Top Online Nurse Practitioner and FNP Degrees

Getting an advanced degree is not only hard work, but also expensive. So, it makes sense to know all of your options before entering any degree program. For nurse practitioners, there are hundreds of education programs available, both online and at traditional campus colleges. All of these programs fall into one of the following categories, however:

Master of Science in Nursing Programs

If you already have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), then your best option to become a nurse practitioner is simply to enter a master of science in nursing (MSN) program. This kind of program will typically last two years, at the end of which you’ll receive your degree regardless of whether or not you pass your licensing test to become a nurse practitioner. These programs may also be called BSN to MSN nursing programs. Essentially, it is the same thing – a typical master’s degree program like you’d find in any other industry.

RN to MSN Programs

With an RN to MSN program, you’ll cut time off your educational schedule. This is a great option for someone who has yet to enter the field of nursing or who is currently working as an LPN or CNA. With an RN to MSN degree program, you’ll enter a master’s degree program in the same school where you received your bachelor’s degree, immediately upon completions. In other words, the two programs run together, and in doing so, a school can eliminate some of the overlap work that a nurse would traditionally do when hopping from a BSN program right to an MSN program. You’ll usually shave about a year from your education time if you enter this type of program.

Direct Entry MSN Programs

If you’re interested in a career change, a direct entry MSN program could be right for you. This type of program is for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher), but not in nursing. Any liberal arts degree generally qualifies you for a direct entry MSN program, but you’ll spend more than two years to get a master’s degree in this case. Be prepared for a program that lasts three or four years. You won’t have to take some general elective courses in areas like communications or general math, since you already had these courses with your other degree, but you will need to go back and do the work to learn the basics of nursing and qualify for RN certification. The basic-level classes you’ll have to take depend on the degree you already have; for example, an art major is probably starting from scratch, while a biology major may need fewer anatomy courses.

Of course, there are also other ways to classify nurse practitioner programs. Do you want to go to school online or at a traditional campus college? Are you looking for a certain specialization? Is the program accredited? Does the program offer certification study and exam help or are you expected to take the test on your own after you graduate? Check out all of the programs available to you to find the one that is right for you.