15 Best Online 1-Year Nurse Practitioner Programs For 2024


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you a nursing professional with dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner? Is the thought of a career as a nurse practitioner overshadowed by doubt because of time constraints imposed by school? What if I told you there are options to help you achieve your dream by pursuing a 1-year nurse practitioner program? That’s right! In fact, some schools offer 1-year nurse practitioner programs online to accommodate working nursing professionals. As you continue reading, you will find out which schools offer the best online 1-year nurse practitioner programs for 2024 and get detailed information about each program including admission requirements, curriculum plans, and school details.


WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE 1-YEAR NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS FOR 2024?

(Currently, as there are very few online 1-year nurse practitioner programs, to provide you with a wider choice of programs we have also ranked some other good NP programs that may take you slightly longer than a year to complete.)

1. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN (1-Year)


Concentrations Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner , Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Hospitalist , Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Intensivist , Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner , Family Nurse Practitioner , Neonatal Nurse Practitioner , Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care , Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care , Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) , and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

Vanderbilt University offers some of the most popular NP programs in the nation, more so because here, you can obtain quality education within a blink of an eye. With several online 1-year nurse practitioner programs to choose from, you can graduate very quickly and explore advanced NP positions in diverse types of work environments. Whether you aspire to expand your knowledge in family health, adult-gerontology care, neonatal care, pediatric care, women’s health, or psychiatric mental healthcare, here, you will go through rigorous training in didactic and clinical courses in a fast-paced learning environment. Highly ranked in the US News & World Report’s latest list, the university’s online 1-year NP programs are proud contributors to the nation’s professional NP workforce, especially filling the gap in primary care. At Vanderbilt, its expert faculty designs a curriculum that is comprehensive and integrates informatics technology in every aspect of learning. Therefore, when you leave college, you will be equipped with the latest tools that not only make a difference to the lives of the patients you treat but also help you surge ahead in your nursing career.

Program Details:

Vanderbilt’s ten 1-year nurse practitioner programs offer one of the fastest routes in the nation to become certified as an NP. Also, being an online program, you complete the entire coursework remotely and visit the campus only for intensives. Regardless of the specialization track you opt for; graduation will require you to complete core and specialization courses. Upon enrollment in either one of these 1-year nurse practitioner programs online, you start with the core courses that lay a solid foundation in nursing theoretical concepts, evidence-based practice, and research. Thereafter you proceed to gain specialized knowledge in your area of interest. Also, the 40-credit coursework requires you to complete a practicum and a preceptorship. Now, should you choose to specialize in the care of adults and the aged, you can opt for an additional sub-specialization to become a Hospitalist or an Intensivist.

Admission Requirements:

If you are eager to enroll in any of Vanderbilt’s ten online 1-year nurse practitioner programs, then ensure you enhance your application by adding all professional and academic achievements. As such, the college reviews the applications holistically, so every achievement you add to your resume can take you close to your dream role as a certified NP. Nonetheless, to be eligible for admission, you must have a BSN and an active RN license. Also, you are required to submit letters of recommendation, a resume, and all official transcripts.


2. National University - San Diego, CA (12 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

If you are eager to kickstart your career in advanced practice nursing, then why wait when you can earn your NP degree in no time. National University’s online 1-year nurse practitioner programs in family care and mental health can help you reach your goal of working as a nurse practitioner within the shortest possible time frame of 12 months. Not only will you be able to get certified much before your counterparts, but being an online program, you can continue working while pursuing your education. As San Diego’s largest private non-profit university, here, you can expect quality online education with affordable tuition costs. Furthermore, this veteran-funded nursing school being military-friendly offers financial benefits and solid support to servicemen and dependents.

Program Details:

Whether you choose the FNP or the PMHNP track, both these 1-year online nurse practitioner programs can take your career from an entry-level nurse to that of an APRN even before you know it. Although the program is half the duration of other conventional NP programs, the training is as rigorous if not more, and makes you adept at evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and clinical skills. Both these tracks comprise 12 courses, starting with the nursing core and then moving forward to specialization-specific courses. The six core courses educate you on biomedical statistics, health policy & finance, project management, and evidence-based practice for NPs. The FNP track then advances into courses teaching you the primary care of adults and families of all ages. On the other hand, should you enroll in the mental health track, you will learn concepts in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and mental health care of patients across the lifespan. Graduating from either of the National’s online 1-year NP programs requires completing 45 to 49 credits and towards the end, you complete a clinical practicum and a capstone as the final culminating experience. To earn your degree, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all the core and specialization courses.

Admission Requirements:

Getting enrolled into either of these online 1-year nurse practitioner programs can be a competitive process as there are barely any programs in the nation that can prepare you for the NP certification in such a short time. Nevertheless, if you are interested in applying to the National’s 1-year NP programs, ensure you have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an active RN license in the state you plan to go through the clinical experience. Also, to fulfill the minimum admission requirements, you must submit letters of recommendation, a personal goals statement, a resume, and all official transcripts.


3. Anderson University - Anderson, SC (15 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

Advanced Practice Nursing is an exciting place to belong as you can greatly brighten your job prospects and increase your earning potential. Well, if you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, and are looking out for 1-year nurse practitioner programs online, then Anderson University’s NP programs can be a good close option because here, you can finish your NP education in as little as 15 months. This way, even though you will not be able to graduate within 12 months, you will still be able to finish your education quickly, and pay off your student loans sooner. So, you may ask will I obtain the same quality of education as the other 2 or 3-year programs? Well, yes! At Anderson, not only will you master concepts in evidence-based practice and advanced nursing, but you will also gain excellent faith-based education that trains you to treat the patient as a whole. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the college emphasizes personal growth, through various cultural and co-curricular activities. With two NP tracks, you can choose to specialize in family health or psychiatric mental health, depending on your interests.

Program Details:

Both these 15-month NP tracks are designed to build on your BSN education and train you to become a holistic caregiver. While the FNP track prepares you to serve patients in primary care, the PMHNP specialization is focused on treating mental health patients of all ages. With online coursework that offers you the flexibility to take classes from your geographical location, the college also offers the in-person experience through its on-campus intensives, held once every semester. Regardless of which track you decide to enroll in, the coursework begins in August each year and requires you to earn 48 credits. Also, you are required to complete 600 hours of clinical practice. Here, the NP tracks start with core courses in health policy & advocacy, informatics in healthcare delivery, pathophysiology, physical assessment, pharmacology, health promotion, healthcare quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, besides the specialization-specific courses, you also take a faith-based course that emphasizes the application of Christ-based values in the treatment of a patient.

Admission Requirements:

Although not typically a 1-year NP program, if you are interested in applying to either one of these two fast NP tracks, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Additionally, the college requires you to have an active RN license and a CPR certification. Furthermore, to complete the application process, you must submit two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official transcripts, and a resume.


4. Union University - Jackson, TN (16 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

Ever thought what is possibly the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner? Well, if you have been brooding over this question for a while, then the best bet would be to enroll in one of the accredited 1-year nurse practitioner programs online. But then, there are only two such schools in the nation that can take your career from a BSN-prepared RN to that of an NP in a year which means you may have to face some stiff competition there. So, you may want to consider an option that takes a little longer than a year to complete. Union University offers NP programs that train you for this promising career advancement in just 16 months. Here, you can choose from two areas of focus, psychiatric mental health or family health, depending on where you find your calling. Moreover, being an online program, you can continue working while pursuing your advanced nursing education. At Union, NP education is not only fast-paced but is also driven by excellence, rooted in Christian values, patient-centric, and future-ready.

Program Details:

The goal of this 16-month program is to prepare you for the NP certification in the shortest duration possible. Both the NP tracks at Union start once a year in the fall and accept applications on a rolling basis. The FNP track comprises 46 credits and educates you on core and specialization-specific topics. The core courses form the base of both the NP tracks and range from topics covering advanced nursing statistics, health assessment, pathophysiology, informatics & healthcare, and evidence-based practice. Now, the FNP track then progresses to courses in primary care for individuals of all age groups. Whereas, the PMHNP track focuses on models & theories for psychiatric mental health nursing, and the management of acute and chronic mental health disorders in patients across the lifespan.

Admission Requirements:

To be considered for admission into either of these fast-track NP programs, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, an unencumbered RN license in the state of Tennessee is required.


5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV (16 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

Short nurse practitioner programs can be the best bet for someone ambitious about becoming an NP as quickly as possible. If you are one among those who want to complete your NP education quickly, then the University of Nevada’s FNP and PMHNP can prove to be your life savior as both these programs can be completed in just a little over a year. In 16 months, here you will complete your master’s in nursing and earn the eligibility to get certified within your chosen population focus. This rapid transition from a BSN-Registered Nurse to NP will not only be a wise career move but will also prepare you with a solid academic foundation, should you plan to continue your studies to earn a doctorate.

Program Details:

Both these 16-month NP tracks are primarily online, with only a few mandatory campus sessions for intensives. The MSN coursework builds up on your BSN and expands your knowledge in evidence-based practice and advanced nursing. Regardless of the specialization you choose, you will complete a coursework that blends components of medicine with nursing to graduate as a holistic caregiver. Both the tracks require earning 46 credits for graduation. The program starts with core courses in advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing theory & research, informatics & quality improvement, health & public policy, advanced pharmacology, and health promotion. Thereafter, the FNP coursework takes you through courses training you in the primary care of individuals and families across the lifespan, whereas the PMHNP track educates you on various treatment protocols for mental health patients, including children, adults, and the elderly.

Admission Requirements:

Are you wondering what does it take to secure admission into either of these fast-paced nurse practitioner programs? Well, in addition to the minimum eligibility requirements, simply ensure you add brownie points to your application by highlighting your professional and academic achievements. Nevertheless, to start with, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an active RN license in your state of residence. Additionally, you must complete undergraduate courses in nursing research, physical assessment, and statistics. Besides, you must submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal goals statement.


6. South College - Knoxville, TN (18 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

If you have always dreamt of a career as a physician but chose to become a nurse due to time and financial constraints, then now is the time to fulfill your aspiration of becoming an autonomous primary care provider. So, what are the options that can cut short the wait of kickstarting your career? Well, obtaining an MSN-FNP degree from either one of the fastest NP programs online will not only prepare you for a career in primary care but also take a fraction of the time it takes to become a physician. South College’s NP program, although not typically a one-year program, will help you graduate as a certified FNP in as little as 18 months. Furthermore, an online learning format and clinical experiences completed in your geographical location make it rather feasible to pursue an advanced degree in nursing while continuing to work full-time.

Program Details:

If you are still having apprehensions whether fast-paced NP programs can offer a fine balance of didactic and clinical training as other 2-to-3-year programs then yes, South College does offer the perfect blend of both. Here, through extensive theoretical and clinical courses, you will hone skills in analytical and critical thinking. In fact, here, the 18-month FNP program is tailored to match your goals. So, you can individualize your project by choosing a topic based on your interest. While the didactic courses are offered through asynchronous online classes, the clinical courses require you to attend on-campus sessions for experiential learning. The 74-credit program comprises 38 credits in FNP core and 36 in specialty-specific courses.

Admission Requirements:

South College requires you to have a BSN and an active RN license to be considered for admission. Additionally, you must have at least 2000 hours of work experience as a registered nurse. Also, the college requires you to submit letters of reference, a personal goals statement, and a resume.


7. Saint Thomas University - Miami Gardens, FL (18 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

As a nurse, you probably have realized there is a huge gap in primary care that needs to be filled, especially in the post COVID world. Well, if you are considering a career advancement in primary care, there has never been a better time than now to pursue it. If you are wondering whether there are any quick routes to become an FNP, then you will be glad to know that it can be as swift as a year or maybe a little more. Although not a 1-year nurse practitioner program, the 18-month FNP track by Saint Thomas University can be a befitting choice for someone like you who is eager to enter the primary care field as quickly as possible. At this college, within just 18 months, you will graduate with advanced nursing skills that not will make you a confident primary care worker but also allow you to enjoy considerable autonomy in your practice. Moreover, Saint Thomas’s FNP program is not only fast-paced but also quite affordable when compared to other similar programs in the region.

Program Details:

Whether you desire a career as a family nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner supervisor, or occupational medicine nurse practitioner, through a combination of theory and practice, this 18-month program is designed to help you reach your goals in no time. The 47-credit curriculum expands on your BSN and makes you proficient in health promotion, illness prevention, and health management for diverse patient populations. As a graduate of this program, you will demonstrate enhanced skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, critical thinking, and informatics. To sum it up, you will require to complete eight core and nine specialization courses, in addition to finishing a total of 500 hours of clinical training. The clinical training is diverse and takes you through four hands-on experiences in treating children & families, adults, women, and the geriatric population. Courses throughout the program are seven-week long, except for the two summer terms where each course runs over six weeks.

Admission Requirements:

To qualify for admission into this fast-track NP program, you must have a BSN from an accredited college. Also, besides having an unencumbered RN license in FL, the college requires you to submit all official transcripts.


8. Mount Carmel College of Nursing - Columbus, OH (18 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

Are you curious to know if there any short NP programs in Ohio that lead to certification in family health or adult-gerontology care? Well, if you are keen on enrolling in a fast-track NP program, then you are in the right place as Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s AGACNP and FNP tracks, although not one year, take as little as 18 months to complete. The college is known for its faith-based nursing education and the inclusive learning environment it provides, welcoming students from all faith and cultures. Furthermore, with the college reporting 90% of its students receiving financial aid, if eligible, you can avail funding and make your education affordable. Here, the well-designed NP education emphasizes population-based care, health promotion, and disease prevention.

Program Details:

Whether you choose to enroll in the primary care or the adult gerontology care track, you will take 100% of the didactic courses online and visit the campus only for immersions. To graduate from either the FNP or AGACNP program, you must complete 48 credits and 500 to 650 clinical hours. Both these 18-month programs start with core courses in nursing research & evidence-based, quality, & safety, theoretical foundations of nursing, advanced pharmacology, and health assessment, pathophysiology. Thereafter, you proceed to take specialty courses either in primary care or adult-gerontology care. To complete the coursework within the short duration of 18 months, you will take two courses at a time.

Admission Requirements:

To qualify for admission into this fast NP program, you must have a BSN and an active RN license to be eligible for admission. Additionally, Mount Caramel requires you to have completed undergraduate courses in research and statistics with a minimum grade of C. The college also prefers you to have at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse.


9. Youngstown State University - Youngstown, OH (18 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

About The School:

If you are someone who likes spending time with senior citizens, then why not consider taking the next step in your nursing career as an adult-gerontology NP. In fact, you can even obtain your training through a quick route at Youngstown State University. Here, you can complete your education and become certified as an AGACNP within 18 as little as months. Moreover, with six start dates and online coursework, the college provides you considerable flexibility to start and take classes, based on your convenience.

Program Details:

With the nation witnessing a growing demand in the health needs of its geriatric populations, becoming an adult-gerontology NP is not only a promising career proposition but also an equally fulfilling one. The 45-credit coursework comprises 27 credits in MSN core and 18 in specialty-specific courses. The core courses strengthen your foundation in healthcare issues & trends, foundations in science & research, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, advanced diagnostic & technologies, and role development in advanced practice. You then progress through the coursework to learn about various aspects of adult-gerontology care and disease management.

Admission Requirements:

To fulfill the minimum admission requirements for this 18-month program, you must have a BSN from an accredited college. Additionally, you must have at least 1000 hours of work experience as a registered nurse. Also, the college requires you to submit all your official transcripts from the previously attended college or university.


10. Georgetown University - Washington, DC (19 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Are you passionate about offering advanced primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan? If so, Georgetown University’s NP program can be an option you may want to consider. Also, as an aspiring NP, if you have been searching for enrolling into one of the best faith-based 1-year nurse practitioner programs online, then here, you can come close to achieving this goal as the college trains you to become an FNP within a short duration of 19 months. By offering a curriculum grounded in Jesuit values, besides graduating with skills in advanced nursing care, you will leave the college with a strong sense of commitment to serve the community. At Georgetown, graduates report a remarkable performance, with all of them passing the national certification exam on the first attempt. So, if you ready to take the next step in your nursing career, this program can put you on a career path that not only opens up a broad spectrum of jobs in primary care but will also provide immense fulfillment & satisfaction.

To apply here, you must be an RN with a bachelor’s in nursing. Upon being accepted, you can choose between part-time and full-time classes, based on your preference. However, since you are looking at joining the workforce rather quickly, the full-time path will be more suitable. With classes being offered through the online format, even with the full-time classes, you will be able to juggle work and family responsibilities. This 19-month MSN-FNP program requires completing 44 credits and a minimum of 650 clinical hours. Also, throughout the program, you must be prepared to attend two campus intensives. Upon graduation, depending on the state you intend to practice in, you will be able to treat patients autonomously. As a certified FNP, you will be responsible for the health promotion and disease prevention of patients across the lifespan.


11. William Paterson University - Wayne, NJ (20 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Do you desire to complete your NP education by enrolling in one of the best 1-year nurse practitioner programs online but not sure where to start? Well, although not typically a one-year program, you could give a thought to the NP program offered by William Paterson University. Within as little as 20 months, this program not only trains you with exceptional advanced practice skills but also prepares you to join the workforce rather quickly. Here through flexible schedules and online classes you can gain specialized skills in the care of individuals & families across the lifespan. The college offers this program with affordable tuition costs, allowing you the provision of paying per course. Moreover, with the school being a military-friendly institution, if you are a veteran, you can expect solid support to make your student journey a rather smooth one.

This 20-month program is open to BSN graduates with an unencumbered RN license and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The 47-credits that you must complete comprise MSN core and FNP specific courses. You start the program with foundational courses in theoretical concepts for nursing, nursing research strategies, population health, legislation & social policy, pathophysiology, and health assessment. The FNP-specific courses educate on the health promotion and disease prevention of patients across the lifespan. As a graduate of this program, you will graduate with excellent critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills.


12. La Salle University - Philadelphia, PA (20 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Ever thought of completing your NP education through fast-track study? Do you also prefer the convenience of online classes? Well, you may ask if there are any other 1-year nurse practitioner programs online besides the ones offered by Vanderbilt and National that can prepare you for the role of an FNP. La Salle University’s MSN-NP program, although not typically a one-year program can train you in a short duration of 20 months, unlike most other MSN-NP programs that span 28 to 36 months. With most students graduating in less than two years, the program is designed to make you eligible for the certification exam rather swiftly. This 100% online program, offered with the FNP specialization has produced highly qualified nurse practitioners who provide exceptional care to individuals & families, especially focusing on vulnerable populations. By completing your education here, not only will you leave the college as a competent FNP and a lifelong learner, but you will also lay a solid foundation to build upon for an array of careers. Also, regardless of your residency status, you will be eligible to avail of the same tuition costs as residents. This can prove to be a rather affordable education option, more so for those who prefer paying tuition per course.

This 20-month MSN-FNP program is a 45-credit coursework that emphasizes evidence-based practice, nursing research, health promotion & disease prevention. During your 20 months of study, you will understand the various psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors that influence health. Admission into this program is open to registered nurses with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and an active RN license. The curriculum takes you through a total of 16 courses, comprising core and FNP-specific courses. Some of the topics you will master include nursing research for evidence-based practice, advanced practice for population care, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and primary care of families across the life span. Finally, to graduate you must complete a seven-week practicum in primary care settings where you enhance critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.


13. Northern Kentucky University - Highland Heights, KY (20 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

So, you are a registered nurse, wondering if there are any 1-year nurse practitioner programs online that can prepare you for the role of an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. Well, as such there is only one such NP program in the nation that can help you reach this position within one year. However, Northern Kentucky University’s NP program is designed to put you on the career path of adult-gerontology care within as little as 20 months. This online program includes clinical residency and a capstone course to provide you the opportunity of applying the newly acquired knowledge to practice. Known for its online nursing education, the program is offered by an expert faculty who bring in their years of nursing experience to the classroom. Whether you are looking at gaining skills in acute care or to manage the health conditions of adult & elderly patients, you will be rather well-equipped with evidence-based knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve the complex issues of adult & geriatric care.

With six start dates, you can enroll in this 20-month program when it is best suited to you. To be eligible, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your BSN and an active RN license. Also, at least 1000 hours of clinical practice as a nurse is required. The curriculum comprises 18 courses, with each course lasting for seven weeks. The 46-credit coursework educates you on the theoretical foundation of nursing practice, health care policy & economics, diagnostic reasoning, advanced pharmacology, and role development of an NP. The specialty-specific courses take you through diagnosis & disease management in acute care. Towards the end of the program, you complete the four residency courses where you practice professional skills in an ICU/ED/urgent care setting. Finally, after completing all the courses you must go through a culminating experience, bringing together all the lessons learned in the program.


14. Herzing University - Menomonee Falls, WI (20 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Are you a registered nurse eager to kickstart an advanced practice nursing career? If you have been pondering over the idea of online 1-year nurse practitioner programs as your starting point to this journey, you must know that Herzing University’s NP program, although not a 1-year nurse practitioner program, can still serve as one of the fastest routes to achieve this goal. Offered with an MSN, the NP specialization in family health trains you to treat patients of all age groups in various types of primary care settings. With a 100% online coursework, you can continue working while pursuing the FNP credential. The college emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and requires you to complete clinical experiences in diverse clinical environments. Although Herzing allows you to choose the clinical site, if you are unable to do so, it steps up to do so, arranging a site from many of its clinical partners. Ensuring that you graduate with marketable skills, the college expects you to complete at least 500 patient encounters as part of your clinical training requirement.

Designed for an RN with a BSN, this MSN-NP program can be completed within 20 months. The population-focused curriculum comes with six start dates, so you can begin when you are ready. Although all the courses are offered online, the clinical experiences require on-site attendance. To prepare you for successful clinical experience, the college offers a Clinical Readiness Course, and similarly to prepare well for the FNP certification exam, you undergo a Virtual Bootcamp. The 48 semesters hours required for graduation include 30 hours in FNP-specific courses. As an FNP student, you will learn about health policy & management, healthcare informatics, research methods & evidence-based practice, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical decision-making, and healthcare of infants, children, adolescents & women. Upon graduation, you can explore opportunities for practicing autonomously or provide care to patients in various primary care environments, including the rural and underserved areas.


15. Samuel Merritt University - Oakland, CA (20 Months)


Concentrations Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Samuel Merritt University’s NP education is known for clinical excellence and the quality of graduates it produces. While shortlisting NP programs that offer RNs a fast-track career advancement, if you are keen on enrolling in one of the best 1-year nurse practitioner programs online, then this nursing school can serve you well as even though the program is not one year, you can complete it within 20 months, much quicker than the standard MSN-NP program length of 28 to 36 months. The quick transition to the workforce through this program can be rewarding as you will be able to earn and pay off loans much sooner. Especially for those who are seeking financial aid to make their education affordable, the college offers several options in terms of scholarships and student loans. As a graduate of this program, you will be trained to provide culture-sensitive care to patients in urban, rural, and underserved environments. Furthermore, besides carrying a compassionate attitude you will demonstrate enhanced critical thinking, interpersonal, and interprofessional communication skills.

To qualify for this fast-paced 20-month program, you must be a BSN graduate and an RN with an active license in Arizona California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, or Virginia. The curriculum comprises 49 credits in core and FNP-specific courses. To complete the clinical requirements, the college assists you in finding suitable sites within your community. Also, throughout the program, two on-campus intensives are required for which you must visit the Sacramento campus. During the five semesters of your coursework, you learn about research methods, theoretical foundations, professional role development, advanced health assessment, physical assessment, pathophysiology, health promotion, pharmacology, and analysis of health policy issues. Additionally, you are educated on health promotion & disease prevention and the care of chronic & complex health conditions. Upon completion of this fast-paced program, you will be equipped to explore a wide range of employment options in primary care.


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