Best Nurse Practitioner Programs
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Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in high demand. Not only do NPs earn a median annual salary of $126,260, but they also rank as the fastest-growing career in healthcare, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Now is a great time for nurses to advance their education and become a nurse practitioner.
The best nurse practitioner programs prepare nursing students for primary and specialty care roles. Our ranking can help you find the best fit for your experience, budget, and career goals.
Best Nurse Practitioner Programs
Duke University
Durham, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,166
Out-of-State | $2,166
Credits to Graduate: Minimum 42
Duke University’s MSN program offers eight nurse practitioner tracks, including adult-gerontology (acute or primary care), family, neonatal, pediatric (acute or primary care), psychiatric, and women’s health nurse practitioner. Each tract is available as distance-based or online, though nurse practitioner students will be required to attend in-person, hands-on clinical activities such as lab and simulation at least once a semester.
The nurse practitioner tract requires a minimum of 42 credit hours. Upon completion, graduates can sit for their board certification exam.
- In-State$58,085
- Out-of-state$58,085
- In-State$57,900
- Out-of-state$57,900
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled17,620
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,997
Out-of-State | $1,997
Credits to Graduate: 36
The FNP program at Vanderbilt University prepares students to provide comprehensive primary care throughout the lifespan. Classes are mainly in-person, though hybrid options are available, depending on enrollment type. In addition to rigorous academic and clinical preparation for all students, the program also offers the Collaborative Academic Practice (CAP) Program, which provides additional learning opportunities for students interested in working in rural areas after graduation.
The FNP program focuses on a family approach to care and emphasizes health promotion and maintenance.
- In-State$54,840
- Out-of-state$54,840
- In-State$51,600
- Out-of-state$51,600
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled13,796
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $5,545 (full time); $470 (part time)
Out-of-State | $855
Credits to Graduate: 45
The seven-semester FNP program at Lehman College, CUNY, prepares registered nurses to further develop their skills and knowledge and become licensed family nurse practitioners. The FNP program uses a cohort model, and in-person classes are required one day per week. FNP students attend classes on the Northwest Bronx campus but also have some educational opportunities at the City University.
Lehman College, CUNY, has been recognized as one of the top online colleges in New York for diversity and upward mobility.
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled15,143
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,418
Out-of-State | $2,035
Credits to Graduate: Minimum 48
The University of Texas At Austin’s MSN program offers three different nurse practitioner tracts: family, primary care pediatric, and psychiatric/mental health. Each tract requires 48 credit hours of didactic learning and 645 hours of hands-on clinical training. The in-person program is two years with part-time study available.
Founded in 1890, the University of Texas at Austin is one of the oldest nursing schools in the region and is recognized for its exceptional nursing education.
- In-State$13,576
- Out-of-state$46,498
- In-State$12,036
- Out-of-state$22,952
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled52,384
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost:
Total Program Cost: $86,510 - $103,187
Credits to Graduate: 12-course unit minimum
The University of Pennsylvania’s MSN program offers eight different nurse practitioner tracks, including adult-gerontology (acute or primary care), family, neonatal, pediatric (acute or primary care), psychiatric, and women’s health nurse practitioner. In addition to rigorous in-person didactic classes, including Pharmacology, Physiology, and Pathophysiology, and a minimum of 500 clinical hours, the program also offers clinical minors such as Nutrition, Oncology, Health Informatics, and more.
All eight of the nurse practitioner tracts can be completed full-time in as little as 12 months or part-time in two or three years.
- In-State$54,652
- Out-of-state$54,652
- In-State$38,732
- Out-of-state$38,732
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled23,374
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost:
Total Program Cost: $45,288
Credits to Graduate: 37
The University of Miami’s family nurse practitioner program can be completed in one to two years and has a 96% MSN pass rate. Graduates receive an MSN and qualify to take a national board certification exam in the family nurse practitioner specialty. In addition to in-person didactic instruction, students will complete at least 616 clinical hours, and the faculty coordinates all clinical placements.
The program offers full-time or part-time study, and all new FNP students will participate in an online “academic boot camp” before starting their first semester to help prepare them for pathophysiology and pharmacology graduate-level courses.
- In-State$53,112
- Out-of-state$53,112
- In-State$39,834
- Out-of-state$39,834
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled19,401
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost:
Total Program Cost: $92,790
Credits to Graduate: 49
The FNP program at Emory University confers an MSN and focuses on community-based care. The program can be completed full-time in four semesters or part-time and requires at least 600 clinical hours at one of 40 different clinical sites.
Emory FNP students are also eligible to participate in the Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership for Graduate Education Scholars Program (VANAP-GE) which provides the opportunity to learn and practice in the VA Hospital system.
- In-State$54,660
- Out-of-state$54,660
- In-State$44,800
- Out-of-state$45,800
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled14,852
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,740
Out-of-State | $1,740
Credits to Graduate: Minimum 45
The University of Rochester nurse practitioner program was established by Dr. Loretta Ford, who co-founded the nurse practitioner profession in 1965. The program offers six different tracts, including adult-gerontology (acute or primary care), family, pediatric, pediatric/neonatal, and psychiatric nurse practitioner. Programs are available for full-time or part-time study, and a minimum of 45 credits and 616 clinical hours are required to graduate.
Coursework includes unique offerings like Scholarly Writing in Health Professions and Ethics and Public Policy, in addition to traditional courses like Physiology & Pathophysiology.
- In-State$58,276
- Out-of-state$58,276
- In-State$46,779
- Out-of-state$46,779
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled12,197
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Year:
In-State | $30,982
Out-of-State | $53,666
Credits to Graduate: Minimum 45
The MSN nurse practitioner program at Florida International University offers four tracks: adult-gerontology primary care, family, neonatal, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. The program is six semesters long, and the adult-gerontology primary care and pediatric primary care tracts are available entirely online.
NP students can also participate in the FIU and Florida State Nurses Association, a student-run organization that provides social, leadership, and community service opportunities for FIU nursing students.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled55,687
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Year:
In-State | $27,342
Out-of-State | $33,702
Credits to Graduate: 48
The FNP program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, based in Edinburg, Texas, prepares BSN nurses to become FNPs and care for patients and families of all ages. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for their family nurse practitioner board certification.
FNP students can join multiple student nursing organizations, including the Student Nurse Organization (SNO) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 397 Pi Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the Texas Nursing Association.
- In-State$7,857
- Out-of-state$20,097
- In-State$7,002
- Out-of-state$14,562
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled31,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
Nurse practitioner is the third-fastest-growing occupation, with 46% job growth projected between 2023 and 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?
Registered nurses (RNs) can become nurse practitioners by completing a master’s of science in nursing (MSN), doctor of nursing practice (DNP), or post-master’s certificate. Each of these tracks incorporates advanced nursing coursework and clinical experience. MSN programs typically take 2-3 years, while DNP programs require 3-5 years for BSN-educated nurses. If you already hold an MSN, you can complete a DNP or post-master’s certificate in around two years.
During your nurse practitioner program, your coursework will focus on your specialty area. For example, you can prepare for careers as a family NP, adult-gerontology NP, psychiatric NP, or another nurse practitioner specialty. NP programs incorporate 500 hours or more of supervised clinical experience to strengthen patient care skills.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program
The application requirements and process for nurse practitioner programs depend on whether you apply to an MSN, DPN, or post-MSN certificate program. Review the requirements carefully, including clinical experience requirements and GPA minimums, to ensure that the program matches your academic and professional background.
- Admission Materials: BSN from an accredited nursing school; MSN-to-DPN or post-MSN certificate programs require an MSN; valid, unencumbered RN license; 2-3 letters of recommendation; resume showing professional experience; statement of purpose or essay.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 GPA; some programs require a minimum 3.5 GPA
- Other Requirements: 1-2 years of clinical experience is required or recommended; GRE scores may be required.
Why is Program Accreditation Important?
Programmatic accreditation determines whether nurses can receive an APRN license in their state and apply for NP jobs. Licensing boards in every state require an accredited nursing degree to work as an RN or NP. Further, employers only hire licensed nurses.
The best nurse practitioner programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These independent, nonprofit accrediting bodies set standards for nursing education.
Accredited NP programs follow the best practices for preparing nurse practitioners. They also meet high standards for licensure pass rates, faculty qualifications, and curriculum materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs
The length of a nurse practitioner program ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the program. MSN programs for NPs typically take 2-3 years, while post-MSN programs and MSN-to-DNP programs take around 2 years. DNP programs for BSN-prepared nurses typically take 3 to 5 years. During that time, nursing students take advanced NP classes and meet supervised clinical experience requirements.
