Top RN to NP Programs
To advance the care you provide, earn a higher salary, or move on to a specialty area or gain greater autonomy and independence, an RN to NP program may be your next step.
An RN-to-NP program is a master’s degree program open to registered nurses with one-to-two years of clinical experience. Graduates earn the title of Nurse Practitioner (NP), and as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), they become candidates for far greater opportunities. ADN-trained nurses can enter RN-to-NP bridge programs that offer accelerated completion of undergraduate-level courses not covered by their ADN program. Alternatively, RNs who have already earned their four-year nursing degree may opt for BSN to NP programs.
An RN to NP program is designed specifically for nurses with an ADN degree. Students will take courses that earn them a BSN and an MSN. Some programs will grant students a BSN degree once those courses are completed, while others will not.
Once the program is completed, students will earn an MSN degree and be eligible to sit for national certification in their NP specialty.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 19 months.
Accreditation
CCNE
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
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The American Association of Nurse Practitioners says that there are about 400 accredited nurse practitioner programs in the United States. The right program for you will depend on location, tuition, and the specialty area you hope to pursue. In identifying the top ten for this list, we considered the following factors:
- Acceptance rate
- Number of degrees conferred
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Availability of online classes
- Mean undergraduate or associate degree grade point average
|
Program |
Accreditation |
Program Length |
Tuition |
Specialties Offered |
|
Regis College |
ACEN |
28-36 months |
$995 per credit hour |
|
|
The University of Alabama at Birmingham |
CCNE |
2-3 years |
$702 per credit hour |
|
|
Clarkson College |
ACEN |
Full-time: 7-9 semesters Part-time: 12-14+ semesters |
$740 per credit hour |
|
|
Wilkes University |
CCNE |
2.6-3 years |
$729 per credit hour |
|
|
University of Rochester |
CCNE |
3 to 5 years |
$1,740 per credit hour |
|
|
Loyola University New Orleans |
CCNE |
3 years |
$950 per credit hour |
|
|
Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi |
CCNE |
3 years |
Resident: $831 per credit hour Non-resident: $1,814.66 per credit hour |
|
|
William Paterson University |
CCNE |
FNP: 28 months Adult-Gerontology: 24 months |
FNP: $38,128.75 Adult-Gerontology: $30,351.75 |
|
|
West Coast University |
CCNE |
24-32 months |
$53,230 – $59,870 |
|
|
Seton Hall University |
CCNE |
3-4 years |
$1,520 per credit hour |
|
1. Regis College
Regis College offers a flexible, online learning environment with three different entry points, including one for those who have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Applicants who have earned their ADN from a regionally accredited institution and accredited program must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes and must have an active, unencumbered RN license.
The school offers Nurse Practitioner specialties in Pediatrics, Family Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health, Women’s Health, and both Acute and Primary Care Adult-Gerontology.
- Tuition: $995 per credit hour
- Program Length: 28-36 months
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (781) 768-7000
- Email Information: graduatedepartment@regiscollege.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
2. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The RN to MSN pathway at the University of Alabama provides applicants who hold an ADN degree and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field the opportunity to become Nurse Practitioners via a distance-accessible format combining online coursework and on-campus intensives.
UAB helps secure clinical placements for their students from over 5.000 clinical affiliates. Most programs are offered part-time to allow nurses to continue working during the program.
- Tuition: $702 per credit hour
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: October 10th
- Fall: February 12th
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (205) 975-7529
- Email Information: cbender@uab.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
3. Clarkson College
Clarkson College’s RN-to-MSN program is designed for registered nurses holding a diploma or Associate’s Degree in Nursing. It is offered online, allowing students to earn graduate credits while completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). After completion of undergraduate requirements, students transition to a custom RN to MSN degree plan that includes minimal campus visits.
Upon finishing the BSN requirements, students complete an additional 21-29 credits, including clinicals, to earn an MSN and NP degree in their chosen specialty.
- Tuition: $740 per credit hour
- Program Length:
- Full-time: 7-9 semesters
- Part-time: 12-14+ semesters
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: July 18th
- Spring/Summer: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (402) 552-3100
- Email Information: admissions@clarksoncollege.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 19 months.
Accreditation
CCNE
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
4. Wilkes University
Wilkes University offers three NP specializations for students to choose from, with 100% of coursework online and no campus visits required. Students are required to complete in-person clinicals, which are secured with the assistance of a dedicated student success counselor. Courses are 15 weeks long, and previous coursework and experience are considered to help expedite the curriculum.
- Tuition: $729 per credit hour
- Program Length: 2.6-3 years, depending on specialty
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline:
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (888) 413-5633
- Email Information: admissions@onlinenursingdegrees.wilkes.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
5. University of Rochester
University of Rochester’s School of Nursing offers an RN to BS to MS program that broadens skills via a flexible, accelerated path. The program blends online and evening in-class sessions that allow ADN-prepared registered nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree and then move on to pursue a master’s degree in one of six specialties.
- Tuition: $1,740 per credit hour
- Program Length: 3-5 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline:
- Spring: September 15th
- Summer: January 15th
- Fall: April 15th
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (585) 275-2375
- Email Information: SON_Admissions@urmc.rochester.edu
- Online Options Available? No
6. Loyola University New Orleans
This 100% online Master of Science in Nursing degree is an accelerated program available to registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Once the bachelor’s level courses have been completed, students pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree on a Family Nurse Practitioner track. Coursework includes 48 hours of didactic classes and 720 clinical hours. In this program, students take the BSN coursework but are never actually awarded a BSN degree.
- Tuition: $850 per credit hour
- Program Length: Three years
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (504) 588-6025
- Email Information: online@loyno.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
7. Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi offers multiple paths to a Family Nurse Practitioner degree, including an RN to MSN program and an RN to MSN Bridge program.
The degree sequence is offered 100% online and is designed to be part-time to allow students to work full-time.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $831 per credit hour
- Non-resident: $1,814.66 per credit hour
- Program Length: Three years
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: February 15th
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (361) 825-4241
- Email Information: elizabeth.loika@tamucc.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
>> Related: Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas
8. William Paterson University
The Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing degree is offered 100% online and follows either a Family Nurse Practitioner path or an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner path.
The curriculum has an embedded baccalaureate course load and confers a BSN degree before transitioning to the MSN program. There are six convenient start dates throughout the year.
- Tuition:
- FNP: $38,128.75
- Adult-Gerontology: $30,351.75
- Program Length:
- FNP: 28 months
- Adult-Gerontology: 24 months
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline:
- Fall 1: August 17th
- Fall 2: October 12th
- Spring 1: January 5th
- Spring 2: March 2nd
- Summer 1: April 27th
- Summer 2: June 22nd
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (833) 960-0139
- Email Information: graduate@wpunj.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
9. West Coast University
West Coast University’s online RN to Master of Science program is available to registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing. The program allows students to complete bachelor’s courses and move directly on to specialized master’s classes in tracks including Adult Gerontology Acute or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The program is delivered 100% online, and if taken at an accelerated pace, it can be completed in 24 months. The school also offers comprehensive career services support after graduation. Working professionals are offered a unique opportunity at WCU, and courses in the program can be completed at a “working professional pace.”
- Tuition:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP:
- Full-time: $54,515
- Working Professional Pace: $56,515
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP:
- Full-time: $53,230
- Working Professional Pace: $55,730
- FNP:
- Full-time: $57,870
- Working Professional Pace: $59,870
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP:
- Full-time: $57,370
- Working Professional Pace: $58,870
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP:
- Program Length:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP/Family NP:
- Full-time: 28 months
- Working Professional Pace: 44 months
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP:
- Full-time: 24 months
- Working Professional Pace: 44 months
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP:
- Full-time: 32 months
- Working Professional Pace: 44 months
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP/Family NP:
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (866) 508-2684
- Online Options Available? Yes
10. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall’s College of Nursing offers an RN to MSN Degree bridge that allows registered nurses holding an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing baccalaureate degree to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing.
After students complete prerequisites and two bridge courses, they continue on to the MSN degree track, which opens doors to a career as a nurse practitioner.
- Tuition: $1,520 per credit hour
- Program Length: 3-4 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: November 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (973) 761-9583
- Email Information: Gabriele.zengewald@shu.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
Choosing an RN to NP program depends on a variety of factors. The most important is what specialty you are interested in. Not all specialties are offered through every nursing program, which can help guide your decisions. Other factors to consider include:
- Cost (in-state vs. out-of-state)
- Accreditation
- Program Length
- Program Location (online vs. in-person)
- Student-faculty ratio
- Graduation rate
- National certification pass rate
- Job placement percentage
RN to NP programs are more intense than ADN programs. Students are learning higher-level nursing skills and information. Programs also focus on ethics, research, and administration classes, which students do not experience in most ADN programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the program, but requirements include,
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
- Unrestricted RN license
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses for admission
- 1-2 years of relevant bedside nursing experience
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Letter of intent
- GRE, if applicable
Classes & Coursework
Coursework varies depending on the NP specialty. RN to NP programs will include a mix of BSN and MSN coursework. Courses will specifically vary but all programs will have similar core courses such as,
- Pathophysiology
- Health assessment
- Research
- Leadership
- Population health
- Professional nursing concepts
- Ethics
- Telehealth
- Pharmacology
- Transition to BSN
When comparing RN vs NP responsibilities, you’ll find that nurse practitioners have more autonomy, responsibility, and a greater scope of practice than registered nurses. As APRNs, nurse practitioners can work in a variety of medical settings and provide a far greater depth of care than registered nurses can. They are qualified to:
- Treat and diagnose illnesses, injuries, and chronic medical conditions
- Order and interpret lab and diagnostic results
- Advise patients on their health, including creating care plans and making suggestions for lifestyle changes
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare workers
In some states, nurse practitioners are permitted to work independently, operate standalone clinics, perform medical procedures, and prescribe medications.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 19 months.
Accreditation
CCNE
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
