Today, we’ll review some RN to NP programs.
Are you a registered nurse who wants to pursue a higher level of education?
Perhaps you have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing, but you want to pursue a career in advanced practice nursing due to your education.
RN To NP Programs
RN to NP online programs are designed for registered nurses who want to further their careers by becoming NPs (nurse practitioners).
Here are the best online RN to NP programs.
BEST ACCELERATED RN TO NP PROGRAMS
ADN to Nurse Practitioner (RN to NP) programs are recommended and will be discussed in detail in this post.
As you continue reading, you will find information on how to apply for the programs, the cost of tuition, and details on the curriculum and clinical experiences included in the program.
Monmouth University
In particular, registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject who wish to complete their nurse practitioner training as soon as possible can benefit from Monmouth University’s accelerated RN-to-NP programs.
The college’s supportive environment and smaller classes have been shown to help provide students with a more individualized learning experience.
The institution offers classes in either an online or a hybrid style to meet the needs of working nurses.
With three NP tracks to select from, you can specialize in FNP, AGPCNP, or PMHNP specialization, depending on your study area.
Whichever course you choose, the institution’s experience through the 500+ clinical partners will prepare you for the various problems you will face in this profession.
The college is also interested in the success of its nursing students, as seen by its high pass record on the certification exam for nurses.
These expedited RN-to-NP programs involve you holding an active RN license and a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
Each route is designed to prepare you for independent nursing practice, leadership, and professionalism.
While the FNP track prepares you to provide care to individuals and families across the lifespan, the AGPCNP track is designed for those interested in caring for older people. The PMHNP track prepares you to provide comprehensive care to patients with mental health illnesses.
Graduation requires the completion of 42 credits, which include 12 credits in MSN core, 16 credits in APN emphasis, and 14 credits in specialty-specific courses, among other requirements.
Because you will be starting this program without needing a BSN before taking these graduate courses, you must complete nine credits in bridging courses before continuing.
Bradley University – Peoria, IL
Bradley University’s online accelerated RN-to-NP program allows you to enter the profession of primary care without the need for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
It is possible to fulfill clinical requirements in your neighborhood because the program is entirely online and requires no on-campus trips.
Although you will never set foot on Bradley’s campus, its staff is well-versed in providing a tailored learning experience. They are specialists in their industry allows them to bring their extensive professional expertise to the virtual class.
To be eligible for this accelerated RN-to-FNP program, you must hold an accredited ADN, a non-bachelor nursing degree, and an active RN license.
According to the program’s statistics, most students complete this 59-credit degree in 3.3 years.
Thus, to graduate from the MSN-FNP program, you must earn 50 credits, including the nine credits necessary to finish the bridge courses.
Courses such as the bridge program or the BSN equivalent teach you the fundamental aspects of professional nursing, nursing research, and community health nursing philosophy.
In the MSN-FNP program, students will learn about advanced pathophysiology, analysis and development, proof of practice, advanced medical evaluation, health informatics, healthcare policy, advanced pharmacology, and primary care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
After finishing the program, you can explore work prospects in various settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, health authorities, and private primary care offices.
Lewis University – Romeoville, IL
Whatever your passion is, whether it’s providing elderly care or addressing the healthcare needs of people suffering from physical or mental illnesses, the Lewis University accelerated RN-to-Nurse Practitioner program will allow you to seamlessly advance your RN career to the position of nurse practitioner, even if you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
In addition to offering competitive tuition rates, Lewis College offers students various financial aid options.
Therefore, you can take advantage of Employer Tuition Assistance, scholarships, or a subsidized cost through the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders if you are eligible for such benefits.
It is necessary to have an ADN with a minimal cumulative GPA of 3.0 to qualify for either NP track.
Additionally, as a registered nurse, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an authorized university.
You must have finished bridge classes with a minimum grade of B to be considered for the program.
Statistics, professional nursing ideas, evidence-based practice, and supporting healthy communities are covered in these courses.
Following that, students will take MSN introductory courses and specialization-specific courses.
Applied biostatistics, healthcare organizations, systems, policy, population health, and healthcare informatics are just a few of the fundamental courses required for all NP paths.
While the psychiatric mental health path is available online, the other NP paths in AGACNP, AGPCNP, and AGPCNP-P are unavailable online.
East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, TN
For registered nurses who want to further their education in nurse practitioner (NP) but have a bachelor’s in an area other than nursing, enrolling in East Tennessee State University’s NP program may be wise.
In this program, you can pursue additional training in family health (FNP) or mental health nursing (PNP) immediately after becoming a registered nurse in California.
Whatever course you choose doesn’t matter because the program’s entirely online style is flexible enough to accommodate your hectic schedule.
As well as boasting about providing outstanding opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning experiences, the college is pleased with the exceptional achievement of its graduates on the National Board of Nursing certification tests.
This accelerated RN-to-NP program, irrespective of the track you choose, requires an ADN with a valid RN license and a BA/BS degree in another discipline to be eligible for admission.
The bridge curriculum, which covers health promotion and research, leadership, progression to professional practice, and population, community, and public health nursing, must be completed before entering the graduate-level courses.
To be qualified for the certification exam in your selected area of specialization, you must complete about 51 credits and 540 hours of clinical practice as part of your MSN-NP education.
University of Michigan-Flint – Flint, MI
According to the school, the University of Michigan-accelerated Flint’s RN-to-NP programs can be lifesavers for registered nurses who want to advance their careers but do not have a BSN or a bachelor’s degree in a nursing-related discipline.
Nurse practitioners can be prepared at either the master’s or doctoral level through two paths and four online expedited RN-to-Nurse Practitioner courses this institution offers.
Because it is part of a prestigious university, the nursing school has access to many resources on three campuses: Dearborn, Ann, and Arbor.
Apart from the fact that it is an online school, choosing between part-time and full-time sessions gives these programs a prevalent choice among students.
In this program, regarded as one of the best expedited RN-to-NP programs in the country, you can choose between an MSN or a DNP pathway, depending on your career aspirations.
You can become an FNP, AACNP, AGNP, PMHNP, or PMHNP.
To be qualified for any of the tracks, you must have an associate’s degree in nursing, a current RN license, and a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
Before enrolling in the ADN, you must complete the undergraduate courses as a transitional period between the ADN and graduate-level studies.
If you take the MSN route, not only will you be prepared to begin your nurse practitioner career in two to three years, but you will also be laying the groundwork for a P.hd in nursing, should you wish to further your nurse practitioner education in the demographic emphasis of your choice.
Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
By participating in one of the top expedited RN-to-NP programs, it is possible to quickly scale up to the nurse practitioner position if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing.
Nurse practitioner (NP) programs at Ohio State University are primarily created for nurses like you who, despite having a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, have picked nursing as a career and are now eager to advance their education.
This program is based on evidence-based knowledge and results from collaborative efforts involving faculty members, teaching hospitals, and preceptors in the local community.
The college offers aspiring nurse practitioners three digital expedited RN-to-NP options in family health, psychiatric mental health, and newborn care, allowing you to choose a path that best suits your needs and interests.
They are particularly advantageous for nurses who prefer the ease of online lectures over traditional classroom settings, aside from providing a smooth road toward a Nurse Practitioner degree in a short period.
You must finish the BSN equivalent bridge classes before proceeding to the graduate coursework, regardless of which track you follow.
This is true regardless of which track you choose to follow.
The graduate courses begin with the MSN core in pathophysiology, followed by studies in innovation leadership in nursing practices, concepts in advanced practice nursing, performance improvement and informatics, and health promotion and disease prevention, among other topics.
You will be entitled to take the certification exam in your chosen population area after two years of the program, regardless of the path you choose to follow.
Ball State University – Muncie, IN
Are you interested in making a difference in people’s lives as an advanced practice nurse but have a bachelor’s degree in anything other than nursing?
If this describes you, you may be interested in learning more about Ball State University, which offers one of the country’s most highly sought-after digital expedited RN-to-nurse practitioner programs.
Not only will you earn your certification as a family nurse practitioner through this program, but because it is delivered online, you will save time and money.
Suppose you’re wondering how this path can help you advance your career. In that case, you should know that you will significantly increase your earning potential upon graduation. Still, you will also be able to master independently in the many states that allow nurse practitioners to treat patients without the care of a doctor or other healthcare professional.
To qualify, you must hold a registered nurse license in the state you intend to practice and an ADN or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution.
In addition, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing.
Because you do not already possess a BSN, the program requires you first to finish the BSN comparable courses. Before graduating, you will complete the MSN and FNP courses, which total 47 credits.
The graduate-level courses include the research core, nursing core, and FNP-specific modules.
After graduation, you will get an MSN and be eligible to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
The University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
You can obtain the same evidence-based skills and knowledge as someone who begins NP coursework with a bachelor’s degree in nursing through the fast RN-to-NP programs available by the University of Texas at Austin.
Depending on where you discover your calling, you can develop specific skills in caring for families, newborns, children, or individuals suffering from mental diseases in this environment.
The expedited format for all three NP tracks is available on-campus and is designed for registered nurses who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Irrespective of your NP path, the program only begins once a year in the autumn semester of your first year.
The MSN and NP courses will take approximately 1.5 to 2 years to complete after completing the one-year BSN comparable course requirements.
Because you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, the program does not award you a BSN.
In addition to nursing science and professional underpinnings, modalities of systematic inquiry and advanced specialized nursing practice abilities are also included in the program’s curriculum.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi – Corpus Christi, TX
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers one such NP program, which accepts RNs with an associate’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in another field.
During your time here, you will develop the professional skills and knowledge necessary to serve individuals, families, and communities throughout their lives.
Fifty-eight credits in education and support modules are required to qualify for this degree. Once accepted into the program, you will finish your undergraduate studies during your first or bridge year.
The required 19-credit bridge courses educate you on health evaluation, caring, nursing research, community involvement, and organizational leadership.
You will then take the MSN core courses and the FNP courses for 49 credits.
You will gain knowledge and skills in research methodologies, health policy, cultural diversity, advanced pharmaceutical principles, health promotion, screening, and acute and chronic illnesses management due to your graduate-level coursework.
Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, AZ
To become a certified family nurse practitioner, you must complete your BSN at Northern Arizona University before continuing your career as a registered nurse there.
The curriculum is delivered through easy online classes, which allows you to continue your education while maintaining your existing employment.
It takes 48 credits to complete this RN-to-FNP program, including core and specialization-specific courses. As a program graduate, you will be able to exhibit improved abilities in medical care, communication, reasoning skills, and leadership situations.
There are courses on theoretical underpinnings, applied pathophysiology, principles of evidence-based practice, pharmacology and rural theory and health policy, healthcare systems & primary care of families across the lifetime included in the program.
The curriculum also requires the completion of a practice placement and the completion of an evidence-based capstone project.
Conclusion On ADN To NP Programs
There’s no such thing as a “good school” in academic achievement.
Each school has advantages and disadvantages, making it time-consuming to construct a ranking list.
Despite this, our strategy to assess healthcare programs is straightforward; we get our information from independent sources and then evaluate institutions according to criteria that we believe are critical to a successful academic opportunity.
Furthermore, we consider rankings, reviews, and evaluations from other significant publications to give our orders a more objective external perspective.
ADN / RN To Nurse Practitioner Online
Online RN to PN programs is usually suited to accommodate RNs with different working schedules, with flexibility around schedules, remote academic participation, and even accommodation for nurses with families.
However, converting from an RN to NP requires specific qualifications and requirements, which are not limited to the following;
- A sound GPA of at least 3.0
- Adequate work experience as an RN
- A good GRE score
- An up-to-date personal essay
- A good workplace
- Clinical experience
- A standard RN license
- Performance in undergraduate-related courses
A lot of decision-making and planning goes into choosing a good university to further your studies to become a nurse practitioner.
With many options and programs all over the country offering both full-time and part-time online choices, settling on a decision that can factor into all your schedules isn’t always easy.
Some programs can take as little as one year full-time, while others require as much as 3 to 5 years with part-time classes and clinic work.
Recognizing how stressful and demanding furthering a nursing career can be, especially for nurses already working and nurses with families, universities have provided online platforms for becoming an NP for a variety of nurses who may have different levels of study experience, including those who are already RNs, BSNs, and MSN.
Best RN To NP Online Programs
Online NP programs allow students to choose their own pace and work around their busy nursing schedules for working nurses.
Loyola University New Orleans
This private university with a fully accredited CCNE program offers RN the opportunity to become MSN.
It has an acceptance rate of 85%, a tuition fee of $818 per credit, and requires 48 hours of credit, including 720 practicum hours.
Loyola University MSN programs can be completed within two years and must be completed within five years of enrolment.
It offers accelerated RN to MSN options for those with ADN and RN licenses and those who do not require a BSN. It ranks 57 among the best online masters in nursing programs.
George Washington University
George Washington University is a private university in Washington, DC, offering online NP and NMP programs, including MSN, BSN, and DNP specializations. It provides both part-time and full-time, depending on the schedule of online students.
Its programs primarily focus on patient treatment through research and finding from diagnostics, patient interviews, and healthcare collaborations. It ranks 8th among the best online masters in nursing and has a 95% NCLEX pass rate.
It has an acceptance rate of 77%, a GPA retirement of 3.0 or more, and an active RN license and offers program durations of 3-6 years due to its part-time plans.
Depending on the degree of specialization, students can choose between FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and PMHNP concertation.
With a credit cost of $1,395 per credit hour and an estimated 17 to 50 credit hours, tuition costs may vary according to programs.
Medical University of South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina public university offers online BSN to DPN programs with FNP, AGPCNP, PNP, and PMHNP specializations.
Coursework delivered primarily online offers full-time and part-time options with flexible study hours for online students.
MUSC program requires a BSN degree and a GPA of 3.0 or higher with an RN license in the preferred state of practicum. The MUSC program takes about 3 to 4 years to complete.
It has an acceptance rate of 29% and a 98% NCLEX pass rate but holds no rank in best online in masters for nursing.
The online DPN costs $835 per credit, additional fees for state residents and $1,087 for non-state residents, and an estimated 75 credits per program.
The University of South Alabama
The University of Alabama nursing college offers online MSN, BSN, and DNP programs with AGCNS, AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, NNP, PNP-PC, PNP-AC, PMHNP, WHNP, FNP/AGACNP, and FNP/ENP specializations, and six subspecialties to increase prospects for nursing students.
They include addictions nursing care, advanced forensic nursing, cardiovascular, nurse educator, and palliative care.
Students must possess an RN license with at least two years of professional nursing experience relative to the desired specialization they wish to study, minimal campus visits, a good GPA, and a 2-4 years duration.
The University of South Alabama ranks 109th in the best online masters in nursing, with a 96% NCLEX pass rate and a 79% acceptance rate. The university claims to have affordable tuition despite its many program options.
Depending on the specialization, it has an average credit cost of $594 per credit and an average of 40 to 65 credit hours.
University of Michigan-Flint
The University of Michigan-flint offers online PMC programs with AGACNP and PMHNP concentrations with proper CCNE, HLC, and ACEN accreditations. It allows applicants without a BSN to pursue their master’s or doctorate quickly.
Its AGACNP program requires students to complete their first and third practicum in Michigan, an RN license, a GPA of 3.5, and no campus visits.
While its PMHNP program requires a minimum of six campus visits, 500 complete clinical practice hours in areas like; older adults aged 65 and older (30 hours), adults aged 18 and older (300 hours), and children aged 17 or younger (170 hours).
Programs can be completed within two years of registration.
It ranks 63 among the best online master’s in nursing, with a 79% acceptance rate, an average national NCLEX-RN pass rate of 85.48% for ADN and 87.22% for BSN, and a cost of $712 per credit hour for state students and $1,064 for out-state students with an average of 22-29 credit hours.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
ETSU is an ACEN-accredited state university that focuses on knowledge advancement in specialized areas.
It offers online NP programs like MSN, BSN to DNP, FNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP specializations, and two post-master NP certificates (FNP and PMHNP).
Students must possess an RN license, a bachelor’s degree, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and nursing research for evidence-based practice. It requires no campus visitations.
All college programs must be completed within 5 of registration and have an estimated 24 to 82 credit hours, depending on specialization—the average cost per credit is $801.
It has an 87% NCLEX pass rate and a 78% acceptance rate.
Bradley University
Bradly University is a private university that offers 100% online FNP degrees in MSN, BSN to DNP, and a post-masters certificate, with no campus visitation requirement.
Each program promises to train students through health assessments, disease prevention, and health promotion courses.
Students of all specializations must possess an RN license, a minimum GPA OF 3.0, a diploma, ADN, BSN, or MSN, depending on the preferred area of specialization—a duration of 2 to 4 years and an estimated 700 to 1000 clinicals.
Bradly University costs $930 per credit and an estimated 35 to 74 credit hours. It has a 96% NCLEX pass rate and a 73% acceptance rate.
Samford University
Samford University is a Christian university that offers online MSN, DNP, and Post Master’s Certificate programs at the graduate level. The university deals heavily with research, global awareness, sensitivity issues, and services.
Samford University’s online MSN programs provide FNP, FNP with ENP, and FNP/PMHNP options; its DNP program provides FNP, ENP, and PMHNP specializations for post-master students.
Applicants must possess an average GPA of 3.2 or higher, a BSN, clinical hours, an RN license, and an MSN for DNP applicants. Studies can be completed between 1 to 4 years, depending on the specialization.
It ranks 51 among the best online master’s in nursing, with an 80% acceptance rate, a 95% NCLEX pass rate, and an average GPA of 3.5. It costs %888 per credit and an estimate of 12 to 74 credit hours.
Western University of Health Sciences
Western University of health sciences offers one of California’s best online RN to NP programs, with its programs organized to accommodate tight schedules, especially busy nurses.
Its nursing school offers MSN and Post Master’s Certificate programs with PMHNP and FNP specializations with part-time and full-time options entirely on board.
The PMHNP program requires three campus seminar attendance throughout the program, while the FNP requires two each semester.
Applicants must possess a 3.0 GPA, 60 semester hours, an RN license, a BSN, MSN for Post Master’s Certificate, and one year of clinical work.
All programs can be completed within two years with 540 clinical hours. It ranks 55 among the best online masters in nursing. It has a 96% acceptance rate, a 93.33% NCLEX pass rate, and an average GPA of 3.5.
Tuition costs $921 per credit and an estimated 13 to 48 credit hours, depending on specialization.
Ohio University
Ohio University is the oldest college in the state of Ohio.
Its nursing school offers an online MSN program with AGACNP, FNP, and PMHNP specializations with 100% online coursework and two to four campus visits, depending on the preferred study area.
The university uses advanced clinical diagnostic skills and borders heavily on research. It promotes practice and theoretical courses, which help students with different clinical experiences.
The AGACN and FNP programs require 650 clinical hours and the campus requirements of a 3.0 GPA, a BSN for the MSN program, an RN license, and proof of two years of full-time nursing experience.
The online experience utilizes Blackboard and video collaboration tools. For all programs, tuition costs about $687 per credit hour for three years.
It has a 77% NCLEX pass rate and 57% acceptance rate and ranks 51 in the best online master’s in nursing programs with an average campus GPA of 3.1.
Ball State University
Ball State University is a public university known for excellently producing quality NPs. Its school of nursing offers an online MSN-FNP program with options of two entries; RN and BSN.
Coursework is done online and requires each applicant to possess a 3.0 GPA because of its competitiveness. It has a faculty staff of practicing nurses and renowned research teams to uphold the university’s integrity.
The university also requires proof of nursing practice, a criminal record, and a BSN for MSN programs. Programs can be completed within 3 to 5 years with part-time and full-time options.
Students of the MSN program must complete 690 clinical hours and at least 63 credits upon completion. The university has an 89.4% pass rate, a 68% acceptance rate, and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.4.
Tuition costs about $449 per credit hour for in-state students and $661 for out-state students.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University is a public university whose nursing school offers an online MSN-FNP program with 100% online coursework and clinical experience. It permits applicants to apply with a BSN, ADN, and NNB without campus visitation requirements.
The university aims to provide a quality education through research, academic services, and flexible study schedules. Applicants must possess a licensed RN, BSN, ADN, and MSN.
Depending on the chosen specialization, programs can be completed within three years of registration and 37 to 49 clinical hours.
It has an average 87% NCLEX pass rate in the past decade, an acceptance rate of 51%, ranks 17 in best NP school overall, and 11th most affordable NP school.
Tuition costs may vary significantly according to a chosen degree. It charges $200.53 per credit hour for Texas residents and $634.86 for out-of-state residents.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University is a private university committed to training healthcare workers with the needed skill and knowledge.
Its nursing school offers online MSN, RN to BSN to MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post Master’s Certificate programs with FNP and AGPCNP specializations.
Coursework is 100% online, with a practicum at approved facilities and one to three campus visitations. Online studies use blackboards, and each student is assigned an online student advisor.
Its study time has been tailored to cover all schedules, not limited to married students with families or closed jobs.
Depending on the chosen program, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA for all prior course work, RN license, BSN, and ADN degrees.
All programs can be completed within 3 to four years of registration. Its MSN program requires 720 clinical hours. It has a 95% NCLEX pass rate, a 93% acceptance rate, and ranks 57 among the best online masters in nursing programs. Tuition costs about $779 per credit.
Graceland University
Graceland University is a private university with a tradition of producing excellent nurse practitioners. Its nursing school provides online MSN and PMC with FNP, AGACNP, and PMNNP specializations.
It also promises RN to BSN to MSN option.
Its PMHNP program requires a campus visit lasting up to three days. Applicants must provide an RN license, a 3.0 GPA from prior studies, and a BSN or ADN degree from an accredited program.
Some programs will require 500 to 700 clinical hours to graduate.
All programs can be completed within 3 to 4 years of registration. It has a 90% NCLEX pass rate, a 76% acceptance rate, and ranks 119 among the best online masters in nursing.
Tuition costs $530 per credit hour and $830 for graduate programs.
Regis College
Regis College is a private college with thrilling online programs like MSN, DNP, and PMC with AGPCNP, AGACNP, FNP, PNP, PMHNP, and WHNP specializations. Coursework is entirely online with no campus visitations.
The college imparts employable and helpful skills to its students.
It uses theoretical and practical teaching methods to deliver the best teaching services. Regis College applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, a standard RN license, BSN or ADN, and an MSN.
Programs can be completed within 3 to 4 years of registration. The college has a 94% NCLEX pass rate and a 94% acceptance rate and ranks 103 among the best online masters in nursing.
Tuition costs about $990 per credit hour.
Duquesne University
Duquesne is a private catholic university in Pittsburg. Its nursing school offers online MSN and PMC programs with FNP, AGACNP, and PMHNP specializations.
It has a 100% online course and 2 to 3 campus visitations.
Each program has been tailored to accommodate all types’ very tight and uneven schedules. It aims to enhance the discernment skills of nurses to improve their level of patient care through research and proper training.
Applicants to Duquesne must possess a 3.0 GPA, a standard RN license, and a BSN or MSN degree.
All programs can be completed within 2 to 4 years of registration.
It has a 95.47% NCLEX pass rate, an 86% acceptance rate, and 46 among the best online masters in nursing programs.
Tuition costs $1,509 per credit hour.
Conclusion
This article has narrowed down some of the best universities with excellent RN to NP online programs that can accommodate and balance out other areas.
Each institution listed here provides a full-time, part-time option and records online materials for easy accessibility and student convenience.
By carefully reviewing this article, you won’t have to worry about finding a good nursing practitioner online program in the US.
