What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) Program?

Online programs for becoming a nurse practitioner offer the same academic quality as on-campus programs in a more flexible format. Also, by reducing the need to commute to campus, online programs provide working nurses more time to meet their job responsibilities while furthering their education. When choosing your online master’s in nursing program, carefully review all your options to find the best match for your personal needs and career goals.

Available concentrations

Online nurse practitioner programs are typically available as a concentration within a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) program. Most programs will require you to select a particular nurse practitioner specialty, such as:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner: Prepare to act as a primary care provider for families throughout their lifespans.
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Focus on the care needed by preterm and full-term infants up to the age of two, which may include attending high-risk births and resuscitation efforts when necessary.
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Learn how to care for chronically ill and healthy infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner: This concentration focuses on reproductive health, prenatal care, and postpartum care.
  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner: Learn how to apply nursing skills in an emergency room setting.

Common degree curriculum

Even online MSN programs usually require you to complete in-person clinical hours to graduate. Some programs may allow you to complete these hours at your place of employment, while others require them to be completed on campus.

As for the coursework, this will vary depending on which school you attend and the concentration you select. Some of the specific topics covered in most nurse practitioner programs include:

  • Advanced Pharmacology: Explores pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics to help nurse practitioners manage prescription medications ethically and cost-effectively.
  • Advanced Physiology: Reviews the study of physiology throughout all stages of life to teach students the contributing factors in chronic and acute illnesses.
  • Diagnostic Reasoning: Addresses how to diagnose acute and chronic illnesses in patients and apply treatment options effectively.

Certification and license preparation

You will need a professional license to work as a nurse practitioner, which requires earning a master’s degree and passing a certification exam for your population focus (Pediatric, Adult Gerontology, Acute Care, etc.). These certification exams are offered by organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. After passing the exam, you can then apply for licensure. The exact requirements vary by state, so be sure to confirm which exams are accepted and what else you must do to obtain a license for where you plan to work.

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Otherwise, you may have trouble accessing financial aid or transferring credits to another institution if needed. In addition to institutional accreditation, the best options for earning a master’s in nursing are programmatic accreditation from an industry group such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Program completion timeframe

Most nurse practitioner programs require about 60 credit hours of coursework, allowing full-time students to earn their degree in about two to three years. Some MSN programs are designed for those who already have a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Others allow registered nurses who only have an associate degree to earn their BSN and MSN simultaneously — the latter option will take longer to complete.

Also, cohort-based programs will require you to attend classes and complete courses simultaneously as other students. If you want to become a nurse practitioner as quickly as possible, look for a program with asynchronous classes you can complete at your own pace.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) Graduates

Becoming a nurse practitioner will provide you with solid job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in the United States is projected to increase by about 3% over the next decade, while the number of jobs for nurse practitioners is expected to grow at over ten times that rate. There will be plenty of employment opportunities available once you graduate.

This degree will allow you to earn a significant income as well. Most nurse practitioner jobs offer six-figure salaries, with the top 10% making more than $208,080.

Of course, your salary will also depend on where you work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, the average salary for nurse practitioners in California is over $50,000 higher than in Tennessee.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Nurse Practitioner Nurse practitioners offer medical care similar to registered nurses but with greater autonomy. Their additional duties include prescribing medications, ordering medical tests, and offering diagnoses for the patients they see. $121,610 45%
Medical/Health Services Manager A background in advanced nursing can also prepare you for a role managing the nursing department of a healthcare facility. In many states, nurse practitioners can even open their own offices and practice independently. $104,830 28%

Professional organizations

Nurse practitioners have a variety of professional organizations available to them. These organizations offer valuable resources like networking events and continuing education courses. Some of the most notable professional organizations for nurse practitioners include:

  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: As the largest nurse practitioner organization, the AANP works to support its members and help them develop professionally. The organization offers continuing education opportunities and advocates for issues that affect nurse practitioners.
  • American Nurses Association: This organization is open to nurses of all types and focuses on improving nursing care standards and work environments.
  • Sigma Theta Tau: This international group offers nurse research grants, hosts conferences, and provides programs for professional development. Membership is available to nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) Degree

Online programs are more affordable than on-campus programs, but you still may need help paying for your degree. Just as with a traditional brick-and-mortar program, your first step in seeking assistance should be filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to take advantage of federally funded grants and loans. You may also be eligible for scholarships from nonprofit organizations and private companies.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

With all the different financing options available, each with its own eligibility requirements and application deadlines, it can be challenging to determine exactly what you should do after submitting your FAFSA. The following resources will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible.

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.