30 Best Online Master’s in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) Degree Programs 2017

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In this article, we list the 30 best online master's in nursing (nurse practitioner) programs for 2017.

Nurse practitioners–also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)–coordinate patient care and provide primary care to patients in a wide range of healthcare settings. In some states, nurse practitioners work right alongside doctors, seeing their own patients. To secure a role as a nurse practitioner, a master's degree is required. Online options have recently become available from some of the nation's top ranked schools.

Ranking Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

We looked at 90 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master's in nursing – nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner programs. We selected schools that had received rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then selected the 30 most affordable of these recognized schools based on in-state graduate tuition rates published by NCES College Navigator.

Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online master's in nursing – nurse practitioner programs.

#30 – Duke University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

Durham, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $50,602

Duke University offers several online MSN nurse practitioner programs that are ranked in the top ten in the country. Distance-based majors include the family nurse practitioner with program with part-time and full-time completion options. Classes can be taken online and explore topics like advanced practice nursing in primary care adolescent and adult patients, clinical pharmacology for advanced practice nursing, population health in a global society, and professional transitions in advanced nursing practice. Duke University is ranked among the most elite schools in the country. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 8th top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #3 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.

#29 – Catholic University of America

Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $43,450

One of the top online FNP programs on our list is found at Catholic University of America. The school offers a fully CCNE-accredited program that meets the guidelines of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Program. FNP track courses include advanced practice role, biomedical ethics, family and culture, and management of health problems in adults and geriatrics. The program also requires 700 hours of supervised clinical experience, which may be completed locally or in the student's geographic location. The institution offers a top-ranked nursing program and is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school's online graduate nursing programs #7 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#28 – University of Southern California

Online Master's in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Los Angeles, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,305

One of the top nurse practitioner programs online is found at University of Southern California. This top-ranked and accredited program offers a family nurse practitioner track that can be completed entirely online. Full-time and part-time options are available, and clinical placements can occur near your own community. Full-time enrollment options make it possible to complete the degree within 21 months, while part-time enrollment allows you to complete the degree in 33 months. Admission to this top ranked program requires an earned BSN or MSN from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and one year of clinical experience. USC is ranked by all major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #23 among the best national universities.

#27 – George Washington University

Online Master's in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,845

One of the top online MSN nurse practitioner programs on our list is found at George Washington University. This program is designed to prepare registered nurses as advanced practice leaders in the area of tending to critically ill patients and their families. Admission to the program is competitive and requires an earned bachelor's in nursing from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, two letters of recommendation, and evidence of current nursing licensure. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available, and students must complete a minimum of 650 clinical hours to satisfy the degree requirements. George Washington University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top institution and best value school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #26 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#26 – West Coast University

Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner

Los Angeles, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,130

One of the top online FNP programs on our list is offered by West Coast University. This online program offers a series of courses designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice leadership roles. Some of the courses offered include advanced health physical assessment, advanced practice nursing role, ethics in healthcare, health promotion and disease prevention, primary care women's health theory, and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. An advanced health care residency is also required and may take place in the student's geographic location. West Coast's nursing programs have been granted approval from the Florida Board of Nursing and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

#25 – Wilkes University

Online Master's in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,096

Wilkes University offers some of the top online nurse practitioner programs on our list. While the program is considered to be completely online, there is a brief on-campus residency requirement for students enrolled in the advanced health assessment course. Residency requirements can be satisfied near the student's geographic location. Online courses include advanced health assessment, advanced nursing research, advanced role development in nursing, health policy and politics for advanced nursing practice, and theoretical foundations of nursing science. Wilkes is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 85th best regional university in the North and 34th best value school. The graduate nursing school is also ranked.

#24 – Duquesne University

Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,212

Duquesne University offers one of the top online FNP programs on our list, which can be completed 100% online. The program offers three start dates per year, and admission does not require the GRE or other test scores. Admission does require a BSN from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. Online courses include evidence based nursing practice and policy development, foundations of family care for women and children, organizational and clinical leadership in nursing and healthcare, and transitioning to advanced family practice nursing. Duquesne is ranked among the top universities in the country. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 124th best national university and 37th best value school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #26 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#23 – Saint Louis University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,896

One of the most recognized nurse practitioner programs online is the one offered by Saint Louis University. This graduate nursing program is designed for working registered nurses who want to pursue advanced nursing study and earn a specialization. These specializations include adult/Gerontological acute care nurse practitioner, adult/Gerontological primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, family psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner. Courses are delivered entirely online and curriculum may be individualized with part-time and full-time enrollment options. Saint Louis University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the institution #35 among the best online graduate nursing programs in the country.

#22 – Bradley University

Online MSN – Nurse Practitioner

Peoria, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,560

One of the top online MSN nurse practitioner programs on our list is the MSN to FNP (family nurse practitioner) offered by Bradley University. This CCNE-accredited graduate nursing program requires 67 credit hours of coursework delivered in just nine semesters. These courses include advanced health assessment, evidence-based practice, leadership in the healthcare delivery systems, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, and nursing theories – analysis and development. Clinicals can be completed locally, and there are no campus residency requirements. Bradley is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 6th best regional university in the Midwest and 36th best value school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #97 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#21 – Maryville University

Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,968

One of the most affordable MSN nurse practitioner online programs on our list is offered by Maryville University. This specialized nursing program is designed for practicing RNs who have a BSN and want to pursue advanced nursing education. The program is 100% online and requires 15 advanced level nursing courses. There are also several nurse practitioner concentrations available that allow students to tailor their nursing degree toward their career goals. Some of the online courses offered include advanced health assessment, health care policy, and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. Admission does not require GRE or GMAT scores, and there is no waiting list once accepted. Maryville is a nationally ranked and accredited institution. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #104 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.

#20 – Ohio State University

Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

Columbus, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,425

The College of Nursing at Ohio State University offers one of the most affordable online nurse practitioner programs on our list. Classes are delivered through a distance learning format to make it easier for registered nurses to return to school and earn an advanced degree. These courses include advanced health assessment, evidence based nursing scholarship, health policy and advocacy, quality improvement and informatics, and theories and issues in advanced family nursing. Ohio State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 54th best national university in the country. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #3 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#19 – Old Dominion University

Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Norfolk, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,480

One of the top online FNP programs on our list is the fully accredited program at Old Dominion University. This CCNE-accredited program is approved by the Virginia Joint Boards of Nursing and Medicine and offers grant options to nurses willing to work in medically underserved rural regions of Virginia. A total of 50 credit hours can be earned online, and a clinical practicum may be completed at the student's chosen physical location. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited program, one year of clinical nursing experience, a current license as a registered nurse, and a GPA of 3.5 or better. If your GPA is lower than 3.5, you may submit satisfactory GRE or MAT scores for consideration. Old Dominion is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs have earned a ranking of #61 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#18 – Regis University

Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Denver, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,250

One of the most affordable MSN nurse practitioner online programs on our list is offered by Regis University. This completely online program is designed for nurses with a bachelor's in nursing or associate's in nursing. Completion time varies depending on the completed undergraduate work, but most students with a BSN earn their nurse practitioner degree (MSN) in approximately two years. Admission does not require the GRE. The program is ranked and accredited by ACEN, NEASC, and the National League for Nursing. Regis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the West. Also, in recent editions of Best Colleges, the online graduate nursing programs have earned top rankings.

#17 – Kent State University

Online Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Nurse Practitioner

Kent, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,090

One of the best online nurse practitioner programs on our list is the affordable advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) – nurse practitioner program at Kent State University. The program is CCNE-accredited and may be completed almost entirely online. Courses are flexible with many delivered online. Full-time and part-time completion options are also available. Required courses include advanced health assessment, advanced nursing informatics, methods of inquiry, and theoretical basis for nursing practice. Applications for admission are accepted twice per year, and applicants must hold an earned bachelor's in nursing from an accredited college or university. Kent State is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution.

#16 – Grand Canyon University

Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Phoenix, Arizona

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,612

Grand Canyon University is one of our top picks for MSN nurse practitioner online programs. The school offers an online MSN with family nurse practitioner specialization. This degree program consists of 53 total credits and will accept up to 12 transfer credits, which is approximately one-third of the program. Courses are delivered online and include advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning with skills laboratory, evidence-based practice, introduction to advanced registered nursing, and translational research and population health management. The program is designed to meet the standards set by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#15 – The University of Alabama

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,470

One of the best nurse practitioner programs online is offered by The University of Alabama. While the MSN – Nurse Practitioner program is a blended degree, most of the courses can be completed online. Some of the courses offered include advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, evidence based practice roles and processes, human relations management, and theoretical models for advanced nursing practice. Part-time and full-time completion options are available. Admission to the program requires a current unencumbered RN license and a bachelor's in nursing degree from a regionally accredited nursing school with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. The institution and its nursing programs are ranked with U.S. News and World Report as among the best.

#14 – University of Colorado

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,983

One of the top and most affordable MSN nurse practitioner online programs on our list is offered by University of Colorado. Three options of advanced study are available so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals. These options include: primary care adult/Gerontological nurse practitioner, primary care family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Courses are delivered online and include a series of foundational classes, no matter which specialization is chosen. These classes include advanced nursing practice and health care policy, nursing research, philosophical foundations in nursing practice, and research analysis and application. University of Colorado is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the graduate nursing programs are ranked #9 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#13 – Eastern Kentucky University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

Richmond, Kentucky

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,750

Eastern Kentucky University offers some of the most affordable online MSN nurse practitioner programs on our list. Two nurse practitioner tracks are available as online nursing degrees – the advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the rural health family nurse practitioner. Both tracks require a series of online MSN courses that include advanced nursing practice issues, evidence based project for ANP, principles of epidemiology, and theoretical foundations for EBP. Admission requires a BSN and active RN license, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better. Eastern Kentucky is the 79th best regional university in the South and the 29th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #39 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#12 – Middle Tennessee State University

Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,234

One of the most affordable online nurse practitioner programs on our list is the family nurse practitioner program at Middle Tennessee State University. The program is open to registered nurses who have an unencumbered license to practice nursing and have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Courses required for the program include a series of concentration and foundation classes. Foundation courses include advanced nursing research, advanced role development, healthcare policy, scholarly synthesis and research, and theoretical foundations. Middle Tennessee is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#11 – University of Southern Indiana

Online Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner

Evansville, Indiana

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,097

One of the top online FNP programs on our list is the online MSN and FNP track from University of Southern Indiana. This online program has three and four year full-time or part-time plans of study and a 665-hour clinical requirement. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct nursing courses on campus. These online courses include evidenced based practice for advanced nursing, healthcare informatics for advanced nursing practice, roles for advanced nursing practice, and theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice. All applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate work and hold a bachelor's in nursing from a nationally accredited institution. The school is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, and the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #21 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#10 – Texas A&M University

Online Master's in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Corpus Christi, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,904

Texas A&M University offers one of the best online nurse practitioner programs on our list. The FNP online MSN degree requires a total of 49 credit hours that may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The program is for RNs to become APRNs and provides eligibility for graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam as family nurse practitioners. Courses include finance for the nurse practitioner, introduction to advanced role, nursing research, science in nursing, and wellness and health promotion. Texas A&M at Corpus Christi is a nationally ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the graduate online nursing programs are ranked #29 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#9 – University of North Dakota

Online Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,643

One of the more affordable nurse practitioner programs online on our list is the FNP degree from University of North Dakota. This online degree program offers full and part time completion options with online classes and one week per semester required on-campus visits. The program takes approximately two years to complete and provides in-state tuition to all students regardless of residency. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to complete the National Certification exams by the AANP and ANCC. The institution is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and public school.

#8 – Saint Joseph's College

Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

Standish, Maine

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,460

Saint Joseph's College offers online nurse practitioner programs for those interested in becoming family nurse practitioners. Admission to this program is competitive and requires a strong GPA (3.0 or better) and a BSN from an accredited college or university. An active RN license is also required. The family nurse practitioner track requires a series of courses that include advanced practice nurse as provider, family theory – young and middle age adults, family theory of the older adult, and a primary care practicum. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.

#7 – Boise State University

Online Master's in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Boise, Idaho

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,440

Boise State University's School of Nursing offers online MSN nurse practitioner programs that are both accredited and affordable. If you're interested in an advanced level nursing career in adult gerontology, BSU offers such a degree with coursework that may be completed online. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers flexible online classes and supervised clinicals that may be completed in your own community. Three on-campus summer intensive workshops are required and usually last seven to ten days. Admission requirements include a bachelor's in nursing degree from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and undergraduate work in statistics and research. BSU is a nationally ranked public university, and the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #54 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#6 – University of Texas

Online Master's in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Houston, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,323

One of the best MSN nurse practitioner online programs on our list is also one of the most affordable – University of Texas's online MSN in family nurse practitioner. The FNP track offers online courses and a clinical hour requirement that may be satisfied in the student's geographic location. Online courses include advanced practice role in population health, diagnostic tests and procedures, evaluation and application of research, and informatics and healthcare technologies. Admission to the program requires an active registered nurse license and an earned bachelor's degree in nursing. The university is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#5 – University of Missouri

Online Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner

Kansas City, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,471

The School of Nursing and Health Studies at University of Missouri offers nurse practitioner programs online that require minimal campus visits. The program is designed for nursing professionals who require online courses so that they may meet their career obligations. Courses are conducted in synchronous and asynchronous modes depending on the class and professor. Some of the courses offered include cultural diversity and values, ethics in practice and research, healthcare outcomes and epidemiology, nursing research, and theoretical foundations in nursing. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the best national universities and top public schools in the country. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #21 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#4 – University of Central Missouri

Online Master's in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Warrensburg, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,384

One of the top MSN nurse practitioner online programs on our list is offered by University of Central Missouri. While the program is considered online, students must complete their FNP clinicals in the state of Missouri or the greater Kansas City area. Courses are delivered online and include health care policy and advocacy, methods of research in nursing, organizational leadership in complex health systems, and theories of nursing. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's in nursing degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of one year post-baccalaureate nursing experience. The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission is 3.25. University of Central Missouri is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regionally ranked institution. Also, the online graduate nursing programs have earned top rankings.

#3 – Spring Arbor University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

Spring Arbor, Michigan

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,217

Spring Arbor University offers one of the top online FNP programs on our list. This CCNE accredited nurse practitioner program offers two tracks: adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner and the family nurse practitioner degree. Courses are designed to fit the needs of busy nurses. The program offers one seven-week course at a time. Clinical requirements may be met in the student's geographic location, and there is an optional residency in Michigan. Some of the courses offered include applied research methods, health policy and politics, moral and ethical decision making, and theoretical perspectives for advanced practice. Spring Arbor is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 63rd best regional university in the Midwest and 19th best value school.

#2 – Georgia College and State University

Online Master's in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Milledgeville, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,209

Georgia College and State University's MSN nurse practitioner online programs are some of the most affordable on our list. The school offers an MSN degree with an option of the family nurse practitioner role or the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role. Students may choose to complete the program with either a part-time (nine semesters) or a full-time (six semesters) program of study. Admission to the program is limited to the most qualified candidates. Applicants must hold a bachelor's in nursing degree from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited program, provide evidence of an active RN license, and have completed at least one year of clinical experience. GRE scores less than five years old must also be submitted. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 28th best regional university in the South and the 9th top public institution. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #47 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#1 – Otterbein University

Online Master's in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Westerville, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $941

The top online MSN nurse practitioner programs on our list are found at Otterbein University. The school offers a family nurse practitioner program that boasts a 100% pass rate on AANP certification exams for the class of 2016. Curriculum is designed with a core online component that allows busy and working students to attend classes without disrupting life obligations. Some of the courses offered include advanced health assessment, evidence based practice and informatics, leadership and advocacy in policy and healthcare organization, and procedure and skills in advanced practice. Otterbein is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional university in the Midwest and the 26th best value school.

BMD Staff
July 2017

This concludes our list of the 30 best online MSN (nurse practitioner) degree programs for 2017.