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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
