As a nurse practitioner you can play a huge role in your community's health. With a nurse practitioner license and a degree earned from online schools for NPs you can provide services such as determining diagnoses, creating treatment plans and prescribing medications as needed. Since there is a shortage of doctors in many areas, nurse practitioners are helping to fill gaps in care — especially in states where you're allowed to work without a doctor's supervision.

Although this position is a subsection of the nursing field, nurse practitioners are quite different from other types of nurses. For example, registered nurses are not able to prescribe medications or make diagnoses. Similarly, licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses are able to provide basic medical care similar to that performed by registered nurses, but are not able to do the higher-level work that NPs regularly perform.

In order to provide these much-needed services, you are required to get specialized training, such as from a NP online program, which, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, in the 2017-18 academic year alone, over 28,700 people obtained at colleges around the country.

Continue reading to find out the details of what taking an NP online program entails. This page includes information on schools' admission requirements, the courses that you can expect to complete when you enroll in a nurse practitioner online program, the types of specializations that you can pursue and the certifications that are available to these professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

As an advanced practice nurse you've earned a post-graduate degree in nursing, such as from an advanced nursing online school. The advanced practice nurse category is separated into four general areas of specialization:

  • Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
  • Nurse anesthetist
  • Nurse midwife
  • Nurse practitioner (NP)

A nurse practitioner is one of these areas of specialization in an advanced nursing online school.

Yes, nurse practitioners, with a nurse practitioner online program, are allowed to prescribe medication; however, in some states, you may have limited prescribing power, so you're required to be supervised by a physician when providing these services.
No, although nurse practitioners can provide many of the same services that doctors do, you are not permitted to perform surgeries.
No, nurse practitioners are required to earn at least an advanced nursing online school degree program. They are also required to be registered nurses prior to attending an nurse practitioner online program.
It depends on the NP online program. Some schools allow you to take some coursework online and require that you complete some classes on campus, while others allow you to take all of your courses online. In either case, you are expected to participate in clinical experiences in order to obtain hands-on training.
A strong nurse practitioner online program has a variety of concentrations for you to choose from, professors that have a proven history of working in the field, a reputation for advancing the nursing profession through research and access to strong clinical experiences. Visit the Nurse Practitioner Program Overview section for more information on the variety of concentrations and specializations.
Nurse practitioner online programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Best Online Colleges to Become Nurse Practitioner in 2019-20

Not all online schools for NPs are created equal, but you can find a school that fits your lifestyle and provides the rigorous education you want to prepare for this demanding career. In order to help you find the right fit, we have compiled a list of the best online schools for NPs, which includes information on the types of NP online programs they offer and the services available to online students. Continue reading to learn about these online schools for nurse practitioner students and visit our methodologies page to learn more about how we use official data to evaluate schools.

1

Stony Brook University

Tuition & Fees
$9,625
Distance Education Participation
17%
Number of Programs Offered
33
School Type
4-year
School Website

SBU's Academic Focus: The Stony Brook University School of Nursing Office of Research and Innovation is conducting research, through their advanced nursing online school, on subjects that can impact patient outcomes, such as chronic illness management, health screenings and treatment of the aging population. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members and the school's partners to participate in this research.

Featured SBU Resource: The University has an Office of Clinical Placements that processes clinical placement requests and contracts for students within the advanced nursing online programs.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at Stony Brook University

Prospective NP online program students with a non - nursing bachelor 's degree need to submit a clinical practice portfolio to be evaluated for bachelor's - level nursing competencies when applying to each of the following programs.

  • Adult - Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as a Master of Science in Nursing(M.S.N.),Doctor of Nursing Practice(D.N.P.),and post - graduate certificate
    • In this nurse practitioner online program,students are prepared to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners(AANP) Adult - Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner exams
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • These nurse practitioner online programs prepare students to sit for the ANCC and AANP Family Nurse Practitioner exams
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • Students of advanced nursing online schools prepare to sit for the National Certification Corporation(NCC) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner exam
  • Pediatric Primary Care
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • The NP online program prepares students to sit for the ANCC Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner exam and Pediatric Nursing Certification Board(PNCB) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care exam
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • Prepares students of online schools for NPs to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam
  • Women 's Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • Students of online schools for NPs prepare to sit for the NCC Women 's Health Nurse Practitioner exam offered through the National Certification Corporation
2

East Tennessee State University

Tuition & Fees
$8,935
Distance Education Participation
56%
Number of Programs Offered
30
School Type
4-year
School Website

ETSU's Academic Focus: The College of Nursing at East Tennessee State University is the largest nursing school in the state. In addition to teaching students in the classroom, the school has practice network clinics that treat thousands of patients a year and is involved in research scholarship.

Featured ETSU Resource: The College of Nursing offers a D.N.P. joint program with the Tennessee Tech University (ETSU-TTU Joint D.N.P) so students can take advantage of instruction and experience from educators and professionals at two universities.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at East Tennessee State University

Before applying to the following NP online programs,students must comply with all policies of the ETSU School of Graduate Studies.Some of these include being licensed or authorized to practice in Tennessee or a Nurse Licensure Compact(NLC) state and have current CPR certification.

  • Adult / Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,ETSU - TTU Joint D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • Students of a nurse practitioner online program can apply to the advanced nursing online school program as D.N.P.degree holders with concentrations in advanced clinical practice or nursing administration;or,if they are already enrolled in an ETSU D.N.P.degree program
    • To apply for the certification students must be licensed as a registered nurse in the United States and eligible for licensure in Tennessee
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,ETSU - TTU Joint D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • The nurse practitioner online program has a rural focus and simulation experience opportunities
    • Prepares students to sit for National Council Licensure Examination(NCLEX - RN) Certification
    • Competencies are adopted from the < em > DNP Essentials of doctoral education for advanced practice in nursing as specified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
    • Clinical placement in North Carolina and Virginia is currently allowed;otherwise,regulatory requirements vary by state and are evaluated on an individual basis by the program
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as M.S.N.,D.N.P.,ETSU - TTU Joint D.N.P.,and post - graduate certificate
    • Students of online schools for NPs are prepared to sit for PMHNP Certification
    • Students must complete a capstone project
3

George Washington University

Tuition & Fees
$55,230
Distance Education Participation
24%
Number of Programs Offered
95
School Type
4-year
School Website

GWU's Academic Focus: George Washington University's School of Nursing has made strides toward creating programs that train students for the rigors of the profession. Through the school's education centers — the Center for Aging, Health and Humanities; the Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement; and the Simulation and Innovation Learning Center — the school not only provides a quality education, but also helps to advance nursing research and policy.

Featured GWU Resource: The library at George Washington University provides online access to books, journals, databases and multimedia, as well as tutorials on how to find resources and properly create citations.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at George Washington University

  • Adult - Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • NP online programs include M.S.N.and Post - BSN D.N.P.
    • Students must complete 650 hours of clinical experience by an approved preceptor
    • Students of online schools for NPs should be able to commute to the Washington,D.C.campus for a few requirements:
      • Campus Learning and Skills Intensive(CLASI) - Health Assessment Test Outs and seminars(3 days)
      • AGACNP II(3 Sessions)
      • Ventilators,Airway Management,Central Line Insertion(1 day)
      • Rapid Response,Shock - Critical Thinking in Crisis(1 day)
      • Suturing and Chest Tube Insertion(1 day)
      • AGACNP III
      • Comprehensive Critical Care Management(2 days)
  • Adult - Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Students can take either a M.S.N.or Post - BSN D.N.P.program
    • Has both a fall and spring entry period
    • Consists of 625 clinical hours - at least 120 clinical hours have to be spent in nursing homes or long - term care facilities
    • On - campus requirements include:
      • CLASI
      • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations(OSCEs) - In the second clinical course,students return to campus to complete a series of exams which use standardized patients in faculty - constructed case scenarios to demonstrate the student 's critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning
      • Programs Test Outs - Students return to campus to complete end of the programs ' assessments
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered M.S.N.and Post - BSN D.N.P.programs
    • Nurse practitioner online program requires 700 clinical hours completed
    • It has both fall and spring entry periods
    • Students must attend campus classes in:
      • CLASI - Students return to campus for Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning class
      • OSCEs
      • Program Test Outs
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • M.S.N.
    • Consists of 600 clinical hours
    • Part - time course
    • On - campus requirements include CLASI
4

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Tuition & Fees
$28,470
Distance Education Participation
56%
Number of Programs Offered
37
School Type
4-year
School Website

MUSL's Academic Focus: Maryville University of Saint Louis provides student-centered education programs that bridge the gap between learners and the careers they want to pursue. In order to provide a truly personal experience that matches students' specific needs, the school offers asynchronous and synchronous online programs.

Featured MUSL Resource: Smarthinking, the school's online tutoring service, offers academic support in numerous disciplines, as well as help with preparing for a job interview.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at Maryville University of Saint Louis

  • Adult - Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse practitioner online programs offered: M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - master 's certificate
    • Complete 830 clinical hours
    • Students can enter the program in January,March,May,July,August and October
  • Adult - Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse practitioner online programs offered: M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - master 's certificate
    • 580 clinical hours to be completed
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse practitioner online programs offered: M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - master 's certificate
    • Students complete 745 clinical hours
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse practitioner online programs offered: M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - master 's certificate
    • Students complete 580 clinical hours
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse practitioner online programs offered: M.S.N.,D.N.P.,and post - master 's certificate
    • For clinical hours regarding this program you must contact an enrollment advisor
5

Grand Canyon University

Tuition & Fees
$17,050
Distance Education Participation
90%
Number of Programs Offered
93
School Type
4-year
School Website

GCU's Academic Focus: Grand Canyon University began in 1949 with humble beginnings and a mission to train students to become educators. Since that time, it has grown to offer numerous degree programs — from nursing to business to fine arts to science — but the school maintains its dedication to providing a quality education that can help students become knowledgeable professionals.

Featured GCU Resource: The Academic and Career Excellence Center can help advanced nursing online school students explore their career options. In addition, the Center provides guidance on interviewing, networking and resume writing skills.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at Grand Canyon University

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Adult Gerontology
    • Programs in M.S.N.and Post - M.S.N.Certificate
    • Students can become eligible to qualify for certification as adult - gerontology acute care nurse practitioners(ACNP - AG) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses(AACN)
    • Combines advanced health assessment,clinical diagnosis,procedural skill acquisition and care management of adult and geriatric acute care patients,subacute patients,complex patients and patients with exacerbations of chronic illness
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Programs: M.S.N.and Post - M.S.N.Certificate
    • Available to nurses who already have a Master of Science in Nursing
6

University of Iowa

Tuition & Fees
$9,267
Distance Education Participation
48%
Number of Programs Offered
38
School Type
4-year
School Website

UI's Academic Focus: The University of Iowa has a long history of offering a quality education to a diverse group of students. In fact, the school believes the diversity of their students, faculty and staff can help them fulfill their mission to explore, discover, create and engage.

Featured UI Resource: The University of Iowa's College of Nursing offers tutoring services that can be delivered by students who have excelled academically at the school.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at University of Iowa

  • The following NP online programs can also be combined into a dual certification program
  • Adult / Gerontology Acute Care NP
    • Programs include B.S.N.to D.N.P.and M.S.N.to D.N.P.
    • Students can choose between a 3 - or 4 - year plan
    • Prepares students for certification as a AG - ACNP
    • A hybrid model for both on - site and online coursework
    • Students should complete between 270 and 180 clinical hours each term
  • Adult / Gerontology Primary Care NP
    • Programs include B.S.N.to D.N.P.and M.S.N.to D.N.P.
    • Can be eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) or AANP Certification Exam
    • Graduates can be certified as an AG - PCNP and one other APRN specialization
    • Required to perform 180 clinical hours each term
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Programs include B.S.N.to D.N.P.and M.S.N.to D.N.P.
    • Students can earn a FNP specialization and be eligible to sit for the certification exam
    • In the fall and spring semesters student are required to complete at least 180 clinical hours each term
    • In the summer semester students are required to conduct at least 270 clinical hours
    • Clinical training is provided in varied settings which may include outpatient,specialty clinic and other areas across the state of Iowa
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care
    • Programs include B.S.N.to D.N.P.and M.S.N.to D.N.P.
    • During the fall,spring and summer semesters students are required to do at least 180 clinical hours each term
    • This program passes all requirements to sit for the national Pediatric Acute Care board exam
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
    • Programs include B.S.N.to D.N.P.and M.S.N.to D.N.P.
    • Students participate in didactic and clinical experiences that focus on the primary health care of children and adolescents
    • Students on advanced nursing online schools can be eligible to sitfor the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board PNP - PC Certification Exam
    • Students are required to complete 180 - 270 clinical hours each term along with didactic training for a total of 630 clinical hours
  • Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Programs include B.S.N.to D.N.P.and M.S.N.to D.N.P.
    • Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) Certification Exam
    • Students of online schools for NPs are required to receive at least 180 clinical hours
7

University of Central Florida

Tuition & Fees
$6,368
Distance Education Participation
57%
Number of Programs Offered
47
School Type
4-year
School Website

UCF's Academic Focus: The University of Central Florida's College of Nursing, which was developed in 1979, is a leading research facility with faculty members who study areas related to patient safety and outcomes, vulnerable populations and technology and modeling.

Featured UCF Resource: With over $200,000 in scholarship funding available, as well as a loan repayment program, eligible online students who need help paying for their education can get assistance through the nursing school.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at University of Central Florida

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • D.N.P.and graduate certificate
    • Students take courses that correspond to the eight DNP essential competencies delineated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing(AACN)
    • Hybrid program for online schools for NPs with intensives twice a year
    • Students NP online programs should perform 1,020 clinical hours
    • The program cannot be completed out of UCF 's service area in greater Central Florida
    • Students meet the eligibility criteriafor national certification
  • Adult - Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • D.N.P.and graduate certificate
    • Students of NP online programs should perform 1,080 clinical hours
    • Graduates can sit for the Adult - Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner(AGACNP) National Board Certification Examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Adult Gerontology(ACNP - AG) National Board Certification Examination offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses
    • Students of online schools for NPs must be in UCF 's service area in greater Central Florida
  • Adult - Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
    • D.N.P.and graduate certificate
    • Part - time NP online program
    • Students complete up to 600 clinical hours
    • Clinical sites and preceptors are assigned by a clinical placement director
8

Purdue University Global-Davenport

Tuition & Fees
$14,343
Distance Education Participation
100%
Number of Programs Offered
114
School Type
4-year
School Website

PUGD's Academic Focus: The Purdue School of Nursing is involved in numerous research activities to help advance the field, as well as give students access to the most up-to-date information on nursing practices and procedures. Among the areas of research that faculty have been involved in are older adult care, health policy, mental health nursing, health promotion, public health and maternity nursing.

Featured PUGD Resource: The CareerNetwork is a one-stop shop where Purdue advanced nursing online school students can have their resumes and social media profiles reviewed, get customized career advice based on their education and career goals, and search and apply for open positions.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at Purdue University Global - Davenport

  • Adult - Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Certificate
    • Graduates can sit for primary care certification exams
  • Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Certificate
    • Graduates are eligible to sit for family nurse practitioner certification exams offered by the ANCC and ANPP
    • After earning a FNP certification,students may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse in their enrollment state
9

Winona State University

Tuition & Fees
$9,425
Distance Education Participation
26%
Number of Programs Offered
20
School Type
4-year
School Website

WSU's Academic Focus: Since it was founded in 1917, Winona State University has been offering programs designed to help busy professionals advance in their education. Back then, teachers were able to conveniently take courses during their summer breaks and the school has brought that same spirit of flexibility into the cyber age by offering over 100 online courses on the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Featured WSU Resource: The Warrior Success Center offers tutoring services and individualized advising to help online students choose a program. In addition, the Center provides access to services for those who have mental and physical disabilities that require special accommodations.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at Winona State University

  • Adult / Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Programs include M.S.N.,D.N.P.and graduate certificate
    • A Clinical Scholarship Project is completed with guidance of a clinical mentor
    • Graduates are eligibility for the ANCC Acute Care NP exam or the AACN exam
    • Students are required to complete 1260 clinical hours
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • NP online programs include M.S.N.,D.N.P.and graduate certificate
    • Graduates of the D.N.P.can be eligible for the ANCC 's Family NP exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Program's FNP exam
    • Students NP online programs are required to complete 1080 clinical hours
  • Psychiatric / Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as a D.N.P.
    • NP online program prepares students to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center 's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner examination
    • 1,000 clinical / practicum hours are required for all DNP program students
10

Cox College

Tuition & Fees
$11,920
Distance Education Participation
100%
Number of Programs Offered
12
School Type
4-year
School Website

CC's Academic Focus: With over 100 years of experience teaching healthcare professionals, Cox College trains students with the mission of creating a committed, strong workforce that uses evidence-based practices in order to deliver services to patients. This commitment to meeting the educational needs of future healthcare providers has resulted in thousands of students successfully completing nursing degree programs on the associate, bachelor's and master's levels.

Featured CC Resource: Cox College's Student Resource Center provides support that helps people boost the skills they need to be successful in any degree program, including time management, writing, test taking and stress reduction skills.

Nurse Practitioner Programs at Cox College

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Available as a M.S.N.
    • Program is designed for a working nurse
    • Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam as Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Offered as a M.S.N.
    • Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam as Family Nurse Practitioner,Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Nurse Practitioner Program Overview

To become a nurse practitioner at an online schools for nurse practitioners you can choose to earn a degree on the master's or doctoral level. While both NP online program levels give you the opportunity to choose a specialization, learn about advanced nursing theory and get hands-on experience, there are differences between them.

  • Master's students NP online programs focus their studies entirely on advanced levels of care — whether they want to specialize in psychiatric, family, gynecological or gerontological nursing.
  • Doctoral students in online schools for NPs combine this with developing leadership skills that can help them if their goal is to take a managerial role at a healthcare facility. In addition, some doctoral degree programs are designed to teach you how to conduct original research.

Continue reading for more information on the similarities and differences between advanced nursing online school master's and doctoral degree programs.

Requirements to Enroll

  • Master's: Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in nursing, a minimum 3.0 grade point average and an active license. In some cases, NP online program students may be required to receive a minimum score on the GRE or TOEFL tests.
  • Doctorate: Students of NP online programs are required to have a master's degree in nursing, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a current license to enroll. Also, a certain amount of work experience may be required. In some cases, students in online schools for nurse practitioners can be admitted to a doctoral program if they have a bachelor's in nursing.

Time to Complete

  • Master's: Master's level NP online programs can generally be completed in about two years.
  • Doctorate: Doctoral online school for NPs programs can be completed in approximately four years.

Common Courses

  • Master's courses may include:
    • Physiology and Pathophysiology
    • Health Assessment
    • Concepts in Pharmacology
    • Biostatistics and Epidemiology
    • Health Care Ethics
    • Health Policy
    • Scholarly Writing
    • Evidence-Based Practice
    • Health Care Outcomes, Quality and Safety
    • Principles of Economics and Health Care Finance
  • Doctorate courses may include:
    • Fiscal Analysis and Project Management
    • Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
    • Global Population Health
    • Advanced Nursing Health Policy
    • Clinical Pharmacology
    • Concepts in Population Health Outcomes
    • Health Promotion of the Pediatric Population
    • Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice in Health Care
    • Health Finance
    • Clinical Judgment

What You Can Learn: Comparing Master's and Doctoral Programs Across Areas of Study

Here's a quick comparison of how each nurse practitioner online program level addresses specific areas of study.

Advanced Nursing Theory

  • Master's: This part of the NP online program is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the theories that can guide your nursing practice, especially in a specific concentration. Students also can learn how nursing theories are developed and studies are conducted, which can allow you to understand and critique them.
  • Doctorate: Nurses can expect to not only learn how evidence-based theories in a specific area of nursing are developed, but discover advanced nursing research practices that also contribute to the knowledge of the field, or become a nurse educators.

Statistics and Biostatistics

  • Master's: The work of nurse practitioners is highly technical, so when you study biostatistics in master's programs, you learn how biostatistical research is conduced and how the results are applied to practice.
  • Doctorate: Biostatistics courses on this level are about evidenced-based research methods that allow you to apply these standards to your own original research, as well as your nursing practice.

Organizational Leadership

  • Master's: Nurse practitioner online program students focus on building leadership skills by taking courses in project planning, strategic management, budgeting and healthcare informatics. Through this coursework, you can learn how to perform managerial duties such as recruiting and hiring employees, communicate with a healthcare facility's stakeholders and use advanced nursing principles to create policies that impact patient care.
  • Doctorate: Through a curriculum that combines evidence-based nursing theory, healthcare ethics and leadership and entrepreneurship principles, you learn advanced leadership theories and techniques you can take with you into your practice.

Nurse Practitioner Specializations

Specializations in master's and doctoral nurse practitioner online programs - and in the workplace - can also be referred to as concentrations and subspecialties. NP specializations are numerous and frequently changing to meet the needs of the industry. If you're interested in concentrating on a particular aspect of the healthcare field, make sure your school's nurse practitioner online program offers coursework that complements it.

Below are listed several popular ones, but be sure to conduct your own research as well, for there might be one that's more aligned to your interests and which is unrepresented here.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners are required to earn a certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. These professionals are responsible for the care of children and adults, which involves performing examinations, providing diagnoses and prescribing medications as needed. In addition, family nurse practitioners advise patients on how to prevent illnesses.

Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Gerontology nurse practitioners specialize in the care of the elderly, which requires that nurse practitioner online program students learn about how the aging process works, chronic illnesses that are common with older people and strategies for coordinating and delivering care to this patient population. These nurses usually work at nursing homes, ambulatory care agencies or long-term care facilities, where they may conduct tests, analyze the results and create an appropriate treatment plan; prescribe medications; monitor patients' health through the lens of what is considered normal for this age group; and address possible issues such as elder abuse or neglect.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal nurse practitioners focus their practice on the care of newborns and their daily duties include providing diagnostic tests, prescribing medication and monitoring incubators and ventilators when infants need special treatment. In addition, to meet the holistic needs of this patient group, these professionals may collaborate with social workers, other medical professionals, case managers and family members to address any issues that may arise.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

This type of nurse works with young children by performing health assessments, prescribing medication as needed and creating treatment plans. They also provide education and emotional support to the parents of their patients when the child is having health challenges. In order to qualify for a pediatric nurse practitioner position, people are required to earn a certification from the Pediatric National Certification Board.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Nurses who want to specialize in the treatment of people with psychiatric disorders should earn a certification provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. These nurses are responsible for assessing and diagnosing mental illnesses and providing medications or psychotherapy as needed. They may work in mental health clinics, hospitals and doctor's offices, as well as private practice.

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioner online program students who want to pursue this specialization should gain expertise on menopause, prenatal and postpartum care, and reproductive health. These professionals provide services such as preventive screenings for breast cancer, HPV and cervical cancer; care for menopause symptoms; and fertility evaluations.

Career Outlook: Nurse Practitioner

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2018 and 2028, the job opportunities for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 26 percent, which is faster than all other occupations. This amounts to 62,000 new positions that can be obtained at outpatient care centers, hospitals and doctor's offices. Continue reading for information on what these jobs entail.

What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?

Nurse practitioners are responsible for diagnosing injuries and illnesses, prescribing medications and changing those prescriptions as needed and examining and recording patient histories. They also have an educative role with their patients, as they provide advice on preventive care and the steps people should take in accordance with their treatment plans.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

In order to become a nurse practitioner, you are required to complete a master's or doctoral degree program in nursing such as from an advanced nursing online school. An active license is required to practice, as well as a certification in the specialization you choose.

Nurse Practitioner Certifications and Exams

ACNPC-AG Certification

Provided by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, this credential is available to nurse practitioners who specialize in acute care.

  • Requirements: Applicants must complete a graduate-level advanced practice education program
  • Exam format: 175 multiple choice questions
  • How long does the certification last? Five years

Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification

This designation from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board is offered to emergency nurse practitioners.

  • Requirements: To qualify, applicants need an active nursing license and at least 2,000 hours of clinical work in an emergency setting
  • Exam format: 150 multiple choice questions
  • How long does the certification last? Five years

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care Certification

Primary care nurse practitioners who specialize in pediatric nursing can earn this certification.

  • Requirements: A master's or doctoral degree concentrating on pediatric primary care nursing and an active license
  • Exam format: 175 multiple choice questions
  • How long does the certification last? One year

Professional Organizations

The nursing profession is constantly evolving, so it's imperative for professionals to keep up with the latest developments that impact the way you perform your job. One way you can continue learning, as well as connect with your peers, is by participating in professional organizations. The following are examples of associations that you can join.

With over 100,000 members, the AANP is a strong community of nurse practitioners from around the country — which has given the association a strong voice for the profession. In order to use that voice, the organization advocates on behalf of the field on a state and federal level, while also providing education, practice management support and the latest industry news to its members.
The GAPNA has been dedicated to meeting the needs of current nurses, as well as nurturing the next generation of advanced practice nurses, since 1981. Students who join the organization have access to a career center, online library and conferences with student-friendly sessions. In addition, the association offers scholarships and grants of up to $5,000 to help students pay for their education.
The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health contributes to the quality of care women receive by supporting the workers who provide that care. In order to give this support, the NPWH has continuing education activities, annual conferences and advocacy services. In addition, the organization keeps members up to date on the latest news through its weekly newsletter and the Women's Healthcare: A Clinical Journal for NPs publication.
Nurse practitioners who focus their careers on treating children can receive support from the NAPNAP, which provides discounted rates on malpractice insurance, access to education resources and healthcare news. Also, with 50 chapters of the association around the country, members get to connect with their local peers and have a deeper involvement with the organization.

Related Rankings

Nurse practitioners are an important part of the field, but not everyone who wants to become a nurse chooses this career path. If after learning about this job you have decided that you're interested in similar careers, below are links to different healthcare positions that may interest you.

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