NP schools online prepare registered nurses to become nurse practitioners. But the path to becoming an NP can be a challenging one. There are many different routes to becoming an NP each tailored for a specific case. Even better, you can attend an online nurse practitioner school to gain the education you need to become an NP. Online NP programs are held to high standards so your degree will be well respected by your peers and employers.
In this article, we will discuss the requirements to become a nurse practitioner. We will dive into the different types of online NP degrees and the different types of programs that lead to those degrees. We will walk you through the factors to consider when selecting a NP school online. As well, we will look into financial aid options you can find to help pay for your online education. The article highlights the top ten NP schools online. These schools offer the most online NP programs. Last, but not least, we will look at what happens after you graduate. Let’s get started!
Types of Programs at NP Schools Online
There are various types of nursing degrees. Likewise, NP schools online offer a variety of nurse practitioner degrees and different paths to earn your NP license. Some will tell you about the traditional path, while others will tell you about the accelerated programs. Therefore, you need to know what you can expect from each program and choose the best one for you. We’ll explain the key similarities and differences between different online nurse practitioner programs below.
BSN-to-MSN Programs
BSN-to-MSN is the common route to becoming an NP. These programs require applicants to have a BSN and an RN license. These programs typically take 2-3 years to complete. You can expect to learn a mix of general topics like anatomy and physiology. Additionally, you’ll take coursework in different nursing specialties. After completing your MSN program, you can pursue becoming a nurse practitioner. Earning your MSN allows you to apply for the nurse practitioner board exam.
GetEducated's Picks
- Grand Canyon University Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Western Governors University Master of Science in Nursing / Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN)
RN-to-MSN/ADN-to-MSN Programs
If you are a registered nurse with an Associate Degree, then these are the programs for you. You will be able to earn both your BSN and MSN in one program. To enroll in a program, you will need to have an RN license and an Associate Degree with at least 3.0 GPA. The length of the program can vary depending on how intense you’d like your schedule to be. RN to nurse practitioner program length can vary. An accelerated program can be as short as 20 months. If you want to take this at your own pace, then you can earn your MSN in four years.
GetEducated's Picks
- Western Governors University Master of Science in Nursing / Education (RN to MSN)
- Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Direct-Entry MSN/Accelerated MSN Programs/Accelerated NP Programs
These programs are for non-nurses who want to become NPs as soon as possible. You can become an NP in as little as five semesters! However, you need to be prepared as these programs are intense and time-consuming. To apply for a direct-entry MSN, you need to complete prerequisite courses. These courses include Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology. You will also have to pass the NCLEX exam during the program and earn your RN license.
Dual Degree NP Programs
A dual degree NP program is for nurses that want to earn degrees in two different specialties at the same time. There are many benefits to having dual specialties. For example, you could find a job opportunity that utilizes your knowledge in both areas. Having a dual degree may lead to higher pay, or even becoming a leader in nursing. However, it is important to know that trying to earn two online nurse practitioner degrees can be challenging and time-consuming.
Bridge NP Programs
Bridge NP programs allow entry-level or experienced nurses to earn their NP degrees in an accelerated manner. They include RN-to-MSN programs, ADN-to-MSN programs, and accelerated NP programs. This program is also for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who wish to become nurse practitioners. Since bridge programs accept nurses at any level, admission requirements differ between each program. You can expect to spend 2-5 years to become an NP depending on your level.
GetEducated's Picks
- Grand Canyon University Master of Science in Nursing / Family Nurse Practitioner (Bridge)
Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) Programs
Are you interested in the highest level of Nursing? According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), only 14% of ARNPs have a DNP as their highest degree. And only 1% of all nurses have their DNP! With a DNP, you are guaranteed to earn the respect of your peers and recruiters. While an MSN includes some research, DNP is more focused on research and teaching. DNP programs can take 2-3 years if you are planning on studying full-time or five years for part-time programs. Also, it is worth noting that you will need an MSN degree to apply for most DNP programs.
GetEducated's Picks
- Grand Canyon University Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Carlow University Doctor of Nursing Practice
Top 10 NP Schools Online
We’ve compiled some of the best online nurse practitioner programs for you to consider in this article. These schools were selected for having multiple NP programs online in addition to other programs like DNP or direct entry. We will discuss the unique characteristics of each nurse practitioner school online, the programs they offer, and their accreditation.
Clarkson College
Accreditation: ACEN
Tuition Fees: $697-914 per credit hourClarkson College is a health science focused private college located in Omaha, Nebraska affiliated with Episcopal Church. It started as a school of nursing in 1888 and offers multiple NP specialties including Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing: This program is entirely online but, you will be required to complete one on-campus visit. This program can take 7-9 semesters for full-time or 11-14 semesters for part-time to complete.
–RN to MSN: You will first be required to complete RN to BSN requirements in this program before transitioning to the MSN program. This program can take 10-14+ semesters to complete.
–Post-Master’s Certificate: If you have an MSN degree, then this program prepares you for an area in nursing. It offers an online curriculum and helps you complete your clinical requirements. You can make this program as short as 4 semesters or longer than 10 semesters.
–DNP Post-Master’s: This program will teach you the most advanced patient care knowledge and prepare you to lead in your healthcare setting. You will need to have acquired an MSN degree before enrolling. You can make this program as short as 4 semesters or longer than 10 semesters.
Graceland University
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $730-830 per semester hourGraceland University is a private university based in Iowa and Missouri. It is affiliated with the Community of Christ. It offers NP specialties in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing: Their programs are 100% online but students need to complete 600 hours of hands-on experience under an approved local preceptor as well as a member of Graceland University’s nursing faculty.
–Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN): This program is divided into 2 parts: RN to BSN and RN to MSN. You will be required to complete RN to BSN before moving on to earn your MSN degree.
–Post-Graduate Certificate: This program prepares nursing students to not only pass the national certification board exam but also be prepared to work as soon as you graduate. You will need to have earned an MSN degree before enrolling in this program.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice: You will learn the latest patient care techniques in this program, which will also help you become a leader in your healthcare facility. Prior to joining, you must have earned your MSN.
MCPHS University
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $1,060 per credit hourMCPHS University is a medical and health-science focused private university. It is based in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded as a college of pharmacy but later expanded to other healthcare programs. Their NP programs offer Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialties.
–Master of Science in Nursing: This program is mostly online as students need to complete three on-campus visits to graduate. Each visit can be 1-3 days long. Additionally, you need to complete 630 hours of clinical experience locally.
–RN to MSN Bridge Program — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): This bridge program prepares registered nurses with an ADN degree to become nurse practitioners. You will need to complete some undergraduate courses before transitioning to an MSN program. Each students needs to complete four on-campus visits to graduate. MCPHS University offers an online FNP specialty for the RN to MSN Bridge Program.
–Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies: This is a two-year program that prepares you to become an FNP or a PMHNP as well as pass the national board exam. You need to complete 630 hours of clinical experience locally and three on-campus visits.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice: This is a six-semester program that builds on your MSN knowledge and prepares you to become a leader in your healthcare setting. You are required to complete 1,000 hours of clinical experience to graduate with a DNP degree.
Purdue University Global
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $420 per credit hour/$700 per credit hour for DNP programPurdue University Global is a public online university. Additionally, they have one of the most affordable online nurse practitioner programs. They are entirely online but have physical locations for accreditation purposes in Indiana, Iowa, and Maine. They offer Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute/Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs. Purdue University Global also offers a dual MSN-MBA degree in nursing and business for NPs who wish to pursue a healthcare management career.
–Accelerated BSN to MSN (ExcelTrack® Master of Science in Nursing): This program allows you to complete as many courses as you want during a 10-week term for a flat tuition fee ($3,200). You will also have a faculty member that monitors your progress and makes sure that you are ready for the final assessment.
–Master of Science – DNP Path: This is an accelerated program that allows you to earn both your MSN and DNP in two years! You will have local clinical experience under the supervision of a faculty member and a preceptor.
–Master of Science in Nursing: This program prepares you to pass the certification exam in 2 years while helping you have balance between work, family, and studies.
–Postgraduate Certificate: You can apply for postgraduate certificates in primary or acute Adult-Gerontology, Family, and Psychiatric Mental Health. To earn your certificate, it will take you 1.5 years as a full-time student.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): This terminal degree prepares you to perform at the highest level in 1.5 years of full-time study. You will need to complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical practice hours to earn your degree.
Rivier University
Accreditation: ACEN
Tuition Fees: Degrees/Certificates $648 per credit hour/Graduate Nursing Courses $680 per credit/Graduate Nursing Clinical Courses $1,061 per credit hourRivier University is a private university in Nashua, New Hampshire. It is affiliated with the Catholic Church. They offer Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing: This program can be completed in 3-5 years depending on your previous level of education. Coursework is mostly online as students must complete nine on-campus visits throughout the program. As for tuition fees, the cost per credit is $680 for nursing courses and $1,061 for clinical courses.
–Post-Master’s Certificate: This is a shorter program if you already have an MSN degree that can take you 3-6 semesters. Coursework is mostly online as students must complete nine on-campus visits throughout the program. As for tuition fees, the cost per credit is $680 for nursing courses and $1,061 for clinical courses.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice: This is a clinically focused program that can take you 2.5-4.5 years to complete if you have an MSN degree or 5-6.5 years if you only have a BSN degree. On either program, you will need to complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours to earn your DNP degree. As for tuition fees, the cost per credit is $836.
South College
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $3950 for credit hours 1-9, $5500 for credit hours 10-20, $310 per credit hour after 20South College is a private college located in Knoxville, Tennessee. South College offers Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing: If you enroll in the BSN-MSN track, then you can complete this program in 18 months full-time. On the other hand, if you are on the RN-MSN Track, it will take you around five years to complete this program. This program is mostly online as you’ll have to attend hands-on clinical practice.
–Postgraduate Certificate: If you have already earned an MSN, then you can enroll in this program to advance your knowledge in a new nursing specialty. You can earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice: There are several points of entry into this program. If you have only earned a BSN, then you can apply for BSN-entry point or an MSN-entry point if you have earned your MSN already. Additionally, you must have accumulated over 2,000 hours of work experience as a registered nurse before attending the first practicum course.
The University of Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $440 per credit hourThe University of Alabama is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is classified as a very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions. Its college of nursing, called the Capstone College of Nursing, offers Family Nurse Practitioner as well as Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing: This program can be completed in 1-2 years depending on your schedule. There are 45 credit hours that you can complete at your own pace. The program is mostly online as you’ll have to attend hands-on clinical practice under the supervision of advanced practice providers.
–Master of Science in Nursing – Dual Concentration: You can complete this program to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. There will be 66 credit hours that you can complete at your own pace in this program. The program requires that you complete hands-on clinical practice as well.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice: There are two entry points for this program; a BSN-to-DNP entry point which can take you around 2-4 years to complete (70-91 credit hours), and an MSN-to-DNP entry point which can take you around 1-2 years to complete (40 credit hours).
Wilkes University
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $728-$1,024 per credit hourWilkes University is a private university located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Wilkes University offers Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing: This program can take around two years to complete (40-43 credit hours). Coursework is 100% online and asynchronous. You will be assigned a student success advisor that tracks your progress. Additionally, their programs offer clinical assistance support included in the tuition fees.
–Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN): If you have an ADN degree with 3.0 GPA, then you can enroll in this program. Additionally, you need an unencumbered RN license before you enroll. It will take you three years to complete this program and coursework is 100% online and asynchronous.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice: You can earn a DNP degree in less than two years in this program. To enroll, you need an MSN degree with 3.0 GPA. This program is practice focused and is 100% online asynchronous excluding clinicals and residencies.
Samford University
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $924 per credit hour (except Anesthesia $33,054 per year)Samford University, originally called Howard College, is a private university affiliated with the Christian church in Homewood, Alabama. It offers Family Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing: This program is mostly online as students need to complete three on-campus visits. Additionally, this program has affiliation with hundreds of clinical agencies across many states for their students. Therefore, you can expect to spend 16-20 hours each week in clinical rotations.
–Doctor of Nursing Practice: You can pursue a DNP degree in Emergency or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs that can be completed in 24 months. This program has affiliation with hundreds of clinical agencies across many states for their students as well. Therefore, you can expect to spend 16 hours each week in clinical rotations.
Western Governors University
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Fees: $6,350-6,475 per semesterWestern Governors University is a private online university located in Millcreek, Utah founded in 1997. It offers Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.
–Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN): This program takes around 2.5 years to complete. There are 17 courses in this program in MSN core, NP core, and your NP specialty of choice. Coursework is 100% online and asynchronous. Their programs offer support to find local clinical training sites.
Benefits of NP Schools Online
There are many advantages of enrolling in an NP school online. Online schools offer flexible schedules and the convenience of studying from home. Online nurse practitioner schools are also more convenient as you can schedule your studies around your work and family. The nurse practitioner online programs cost less on average since you won’t be paying for on-campus residence or a commute. They are also. Another great advantage is that you will enjoy reduced pressure as you will be studying on your own rather than in a group.
However, nurse practitioner online schools also have their challenges. You will need to be highly disciplined and self-motivated. Your daily interactions with your professors and peers will be conducted through online discussion forums. You might have to find your own clinical training sites for some programs. You will also need to make sure that you enroll in an accredited program.
Selecting an NP School Online
We understand that selecting an NP school online and a nurse practitioner program can be an important task. Below are different factors we think you should consider before applying for an online nurse practitioner school. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the right program for you!
Cost of Online Nurse Practitioner School
The average cost of nurse practitioner school online is around $17,000 annually. However, some can cost as much as $98,000 annually. The nurse practitioner school cost will heavily depend on if you are paying in-state or out-of-state tuition prices. Most online nurse practitioner schools offer lower fees for in-state students.
Specializations
Do you have a specific specialty in mind? There are more than eight different nurse practitioner specialties. The most common specialty is the family nurse practitioner (FNP). Other specialties include psychiatry, pain management, women’s health, pediatrics, and adult. But you need to know that nurse practitioner online schools do not offer all specialties. Therefore, if you have one or more specialties in mind, then try to find the best online np programs that offer all the specialties you’re interested in.
Program Curriculum
Most MSN NP programs will include core courses that focus on advanced clinical sciences (ex. Pathophysiology and pharmacology), nursing theory, health care management, leadership, and biostatistics in addition to other courses related to your specialty of choice. The differences in curricula depend on the focus of the program. MSN to NP programs online can be research focused while others only include some research. If you are more interested in a teaching career, then you should consider a DNP program instead.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experience is the number of hours spent training under the supervision of an APRN in your specialty of choice. To gain your NP license, you will need to complete your clinical experience hours under a supervising NP. MSN programs require roughly 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Although, this amount can vary depending on your specialty and state.
Some online NP schools provide their students with clinical placement assistance. If your online NP program does not offer clinical placement assistance, you can contact your school’s nursing administration, look for organizations that offer clinical placements for a charge, or independently apply for clinical training site positions.
Are Online NP Schools Accredited?
Online nurse practitioner schools are accredited. Accreditation guarantees the integrity and quality of the programs. There are two accrediting organizations that operate according to national standards: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Although ACEN and CCNE have differences in their mission and goals, their accreditation statuses are equal.
Nowadays, many states require their NPs to have graduated from accredited online nurse practitioner programs. Non-accredited NP school online graduates risk not being able to apply for certification exams and struggling to find employment opportunities. On the other hand, accredited nurse practitioner online program graduates enjoy higher salaries and better career options.
Nurse Practitioner Online Programs Length
NP online programs can vary greatly in length. If you want to dedicate yourself to completing your program, then you can become a nurse practitioner in as little as 20 months! However, if you are a busy nurse and want to become a part-time student, then it may take you three years. It is important to know that in the long run the full-time cost of nurse practitioner programs will be less than a part-time course. Plan your enrollment carefully.
Online Learning Format
Nurse practitioner online programs will teach you core nursing courses. These include courses in evidence-based practice, nursing theory, statistics, and advanced pathophysiology. The other course you will take depends on your specialty of choice. For instance, if you choose to specialize as a Neonatal NP, then you can expect to take courses like Integrated Assessment of the Neonate, Health Problems of the Neonate, and Advanced Management of Neonates with Complex Health Problems.
Nurse practitioner programs online may be 100% synchronous or 100% asynchronous. Other programs can have a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Synchronous programs will give you a schedule of live classes that you’ll have to attend like an on-campus program. On the other hand, asynchronous programs will consist of pre-recorded classes and individual coursework you can tackle at your own schedule.
Nurse Practitioner School Online Graduation Rate
Does a higher school graduation rate mean a college is better? Not really. However, it can be a good indication that students in the program have an academic support system and a positive environment to help students graduate.
The average school graduation rate for NP schools online is 63.12% in the top 25 NP schools. However, the graduation rate varies greatly with the highest graduation rate being 83% and the lowest being 44%. Additionally, online nurse practitioner programs vs on-campus NP programs had no impact on graduation rates. Therefore, you can have the advantage of online NP programs while being assured that you are receiving the same quality education and well-respected degree.
NP School Requirements
Firstly, to become a licensed nurse practitioner, you will need to complete a nurse practitioner graduate program. Then you’ll have to pass a national board certification exam that is specific to your specialty of choice. However, there are requirements prior to applying to a NP program. Let’s look at those!
APRN Online Program Prerequisites
To attend a nurse practitioner school, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Then you need to become a registered nurse (RN) by taking the NCLEX exam. However, your nurse practitioner school requirements will depend on your previous education and your nursing level.
- If you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), then you will need to pursue an RN-BSN program before applying for an MSN degree.
- If you have a Bachelor’s Degree in a different field, then you can apply for an accelerated BSN-MSN programs. These are accelerated NP programs online where you can earn both your BSN and MSN in a 3-5 year program.
How Long Should I Work as a Nurse Before Pursuing an MSN-NP Online Program?
It is important to note that nursing experience is required to become a nurse practitioner. However, there are MSN-NP programs that do not require applicants to have prior nursing experience or a BSN to apply. These programs are called Direct-Entry MSN programs. The reason they don’t require a prior nursing degree or experience is because they have hundreds of hours of nursing experience built into the program. Direct-Entry MSN programs take two to four years to complete. They are a great fit for those who want to change careers to nursing.
A Direct-Entry MSN program provides students with the course work and experience to become RNs and become licensed. After which, the curriculum prepares students to pursue their Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure. These lay the foundation for students then to pursue a nurse practitioner program.
That being said, many programs do not require working as a nurse before pursuing an MSN-NP online program. They do however require prior nursing education. If a program requires experience working as a nurse, it is usually 1-3 years.
Admission Requirements for NP Online Schools
As we mentioned above, to enroll in an NP school online, you must have a nursing degree (BSN or AND) and an RN license. Additionally, most programs require 3.0 GPA or above. Some programs require experience working as a nurse for at least a year. You will have to complete prerequisite classes before gaining admission. They vary between programs and schools but usually include:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Statistics
Other common requirements include letters of recommendation, letter of intent and an interview with the admission department.
Online NP Program Graduation Requirements
To graduate from an online NP program, you must complete a required number of credits and clinical hours. Coursework includes core courses like advanced clinical sciences (ex. Pathophysiology and pharmacology), nursing theory, health care management, leadership, and biostatistics in addition to other courses related to your specialty of choice. Additionally, some online NP programs require on-campus visits.
How to Pay for APRN Schools Online
Paying for your nurse practitioner tuition can be a challenge. The average cost of a nurse practitioner program is around $17,000 annually. Fortunately, numerous options for scholarships and financial aid can help you through your educational journey. Here are some of the best methods to help finance your education.
- AACN Scholarships / Scrubin Uniforms provide three payments of $2,500 throughout the year
- AANP Scholarship Program provides $2,500 – $5,000 in scholarship funding
- Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Health Workforce Loans and Scholarships
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal and state grants or scholarships
- Employer tuition payment program or employer tuition payback program if you are an employed nurse
- Your state’s nurses association or the American Nurses Association (ANA)
- Private scholarships, grants, or student loans
Licensing & Certification
After completing your nurse practitioner schooling years, you will need to pass the national board certification exam. After the national board certification exam, you can apply for initial NP licensure in your state. Please note that NPs must renew their certifications and licenses regularly.
NP National Board Certification Exam
Following graduation from an NP school, the first step you should take is passing the NP national board certification exam. The Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) are the agencies that accredit NP certification boards. There are five certification boards for NPs:
- The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation
- The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- National Certification Corporation (NCC)
Each board certifies a range of NP specialties but not all of them. Additionally, some boards can be certified by one accrediting agency or both. We recommend visiting the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) NP certification website to find which board is best suited for your NP specialty.
Cost of Certification
The average cost for a certification exam is around $370 for first-time applicants. Retaking a certification exam will usually cost $100 less than the initial exam fee. Furthermore, some boards offer discounts if you are a member of a nursing association like the AANP or the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Verification
After receiving your certification, you will need to verify your certification as well as your education with your state’s board of nurses. This is to ensure that you have completed the required education and hands-on experience, and pass the certification test. The certification board completes your verification for free. However if your state’s board requires additional verification, then you will have to pay a fee.
Recertification & Continuing Education
Becoming a NP requires that you complete continuing education to keep your skills and knowledge current. During a five year window, you must complete the minimum requirements for recertification. There are two paths for recertification: complete practice hours and continuing education or take the certification exam again.
Career Expectations as Online NP School Graduates
What is an NP?
Nurse practitioners (NP) play a crucial role in healthcare. Consequently, they are one of the most visited health professionals. This is not only due to physician shortage but also because they approach patients holistically. They do so by blending the ability to diagnose and treat health conditions with an emphasis on health management and disease prevention.
What do NPs Do?
Firstly, NPs work independently or under the supervision of a doctor in nearly every healthcare setting. The scope of practice differs according to state. Some states allow full independent practice, others do not.
Secondly, nurse practitioners provide primary, acute, and specialty health care services. For instance, NPs order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests like x-rays or lab work. Additionally, NPs administer and prescribe medications as well as treatments. It should be noted that the types and amounts of medications an NP can prescribe vary by state. Nurse practitioners also diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions. These conditions include infections, injuries, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Through the entire process of care, NPs manage their patient’s overall care, and they offer medical counseling. Nurse practitioners, additionally, educate their patients on topics like disease prevention and positive lifestyle choices.
Where do NPs Fit in the Nursing Hierarchy?
There are three main categories in the nursing hierarchy: entry, advanced, and senior level roles. The difference between each level is education and experience, which lead to differences in duties and responsibilities.
Entry-level nursing roles include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Nurse Manager. Advanced-level positions in the nursing hierarchy almost all require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These roles include Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), Nurse Educator, and Nurse Practitioner. Senior-level nursing roles include Nursing Director, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
It is important to understand the nursing hierarchy because it helps you determine your career path as a nurse. You can decide where your entry point is, see what education as well as experience you need to advance your career, and what your end career goal is.
Is a Nurse Practitioner as Good as a Doctor?
No, NPs are considered lower than doctors in the healthcare system as NPs' length of training is not as long as doctors. Nurse practitioners can work on their own to diagnose patients and prescribe medicine. However, in more complex cases nurse practitioners work under the supervision of doctors to provide the best care for the patient. As NPs gain experience, they can be better equipped to handle complex cases on their own.
Is a Physician Assistant Above a Nurse Practitioner?
Neither NPs or PAs are considered higher ranked than the other. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants study under different training models. Physician assistants train under the medical model, which focuses on treating diseases and symptoms. On the other hand, nurse practitioners work under the nursing model. This model takes a holistic approach focusing on the patients wellbeing and support system. Both can work independently or under the supervision of a doctor under their own model.
NP Specialized Areas of Care
There are many areas of specialization that an NP can pursue. Each specialization comes with varying degrees of responsibility. Each online nurse practitioner school offers a range of different specialties. Therefore, if you have a specific NP specialty in mind, then look for a NP school online that offers that specialty. Below are some of the most popular types of nurse practitioners along with their average annual salaries.
- Pain Management – $111,320
- Women’s Health – $112,000
- Family – $115,000
- Adult-Gerontology-Primary – $116,000
- Adult-Gerontology-Acute – $131,000
- Pediatric-Primary – $119,000
- Pediatric-Acute – $135,000
- Emergency – $125,000
- Neonatal – $132,500
- Psychiatric – $136,000
Where are the Highest Paid Nurse Practitioners?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, states with the highest paid nurse practitioners are:
- Massachusetts – $129,540
- Washington – $130,840
- New York – $133,940
- New Jersey – $137,010
- California – $151,830
Enroll in an Online NP School Today!
Do you want to work more independently, diagnose and make decisions regarding patient care? Are you a registered nurse that wishes to raise your pay and advance your career? Or do you want to pursue a less costly and less time-demanding, but highly rewarding career in healthcare? Then an NP career could help you achieve your goals. If you want to find the right nurse practitioner program online for you, then GetEducated’s database will help you make the best decision.