If you're a registered nurse with an associate or bachelor's degree, you'll likely already know that becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) requires a master's in nursing. Yes, you need to invest time and money to earn this in-demand degree. However, top universities offer affordable NP online programs designed for busy professionals like you.
Find the best NP online programs that can help you advance your education without breaking the bank.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: 2-3 years
Typical Admission Requirements: An associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, an active nursing license, and standardized test scores
Top Skills Gained: Patient care coordination, communication, and leadership
Popular Concentrations: Leadership and management, education, nursing informatics, and family nurse practitioner
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025
Price Check
Your employer may offer a tuition- or fee-reimbursement program for RNs interested in earning a master's in nursing.
Why Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Becoming an NP can help you:
Specialize in one area of medical practice.
Increase your salary potential.
Qualify for a doctorate in nursing program.
Becoming an NP is a great way to build upon the skills you've developed as an RN. NPs use what they've learned in class and on the job to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication. In this role, they act as a bridge between frontline nurses and physicians.
Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioner Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for NPs to grow by 35% from 2024-34. This projection suggests a strong market for recent graduates and experienced NPs looking to switch employers. Graduates applying to a related position, such as a postsecondary teacher role, may experience a tighter job market.
| Job | Annual Median Wage, May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Practitioner | $132,050 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $117,960 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Manager | $106,880 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $103,960 |
Nurse Practitioner Licensing and Certification Requirements
The best nursing programs meet their state's certification and licensure requirements. Typical requirements include:
A master's in nursing from an accredited university
An active RN license
Board certification from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, or another reputable organization
An examination
You will also need to take continuing education courses (CECs) to maintain your NP license. Check your state board website for the latest CEC requirements.
Ways to Save on a Nurse Practitioner Degree
There are many ways to save on NP online programs in addition to employer reimbursement. Explore these and other options while comparing online programs.
Explore Private Scholarships: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is one of many private organizations awarding scholarships to undergraduate and graduate nursing students. You may also qualify for private need-based grants and loan forgiveness.
File the FAFSA: Filing the FAFSA each year you are in school may qualify you for thousands of dollars of federal financial aid. These aid programs include need-based grants and low-interest student loans.
Focus on Universities with Institutional Aid: Top universities award scholarships and grants to incoming master's in nursing students. This financial aid may require a separate application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs
NPs are advanced practice nurses who provide patient care that RNs cannot, such as diagnosing diseases and prescribing many medications. The extra education they receive in a master's in nursing program also lets them specialize within the medical field in fields like midwifery or anesthesia.
