5 Best (FASTEST) RN-to-NP Online Programs
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
What Are The Best (Fastest) RN-to-NP Online Programs In The Nation?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 5 best fastest RN-to-NP online programs in the nation. You can complete these programs in 30 Months or less.)
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (2 Years), Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (2 Years), Family Nurse Practitioner (2 Years), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (2 Years)
Program Details: Are you a registered nurse dreaming of becoming a nurse practitioner? Have you searched for good programs but feel unsure where to begin? If a short-term educational pathway with the flexibility of online learning interests you, the best fastest RN-to-NP programs online, like the ones offered at Georgia State University, are excellent options to consider.
The curriculum plan for the regular master’s nursing program requires the completion of up to
48 semester hours, including 22 hours of core courses and up to 26 specialty course credits. The actual number of specialty course credits you will need to earn your degree is based on the specialty you choose to pursue and ranges between 18 and 26. All students begin the RN-to-NP program by taking core courses, including Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts Across the Lifespan in Nursing, Theoretical Foundations & Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing, and The Culture of Healthcare.
You will then transition to the specialty component of your program and begin coursework focused on your chosen field of study. Depending on your specialty, you may take classes such as Gerontological Nursing, Common Health Problems & Issues Pertinent to Children & Adolescents, Theories of Advanced Psychiatric Nursing, or Common Health Problems of Adults. Additionally, you will complete a
minimum of 500 clinical hours. Clinical faculty work with you to ensure you secure appropriate clinical placements with qualified preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Each of the RN-to-NP pathways at Georgia State University are designed to be completed in two years.
Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the online RN-to-NP program at Georgia State University must be graduates of an accredited nursing program, having earned either an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in nursing. You must have an active, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in Georgia or a Compact State or be eligible to obtain licensure in Georgia. One to two years of clinical experience as a registered nurse is required, and experience relevant to your specialty track is preferred. Along with your application, you must provide two letters of recommendation, a professional resume, a writing sample, official transcripts from each college or university you have attended, and a Statement of Purpose.
Why Choose This Program
• The Georgia State University School of Nursing is recognized by
U.S. News & World Report for its outstanding nursing programs. With such a prestigious ranking, it’s no wonder the school has one of the best shortest RN-to-NP programs online!
• Georgia State University's nursing faculty is comprised of a diverse group of experienced nursing professionals who are dedicated to your success. Their accomplishments are far-reaching, impacting not only students and the school but communities and the nursing profession. One example is
Blake McGee, PhD, associate professor of nursing, who was awarded a Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators. Professor McGee is one of only 16 nursing leaders in the United States who was awarded this fellowship!
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (2.5 Years), Family Nurse Practitioner (2.3 Years), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (2.3 Years)
Program Details: Wilkes University is an excellent option for prospective students searching for a fast online RN-to-NP program. With asynchronous course offerings, you can study when and where it is most convenient for you. The program offers three start dates per year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
At Wilkes you have three specialty options to choose from, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or a Psychiatric-Mental Health NP. You will begin the RN-to-NP program with core courses, including Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Health Policy & Politics for Advancing Nursing Practice, and Health Perspectives of Culturally Diverse, Rural & Underserved Populations. After completing core MSN courses, you will transition to your specialty track courses.
The
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a 14-course pathway. The program features advanced classes, including Advanced Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Practice in Adult-Gerontology Care and Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care. To complement theoretical instruction, you will complete 500 clinical hours in various healthcare settings. Clinicals are arranged as near to your geographic area as possible and completed under the supervision of approved preceptors.
The
Family Nurse Practitioner track includes classes such as Family Nurse Practitioner Role with Children and Families and Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care. In this pathway, you will complete 584 clinical hours.
In the
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP program, you will take classes like Clinical Modalities in Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice and Advanced Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, and you will complete 500 clinical hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Wilkes University, you can complete the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program in 2.5 years. The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs each take 2.3 years to complete.
Admission Requirements: Applications for admission to the fast-track RN-to-NP online program at Wilkes University are evaluated on an individual basis. Candidates must have an associate degree in nursing earned from a regionally accredited and ACEN-, NLNAC-, or CCNE-accredited nursing program and have a minimum ADN grade point average of 3.0. You must have an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. Additionally, you must provide a curriculum vitae or current resume. All applicants must have one year of clinical experience working as a registered nurse by the start of NP clinical courses, which usually begin in the second year of the program.
Why Choose This Program
• At Wilkes University, you do not have to worry about finding clinical placements that meet your needs. The clinical team does the research to help you find clinical sites that align with your specialty area of study and handles all document and clearance requirements. Additionally, they work with you to make sure your placement and schedule are secure and that you have qualified preceptors.
• The RN-to-NP program at Wilkes University offers extensive certification examination preparation courses, which have proven instrumental in leading to excellent student success and high pass rates on certification exams following program completion.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (2 Years) and Family Nurse Practitioner (2 Years)
Program Details: DePaul University is home to another of our featured shortest RN-to-NP programs online. The program, which offers the option of specializing as an Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner, admits students four times each year in the fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters.
Students with an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor's degree do not have to complete a BSN before earning an MSN. However, you are required to take three undergraduate-level bridge courses in accordance with the AACN Essentials of the Baccalaureate-prepared Nurse before you may progress to the graduate component of the program. You will complete between 67 and 77 credits in the A-GNP program and 68 to 78 credits in the FNP pathway, depending on whether you have an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor's degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing.
The curriculum for both pathways includes core courses such as Informatics & Technology Applications, Biostatistics & Epidemiology, and Pharmacology for Advanced Practice. The
Adult-Gerontology pathway also features classes, including Clinical Management of Acute & Chronic Illnesses in Primary Care, Advanced Gerontological Nursing & Pharmacotherapeutic Implications, and Primary Care of the Adult & Older Adult. The
Family Nurse Practitioner path includes classes such as Women’s Health, Maternal, Child, & Adolescents, Clinical Management of Acute & Chronic Illnesses in Primary Care, and Professional Issues & Research in Population-Based Advanced Practice Nursing.
Each pathway includes 500 clinical hours, which are completed over the course of three clinical practicums. Program faculty help secure clinical sites and identify clinical preceptors to ensure you have appropriate and relevant experiences related to your chosen specialty.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At DePaul University, you can complete both online RN-to-NP pathways in just two years.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the fast-track online RN-to-NP program at DePaul University, you must be a registered nurse with an unrestricted license. You must hold either a “Bachelor of Science degree from an ACEN-, CNEA-, or CCNE-accredited nursing program, OR an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an ACEN- or CNEA-accredited nursing program, OR an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an ACEN-or CNEA-accredited nursing program.” You must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and pass a Statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher.
All candidates must complete an application through NursingCAS. Additionally, you must provide two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and official transcripts from each college or university you have attended.
Why Choose This Program
• DePaul University’s RN-to-NP program graduates have excellent success rates. Graduates consistently exceed national averages on certification exams and have outstanding job placement rates. Additionally, employers who hire graduates tend to return positive feedback about their job performance and skills, which speaks very well of the program and the readiness it provides to students.
• At DePaul University, financial aid advisors will work closely with you to find every opportunity to secure financial assistance to help offset the costs associated with earning your degree. From applying for
federal student aid to learning about
graduate student scholarships and alumni scholarships, there are so many possibilities. You should be able to focus less on financial burdens and more on accomplishing your academic goals, and DePaul University is there to help!
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner
Program Length: Family Nurse Practitioner (2 Years) and Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner (2 Years)
Program Details: The fast-track online RN-to-NP program at the University of North Alabama is another option for registered nurses who want to earn an MSN and become either a Family Nurse Practitioner or a Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner. The program admits students twice per year in the spring and fall semesters. Although the program features an online learning modality, students in both nurse practitioner pathways are required to attend
two on-campus intensives at the school’s “state-of-the-art Harrison Hall and Simulation Laboratory.”
The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs both feature 41-credit curriculum plans. You will complete 15 core component courses, including Advanced Health Assessment, Health Policy, Social Issues & Theory, and Diversity, Ethics, Health Promotion, & Informatics in Patient-Centered Care. Additionally, you will complete 26 concentration-specific credits.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires you to complete 600 clinical practicum hours, and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathway includes 500 clinical hours. Clinicals are completed at approved clinical sites close to your geographical location. You will collaborate with clinical coordinators to identify clinical preceptors to supervise your practicum experiences.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-track online RN-to-NP program at the University of North Alabama takes two years to complete.
Admission Requirements: To be an eligible candidate for the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of North Alabama, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a U.S.-based, regionally accredited nursing program with a cumulative baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must prepare a written statement of professional goals explaining how the graduate program will help you achieve those goals. Additionally, you must provide proof of your current, unrestricted RN license, a professional resume, and two letters of recommendation from industry or academic professionals.
Why Choose This Program
• At the University of North Alabama, you will learn from faculty with real-world clinical experience. Their knowledge and skills provide a solid foundation to lead and guide you as you earn your master's degree in nursing and prepare to become a nurse practitioner. Their insight will help you approach healthcare with a fresh, new perspective.
• The University of North Alabama has educated nursing students since 1973. The school’s long history of nursing education and student success rates are a good indication that this is an excellent choice for pursuing an RN-to-NP program.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (27 Months), Family Nurse Practitioner (27 Months), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (28 Months)
Program Details: With three specialty options to choose from, the fast-track online RN-to-NP program at Franklin University is an excellent school to consider. The programs offer several start dates throughout the year, making it possible to begin studies at a time that works best for you.
The
Adult-Gerontology and
Family Nurse Practitioner programs are 41-credit pathways. The
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is a 42-credit program. The curriculum for each specialty includes classes such as Evidence-Based Practice & Quality Improvement, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology. Based on the specialty you choose, you may take classes, including Neurobiology & Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy & Differential Diagnosis for Individuals, Groups, & Families, Management of Multidimensional Health, Diagnostic Methods for the Nurse Practitioner, or Management of the Geriatric Population.
In addition to advanced core nursing courses and concentration-specific classes, each nurse practitioner pathway includes 600 hours of clinical practicum. You will participate in hands-on patient care relevant to your chosen specialty in various healthcare settings under the direct supervision of approved preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Family Nurse Practitioner RN-to-NP pathways at Franklin University are designed to be completed in 27 months. You can complete the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner RN-to-NP program in 28 months.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the online RN-to-NP program at Franklin University, you must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an associate degree or diploma in nursing from a school “accredited by the accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.” If your associate or bachelor's GPA was less than 3.0, you may petition the program chair for conditional admission by submitting an essay that details other criteria that you feel make you a viable candidate for the program. Although applicants with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are preferred, candidates with a lower GPA may be considered if they meet other criteria.
You must possess an active, unrestricted RN license. Additionally, you must provide a copy of all post-secondary transcripts, a resume or CV, and two letters of recommendation.
Why Choose This Program
• New Franklin University students pursuing the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner RN-to-NP pathway qualify for the Smart Start Scholarship. The
Smart Start Scholarship is an automatic $2,000 scholarship designed to assist with tuition. The funds are disbursed equally over multiple semesters until you meet the maximum amount of the scholarship award.
• Graduates of the online RN-to-NP program at Franklin University have exceptional pass rates on national certification exams following completion of the program. This success rate is a great indication that the quality of the education you will receive is top-notch and what you need to prepare you to embark on your career as a nurse practitioner!
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Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.