[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners (NPs) are key players in 21st-century healthcare. As a fast-growing group of skilled, in-demand providers, the prospects for finding a well-paying position as an NP have never been stronger. With high median earnings, rapidly growing employment, and increasing clinical autonomy in more than half of states, those seeking a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]career as an NP[/hen-ui-link] have plenty of reasons for optimism.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide can offer insight about the top online direct-entry NP programs nationwide. It also offers details about NP specializations, school accreditation, clinical experiences, program length, and what you can do as a NP.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online Direct-Entry NP Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When you need to choose among many online direct-entry NP programs, there are key details about each program that may help you decide which is best for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Program Tracks and Specializations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Direct-entry NP programs are likely to offer clinical tracks in a variety of NP specialties, but not necessarily every possible specialty. Since you’ll need to choose your specialization before applying, narrow your choices to the programs offering the track you’ve set your sights on.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Clinical Experience[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every NP program requires a certain number of training hours in a clinical setting. Some schools have robust clinical placement programs, providing students with assistance finding clinicals. Other programs leave the task of finding and arranging clinical placements entirely up to the student.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some NP students don’t mind arranging their own clinicals, while some prefer schools that offer high-level support. Do your research and be clear about your preference.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation for NP programs is an important indicator of quality. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/acen-home/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] are commonly accepted sources of accreditation for NP programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every NP board certification organization requires graduation from an accredited program to be eligible for the national certification exam; some employers only hire staff from accredited institutions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Program Length[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of an NP program can vary from 24-30 months full time or about 36 part time. If you need to work while going to school, or if you’re raising children or caring for elderly parents, the length of the program — and whether it’s full or part time — may influence which NP program is best for your lifestyle.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Pass Rate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The success rate of graduates passing the NP board exams can indicate the quality of education. If a large percentage of a school’s students are failing, perhaps their preparation is substandard.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Online Learning Format and Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”]differences between an online and in-person nursing program[/hen-ui-link]. Online learning takes focus and self-direction. Many students like to learn in the comfort of their own home, but others prefer learning in a classroom environment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-online-nursing-programs-work/”]Determine if online learning for NP programs[/hen-ui-link] is “synchronous,” meaning that classes happen at a specific time and everyone attends online simultaneously, or “asynchronous,” where lectures are recorded and can be watched at any time of day or night. These and other factors will influence your experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Access to programs might be another reason to choose online. If you are located in a more rural area, it may be challenging to find a local university with an NP program. An online nursing program may be more accessible.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Online Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide only lists accredited direct-entry NP programs. State licensing boards only license graduates of accredited programs, so an unaccredited program does not prepare you for licensure or for the [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-types-of-nursing-specialties/”]most valuable nursing certifications[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Program accreditation ensures that independent professionals have evaluated the program to determine that graduates can safely practice as NPs.
• [hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]To become an NP, you must earn a license, which requires graduating from an accredited program.
• [hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Accredited schools almost never accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.
• [hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Most federal loans only apply to accredited programs.
• [hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Unaccredited programs can waste your time, effort, and money.

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online direct-entry NP programs are where students without a previous nursing degree or experience as a registered nurse (RN) can enter the profession with a master of science in nursing (MSN). These direct-entry MSN-NP programs provide an avenue to professional clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Part-way through a direct-entry MSN program, you earn enough credits and gain enough experience to take the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination for RNs[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN) to receive your license as an RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Direct-entry NP programs are considered one of the many types of [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]nursing bridge programs[/hen-ui-link]. One advantage of these programs includes the flexibility to engage with prerecorded learning modules and slide decks according to their own schedule.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program outcomes include a comprehensive education that allows students to sit for the national NP board exam, become licensed as an NP, and seek employment in their chosen specialty as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). You should note that some employers may prefer to hire APRNs with previous clinical RN experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools will assist students in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]finding clinical placement opportunities[/hen-ui-link] for hands-on learning, while others may require that students find their own clinical experiences. Clinical hour requirements can vary from 500 hours to as many as 1,000 hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each online direct-entry NP program may vary in terms of its admission process. But typical admission requirements may include:[/hen-ui-text]

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2
• Prerequisite courses completed in the previous five years: anatomy and physiology I & II; general chemistry with lab; microbiology with lab; intro to psychology or sociology; statistics
• No prior nursing experience required

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Online Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Direct-entry NP programs can be an excellent investment but also costly, even without travel or room and board costs. When [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]paying for your nursing degree[/hen-ui-link], factors to consider include your current financial situation and savings; program costs, including tuition, books, and equipment; how many hours you can work while studying; program length; and if you can pay in-state tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may be eligible for your school’s financial aid and [hen-ui-link href=”/financial-aid/”]other nursing financial aid options[/hen-ui-link]. Many different organizations, including nonprofits, corporations, foundations, and government agencies, offer [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]nursing grants and scholarships[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also get commercial or government loans; many government loans offer [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]student loan forgiveness programs for nurses[/hen-ui-link] in exchange for working in an underserved area once you graduate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do as a Nurse Practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NP career track is projected to be the third-fastest-growing occupation in the U.S. between 2024-2034, and the median salary for NPs is $129,210, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With competitive pay and robust job growth, this is an excellent time to enter the nursing field, especially as an NP.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many possible [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]NP specializations[/hen-ui-link], such as:[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”][hen-ui-icon icon=”star” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link]: Focuses on patients across the lifespan and are generally employed in primary care, private practice, and internal medicine settings
• [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/”][hen-ui-icon icon=”star” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link]: Works with patients from young adults through the elderly; may be certified to work in acute care or primary care; typically requires at least two years of experience as a critical care nurse for admission to the acute care track
• [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”][hen-ui-icon icon=”star” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link]: May work in hospitals, psychiatric institutions, outpatient clinics, substance misuse programs, and private mental health practices; can specialize in patient populations, such as veterans or adolescents

[hen-ui-article-card title=”Explore all the different types of speciality practice areas in our nurse practitioner specialties guide” href=”/nurse-practitioner/specializations/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Direct-Entry NP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long is a direct-entry NP program?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Direct-entry NP programs can range from 24-36 months, depending on whether you attend part or full time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a nurse practitioner without a prior nursing degree, you must enroll in a direct-entry NP program. You will then be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN part-way through the MSN program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you work part time while completing an online direct-entry NP program?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs discourage students from working during an online direct-entry NP program due to the accelerated nature, heavy course load, and clinical training required for successful completion.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, many employers do require some RN experience before applying.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The fastest way to become a nurse practitioner is through a full-time direct-entry NP program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34251,34351,34237″][/hen-ui-article-row]