Introduction
Nurses seeking to advance their careers have numerous options for advanced practice; however, for those practicing with a diploma or associate’s degree, the process can be daunting. Many nurse practitioner programs require a BSN, costing these nurses more time and money.
Luckily, many schools across the country offer options for nurses in this position. These programs cater to RNs who wish to pursue a nurse practitioner degree without first obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Because there is such a high demand for NPs, these programs have become increasingly competitive. Many of these programs offer online options with little to no on-campus requirements. Below, we examine what to look for when choosing an RN to NP program and give you the top 25 programs in the country.
Online RN to NP Programs
While many of these programs offer online courses, all NP programs have an in-person clinical requirement. These requirements provide students with the hands-on, face-to-face experience they need to prepare for clinical practice and are an essential component of every NP program.
In addition to clinical experiences, some programs have on-campus requirements. Generally, these intensives occur a few times throughout the program, and students come to campus to practice skills and learn procedures they will use in their daily practice.
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an online RN to NP program.
Benefits and Challenges
Whether or not there are on-campus requirements, the biggest benefit of these programs is that they are designed to be flexible, and many students continue working while pursuing their degrees. Many programs allow students to complete work at their own pace, while others are more structured with weekly assignments and deadlines.
Some students may find it challenging to travel to campus for intensives and other requirements, especially for programs that require multiple visits or are located in another state. Travel expenses and lodging for these experiences are the responsibility of the student, and multiple visits can also get costly. Most programs keep these requirements to a minimum to maintain flexibility, but some students may prefer to look for a program that does not require campus visits.
Clinical Experiences
Due to the nature of the profession, every RN to NP program has an in-person clinical component. The number of hours varies from program to program and from specialty to specialty. Most schools allow students to complete clinical hours in their community, but some schools may have agreements with specific healthcare systems that require some travel.
Other Degrees
While many of these programs are designed for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma, others may require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
There are two types of programs for RNs without a bachelor’s degree in another field, and both have their benefits. One type of program requires RNs to complete general education courses and nursing courses to complete a BSN before transitioning into MSN courses. These programs often offer several courses that meet the qualifications of both programs and are shorter and less expensive than pursuing these degrees separately. The major benefit of these programs is that students are awarded both a BSN and MSN degree. Many of these programs also allow students to leave the program after completing the BSN portion if they change their minds.
The other option is commonly referred to as a bridge program. In these programs, RNs take bridge courses, usually around 12 credits, that bridge the gap between their associate’s degree and master’s course. These courses don’t include general education classes or electives and focus only on nursing, so students are not awarded a BSN as they progress through the program. The biggest benefit of these programs is that they are shorter and less expensive, allowing students to complete their NP education more quickly and at a lower cost.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary from one school to the next. Generally, students must hold an unencumbered RN license and have a minimum GPA of 3.0; however, some schools have provisional admission requirements for applicants who do not meet this threshold. For example, a program may accept a 2.0 GPA in arts and science courses, provided the student has a 3.0 GPA in previous nursing or science courses.
It’s also important to note that every program accepts students from every state. Because each state has its own licensing requirements, some programs may not meet the requirements of every state’s Board of Nursing. Most schools will provide a list of states where their programs are accepted, but it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure that they apply to a program that meets the requirements of their state.
Ranking Online RN to NP Programs
Below, we cover the factors we use to rank the top 25 RN to NP programs for 2025.
Accreditation
It is essential to choose a program that is accredited, as this demonstrates that it meets a minimal education standard. Most of these programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an autonomous accrediting agency that ensures the integrity and quality of these programs. A few are also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that evaluates nursing education programs based on established standards of quality and excellence.
Tuition Costs
Tuition costs vary significantly from one school to the next. Private schools are typically more expensive than state schools. Some programs charge less for BSN and bridge classes, and each school has its own fee structure. To give you an idea, the cost of the 25 programs below ranges from $330 per credit for bridge classes to $1,740 for MSN courses.
Number of Specialties Offered
There are a number of NP specialities. Some schools may offer as many as eight specialties, while others offer only one. Generally, those interested in specializing as a family nurse practitioner have the most options; however, programs in various fields are available across the country.
On-Campus Requirements
On-campus requirements vary from program to program, and ultimately, choosing a program that requires on-campus visits is a personal decision. Some people may prefer face-to-face experiences, while others may want to attend online only. Because we are evaluating online programs, schools that do not have on-campus requirements were ranked higher than those that do for this criterion.
Clinical Experience Support
All programs require clinical hours; however, not all schools assist students in finding suitable clinical sites and preceptors. Making these arrangements is a crucial part of progressing through the program, and it can be stressful for students to find their placements. In our ranking, schools that offer assistance were higher than those that do not.
Top 25 Online RN to NP Programs
Herzig University
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Credit Hours: Varies
Tuition: $755 per credit
Program Overview:
RNs have numerous options at Herzing, which is one of the reasons it takes the number one spot. Students can choose from an RN to BSN to MSN track or an accelerated RN to MSN track, focusing on one of six available NP specialties. All of the CCNE-accredited RN to MSN programs feature 100% online coursework with no on-campus requirements.
Herzing offers a career-focused curriculum with flexible options for nurses who plan to continue working while pursuing their degrees. Students also have access to various support services, too, including virtual tutoring, advisement, and library resources, and graduates receive lifelong career coaching.
Applicants must be licensed RNs with an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Why We Like This Program
- Clinical Placement Assistance: Herzing offers guidance and support throughout the process. While Herzing encourages students to find their own local preceptors, it offers extensive support if challenges arise. If students cannot find a suitable clinical site on their own, Herzing will step in and assist them.
- So Many Options: At Herzing, students can choose from two tracks. The RN to BSN to MSN track takes between 28 and 32 months, depending on specialty, and awards both a BSN and MSN degree, which some employers may prefer. There is also an accelerated option that allows RNs to earn an MSN by completing bridge courses without completing a BSN. This option takes between 20 and 28 months, depending on the specialty.
- Earn Dual Credit Toward a DNP: Students who plan to pursue a DNP can earn dual credit in some specialties, shortening the path to a terminal degree.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
Credit Hours: 60 to 69
Tuition: $1,275 per credit
Program Overview:
Regis offers a variety of options for RNs wishing to pursue an MSN and start a career as an NP. These NP tracks are offered entirely online with no on-campus requirements. In this program, students complete their BSN before entering MSN tracks and can leave the program with a BSN if they choose to do so.
Students have a role in finding their own clinical sites and preceptors; however, final placement is a collaborative effort, and students receive support from clinical coordinators throughout the process as needed.
Admission requirements for this program are straightforward, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required for students. These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Why We Like This Program
- Bridge Options for Those with a Non-Nursing BSN: In addition to the RN to BSN to MSN track, Regis also offers a bridge program for RNs who have a bachelor’s degree in another field, allowing them to complete their MSN even more quickly.
- Take Classes Before Acceptance into the Program: Regis wants students to understand why their program stands out and allows them to take two graduate-level courses to experience what these programs are like before applying or being accepted into the program.
- Hybrid Program Also Available: Those who prefer a more in-person learning experience may consider the hybrid RN to MSN option at Regis, which features a combination of online and in-person coursework. Classes are generally scheduled after 4 pm on weekdays, with weekend courses also available.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Chamberlain University
- Various locations
Credit Hours: 161 to 163 (RNs with a current, active RN license may be awarded up to 77 proficiency credit hours)
Tuition: $735 to $765 per credit, depending on location
Program Overview:
Chamberlain University’s CCNE-accredited RN to NP programs offer coursework entirely online. The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks each have one on-campus immersion, and the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track has two.
Admission requirements are slightly less rigorous than those at some other schools. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Chamberlain has partnerships nationwide and is dedicated to assisting students in securing clinical placement sites and preceptors. The school first offers coaching and support to students about how to approach clinical sites to arrange their own placements. In cases where students cannot make their own arrangements, the school will intervene more directly to ensure they meet all graduation requirements.
Why We Like This Program
- Online Coursework with On-Campus Immersions: Chamberlain can be a great choice for students who prefer a primarily online program that offers some on-campus learning.
- Degree Flexibility: Students can leave the program after completing a BSN if they do not wish to continue on to the MSN portion of the program.
- Educational Partnerships Can Save You Money: Chamberlain University has partnerships with more than 11,000 institutions, partners, and facilities nationwide, enabling it to offer discounted group tuition rates to students affiliated with these partners.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Wilkes University
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Credit Hours: 51 to 54
Tuition: $751 per credit
Program Overview:
Wilkes University’s online CCNE-accredited RN to MSN programs require no campus visits, and the classes are mostly asynchronous. Admission requirements are pretty standard. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least one year of experience as an RN before starting NP clinical courses.
One aspect that stands out about Wilkes is the support for clinical placements. Students work with members of the clinical assessment team from the beginning of the program.
Why We Like This Program
- Clinical Placement Assistance: The Clinical Placement team offers assistance in identifying and securing appropriate placement sites, accepting referrals from students about potential sites in their communities.
- Individualized Support: Students work with a dedicated success counselor throughout their enrollment, from admission through graduation.
- Flexibility: Because classes are 100% online and mostly asynchronous, students can fit their coursework around their schedules.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, Texas
Credit Hours: 76 to 81
Tuition: $654 per credit
Program Overview:
The University of Texas at Arlington offers six CCNE-accredited online RN-to-NP options. Each can be completed in 42 months, but the FNP track offers an accelerated option that can be completed in only 36 months. In these programs, students will first complete the BSN portion and then transition into the MSN portion, but this transition can be delayed by one semester. Students can leave the program with an undergrad degree after completing the BSN portion if they choose not to continue.
Admission requirements are fairly standard and require a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the completed RN program. Students can apply to the program before passing the NCLEX and obtaining their RN license if they apply within one year of completing the RN program. Students must pass the NCLEX before taking NURS 3345, the first RN-BSN course.
While UTA does offer some support for finding clinical sites, students are largely expected to make their own arrangements.
Why We Like This Program
- Quick Start and Completion: The RN to NP programs at UTA allow accepted students to begin classes as little as one month after the application deadline. The school also offers an accelerated option for its FNP track that students can complete in 36 months.
- No On-Campus Requirements: The online programs at UTA are truly online. While students must complete in-person clinicals, they do not have any on-campus requirements. Students who wish to have some in-person learning may consider the school’s campus-based programs, which are designed in a hybrid format.
- Payment Options: UTA offers a pay-by-the-course option, which allows students to complete the program over time without incurring debt.
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Old Dominion University
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
Credit Hours: 33 for post-licensure program BSN program, 40 to 49 for MSN program
Tuition: $620 per credit for residents, $1,468.50 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
At Old Dominion University, RNs seeking an NP degree apply to the undergraduate post-licensure program to obtain a BSN with up to nine credits of graduate coursework counting toward both the BSN and MSN. They then work directly with the Graduate Program Director to transition to one of the four CCNE-approved NP programs.
All of these programs are distance-friendly, but each requires students to be on campus once a semester for experiences with standardized patients and simulations.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and each specialty has its own specific requirements. For example, the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program requires two years of recent clinical experience; however, those with one year of experience will be considered, provided they continue NICU employment during the first year of the program.
Why We Like This Program
- Get Credit for Previous Education: The post-licensure part of the program awards RNs 33 credits, lowering the number of required undergraduate credits for a BSN from 66 to 33.
- Exam Pass Rates: Graduates of these programs demonstrate high exam pass rates, with 100% passing the pediatric and mental health NP exams and 96% passing the family NP exam in 2023.
- Clinical Placement Assistance: A Student Clinical Services Coordinator assists the Graduate Program Director in locating clinical sites and ensuring agreements are finalized.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Spring Arbor University
- Spring Arbor, Michigan
Credit Hours: 82 to 87
Tuition: $621 to $782 per credit
Program Overview:
The four CCNE-accredited RN to MSN programs at Spring Arbor allow students to complete both a BSN and an MSN degree in a flexible online format. These programs have four intakes a year, so applicants don’t have to wait until a specific semester to begin the program.
Applicants must hold a nursing diploma or associate’s degree and be licensed as an RN in their current state of employment. The minimum GPA for admission is 3.0 in the most recent 60 credits.
Why We Like This Program
- The 7-1-7 Format: Students at Spring Arbor take one course at a time, with a week off between each course. This format is unique to Spring Arbor and allows students time to recharge, which can be invaluable to students who are working while pursuing their degrees.
- Online Work with In-Person Intensives: Classes feature online, asynchronous coursework with a four-day residency during the fourth year for in-person learning.
- Clinical Placement Assistance: Students are encouraged to actively participate in locating a suitable clinical placement and preceptor; however, Spring Arbor provides support to ensure proper placements.
Specialties Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Walden University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Credit Hours: 84 to 89
Tuition: $430 to $775 per quarter hour
Program Overview:
Walden offers six CCNE-accredited RN to MSN tracks, each of which is offered entirely online with no on-campus requirements. Students can choose between enrolling full or part-time, and most programs can be completed in 24 to 30 months.
Walden’s Practicum Pledge offers support to students throughout the collaborative process of selecting a site and finding a preceptor. Students have access to Walden’s extensive network of preceptors and clinical sites, offering a dedicated Field Placement Team to help students find an ideal placement close to home.
Why We Like This Program
- Walden Grand Rounds: Students and faculty meet virtually several times a quarter to review patient scenarios and collaborate on assessing, diagnosing, and treating various conditions.
- Doctorally-Prepared Faculty: Every instructor has extensive experience, including a doctorate degree.
- Add an MBA: Adding an MBA to an NP degree can give graduates leadership and management experience that can open up new career paths. At Walden, students can complete an MBA in only nine months after completing an MSN.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
William Paterson University
- Wayne, New Jersey
Credit Hours: 57 to 65
Tuition: $835.00 per credit for residents, $1,302.50 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
William Paterson University has two CCNE-accredited RN to MSN tracks. These programs are designed for working professionals and delivered in a flexible format. Plus, there are six start dates a year.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to enter the BSN portion of the program and a minimum GPA of 3.0 to progress into the MSN portion.
For the RN to BSN portion of the program, clinical hours are project-based and built into the classwork, so students do not need to worry about finding a preceptor. For the MSN portion, students
For the MSN portion, students work with the Online Nurse Practitioner Coordinator and/or Graduate Nursing Program Director to find a clinical placement. They must have an RN license in the state where they are completing their hours.
Why We Like This Program
- Exam Pass Rates: William Paterson University graduates have a 100% pass rate for the FNP certification exam.
- Pay by the Course: This option allows individuals to pay for courses as they are completed, rather than taking out loans to pay yearly or in one large sum.
- Transferring Credits Is Easy: William Paterson University awards 30 credits for RN licensure, and those with a diploma or associate’s degree are awarded 60 credits. Therefore, most applicants will only need to complete 30 nursing credits and a statistics course.
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, New Hampshire
Credit Hours: 120
Tuition: $330 per credit for bridge courses; $637 per credit for MSN courses
Program Overview:
The CCNE-accredited RN to FNP track at Southern New Hampshire University enables students to take graduate-level courses while pursuing their BSN, thereby reducing the number of classes required to complete the MSN portion of the program. Coursework for this program is 100% online with a one-week on-campus immersion.
SNHU makes the application process simple, with no application fee, no essay, and no test scores required. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, along with two years of current full-time nursing experience. Students must also identify at least one potential preceptor for the clinical practicum at the time of application.
Why We Like This Program
- Obtain Both BSN and MSN: This SNHU program awards students both a BSN and an MSN, giving them a more thorough educational experience.
- Higher Education and Real-world Training (HEaRT) Challenges: Students in this program have the option to participate in HEaRT Challenges, which are internship-like experiences that tackle critical problems in healthcare. While these challenges are not mandatory, they offer a unique and enriching experience in which students have the opportunity to present their recommendations and ideas to leaders in the field.
- Transfer Up to 90 Credits: Students can transfer up to 90 credits into the BSN program, meaning they will only need to complete 10 courses at SNHU to earn their degree, making this program an excellent choice for nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
Sacred Heart University
- Fairfield, Connecticut
Credit Hours: Varies
Tuition: $390 to $955
Program Overview:
The two CCNE-accredited programs at Sacred Heart enable nurses to complete both a BSN and an MSN simultaneously, saving both time and money. The undergraduate part of the program is 120 credits, but the school accepts up to 90 transfer credits, meaning that some students may only need to complete 30 additional credits.
Admission requirements are slightly more competitive than some other programs. The two NP tracks require a minimum GPA of 3.2.
Students are expected to arrange their own clinical sites and preceptors.
Why We Like This Program
- Earn Both a BSN and an MSN: Sacred Heart’s program allows RNs to earn both a BSN and MSN in as little as 3.5 years.
- Get Credit for Being an RN: Sacred Heart awards between 30 and 36 credits for previous RN education.
- Flexible Asynchronous Format: All classes are offered online in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete their coursework around their schedules.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Graceland University
- Independence, Missouri
Credit Hours: Varies
Tuition: $830 per semester hour
Program Overview:
Graceland gives RNs the opportunity to earn both a BSN and MSN, saving them time and money. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, and the program accepts students every eight weeks, so students don’t have to wait for a specific semester to get started. Full- and part-time options are available.
Why We Like This Program
- Clinical Placement Assistance: Graceland utilizes NPHub, a technology company that specializes in connecting MSN students with experienced preceptors and clinical sites. NPHub allows students to search for placements, filtering for geographical location and area of interest.
- Flexible Learning Experience: Classes are held online, and students complete clinicals in their local area. However, students have the opportunity to come to campus for a focus session during the program.
- Schedule Allows You to Complete Your Degree Faster: Graceland utilizes a trimester schedule, offering 16-week programs that enable students to complete their degrees more quickly.
Specialties Offered: Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tennessee Tech University
- Cookville, Tennessee
Credit Hours: 50
Tuition: $765 per credit for residents; $905 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
For RNs with a bachelor’s degree in another field, Tennessee Tech offers a straightforward bridge program that allows students to complete their degree in as little as 2.5 years. The CCNE-accredited Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are offered entirely online with no in-person requirements, and clinicals are completed with preceptors in your local area.
Application requirements include a 3.0 GPA, but students who don’t meet this threshold will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Why We Like This Program
- Flexible Course Load: Most students complete the program in three years or less, taking two courses every semester. However, at TNTech, course loads are flexible.
- Clinical placement assistance: Although clinicals are completed in the student’s local area, TNTech offers clinical placement assistance.
- Exam Pass Rates: MSN graduates of all of TNTech’s master’s programs averaged a first-time certification exam pass rate of 95% from 2021 to 2023.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, Alabama
Credit Hours: 71
Tuition: $702 per credit
Program Overview:
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an RN-to-NP option for each of its CCNE-accredited NP tracks, but these programs are structured as second-degree programs, meaning that those who are already practicing RNs with bachelor’s degrees in other fields can apply.
Because students in this program have already completed a bachelor’s degree, they only need to complete four prerequisite courses and three bridge courses, which focus on nursing and leadership, to prepare them for the MSN portion of the program. Because students are admitted directly to the MSN program after the prerequisites and bridge courses are completed, they do not receive a BSN from this program.
Courses are offered part-time in a distance-friendly asynchronous format with on-campus intensives.
Why We Like This Program
- A Convenient Option for Second Degree Seekers: This program can save time and money for RN applicants who already have a bachelor’s in another field, as it doesn’t require them to obtain a BSN before pursuing their nursing master’s.
- Make Your Previous Education Count: Depending on their previous education, students in this program may be able to transfer credits for the four prerequisite courses (Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Descriptive Statistics, and Microbiology).
- Impressive Clinical Placement Assistance: UAB assists all students in finding clinical placements and qualified preceptors in more than 5,000 clinical sites nationwide.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, Georgia
Credit Hours: 54
Tuition: $414 per credit for residents; $941 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
RNs wishing to apply to one of the four CCNE-approved master’s NP tracks at Georgia State University must first complete the prerequisite coursework and take two bridge classes. They must also arrange clinical placement before entering the MSN program. GSU provides clinical placement assistance and offers guidelines and support.
These programs can be completed in two to four years, depending on the number of prerequisite courses required and whether the student is attending full- or part-time.
Admission requirements are somewhat more lenient than those of some other programs. The minimum GPA is only 2.75, but one to two years of RN experience in the student’s specialty area is preferred.
Why We Like This Program
- Allows Applicants to Maximize the Benefits of Their Previous Experience: RNs with exceptional practice experience and professional involvement are considered for entry into this program.
- Primarily Online Curriculum: All coursework is conducted online, with some courses requiring on-site clinical experiences.
- Quick Completion: Because students do not have to complete a BSN before entering the MSN program, full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Grand Canyon University
- Phoenix, Arizona
Credit Hours: 66
Tuition: $340 per credit for bridge classes; $750 per credit for MSN-level courses
Program Overview:
The RN to MSN options at Grand Canyon University are designed for RNs who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Students will first complete 24 credits of bridge classes, preparing them for the master’s programs.
Bridge classes are entirely online, but once students enter the MSN program, on-campus intensives are required. Both specialties require two on-campus immersions, which are held over three days and designed to give students hands-on, experiential learning.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be employed full-time for a minimum of one year prior to applying for these programs. They must also remain employed full-time until the program start date.
Why We Like This Program
- Maximize Your Previous Education: GSU’s Fast Track program allows students to complete the bridge courses and earn an MSN in only 30 months.
- Clinical Placement Assistance: Field Experience Specialists in the Office of Field Experience assist students in finding a local clinical site and preceptor.
- Affordability: This is one of the more affordable options on our list, particularly for bridge courses, which are only $340 per credit.
Specialties Offered: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Rochester
- Rochester, New York
Credit Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1200 to $1,740 per credit
Program Overview:
The University of Rochester’s CCNE-accredited RN to BS to MS program awards 32 credits for courses completed during an associate’s or diploma program, and combines nine credits toward a BSN and MSN, allowing students to obtain both degrees in a shorter period of time. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA as well as a year of acute care experience for those interested in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track.
Students must complete 64 arts and science credits before beginning the six core bridge courses. The BSN degree is awarded upon completion of a total of 128 credits, which include the 32 credits earned from previous RN coursework, 64 arts and science credits, and 32 nursing credits. The RN to BSN coursework is offered as a blend of online and evening sessions, with clinical work completed within the University of Rochester Medical Center system.
Once BSN work is completed, the student continues to one of the NP specialty programs, which are delivered in live online sessions.
Why We Like This Program
- Online and In-Person learning: While many of the courses for this program are online, the in-person requirements make it a good choice for students interested in a hybrid option.
- Complete both a BSN and MSN: This streamlined program awards students both a BSN and MSN.
- Clinical Placement Assistance: For the MSN part of the program, St. John Fisher collaborates with healthcare systems across New York State and supports students outside of New York in securing local placements.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Frontier Nursing University
- Hyden, Kentucky
Credit Hours: 48 to 52
Tuition: $705 to $755 per credit
Program Overview:
Frontier Nursing University offers three CCNE- and AACN-accredited RN to NP programs with a flexible online format, featuring two on-campus visits: one at the beginning of the program and one before the start of clinical experiences.
FNU offers clinical outreach and placement assistance to help students find suitable clinical sites and preceptors, connecting them to a network of nearly 13,000 clinical sites and 16,000 preceptors nationwide.
RNs who have a bachelor’s in another field can apply to the program by submitting a portfolio of relevant academic and employment experience. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0; however, those with a GPA between 2.8 and 3.0 can provide a statement in support of their admission to the program.
Why We Like This Program
- Enriching On-Campus Experiences: The five-day Clinical Bound immersion provides hands-on, active learning experiences to prepare students for their clinical experiences. It also provides students with an opportunity to reconnect in person with classmates they met during orientation and engage in informal communication with instructors.
- Transition into a DNP Program: After completing their MSN, students have the option to complete a DNP at Frontier.
- Affordable: The Family Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner programs are $705 per credit, and the Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is $755 per credit, making FNU more affordable than other options on our list.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson City, Tennessee
Credit Hours: 48 to 51
Tuition: $646 per credit hour for residents, $805.50 per credit hour for non-residents
Program Overview:
RNs with a bachelor’s degree in another field can apply for Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs at East Tennessee State University. Students first complete four bridge courses, totaling 12 credits, before progressing to the graduate-level coursework.
These programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for previous undergraduate work, and students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout the program.
Students are expected to be proactive in finding a preceptor and clinical site; however, the graduate clinical coordinator maintains a list of contacts that students have used in the past and offers support throughout the process.
Why We Like This Program
- Exam Pass Rates: Graduates of the Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner program have a 100% pass rate on the certification exam in 2024.
- Distance-Friendly with No On-Campus Requirements: These CCNE-accredited programs are offered via an asynchronous format, allowing for maximum flexibility as students can complete their coursework at their convenience.
- Affordable: The program at East Tennessee State University is one of the more affordable options we reviewed.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Ball State University
- Muncie, Indiana
Credit Hours: 58
Tuition: $464 per credit for residents; $696 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
At Ball State, RNs can apply to the CCNE-accredited Family Nurse Practitioner program and begin graduate-level courses after completing three bridge courses, each of which also requires 45 clinical hours. Classes are 100% online, and much of the coursework is asynchronous, but this program is not self-paced. Students have weekly deadlines and assignments set by faculty.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA; however, those who do not meet this requirement but have a 3.0 GPA in nursing classes will still be considered.
Students are expected to find their own preceptors and clinical sites; however, faculty can offer support and assistance when needed. If the school does find a placement for a student, the student must accept the placement or take the course at a later time.
Why We Like This Program
- Exam Pass Rates: Graduates of this FNP program achieved a 100% first-time exam pass rate in 2023.
- Truly Distance-Friendly: There are no on-campus requirements, and students complete clinical hours in their geographical area, making this a distance-friendly option. Full- and part-time options are also available.
- Individualized Plans of Study: BSU collaborates with each student to develop a personalized plan of study that considers their unique needs and requirements, guiding them through the program.
Specialties offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
West Coast University
- Various locations
Credit Hours: 154 to 158, with 51 credits awarded for RN licensure and up to 48 credits awarded for college-level non-nursing courses
Tuition: $495 to $810 per credit
Program Overview:
The RN to NP pathways at West Coast University are structured with eight-week course sessions, allowing students to enroll multiple times a year. All courses are completed online, but each of the four CCNE-approved NP tracks requires two on-campus intensives.
Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA for previous coursework and one year of direct patient care RN experience. Those applying to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care track must have a year of critical care or intensive care setting experience as an RN within the past five years, and those applying to the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track must have one year of registered nurse experience in direct patient care or a minimum of six months of direct patient care experience in psychiatric mental health nursing within the last 5 years..
Why We Like This Program
- Accelerated Pace Programs Are Available: Accelerated options allow students to complete these programs in a much shorter period of time, taking the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track from 44 to 28 months, the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track from 44 to 25 months, the Family Nurse Practitioner track from 44 to 28 months, and the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track from 44 to 32 months.
- Job Search Assistance: West Coast University also offers support in finding open positions after graduation, including resume tips and interview coaching.
- Clinical Placement Assistance: The Clinical Placements Team offers support in finding a preceptor and a suitable clinical site. Each student works with a clinical relations coordinator to support them through the clinical experience.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Seton Hall University
- South Orange, New Jersey
Credit Hours: 53 to 60 + prerequisites
Tuition: $1,570 per credit
Program Overview:
At Seton Hall University, RNs who have a bachelor’s in another field can take advantage of the university’s RN to MSN Bridge. This program requires 41 prerequisites with no expiration, allowing students to transfer these credits from previous programs. When these prerequisites are completed, students take two bridge classes before transitioning into a CCNE-accredited MSN track.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s from an accredited institution, an associate’s in nursing, and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Students also need an RN license with one year of experience to apply to the bridge program.
Seton Hall maintains cooperative relationships with numerous local facilities, supporting students in securing their clinical placements. That said, out-of-state students should check with the program director before applying to ensure that finding clinical placements in their state won’t be a problem.
Why We Like This Program
- Online Courses with In-Person Intensives: Bridge courses and NP coursework are completed online, but each MSN program has three on-campus immersions where students learn advanced skills necessary for their specialty.
- Impressive Exam Pass Rates: Graduates of the AANPCP program have a 98% exam pass rate over the past five years.
- Take Your Previous Degrees Further: This program allows you to apply your previous education from your nursing program and bachelor’s degree toward your advanced practice program.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Franklin University
- Columbus, Ohio
Credit Hours: 45 to 47
Tuition: Bridge course $298; MSN courses $670 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Franklin University’s RN to NP options require students to complete a 12-week online bridge course with a B or better before entering the MSN specialty classes. Coursework for these programs is primarily online, although the program also requires 16 lab hours and clinical courses.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0; however, students who do not meet this requirement can petition for admission to the program by submitting an essay that details why they will be successful in the program. Students who are admitted as a result of a petition must obtain a grade of B or higher in their first graduate-level course to continue in the program.
Students are expected to find their own clinical placements and preceptors to ensure they can complete their clinical hours in a place close to home with someone they have a strong working relationship with.
Why We Like This Program
- Employer and Educational Partnerships: Franklin has partnerships with numerous employers and professional organizations, enabling affiliated nurses to receive tuition savings.
- An Affordable Option: With the bridge course costing only $298 and MSN courses only $670 per credit, this is one of the more affordable options on our list.
- Only One Bridge Class: This program requires only a four-credit bridge class, which takes just 12 weeks to complete before students progress to the MSN-level courses.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Worcester, Massachusetts
Credit Hours: 62
Tuition: $1,215 per credit
Program Overview:
RNs with a bachelor’s degree in another field can apply to the CCNE-accredited RN to MSN program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The first year of the program consists of bridge courses, which include 45 clinical/lab hours and 45 experiential clinical hours in community nursing. All clinical hours are completed in the student’s local community, and assistance with clinical placement is available.
Students must hold an associate’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The minimum GPA for arts and sciences is 2.0; however, students must have an overall GPA of 3.0.
Why We Like This Program
- Online Courses and On-Campus Residencies: All classwork is completed online; however, students are required to visit campus several times throughout the program. These residencies are typically one to three days in length and held at the Worcester campus.
- Exam Pass Rates: In 2024, 95% of FNP students who took the ANCC board certification exam passed on the first attempt. In 2023, 97.5% of PMHNP graduates passed the ANCC exam on the first attempt.
- In-Person Experiences: Students complete clinical work throughout the program, beginning in the initial bridge courses, giving them extensive in-person experience right from the start.
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Rivier University
- Nashua, New Hampshire
Credit Hours: Varies
Tuition: $725 per credit, $1,132 per credit for clinical courses
Program Overview:
Rivier University admits RNs with an associate’s degree to its NP programs. In addition to having two years of RN experience and a minimum GPA of 3.0, associate’s-prepared nurses must submit a professional portfolio showing they meet BSN-level competencies.
Students in these ACEN-accredited programs are largely expected to find their own clinical placements and preceptors.
Why We Like This Program
- Exam Pass Rates: The combined pass rate for graduates of the FNP program in 2021, 2022, and 2023 was 95.83%. For the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track, the pass rate was 97.06%.
- Low-Residency Format: While most courses are offered online, students are required to visit campus, although the number of days varies by specialty. Students in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program must come to campus for 10 days, Family Nurse Practitioner students for nine days, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students for three weekends.
- Simulation Experience: All clinical nursing courses at Rivier involve simulation at the school’s renovated Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center.
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner