The Ultimate Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: How to Choose the Right One for You

by | Jan 21, 2025 | Professional Development for Nurses | 0 comments

The nurse practitioner (NP) role is one of the fastest-growing professions in the U.S., with job opportunities projected to increase significantly over the next decade. However, the job market varies depending on your location, specialty, and career goals. Whether you’re looking to break into primary care, psychiatric-mental health, or acute care, online nurse practitioner programs provide a flexible and convenient way to advance your career while still working.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the key differences between online and traditional NP programs, the benefits of online learning, and how to choose a program that aligns with your goals. Let’s explore how you can find the right program and get started on the path to becoming a nurse practitioner!

online nurse practitioner programs

What Are Online Nurse Practitioner Programs?

Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs are advanced nursing degree programs designed to prepare registered nurses (RNs) to take on the role of a nurse practitioner—all with the flexibility of completing coursework online. These programs combine virtual learning with in-person clinical experiences, making them a great option for nurses who want to pursue a graduate degree without putting their careers or personal lives on hold.

Here’s How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work

Coursework

Classes are delivered online through a combination of video lectures, assignments, and discussion boards. Some programs offer live, interactive sessions, while others are fully self-paced.

Clinical Hours

Like traditional NP programs, online programs require a set number of clinical hours to ensure hands-on experience. Many programs allow you to complete these hours locally, often in collaboration with your employer or preceptors in your community.

Most accrediting bodies require a minimum of 500 clinical hours to ensure NP students have enough hands-on experience to qualify for the degree. However, some specialties, like Acute Care NP or Psychiatric Mental Health NP, may require closer to 750–1,000 hours because of the complexity of the patient population or the advanced skills needed. If you’re enrolled in a dual-specialty NP program (e.g., FNP + PMHNP), clinical hour requirements can exceed 1,000 hours to meet the competency expectations for both tracks.

Specializations

Online NP programs offer a variety of specialties, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), and more. We discuss these specialties and subspecialty options post-graduation more in this post.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career in primary care, acute care, or mental health, online NP programs provide a flexible and accessible way to achieve your goals while maintaining your current responsibilities.

Benefits of Online Nurse Practitioner Programs vs. Traditional Nurse Practitioner Programs

When deciding between online nurse practitioner programs and traditional, on-campus NP programs, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, learning style, and career goals. Here’s a quick comparison to help you figure out what’s best for you.

Flexibility 💪

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: Perfect for working nurses or those with family commitments. You can complete coursework on your own schedule, often from anywhere.

Traditional NP Programs: Require attending in-person classes at set times, which can be harder to balance with a busy schedule.

Clinical Placements 💊

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: Often allow you to complete clinical hours locally, but finding preceptors may require more initiative depending on the school’s support.

Traditional NP Programs: Typically have pre-existing relationships with local clinical sites, which may make securing placements easier.

Cost and Accessibility 💰

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: Usually more affordable overall, especially since they eliminate commuting and relocation costs.

Traditional NP Programs: May involve higher costs for travel, parking, and housing, depending on proximity to campus.

Learning Style 👩‍🏫

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: Great for self-motivated learners who are comfortable with virtual interaction and independent study.

Traditional NP Programs: Provide in-person interaction with peers and professors, which some students prefer for networking and collaboration.

Bottom Line ➡️ If you need flexibility, online nurse practitioner programs are often the best choice. However, if you thrive in a structured, in-person learning environment, a traditional program might be a better fit.

Check out various MSN programs accepting students near you below 👇

MSN vs. DNP: What’s the Difference?

If you’re planning to become a nurse practitioner (NP), you’ll need either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Both pathways lead to NP certification, but they differ in terms of scope, focus, and long-term career opportunities.

MSN-Prepared Nurse Practitioners

MSN-prepared nurse practitioners focus primarily on clinical practice, with specialized training in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and their chosen NP specialty, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). These programs typically take 2–3 years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.

An MSN is a great choice for nurses who want to quickly transition into providing direct patient care, as it allows you to meet the minimum educational requirements for NP certification. Additionally, MSN programs are generally more affordable than DNP programs, making them a cost-effective path to becoming an NP.

We have a comprehensive post on MSN program requirements here.

DNP-Prepared Nurse Practitioners

DNP-prepared nurse practitioners receive both advanced clinical training and additional education in leadership, healthcare policy, and research. These programs take longer—typically 3–5 years, depending on whether you’re starting with a BSN or already hold an MSN.

A DNP is ideal for nurses aiming to take on leadership roles, drive healthcare innovation, or prepare for the future as the DNP becomes the recommended entry-level degree for NPs. However, DNP programs require additional credit hours and research components, making them more expensive than MSN programs.

MSN vs. DNP Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: Key 🔑 Considerations

While all programs mentioned in this post are (at the time of this writing) accredited, there is a difference between national accreditation standards and state-specific requirements for NPs. Both MSN and DNP graduates are eligible to sit for NP certification exams and work as nurse practitioners.

However, you must verify that the program is recognized by the Board of Nursing (BON) in the state where you plan to practice. Some states have stricter regulatory requirements and may not accept degrees from certain programs, even if they’re accredited. You can do this by going to the website of your state board of nursing to see if they have a list of approved programs, as well the website of the online nurse practitioner programs you are considering. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure the program you pay for and complete will enable you to practice in the state you want to practice in.

Also, keep in mind that the educational landscape for NPs is changing. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has called for the DNP to become the entry-level standard for NPs in the future. While this hasn’t been universally implemented, pursuing a DNP may help you stay ahead of evolving requirements.

Finally, let’s talk about the money 💰 If you’re looking to enter the workforce sooner and keep costs down, an MSN may be the better option. If you have long-term leadership goals, a DNP could be worth the investment.

And there is always the option of completing an MSN program to get into the workforce and then complete a DNP! Check out various options here 👇

Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2025

Choosing an online nurse practitioner program is a big decision. While some programs are highly ranked for their prestige, others excel in affordability and flexibility, making them ideal for working nurses.

Highly Rated Online NP Programs

Note: Tuition estimates are accurate as of December 2024

Georgetown University

Programs Available: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with NP tracks and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).

Why It’s Great: Rigorous academics, high certification pass rates, and live online classes. Strong support for clinical placements.

Cost: Georgetown’s NP programs are among the more expensive, with tuition ranging around $2,278 per credit hour (as of 2024), depending on the program. With most programs requiring 40–50 credit hours, the total tuition cost could range from $91,000–$114,000.

Frontier Nursing University

Programs Available: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Graduate Certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Specialties Offered: Nurse-Midwifery, FNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Why It’s Great: Pioneering distance education for nurses, Frontier is mission-driven, offering flexible schedules and local clinical placements.

Cost: Frontier is one of the more affordable top-rated programs. Tuition is approximately $695 per credit hour (as of 2024) for an MSN. With most programs requiring around 45 credit hours, the total tuition is about $31,000–$35,000 (again, for an MSN).

Vanderbilt University

Programs Available: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with NP tracks and Post-Master’s Certificates. There is a DNP program, however it requires some in-person coursework, so it would not be considered an online nurse practitioner program.

Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), FNP, and PMHNP.

Why It’s Great: Known for its innovative curriculum, Vanderbilt offers an accelerated option for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Cost: Vanderbilt is a prestigious but pricey option, with tuition ranging around $2,065 per credit hour. Depending on the specialty, programs may require 39–50 credit hours, meaning total costs range from $80,000–$100,000+.

Affordable and Flexible Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

If affordability and flexibility are your top priorities, there are fantastic programs designed specifically for nurses juggling work, school, and family. These programs offer lower tuition costs, self-paced coursework, and clinical placement support—all without sacrificing quality.

Checklist for Choosing the Right Online NP Program

Choosing the right online nurse practitioner program is a big decision, but with the right information, you can feel confident about your choice. Use this checklist to make sure the program you’re considering aligns with your career goals, lifestyle, and budget.

✅ Accreditation

Is the program accredited by a recognized body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)? Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards and qualifies you for certification exams and state licensure.

✅  Specialties Offered

Does the program offer the NP specialty you’re interested in? Are there flexible options if you decide to switch specialties later? Below is a current list of all specialty options, but not all are offered at every online nurse practitioner program. Ensure the program you go with has what you want!

Primary Care Tracks

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Acute Care Tracks

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)

Specialty Tracks

  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
  • Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM)

Dual Programs

  • FNP/PMHNP: Combines family practice with psychiatric-mental health, allowing NPs to care for both physical and mental health needs
  • AGACNP/AGPCNP: Provides training in both acute and primary care for adult and geriatric populations

It’s worth highlighting that the specialties listed above represent the core options available for MSN or DNP students, and that more specific areas (like cardiovascular or oncology) are pursued later through on-the-job training or post-graduate certifications.

✅  State Authorization

Is the program approved by the Board of Nursing (BON) in the state where you plan to practice? Can the school support clinical placements in your state?

✅  Clinical Placement Support

Does the program provide assistance in finding preceptors and clinical sites, or are you expected to arrange this on your own? Do they have established partnerships with healthcare facilities near your area? This is especially important for online nurse practitioner programs, as clinical hours are a requirement, and if you do not have an established relationship with a local hospital, this could present a challenge to completing the degree.

✅  Program Format and Flexibility

Does the program offer asynchronous learning (self-paced coursework) or live sessions that require a set schedule? Are there part-time or full-time options to fit your schedule? Are there any on-campus requirements, such as intensives or labs, and can you meet those? Again, these will be non-negotiables so it’s vital to ensure the online nurse practitioner program you choose fits your schedule and life.

✅  Cost and Financial Aid

What is the total tuition cost, and are there any additional fees (e.g., technology fees, clinical fees)? Make sure you establish the total cost, including hidden things like commuting, childcare, lost wages, and more.

Does the program offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans to help make tuition more affordable? If you are already working as an RN, consider checking to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or has an existing relationship with a school and offers a discount as an employee benefit.

✅ Certification Exam Success Rates

What is the program’s pass rate for NP certification exams (e.g., ANCC, AANP)? Programs with high pass rates often have strong curricula that prepare students for success. It doesn’t do any good to pay for and complete a degree if you are not prepared to pass the exam required for you to obtain an APRN license.

✅ Your Career Goals

Does the program align with your long-term career goals? For example, if you’re interested in leadership or policy roles, does the program offer a DNP option? If your goal is to start practicing as quickly as possible, does the program offer an MSN track with a shorter timeline?

The tool here 👇 enables you to search various NP programs (all or by specialty) available to students in your zip code.

Insight From Current Nurse Practitioners

“I got my MSN in 2017 from Georgia State University, BSN in 2013 from Emory. I got my adult gero primary care degree and I can’t tell you how many times I wish I had done FNP or adult acute care. My logic was “I don’t want to work with kids!”, but I didn’t realize how limiting that would be with future roles. It excludes roles like urgent care and most PCP offices. In my opinion, the FNP allows for the widest scope of practice (or adult acute if that’s the route you’re interested in) which opens up many different job opportunities. In my case, I didn’t want to work with kids, but so many jobs would not even consider me as an applicant on the off chance that a child would need to be seen. Hope future applicants can take that into consideration!”

– Gina McGhee, MSN APRN AGPCNP

I started my NP journey with a FNP from Mennonite College of Nursing in 2014 because my wife did the same program a few years prior, loved the faculty and said I should do it also. She was right, the program was amazing and I am very glad I did it, but I have always been an acute care RN, so primary care was a bit of a switch for me. My first job offer was twofold; work in primary care where I did my clinicals or a job in cardiothoracic surgery which would be a self-defined dream job. I took the latter, and had a sharp learning curve to get comfortable with the acute care world, including ICU rounding, procedures, and first assisting in the operating room.

I later obtained my DNP from Mennonite in 2016 and thought I was done. I decided to get my AGACNP as a post-masters cert in 2020 from UPenn since it was apparent there was some discussion about scope creep with me having a FNP being in an acute care setting. Many Chicago-area employers since 2020 have not even considered FNPs for hospital-based care due to this trend, so I feel it was worth my time and energy. I did find the FNP training did NOT prepare me (nor should it have) for hospital medicine, so I had a great deal of training to undergo to be prepared for the privileges of a CV surgery role. This uphill battle is one of the main reasons why I founded Skills On Point to help others have easier access to these skills! People routinely say the same thing about going back for a DNP and I always say the same thing: In two years from now you will be two years older. You might as well be called doctor on your birthday in two years. Learn more about my journey here

– John Russell, DNP FNP-BC AGACNP-BC CCRN RNFA (learn more about John here)

I earned my accelerated BSN at Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis in 2011. I earned my Doctorate of Nursing practice and acute care gerontological nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist certifications in 2018 from the University of Maryland. I have been working as an acute care nurse practitioner since 2018 and also recently began applying for new jobs.

My acute care certification has not hindered my ability to find a job in any way. In fact, I think because I have acute care gerontology I have countless options for employment. As far as my school selection, I was happy with my selection.

I encourage prospective students to attend well-known established programs, to learn if their clinical placements are found for them by the school, and to make an effort to have an idea of where they want to work after school to allow that to guide them through school. I have been part of hiring for new nurse practitioners for almost seven years now and it does matter where you go to school. All of the above is why I believe working as a bedside nurse prior to continuing to be an advanced practice nurse is important in determining your educational and career path. 

  • – Danielle LeVeck, Danielle LeVeck, DNP ACNPC-AG,CCNS RN CCRN (learn more about Danille here)

I got my MSN from University of South Alabama. I got both acute care adult gerontology and family nurse practitioner certifications. I wanted as many options as possible in terms of working environments and that is why I went for the double pathway option. It was hard work but it was worth it in my mind. I get to work in inpatient and outpatient settings and decide what patient population I want to care for.

I currently work in critical care and outpatient cardiology. Both require different mindsets and different approaches. Going the dual route really prepared me to work in both fields and I’m so glad I chose those tracks. I love the school I went to but they did not provide preceptors to students, you had to find your own. That was a big hurdle for me. But luckily, I found all my own preceptors and it worked out in the end.

– Nacole Riccaboni, DNP, MBA, APRN, AGACNP, FNP (learn more about Nacole here)

Final Thoughts on Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Choosing the right online nurse practitioner program is a pivotal step in advancing your nursing career. Whether you’re deciding between an MSN or DNP, researching specialties, or weighing the benefits of online versus traditional programs, it’s important to find a program that fits your career goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Keep in mind the need to verify state-specific requirements, understand clinical placement support, and prioritize accredited programs that set you up for success. With so many flexible and affordable options available, there’s never been a better time to take the leap. Ready to start your journey? Explore your options, do your research, and find the program that helps you achieve your dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.

More Resources

Picture of Kati Kleber, founder of FRESHRN

Hi, I’m Kati.

I'm a nurse educator, author, national speaker, and host of the FreshRN® Podcast. I created FreshRN® – an online platform meant to educate, encourage, and motivate newly licensed nurses in innovative ways.

Connect with me on YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and sign-up for my free email newsletter for new nurses.

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