[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner (NP) programs[/hen-ui-link] offer a flexible way to advance your nursing career. Online NP programs prepare registered nurses (RNs) for advanced roles and greater responsibility. Nurses can become NPs with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover the best program for you with our ranking of the best online NP programs.[/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 Nursing 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″]The Best Online 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. This list is from 2025.[/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 NP Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best online nurse practitioner programs provide a strong clinical foundation for advanced nursing practice. It’s important to identify quality online NP programs and determine which offer the best fit for your unique needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before you apply, consider these factors when choosing the NP program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Online NP Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing school accreditation[/hen-ui-link] ensures that your nursing program provides a high-quality education. Accrediting agencies conduct regular, rigorous reviews to determine whether NP programs effectively prepare graduates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ACEN) and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] (CCNE) accredit online nurse practitioner programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation matters because:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Third-party review ensures that programs meet quality standards and prepare nurses for practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers prefer nurses from accredited online nurse practitioner programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DNP programs may not accept credits from an unaccredited NP program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National credentialing agencies may not recognize unaccredited NP programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing profession benefits from accreditation, which sets high standards for patient safety and clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online NP programs design their curriculum for working RNs. NP classes may follow asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live) formats, which makes it easier for students to complete coursework on their schedule, without traveling to campus.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, NP programs are not entirely online. Whether in an online or on-campus program, NP students must meet clinical experience requirements to be eligible for licensure. Some online programs work with learners to arrange in-person clinicals with approved supervisors. However, students may need to find these experiences in their local area on their own.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical practicums develop the clinical judgment and NP specialty skills needed to pass certification exams. Online NP programs may have in-person or residency requirements so students can complete labs and clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]getting clinical experience in an online nursing program[/hen-ui-link], or explore our guide comparing [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”]online vs. in-person nursing programs[/hen-ui-link] to determine whether distance education is right for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online Nurse Practitioner Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To be admitted into nurse practitioner online programs, students must meet the educational requirements and hold a current RN license. While some programs admit ADN-prepared nurses, most require a BSN for admission.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admittance requirements — such as minimum GPAs, work experience, and supplemental materials — vary by nursing school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Online NP programs often require that students hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. Applicants commonly need at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with lower GPAs may be granted provisional admission.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Experience Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]Incoming students need an RN license from the state where they plan to meet clinical requirements. Most programs also require or recommend 1-2 years of bedside nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]Applicants typically submit a resume, personal statement, and 2-3 letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Your Online Nurse Practitioner Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school can be expensive. Tuition, fees, textbooks, and expenses related to clinical practicums can add up quickly. The cost of online nurse practitioner programs also varies widely.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before submitting applications, compare the total cost of online NP programs to find more affordable options, including programs that offer in-state tuition discounts or flat tuition rates for distance learners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some additional tips to help you [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]pay for your nursing degree[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maximize your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link] by submitting the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa” target=”_blank”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA) to see whether you qualify for federal student aid, state aid, and institutional aid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research and apply for scholarships and grants for nursing school, which do not need to be repaid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine whether your healthcare employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]student loan forgiveness or repayment programs for nurses[/hen-ui-link] to pay off loans sooner.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]Nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] have advanced clinical training and education to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. They work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in private or public educational services.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of May 2024, NPs earned a median annual salary of $129,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of NP salaries reached an average of $165,240.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NP workforce is projected to grow by 40% from 2024-2034 — more than 10 times the national average of 3%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can specialize either in primary or acute care. Students can explore NP specialties that speak to their personal interests and advance their career trajectories. A few popular specialties include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link]: Family NPs provide primary care to patients of all ages. They work in a variety of settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and treatment facilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link]: Psychiatric nurse practitioners assess, treat, and prescribe medication for mental health disorders. They work in correctional facilities, independent practices, and psychiatric hospitals.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link]: Pediatric NPs work either in acute or primary care, where they treat patients from birth to age 18. They work in pediatric clinics, hospitals, and urgent care settings.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online NP Student Testimonials[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We asked graduates of online NP programs to weigh in on the experience, including the benefits and challenges of completing an NP program online. Overall, the experience was positive, with the greatest reported benefit of an online program being flexibility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are online NP programs legit?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, online accredited NP programs meet the same standards as accredited in-person programs, making them a legitimate option for nursing students. Online NP programs can also meet licensure requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you become an APRN online?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can become an APRN online. (NPs are one type of APRN.) However, you must complete some requirements in person. Online nurse practitioner programs prepare nurses through a blend of virtual classes and in-person clinical training.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the quickest way to become a nurse practitioner?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The quickest way to become a nurse practitioner is to enroll in an MSN program. These programs typically require 2-3 years for incoming students who hold a BSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an RN higher than a nurse practitioner?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No, an RN is not higher than a nurse practitioner. NPs are known as advanced practice RNs and have greater autonomy, including the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]