Getting your registered nurse (RN) license doesn’t have to be the end of your professional development. In fact, you can use one of the best RN to NP online programs to become a nurse practitioner faster than you think. Let’s take a closer look.
Article Navigation: How Does an RN Become an NP? | What is an RN to NP Program? | Direct-Entry Programs | Average Cost of Nurse Practitioner School Online | School Requirements | Course Load, Waivers, Experiences and Credits | Accelerated RN to NP Programs | Cheapest Online Nurse Practitioner Programs | Top 10 RN to NP Online Programs | Outcomes | FAQs | Check Out GedEducated Today
How Does an RN Become an NP?
An NP is a nurse practitioner. Think of a nurse practitioner as a more skilled, experienced nurse who has extra responsibilities. Nurse practitioners can specialize in different areas of medicine and work more closely with patients. They diagnose issues, and earn much higher salaries compared to standard registered nurses.
To become an NP, an RN or registered nurse must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In addition, RNs must complete hundreds of hours of practical experience to earn NP licensure.
What is an RN to NP Program?
Since it’s faster to earn an MSN instead of a DNP, many nurses take advantage of RN to NP online degree programs. These programs are for nurses who have at least associate degrees in nursing (ADNs). They include the educational content necessary to earn both a BSN and MSN in three to four years.
More importantly, RN to nurse practitioner online programs are fast-track, accelerated programs that lead to graduate degrees, as well as APRN status. They lead directly to nurse practitioner certification and licensure for one’s state of residence. Thus, they are perfect choices for working nurses who want to become NPs as quickly as possible.
ADN to NP Programs
An ADN or associate degree nursing is an entry-level nursing degree that takes about two years to complete. They’re the minimum degree required to become a registered nurse, although many RNs earn BSNs/Bachelor of Science in Nursing instead.
If you have an ADN instead of a BSN and aren’t yet a registered nurse, ADN to NP programs online could be perfect for you. ADN to NP online programs are popular since they lead directly to graduate degrees. Just be sure to sign up for ADN to MSN programs specifically. Not an RN to NP bridge program, as you may not qualify for the latter.
Also, an ADN to nurse practitioner program online is often accessible as an accelerated nursing program. Consider applying to an ADN to nurse practitioner online school if you have the requisite nurse practitioner school requirements completed already.
GetEducated's Picks
- Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing / Fast-Tracked Pathway (RN to MSN Bridge)
- Western Governors University Master of Science in Nursing / Education (RN to MSN)
BSN to NP Programs
Nurses who already have BSNs can also apply to RN to NP programs. However, their programs will be faster since they only need to complete the graduate degree’s requirements and practice hours. Such programs can usually be completed in 1 to 2 years.
Generally, this is a more popular track compared to working out from an ADN. By earning your online BSN first, then progressing into an online NP program, you’ll have plenty of time to earn practical working experience and save up money. Plus, a BSN on its own expands your career options and qualifies you to earn good salaries as a registered nurse.
GetEducated's Picks
- Purdue Global Accelerated BSN to MSN
- University of West Florida Accelerated BSN to MSN
- Western Governors University Master of Science in Nursing / Education (RN to MSN)
Direct-Entry NP Programs
Direct-entry online NP programs are essentially MSN degrees for nurse practitioners. These graduate-level degree programs take between 1.5 and 2 years to complete on average and usually include anywhere between 40 and 60 credits. They’re good for nurses who already have BSNs and a substantial amount of nursing experience; all they need to become nurse practitioners is the MSN/NP degree.
A fast, 1-year nurse practitioner program online is best if you want to acquire your degree ASAP and you have the time to commit to the classes. It’s difficult to do anything else when attending one of these programs, however.
What Experience Do You Need to Get to NP Status?
Generally, it takes between six and eight years to accumulate enough experience to become an NP. However, many of the best RN to NP online programs have practical experience requirements or courses that students must complete.
Thus, many NP students are already partway to completing their NP experience requirements. They may have that experience from time working as nursing assistants or RNs. Other students who complete a few years of practical nursing experience before going to NP school may be ready to acquire NP licensure directly after graduating from their MSN/DNP program.
Remember that your previous degree level will impact the experience you already have when you start your NP degree online. If you’re looking to complete an ASN to NP degree, for example, expect to spend more time clocking experience hours. In contrast, if you have a BSN, you’ll need fewer practical experience requirements to earn your degree.
What is the Average Cost of Nurse Practitioner School Online?
Before applying to any registered nurse to nurse practitioner online degree program, it’s important to consider the costs you may face. The average cost of a nurse practitioner program online is broken down below by concentration or medical specialization:
- Family nurse practitioner – $35,300
- Women's health nurse practitioner – $46,100
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner – $35,800
- Adult gerontology nurse practitioner -$35,300
- RN to MSN program – $590 per credit
However, many of the best colleges for nurse practitioners have scholarships and other financial aid opportunities. The cheapest RN to NP online programs are ideal choices if money is a major concern for your education. But if your ideal school isn’t counted among those programs, do more research.
Visit each school’s financial aid page and see what they offer. Top RN to nurse practitioner bridge programs online want excellent students like you. Therefore, you may be able to take advantage of special grants or work internships to help you cover the cost of any RN to nurse practitioner program.
GetEducated's Picks
- Queens University of Charlotte Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN Bridge)
- The University of Alabama Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
- Western Governors University Master of Science in Nursing / Education (RN to MSN)
Nurse Practitioner School Requirements
1-year nurse practitioner programs online accredited generally have high program requirements, as they provide students with graduate-level educations. Common requirements include:
- Being a registered nurse in one’s state of residence
- Having a high GPA from prior schooling (often 3.0 or above)
- Letters of recommendation
- 1-2 years of nursing experience in the field
Some RN to NP programs also require GRE scores, but most do not.
Course Load, Waivers, Experiences and Credits in an RN to NP Online Program
Most RN to NP online programs cover core or foundational nursing topics and procedures. However, at the graduate level, they also include coursework in topics such as:
- Nursing research methods
- Diagnosing techniques
- Nurse practitioner medical ethics
It’s a good idea to look into which waivers and credit substitutes a given NP program offers. Many RN to NP programs allow nurses to substitute some of their experience for credits (to cover basic topics). If you’re becoming an NP with a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing, however, you will not be able to substitute your work experience for credits.
Depending on whether you need a bachelor’s degree or not, you’ll need to complete anywhere between 40 credits and 170 credits. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you may only need to complete between 40 and 60 credits to earn your graduate degree. If you need a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete that degree’s credit requirements plus the credit requirements for the master’s degree.
Accelerated RN to NP Programs
Accelerated RN to NP programs are truncated, fast-paced, and full-time programs. They are for students who want to become nurse practitioners as quickly as possible. They can be completed in less than two years on average and are appropriate for those registered nurses who already have BSNs.
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing – MSN/Fast-Tracked Pathway
Saint Francis offers a fast-tracked MSN program for current registered nurses. It includes a four-hour transition course that covers much of the foundational coursework in a BSN program, in addition to a community health nursing course that incorporates 48 practice hours. Other major topics include communications, health assessments, and research for nursing practice.
Note that this program is only available for RNs who have lots of nursing experience and/or outstanding academic histories. Otherwise, they must have a bachelor’s degree in a major other than nursing from an accredited school. The program comprises 56 credits in total and takes less than a year to complete.
Cheapest Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – RN to NP Online
Many of the best online RN to NP programs are also highly affordable. Let’s take a look at five of the cheapest online RN to NP programs you can attend.
The University of Alabama – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $20,460
The University of Alabama’s RN to MSN program is 50 to 56 credit hours in total and 100% online. It’s a perfect pick for highly qualified registered nurses who already have an associate degree or diploma. ACT and SAT scores aren’t required if you apply during the fall entry term each year.
The program covers core topics in addition to specialized nursing courses. Specialized studies include health policy and finance, population health, and informatics in healthcare. At the end, students have the option of completing a practical final course or an optional thesis.
Queens University of Charlotte – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN Bridge)
Total Cost (In-State): $24,596
At Queens University of Charlotte, students can attend an RN to MSN Bridge program without requiring a BSN. This fast-track program allows students to choose from four different specialization tracks, including:
– Nurse educator
– Nurse administrator
– Clinical nurse leader
– Nursing informatics.Regardless of the track one chooses, students can complete the program in just 2.5 years from start to finish. Each program track includes 14 online courses and benefits from small class sizes, giving you the time and attention from your professors you need to thrive in this fast-paced educational environment.
The University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $26,084
The University of Texas at Arlington’s RN to MSN program is affordable and flexible. It can be completed in three years or less. It’s comprised of 68 to 71 credit hours and awards students with an MSN in either:
– Nurse administration or
– Nurse education, depending on which courses they complete.The program is entirely accredited by the CCNE. Faculty help students finish their clinical or practical practice hour requirements at local facilities in their geographic areas. Even better, there are no expirations for previously earned credits, so students can transfer many credits to the program and get a jumpstart on their progress.
Nebraska Methodist College – Master of Science in Nursing/Care Coordinator (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $27,174
Students can attend Nebraska Methodist College and earn an MSN in care coordination. Such a degree prepares graduates to act as bridges between population-level and public healthcare systems. They’ll be equipped to improve health outcomes for those with complex diseases that last for their entire lives.
There is no GRE requirement for this program. Students can apply in January or August. Each course is between 5 and 10 weeks long, and students can access course materials at any time of the day. Graduates can take the Care Coordination and Transition Management certification exam upon graduation, and the program can be completed in as few as 21 months.
Mary Baldwin University – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $28,570
Mary Baldwin University’s RN to MSN program is affordable and effective. It offers students extensive support resources. Coursework includes the extensive knowledge to provide patient-centered care in any healthcare system position. Students can choose from three concentration options:
– Patient safety and health care quality
– MSN/MHA dual degree
– MSN/MBA dual degreeThe program is totally accredited by SACSCOC and CCNE, meeting the standards of both organizations. It teaches students extensive, evidence-based and interprofessional topics. Graduates can design, deliver, manage, and evaluate patient-centered care solutions.
Top 10 RN to NP Online Programs
If you want to maximize program quality and educational rigor, check out the best RN to NP online programs. The average cost of these programs is $41,899, but prices can vary depending on things like location, fees, and more.
Sacred Heart University – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $36,590
Sacred Heart University offers a stellar online RN to NP program. It enables students to transfer up to 90 credits to the program from the get-go and lets students choose three different specializations at the graduate level. This CCNE-accredited program enables you to earn both a BSN and MSN simultaneously over just 3.5 years.
Students will complete between 54 and 147 credit hours. They also benefit from six flexible start dates per year. Each course is led by full-time, expert nurses, and there are no on-campus visits required, so it’s 100% online.
Liberty University – Master of Science in Nursing/Community Health (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $38,851
Liberty University’s RN to MSN program provides students with a degree specialized in community health. It’s accredited by the CCNE and enables students to transfer up to 50% of the degree’s total from other schools.
Classes are 100% online and completed over eight weeks. The program as a whole is 36 credit hours and takes just 1.5 years on average. Furthermore, start dates crop up every month. You can begin the program at practically any time and on a schedule or pace that works for your needs.
Stony Brook University – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $40,839.99
Stony Brook University’s RN to MSN program requires 60 credits. It’s offered mostly online, though there are some on-site requirements. The program integrates nursing and related scientific principles into its course materials. In this way, graduates have robust and well-rounded educations upon graduation.
Note that students must have an unencumbered New York State RN license to qualify, as well as a previous GPA of 3.0. There’s only one start date per year, as well – students must plan ahead to be accepted for the program. The program can be completed in approximately two years.
Loyola University New Orleans – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $41,909
Loyola University New Orleans offers another excellent RN to MSN program that is 100% online. Students can choose a standard-pace or accelerated-pace MSN program (the latter is called an MSN bridge program). The fast-track program can be completed in about 3.5 years, while the standard-pace program can be completed in two years.
To get the MSN, students will need to accumulate 48 credits along with 720 practicum hours. Both types of programs are taught by knowledgeable experts in this field. Students further benefit from extensive support resources to add to their online education’s quality.
University of Maryland, Baltimore – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $44,298
The University of Maryland, Baltimore RN to MSN program is ranked among the best in the country and allows students to specialize in one of three areas:
– Nursing informatics
– Health services leadership and management
– Community/public health nursingThe program can be completed in as little as two years, and students must complete between 79 and 71 credits. The program is fully accredited by the CCNE and is designed for registered nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline or who have a lot of background practical experience. Full and part-time schedules are available. Students can elect for a hybrid educational format if they don’t want to complete the program entirely online.
Farleigh Dickinson University – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $44,950
Farleigh Dickinson University has an excellent RN to MSN program that allows students to choose from two different track options:
– Family nurse practitioner or
– Nursing educationUpon completing the FNP program, students will be ready for national certification as FNPs.
All students may complete this program in under two years. Depending on their chosen track, they must complete 650 or 120 precepted hours to complete the program. It incorporates 75 credits and can also be taken on a part-time basis if desired. Classes are entirely online and may be completed synchronously or asynchronously, depending on professor requirements.
Stevenson University – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) – $47,520
Total Cost (In-State): $47,520
At Stevenson University, students can complete an RN to MSN program that offers courses in eight-week sessions. Courses are available at six different start dates throughout the year, with the exception of NURS 424, which runs for 16 weeks, has limited start dates, and includes 45 clinical practice hours in outpatient care.
Students can choose from three different concentrations:
– Nursing education
– Nursing leadership and management
– Population-based care coordinationRegardless, all students can take advantage of financial aid options and personalized attention due to small class sizes.
Regis University – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $53,919
Regis University’s RN to MSN online program can take as few as nine semesters or about three years. It emphasizes leadership and healthcare systems, making it a perfect choice for future administrators and facility managers. Students may apply 33 credits from their nursing experience to the program if they have their RN licenses. All courses are either online or take place in a web-based classroom.
It’s fully accredited by the CCNE, too. The program covers topics like:
– Healthcare organization and system
– Health promotion concepts
– Updates in illness and disease managementSpring Arbor University – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)/Family Nurse Practitioner
Total Cost (In-State): $57,831
Spring Arbor University’s RN to MSN program ends with a graduate degree for future FNPs. Students can also choose specialty tracks such as:
– Psychiatric mental health
– Adult gerontology
– Pediatric nurse practitionerOr they can pursue an MSN-MBA dual degree.
No matter what path you choose, you’ll benefit from a week off after every batch of courses. The program enables students to earn a BSN or MSN degree while working full-time, and each student receives assistance during their clinical practice sessions/classes.
Mercy College – Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Total Cost (In-State): $63,142
At Mercy College, students with an RN license can earn a full-time, 100% online MSN. Students receive between 32 and 39 credits for their current associate degree or diploma degree in nursing coursework.
The MSN program requires 36 credit hours, and students can choose between a focus on nursing education or nursing leadership. The program is accredited by the HLE and the CCNE, and it can be completed in as few as three years.
Outcomes of Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Graduates of nurse practitioner programs have a lot to look forward to in the professional sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average nurse practitioner makes approximately $123,780. Furthermore, nurse practitioner employment should grow by 40% until 2031, much faster than other occupations’ growth rate.
Nurse practitioners have lots of different areas of focus or patient care they can practice. Here are a handful of examples:
- Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) – Their responsibilities mirror those of primary care physicians. They offer care to people of all ages
- Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) – These professionals work with child patients of all ages
- Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (ANGPs) – They work with adult and teenage patients in primary care or acute care settings
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) – These are nurse practitioners who work and mental health care settings, often in collaboration with a psychiatrist
- Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) – NNPs work with infants up to the age of two who are born with an illness or born prematurely
- Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) – These NPs specialize in gynecologic care and other elements of women’s health
- Adult nurse practitioners (ANPs) – These nurse practitioners provide care to late-stage adolescents and adults up to their senior years
- Acute-care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) – These NPs provide treatment for severe and brief episodes of injury, trauma, or illness. They usually working acute care environments, like emergency rooms and intensive care units
- Emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) – Emergency nurse practitioners work in emergency environments and help people of all ages
- Pediatric nurse practitioners acute care (PACNPs) – These specialized professionals provide care exclusively to acutely ill children suffering from emergency illnesses or diseases
FAQs
How to become a nurse practitioner
To become a nurse practitioner, you must earn your RN licensure by completing an ADN or BSN program. Then, you must complete an MSN or DNP program and accumulate a few years of practical experience as a working nurse before you qualify for NP licensure.
How long does it take to go from an RN to NP?
Say you already have an associate degree. In this case, expect to take between three and five years to become an NP at the earliest. If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, expect to take 2 to 3 years to become an NP at the earliest.
How much does it cost to become a nurse practitioner?
Let’s say you want to earn a graduate MSN degree as an RN with a bachelor’s degree. Then you can expect to spend between $20,000 and $40,000 on average for your graduate education.
How hard it is it to transition from RN to NP?
NP education is intense. It’s more complex than the educational requirements to become an RN. However, as you accumulate nursing experience as an RN, you’ll be more comfortable with the requirements and rigor necessary to become a nurse practitioner.
What is the best online nurse practitioner program?
The best online nurse practitioner program depends on your budget and schedule. For example, the program offered by the University of Alabama is one of the cheapest RN to MSN programs available. However, the program from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is ideal if you want to become a nurse practitioner ASAP.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner?
The fastest way to become a nurse practitioner is to attend an RN to NP program. That’s whether or not you already have a bachelor’s degree. That way, you can complete all your education requirements quickly and complete some or all of your practice experience requirements at the same time.
What is the starting salary for a nurse practitioner?
The starting salary for a nurse practitioner is close to $80,000 on average.
What is a nursing bridge program?
A nursing bridge program is an accelerated or combined program that provides nursing students with the education they need to become NPs. They often allow registered nurse students to substitute their experience for a certain amount of credits.
How long does it take to go from an RN to an NP?
Generally, an RN to BSN online program takes anywhere between 1.5 to 4 years. That depends on what nurse practitioner education requirements you’ve completed so far. For example, say you’ve completed an associate nurse practitioner program online and accredited. In this case, you’ll still need to complete the work to earn your BSN and MSN. If you already have a BSN, you’ll only need to complete two years or less of education.
How hard is it to transition from RN to NP?
APN online programs are intended to teach you everything you need to succeed. Nurse practitioner bridge programs include both academic work and practical work experience and requirements. Furthermore, the best online nurse practitioner programs will expand your work and social opportunities.
Check Out GedEducated Today
Simply put, it’s not hard to find nurse practitioner online schools if you are committed to the nursing profession and put your mind to it. Don’t let the potential difficulty keep you away from accelerated nurse practitioner programs. The best NP schools could be waiting for you.
With the right resources, you can be well on your way to becoming a nurse practitioner in no time. Let GetEducated help you find the best online RN to NP program today!