Nurse Practitioner degrees are reported by the National Center for Education Statistics under the category of health professions and related programs.
In the most recent update of the data (2009/10), 4,017 Family Practice Nurse degrees were awarded to U.S. graduate students. The majority (97%!) were at the Master’s level.
Master of Science in Nursing vs. Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Master of Science in Nursing program usually focuses on enhancing clinical skills. Students take advanced nursing courses in areas like pharmacology and physiology. They often choose a specialization, like Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program may cover similar areas. But, these programs tend to feature much more research and academic writing. DNP candidates could also dive into topics not usually included in an MSN program. These include biostatistics, epidemiology, and leadership.
Finally, DNP programs require a bigger time commitment. Some DNP candidates enter the program with a Bachelor’s degree, while others enter having already earned an MSN degree. Either way, expect to devote more total years to earning your DNP.
So, what do these programs have in common? For one, they both require students to complete clinical experience, though the number of hours may vary. And, both could help current RNs prepare for advanced practice nursing career paths – like Nurse Practitioner.
Master of Science in Nursing
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Doctor of Nursing Practice
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RN to MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
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Doctor of Nursing Practice
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Length of Program: 68 credits, 8 terms (full time)
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Length of Program: 56 credits, 3.5 years (MS to DNP)
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The RN to MSN program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to work with patients across the lifespan. The program includes case study analysis, research, and clinical practice. Students may enter with an Associate’s degree or nursing diploma.
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The DNP program features a Family Nurse Practitioner emphasis. So, you’ll study primary care and advanced nursing concepts, in addition to completing scholarly projects. Candidates may enter with a BSN, an MSN, or an MSN with APRN certification.
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- Health Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Clinical Decision-Making
- Clinical Care Across the Life
- Family Theory: Health and Illness
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- Biostatistics for Clinical Data Management
- DNP Advanced Practice Role
- Healthcare Policy for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Principles of Epidemiology
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Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
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Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
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What Are the Requirements to Enroll in a Nurse Practitioner Program?
To pursue a Nurse Practitioner program at the Master’s level, you should have a registered nursing (RN) license and a background in science. Many programs require a Bachelor’s in Nursing. Some programs also specify a certain amount of recent clinical practice.
Don’t have a BSN? You may be able to pursue a bridge program. These are designed for RNs who hold an Associate’s degree or nursing diploma. As the name suggests, they bridge the gap between your prior education and what a Bachelor’s degree covers. Then, you’ll pursue Master’s-level coursework.
Requirements may be different for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD programs. Some doctoral programs let you enter with either a BSN or an MSN. You may also have to complete prerequisite courses, like statistics.
Other requirements for both Master’s and doctorate programs may include:
- Minimum GPA
- GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation from faculty or employers
- A personal statement about your interests and goals in nursing
- An interview
Choosing an Accredited Nurse Practitioner Program
Graduating from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program is required to become a certified NP. Accreditation helps ensure your program meets industry standards for nursing. Organizations that accredit nursing programs, including NP programs, are:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE accredits bachelor’s, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. That includes post-graduate APRN certificate programs and DNP programs. To become accredited, programs must meet a set of standards, including effective educational practices and continuous improvement.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). ACEN accredits all kinds of nursing programs. These include clinical doctorate programs, Master’s, and post-Master’s programs, among others. Accredited programs must meet or exceed educational quality standards.
How Long Are Nurse Practitioner Programs?
An online Nurse Practitioner program at the Master’s level may range from 35 to 50 credits. Program length depends on whether you are entering with a BSN or another credential. And, it matters whether you are studying full time or part time. In general, it takes one to three years to earn an MSN.
An online DNP program may take around two to five years. Again, it depends on your previous education. Students entering with a BSN may need to complete 64 to 94 credits to earn the DNP. Those entering with an MSN may only need to complete 31 to 40 credits.
(Sources: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/rn-nursing-masters-degree, https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing-doctorate-degree)
Nurse Practitioner Programs That Could Be Completed in 36 Months or Less
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How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Program Cost?
The average cost of earning a graduate degree from a public institution is $11,617 per year. Of course, you’ll find programs both more affordable and more expensive than the average.
Take a look at graduate tuition costs for these four institutions with NP programs. We compared them to the typically most affordable and most expensive college options. All tuition costs were reported by NCES.
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Instate/Out Of State Tuition
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School
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$11,617 Average Public Institution University
$14,784 Average Private For Profit Institution Tuition
$26,551 Average Private Nonprofit Institution Tuition
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What Are the Costs per Credit for a Nurse Practitioner Program?
Many Nurse Practitioner programs charge by the credit. Costs often range from as low as $300 per credit to over $1,000 per credit. Compare the tuition for these institutions offering NP programs:
Top 8 Nurse Practitioner Programsin New York City
