees for students to choose from, including nursing education and nursing leadership (also with an MBA option).
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Loyola University of New Orleans
RN to MSN Bridge
MSN - Health Mgmt
 Loyola University of New Orleans — Two online degree programs are offered at Loyola University of New Orleans for aspiring nurse practitioners. Their RN to MSN bridge program covers topics of leadership, community health, health promotion, and professional development to help prepare students for careers as nurse practitioners. Loyola also offers an online MSN degree in health care systems management.
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St. Xavier University
MSN - Clinical Leadership
 St. Xavier University — The online MSN program from St. Xavier University has a focus on clinical nurse leadership, ideal for any student who is looking for an advanced nursing role within the healthcare industry. Nurse leaders help identify, design, implement, and evaluate critical administrative processes to enhance patient care.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioners

What exactly is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners are generally registered nurses (RN) who have completed advanced degrees and training in a variety of medical areas related to the management and diagnostic procedures of many illnesses and diseases. A nurse practitioner must be both skilled in individualized patient care and able to handle a plethora of medical responsibilities. Those interested in this field have many opportunities to specialize their skills including; becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, travel nurse pratitioner, oncology nurse practitioner, women's health nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner, and many more. Being able to accurately inform patients about their conditions, while providing support to better the lives of both patients and families is core to any successful nurse practitioner career.

What are the different types of degrees in this field?

If you are serious about joining this field, keep in mind that most nurse practitioner programs require prospective students to have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

  • Master of Science in Nursing: An MSN is the most common degree obtained by those interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Programs generally last a minimum of two years and will provide degree candidates with a solid education that will prepare them to diagnose, and treat, many different illnesses and diseases.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice: Much like an MSN, this degree will often take a minimum of two years, and will prepare students to become an NP in different specialty areas, depending on the students desired focus. These specialty areas include, but are not limited to, training for becoming a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and more.
  • ADN to MSN Bridge Programs: It is possible for persons without bachelor degrees in nursing to become nurse practitioners. However, degree programs of this type often take longer (typically four years) because of the additional education that is required. These programs are perfect for students who have a strong desire to become a nurse practitioner, but who have not previously taken advanced nursing courses.
  • BSN to MSN Bridge Programs: If a student has a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, and wishes to further their education in order to obtain nurse practitioner certification, BSN to MSN programs are appropriate for accomplishing this goal. BSN to MSN programs typically take two years to complete and provide students with ample opportunities to specialize in their desired area of medical focus.
  • MSN - Family Nursing: Family nurse practitioners are in high demand, and the best way to enter this field is through obtaining an MSN with a specialization in Family Nursing. This two-year degree serves to prepare students by offering a well-rounded education in all areas related to family nursing, including diagnosing illnesses, perscribing medications, as well as being a resource of both information and support for families who are dealing with illneses and diseases.
  • MSN - Nurse Midwifery: Midwifery is another excellent focus for a career in nurse practitioning. A masters degree in nurse midwifery provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in caring for patients during, and immediately following, pregnancy.

What is the average salary of a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse Practitioners are able to command highly competitive salaries in today's job market. Nurses who have specialized skill sets, such as emergency nurse practitioners, and family nurse practitioners, are in even higher demand. With healthcare demands expected to continually increase in the future, this trend should hold true. Currently, the average salary for a nurse practitioner in the United States is around $82,000 yearly with variations ranging from $75,000 to $89,000. More info.

What schools offer degrees for Nurse Practitioning?

There are a multitude of academic instutions that offer both traditional nursing degrees and online nurse practitioner degrees. Some of these schools include:

  • University of Phoenix: The University of Phoenix offers several high quality programs for aspiring nurse practitioners such as; MSN for Nurse Practitioners, MSN in Nursing (General MSN), MSN - Health Care Edication, and MSN - Health Informatics.
  • University of Cincinnati: UC offers MSN programs with many different choices for specializations. Students can obtain a degree in Clinical Nursing, Psychiatric Care, Adult Nursing, Family Nursing, Nurse Administration, Nurse Midwifery, and Women's Health.
  • Walden University: Walden offers students a vast number of choices when it comes to nursing degrees. Walden students can become candidates for degrees such as, MSN - Nurse Practitioner, BSN to MSN - Nurse Education, BSN to MSN - Informatics, RN to MSN - Informatics, RN to MSN - Education, and RN to MSN - Leadership.
  • Michigan State University: MSU has some excellent nursing programs tailored to meet the needs of students interested in entering the healthcare workforce. MSU Spartans can study in Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner programs, as well as Nursing Science Studies and RN Programs.
  • Bringham Young University: One of the top universities in Utah offers several excellent nursing programs. Students can enroll in Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner Programs, as well as Registered Nurse Programs and Nutrition Services programs.
  • North Dakota State University: North Dakota is home to a great school offering a top-notch education. Students at North Dakota State University can enroll in RN nursing programs which generally involve studies for two years.
  • Texas Tech University: Students interested in becoming one of the many thousands of Red Raider alums can find a variety of nursing programs via Texas Tech. Texas Tech offers programs in nursing administration, becoming an RN, and becoming a family nurse practitioner.
  • Northern Arizona University: Located in the beautiful state of Arizona, NAU offers students the opportunity to pursue their nursing degree in fantastic weather. NAU offers programs in Public Health Nursing, Community Nursing, and becoming an RN.
  • University of Iowa: Becoming an Iowa Hawkeye is a great honor. To this end, the University of Iowa has many programs for persons interested in becoming nurse practitioners. Students can take programs in Nursing for Adults and Seniors, Nursing Administration, Nursing Science Studies, and can also study to become a family nurse practitioner.

What kinds of financial aid are available for nurse practitioning schools?

Financial aid is generally always available in the form of loans and grants for those who demonstrate need. There are also many scholarships available to those prospective students who meet the requirements for such an award. In fact, there are many nurse practitioner scholarships and grants that may be availabe to you. More info.

Nurse Practitioner Degree Directory

Below we have outlined the best master's in nursing degrees available online for aspiring nurse practitioners.

MSN Degrees

RN or BSN to MSN Degrees

Nurse Practitioner School Directory

Below we have outlined the best accredited online universities for aspiring nurse practitioners.

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