The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a standardized exam that is required by most institutions for graduate admissions. It aims to measure one’s analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.
Preparing for the GRE takes a lot of time, energy, and money, which makes it a boon to nurses who work full-time. Fortunately, there are many NP programs that do not require GRE scores for admission. Here are 30 institutions that have foregone the said qualification:
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No GRE Required FNP Programs
A family nurse practitioner or FNP is an advanced-practice nurse who offers primary/preventative care to patients of all ages, from babies to elderly individuals. Given the rising aging population and demand for primary care providers, there is an anticipated 45% growth in the next ten years.
Nurses who wish to take advantage of this clamor may do so at any of the following institutions, sans the need for a GRE score:
Georgetown University
- Washington DC
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 44
Tuition: $42,444 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Georgetown’s FNP program combines online lectures with immersive clinical experiences. Through this curriculum, the school has achieved high certification rates in exams administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The CCNE-accredited program is available on a full-time or part-time basis and can be completed in 19-27 months.
Lewis University
- Romeoville, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
Tuition: $820 per credit for 48 credits – $39,360 plus other fees
Program Overview:
With a 12:1 student ratio and 30 full-time faculty, Lewis’ FNP program is designed to help its students achieve their aspirations of delivering holistic health care to patients of all ages. The curriculum is also created to help nurses enhance their skills in diagnosis, health promotion, treatment, and disease prevention even further.
Maryville University
- Town and Country, Missouri
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Tuition: $35,383 to $66,634 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Maryville offers a variety of no-waitlist FNP programs for aspiring students. Its Master’s track can be completed in 20 to 32 months, while the Doctorate can be finished in 36 months. The BSN to DNP curriculum, meanwhile, can be obtained in 40 months. All tracks are 100% online and require no campus visits; clinicals can be completed at the student’s facility of choice.
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Tuition: $995 per credit for 46 credits – $45,770 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Regis’ FNP program, which can be completed in 28 to 36 months, is designed for nurses who want a career that focuses on providing holistic care. Moreover, students may opt to pursue further specializations in Gerontology, Psychopharmacology, and Complementary Therapy. Three entry points are available, namely Associates to MSN, Non-Nursing Degree to MSN, or BSN to MSN.
University of Mississippi
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Campus + Online + Hybrid
Modality: On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 50
Resident tuition: $545 per credit for 50 credits – $27,250 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,598.67 per credit for 50 credits – $79,933.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
With a total of 50 coursework credits and 630 guided experience hours, the University of Mississippi’s MSN program is designed to create FNPs who can ably accomplish their expected tasks. Recognizing its students’ varying requirements, the school offers individualized study plans that can help RNs achieve their educational goals efficiently.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Resident tuition: $344.25 per credit for 46 credits – $15,835.50 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $344.25 per credit for 46 credits plus $9,071 – $24,906.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UNLV’s FNP curriculum consists of 18 core credits and 27 required courses. These are delivered through online education, on-campus orientation sessions, and comprehensive clinical rotations. Through this amalgamation of techniques, nurses can become APRNs who are able to make competent diagnoses, evaluations, and treatment plans for patients.
University of Phoenix
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Campus + Online + In-person
Modality: On-campus and online with a five-day in-person residency
Credit Hours: 48
Tuition: $540 per credit for 48 credits – $25,920 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The University of Phoenix’s FNP program is designed to create professionals who can provide holistic care, make accurate clinical decisions, and deliver optimum services to patients of all lifespans. With the help of its 11 core courses and immersive residency experiences, students have an exceptional chance of obtaining the FNP-BC or FNP-C credential.
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Campus + Online + Hybrid
Modality: On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 50
Tuition: $10,194 plus other fees per year
Program Overview:
UT-Chattanooga’s FNP program is a full-time pursuit that spans 2.5 years or 8 semesters of study. Since the curriculum requires a total of 83 credit units and 1,050 clinical hours, the school discourages full-time employment due to the intensive nature of the program. That said, these stringent requirements have helped the university maintain a 100% first-time pass rate for its FNP students.
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, California
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with two on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 50
Tuition: $112,200 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Available on a part-time or full-time basis, USC’s online FNP program can be completed in 21 to 33 months. Instruction is delivered through online lectures and discussion groups, coupled with two on-campus intensives. A bridging course is also offered to students who have older academic transcripts or those who have completed their baccalaureate degree overseas.
Xavier University
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 47
Tuition: $704 per credit for 47 credits – $33,088 plus other fees
Program Overview:
At Xavier University, BSN or MSN-prepared nurses can become eligible for FNP certification exams in 2 to 3 years. Such is the culmination of the intensive 47-credit and 600-clinical hour curriculum, which helps students develop and master the necessary skills for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and care delivery.
No GRE Required PNP Programs
PNPs are APRNs who provide care and education to all types of pediatric patients. Employed by hospitals, ambulatory centers, physician offices, and long-term care facilities, these NPs are in high demand as well.
Nurses who enjoy caring for infants, children, and adolescents should do consider enrolling in any of these no GRE-required PNP programs:
Baylor University
- Waco, Texas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 75
Tuition: $1,150 per credit for 75 credits – $86,250 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Baylor’s DNP program provides nurses with the highest level of education, thus giving them the opportunity to earn more and achieve greater career heights. The study duration ranges from 3 to 4 years, depending on the track and course load. With its pediatric primary care and acute care offerings, Baylor-educated nurses can address the varying health demands of young patients.
Duke University
- Durham, North Carolina
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 56
Tuition: $2,075 per credit for 56 credits – $116,200 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Duke offers two tracks for pediatric nurses who wish to specialize in primary care or acute care. The former exposes students to settings such as clinics, schools, and health departments, while the latter focuses on care given in hospitals, emergency departments, and specialty clinics. Both programs may be completed in 2.5 years.
Northeastern University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41
Tuition: $975 per credit for 41 credits – $39,975 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Northeastern offers two entry modes for PNP aspirants. First is the traditional track, which allows BSN nurses to pursue either a primary care or dual primary/acute care concentration. There’s also the direct entry option for non-BSN graduates who wish to provide holistic care to pediatric patients. Full-time students may finish the course in two years, while part-time students can complete the program in three years.
Rush University
- Chicago, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38-68
Tuition: $1,344 per credit for 38 to 68 credits – $51,072 to $91,392 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rush University’s DNP programs in pediatric acute and primary care are both offered online. The former is available part-time and may be completed in 2 to 3.75 years. The latter is available on a full-time or part-time basis and may be finished in 2 to 3.5 years. Class sizes range from 27 to 30 students, thus delivering a more immersive learning experience.
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 12 (minimum)
Tuition: $56,262 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UPenn offers primary and acute care PNP programs that may be completed in 12-16 months. The former is ideal for students who wish to focus on wellness services for pediatric patients, while the latter is for RNs who wish to specialize in acute/chronic care, critical care, or oncology. The school’s recent pass rates for acute care and primary care PNP students are 90% and 81% respectively.
No GRE Required AGNP Programs
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners render care to adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. There are two tracks available for AGNPs, one of which is primary care. Below are five institutions that offer such a program without a GRE admission requirement:
Adelphi University
- Garden City, New York
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Tuition: $885 per credit or 45 credits – $39,825 plus other fees
Program Overview:
At Adelphi, New York-licensed RNs can obtain their MSN degree in three years (or less) and gain the eligibility needed to take the AG-PCNP certification exam. The program features small classes taught by nurse practitioner faculty members, with courses focusing on diagnosis, assessment, and health promotion, to name a few.
Capella University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus and Online
Credit Hours: 64
Tuition: $37,120 plus other fees
Program Overview:
With its 9 core courses, 4 specialization courses, and practicum immersion course, Capella’s AG-PCNP program is perfect for RNs who wish to provide primary care services to gerontologic patients. The curriculum is delivered through the Guided Path format, which promotes learning through faculty guidance and active peer interactions.
Chamberlain University
- Addison, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45-48
Tuition: $710 per credit for 45 to 48 credits – $31,950 to $34,080 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Chamberlain, which is one of the biggest nursing schools in the US, offers AGNP programs that may be completed in 3 years (8 semesters.) Two tracks are available, namely primary care and acute care. Both programs come with practicum commitment, which helps the student find a preceptor within 100 miles of their location. The recent AGNP pass rates are 86.36% for primary care and 100% for acute care graduates.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48-51
Tuition: $1,450 per credit for 48-51 credits – $69,600 to $73,950 plus other fees
Program Overview:
MGH’s AGNP program is open to nurses who wish to pursue either a primary care or acute care track. The former focuses on primary care service delivery to adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, while the latter delves into the provision of critical care across various healthcare settings.
Wilkes University
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48-51
Tuition: $22,599 – $29,160 plus other fees
Program Overview:
At Wilkes University, aspiring AG-PCNPs can pursue their dream career through the RN-MSN track, traditional MSN program, or post-graduate certification track. Regardless of the program, Wilkes is committed to helping their students build skills in assessing, diagnosing, and treating adolescents, adults, and gerontologic patients.
No GRE Required ACNP Programs
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners may also specialize in acute care, which focuses on the provision of immediate care to sick patients. NPs who wish to pursue this high-intensity track may do so at any of these no GRE-required ACNP programs:
Ohio University
- Athens, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40
Tuition: $668 per credit for 40 credits – $26,720 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Named as one of the best online masters programs by US News & World Report, Ohio’s AG-ACNP is perfect for nurses who wish to dabble in gerontology practice. With its acute care track that requires 450 practicum hours, students are sure to develop the skills and knowledge they need to deliver specialized healthcare.
Pace University
- New York, New York
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 49
Tuition: $1,460 per credit for 49 credits – $71,540 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Pace’s AG-ACNP program trains New York-licensed nurses to provide services to adults in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialty clinics, to name a few. This is made possible with intensive coursework and clinical rotations throughout the university’s 200 partner institutions. Students are also given individualized program plans in order to address their gaps in knowledge or skills.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- Standish, Maine
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
Tuition: $28,686 to $33,792 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Saint Joseph’s MSN track in AG-ACNP is ideal for nurses who wish to diagnose and treat acutely ill individuals. On top of the online coursework, students are sure to gain practical experience through rotations in hospitals, emergency departments, and clinics. Post-master’s students may also earn their credentials through the certification program.
University of New Mexico
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 65
Tuition: $1,460 per credit for 49 credits – $71,540 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UNM’s DNP program in AG-ACNP is comprised of 8 consecutive terms that may be completed in three years. The curriculum features 65 coursework credits, alongside 300 system thinking credits, 50 simulation hours, and 750 clinical hours at inpatient and outpatient sites. With this program, UNM has managed to yield a 100% certification pass rate for its acute care NPs.
University of Virginia
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 43-44
Resident tuition: $21,302 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $34,788 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Available in certificate, MSN, and DNP tracks, UVA’s AG-ACNP program prepares nurses for the challenging task of caring for adolescents, adults, and geriatric individuals. The curriculum covers all bases by including 23-24 core units, 10 diagnostic and management course units, and 10 practicum units.
No GRE Required WHNP Programs
WHNPs provide specialized care to women across all lifespans. They provide pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, and well-women exams, to name a few.
RNs who wish to dabble in this advanced practice track may skip the GRE requirement by choosing any of these five programs:
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Credit Hours: 49
Tuition: $918 per credit for 49 credits – $44,982 plus other fees
Program Overview:
In as short as 28 months, Carlow University students can obtain their MSN in Women’s Health and be eligible for the certification exam. Available in full-time and part-time tracks, the program covers 49 credits of coursework and 600 hours of clinical exposure. Study abroad opportunities are also available for interested students.
Texas Woman’s University
- Denton, Texas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Tuition: $26,986.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Available in full-time and part-time tracks, TWU’s MSN-WHNP program covers 18 core credits and 28 specialty credits that may be finished in two years. Practicum-wise, students are required to complete a total of 780 clinical hours to obtain their degree and be eligible for certification.
University of South Alabama
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Tuition: $594 per credit for 45 credits – $26,730 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The University of South Alabama’s MSN specialization focuses on the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of women’s health. On top of completing comprehensive coursework, students are required to attend a clinical skills intensive program in order to gain instruction on various women’s health procedures.
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus days
Credit Hours: 80
Resident tuition: $22,986 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $53,172 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The University of Utah’s DNP program in Women’s Health enables nurses to provide high-quality care to women of all ages. The curriculum aims to create competent NPs through online coursework, on-campus simulations, and clinical rotations in Salt Lake City area institutions.
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40
Tuition: $1,997 per credit for 40 credits – $79,880 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Vanderbilt’s MSN-WHNP track is created for nurses who wish to deliver primary healthcare to women of varying ages. The curriculum is outlined with specialty courses that focus on the provision of women’s services, such as pregnancy management, family planning, and STI infection diagnosis and treatment, to name a few.