15 Best Shortest Online Nurse Practitioner Programs For 2024 (Earn Your Degree in Less Than 20-Months)
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Are you a registered nurse who is considering taking your career to the next level and becoming a nurse practitioner? Maybe you have dreams of specializing in providing care to a particular patient population but aren’t sure if you have the time it would take to achieve that goal. If that sounds like you, I have good news for you! There are several nurse practitioner programs that offer registered nurses the chance to pursue a higher degree without spending years in a classroom. What if you could find the shortest online nurse practitioner program that offers a specialty in the type of care you want to provide? If this sounds interesting, you should keep reading. In this article, I want to share some of the best shortest online nurse practitioner programs for 2024 with you along with some details about each of them.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 15 BEST SHORTEST ONLINE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN THE NATION FOR 2024
(These shortest online nurse practitioner programs are ideal for BSN graduates who wish to become a nurse practitioner in less than twenty months.)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 PractitionerAbout the School:
For a registered nurse, eager to climb the career ladder, the next best step is to enter a program that makes you an NP rather swiftly. Well, if you are keen on fast-tracking your career then you may want to learn about the best shortest online nurse practitioner programs in the nation, and Vanderbilt University's NP programs certainly top the list. The college has earned the distinction of offering the nation's oldest FNP program and likewise, it boasts of producing advanced practice nurses in many other practitioner roles. With its 10 fastest nurse practitioner programs online, regardless of the NP role you choose, you will be groomed for success through individualized attention and a fine blend of learning inside and outside the virtual classroom, all this within just 12 months.Program Details:
Whether your goal is to serve adults, the elderly, women, children or mental health patients of all age groups, Vanderbilt's NP pathways can take you closer to your dream role of becoming a nurse practitioner within your chosen population foci. To graduate, you must complete around 40 credits which most students complete in one year. Each specialty track is based on the foundation of nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice. Although all these tracks are primarily online, a few campus visits are required for intensives. For those interested in the care of adults & the geriatric population, the college also offers two optional focus areas including that of a hospitalist and an intensivist.Admission Requirements:
Vanderbilt reviews applications holistically, so to increase your odds ensure your application includes the highlights of your educational & professional background. To start with, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an unencumbered RN license in the state you plan to complete the clinical practicum. Additionally, you must attach your academic history and three letters of academic or professional reference. A course in statistics is also required before the start of classes.2. Georgetown University - Washington, DC (19 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
If you are searching for one of the country's best shortest online nurse practitioner programs that trains you as a holistic caregiver quickly, then you may certainly want to learn about Georgetown University's FNP program that trains you within as little as 19 months. The program is grounded in Jesuit values and stresses the need to treat a patient as a whole person. The school of nursing founded in 1903, has long been promoting health equity and improving health outcomes at all levels. Here, you will be taught by an expert faculty who have had the experience of working in community-based organizations, military, health systems, and academia.Program Details:
Georgetown's nursing school not only boasts of preparing you for the FNP certification through a quick route, but it also takes pride in its impressive pass rates on the certification exam. This fast-track online nurse practitioner program, delivered through live classes, HD streaming, and interactive web content, comprises 44 credits. Also, included in the curriculum are 650 hours of clinical practice and two on-campus intensives. As a certified FNP who promotes health and prevents diseases, to optimize health outcomes you will be trained to take into account a patient's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.Admission Requirements:
As an eligible candidate, you must either be a U.S citizen or a permanent resident of the country. Along with having a valid RN license in the U.S, you must have completed your baccalaureate in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The college also requires you to have completed a college-level statistics course with a minimum grade of C. Additionally, a professional resume, academic transcripts, personal statement, a live recorded interview, and three letters of recommendation are required to be submitted as part of your application.3. University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV (16 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
For some, quitting a full-time job and going full-throttle into an academic plan works well. If you are one among them who is keen on pursuing your calling in advanced practice, then the best idea is to take up a fast online nurse practitioner program that can provide you with the flexibility of taking off from work while you complete your degree quickly. University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers two such NP programs that prepare you for national NP certification in just 16 months. This way, whether you choose from the FNP or PMHNP track, you will thoroughly focus on mastering professional skills to be able to launch your dream career much sooner.Program Details:
Both these shortest online nurse practitioner programs of FNP and PMHNP start in fall each year and are offered mainly online, with few on-campus sessions required for orientation and clinical practice. Both the direct patient-care tracks prepare you to work in diverse settings, including clinics, long-term facilities, and hospitals. Regardless of the track you enter, you start with the MSN core and then proceed to complete the MSN-specialization courses. To graduate, you require completing around 46 credits which include the final clinical synthesis. The core courses take you through advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing theory & research, informatics & quality improvement, health & public policy, advanced pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning. Additionally, you also learn about treating patients with acute and chronic illnesses within your chosen population focus.Admission Requirements:
To apply to this fast online nurse practitioner program, you must be a BSN graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, your RN license must be registered in the state of your residence. The college expects you to have basic computer skills to be able to take online classes. Your application must also include three letters of recommendation, a current resume, personals goals statement, previous transcripts, and completion of at least 2000 hours of work as a registered nurse.4. Anderson University - Anderson, SC (15 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
So, you are ready to take your nursing career to the next level but are skeptical about juggling pursuing an advanced degree with work commitments, then, in that case, it's better to focus on one thing at a time. By enrolling in one of the fast nurse practitioner programs online like the one offered by Anderson University - at Anderson you can focus only on school for the entire 15 months of the program to graduate quickly so that you can join back the nursing workforce as a certified nurse practitioner. Alternatively, if you do not wish to take a break from work, you can still balance study with a job as this fast-paced program is offered mainly through online classes. Here, with the two shortest online nurse practitioner programs, you can decide between specializing in family health or psychiatric mental health, depending on your interests.Program Details:
This MSN-NP will lead to certification either as an FNP or PMHNP, depending on what you choose. The program starts in August each year and requires completing around 48 credits. Some of the core topics you focus on include advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, pharmacology, and care of patients across the lifespan. Regardless of the track you choose, the school prepares you as a Christ-centered, people-focused nurse who is committed to holistic nursing care.Admission Requirements:
To be considered for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.2 from an accredited college. Additionally, you must have an active RN license and CPR certification. Anderson also requires you to submit two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and all official previous transcripts.5. Herzing University Milwaukee - Menomonee Falls, WI (20 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
A career in family health is highly fulfilling and at the same time quite rewarding in terms of higher salaries and job security. If you are keen on leaping into advanced primary care but somewhere get bogged down by the idea of pursuing a program for two to three years, then applying to one of the well-known shortest online nurse practitioner programs will be your best bet. Herzing University Milwaukee's FNP program is not only offered entirely online, but it takes only 20 months to put you on a career path of professional nursing practice in family health. As an NP student at Herzing, you will be exposed to various interdisciplinary learning opportunities in a variety of primary care settings.Program Details:
This fast-track online FNP program starts six times a year and requires you to complete 48 credits and 675 hours of clinical practice. The clinical practice, in particular, requires you to complete a total of 500 patient encounters. To secure clinical sites and preceptors for your practicum the college helps you in finding suitable placements anywhere across the nation. The FNP curriculum is a population-based curriculum that is offered in a full-time format. The core courses educate you on health policy & management, theoretical foundations, organizational systems & behaviors, and research methods & evidence-based practice. The specialization courses mainly focus on the health promotion & disease prevention of individuals & families across the lifespan.Admission Requirements:
As a prospective student keen on enrolling in this program you must hold an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an unencumbered RN license in the state you live in. Additionally, you must also submit a personal statement, resume, and letter of recommendation.6. National University - San Diego, CA (12-18 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
Have you ever wondered if there was a shorter path to becoming an NP? If so, you may ask whether a quicker route offers the same quality as compared to that of a 2-to-3-year program. Well, yes! At National University not only can you kickstart your career as an NP within 12 to 18 months, but you also go through the same rigorous training as your counterparts enrolled in the other not-so-short programs. Counted among the best fastest nurse practitioner programs online in the nation, this NP program has produced many evidence-based care-providers who have contributed to the state's health and well-being. Also, if you are from the military you may be eligible for reduced tuition costs as National is a Yellow Ribbon School.Program Details:
Although this is a fast-track program, the credit requirements do not differ from the regular NP programs. So, whether you opt for the FNP or PMHNP, the credit requirements range between 45 to 49. The program starts with six core courses in advanced practice nursing, theory in advanced practice, biomedical statistics, health policy & finance, project management, and evidence-based practice. Both the tracks end with a clinical practicum and capstone where you apply the newly gained knowledge to improve health outcomes for your chosen population focus.Admission Requirements:
To be considered for admission into both these shortest online nurse practitioner programs, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited university. The application also requires you to be a registered nurse with an unencumbered license in the state you plan to complete your clinical practicum. You must also attach two recommendation letters, a personal goals statement, and a professional resume.7. Union University - Jackson, TN (16 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
Enrolling in one of the best fastest nurse practitioner programs online means you will invest a lot less time and money as compared to other standard NP programs and still graduate with professional preparedness. Union University not only prepares you for advanced practice nursing within as little as 16 months but the college's Christ-centered and excellence-driven NP education trains you with future-ready patient-centric skills. With two online fast-track nurse practitioner programs, you can either decide to specialize in family health or the care of mental health patients, depending on your interest.Program Details:
Whether you decide to enroll in the FNP or PMHNP program, being offered in a fast-track format, these programs are available only on a full-time basis. Although both the programs start only once a year in the fall, admissions are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can apply throughout the year. If you are keen on working while pursuing this degree, then it is recommended that you take only a part-time job. Graduation requires you to complete 46 credits in core and specialization-specific courses, in addition to 560 hours of clinical practice. The core courses, common to both the programs teach you advanced nursing statistics, health assessment, pathophysiology, theory & ethics, nursing research & evidence-based practice, pharmacology, and healthcare informatics. While the FNP track stresses the primary care of individuals & families across the lifespan, the PMHP track trains you in the management of acute & chronic mental health disorders of patients of all ages.Admission Requirements:
Admission into either one of these tracks requires you to have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, a current RN license in Tennessee or a compact state RN licensure is required. The college also requires you to have complete pre-requisite courses in anatomy & physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, and an undergraduate statistics course.8. La Salle University - Philadelphia, PA (18-20 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
The fastest nurse practitioner programs online can be a great boon for those seeking to enter the advanced nursing workforce as soon as possible. The increasing demand for certified NPs has only propelled many aspirants like you to make a quick entry into this field. Through La Salle University's affordable NP programs, not only will you start earning within 18 to 20 minutes, but you will also be able to start paying off your student loan much sooner. The college offers three areas of focus; adult/gerontology primary care, family health, and psychiatric mental health, so you can choose a path, based on your interests. Being a Catholic university, the college encompasses faith-based values in its NP curriculum and thereby trains you to treat the patient, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.Program Details:
Whether you aspire to become an FNP, AGPCNP, or a PMHNP, these three shortest online nurse practitioner programs are based on core competencies of nursing research, evidence-based practice, and advanced nursing practice in healthcare. With multiple start dates, you can begin with the program whenever you are ready. Graduation requires you to complete around 41 credits, after which you will be eligible to take the national certification exam within your chosen population foci. Regardless of the track you choose, you will leave the college with exceptional skills in critical thinking, communication, and cultural competence.Admission Requirements:
If you are an RN holding a BSN and a minimum GPA of 3.2, you can apply to any of the three NP programs. The college also requires you to have completed one year of direct patient care experiences before you begin with the clinical experiences required for graduation. Your application must also include a statement of purpose and all official previous transcripts.9. Brenau University - Gainesville, GA (20 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
Why wait for two to three years when you can start your journey as a nurse practitioner in as little as 20 months. Well, if you have been looking at enrolling in one of Georgia's best shortest online nurse practitioner programs, then your search may end with Brenau University's FNP program. With advanced skills in primary care, you will gain a comprehensive education and be ready to kickstart your career sooner than you thought. Besides, an online coursework offers you the flexibility to pursue higher education while juggling other life's responsibilities. The university has been innovating online education long since and constantly strives to keep pace with the demands of students and employers alike.Program Details:
This fast nurse practitioner program online is an intensive curriculum that is offered through a full-time schedule. The 49 credits of the coursework start with MSN core courses and progress to FNP-specific courses. You will learn about health assessment & diagnostic reasoning, nursing research, pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and the practice of nursing leadership. The FNP-specific courses educate you on the healthcare of adults, older adults, women, and children. The online classes are complemented with Saturday classes at the Norcross campus where you practice clinical skills and interact with faculty & peers. The program ends with a practicum at a primary care clinical site.Admission Requirements:
To be considered for admission, you must be an active registered nurse with a BSN degree from an accredited college. Also, you need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your undergraduate coursework. Additionally, courses in physical assessment and research methods must be completed. Along with your application, the college requires you to attach a current resume, a personal statement, and two professional references.10. South College - Knoxville, TN (18 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
As a registered nurse, you perhaps already know about the shortage of primary care providers that the nation is facing. In the aftermath of COVID-19, the demand for the primary care worker has further gone up and has hit an all-time high. As a registered nurse if you are keen on playing your part in helping patients recover, then you must consider enrolling in one of the best shortest online nurse practitioner programs in the nation that prepares you for this role as quickly as possible. South College – Knoxville's NP program can be the option you have looking for as here you can get certified as an FNP in a short duration of 18 months. Moreover, being a blended format, the program easily fits into the lives of busy working nurses.Program Details:
If you think you are a self-starter and dedicated enough to complete a rigorous curriculum within a compressed time frame, then this fast-track nurse practitioner program grooms you as a lifelong learner who is committed to optimizing patient outcomes across diverse populations. Here, through individualized mentoring, interactive online platforms you will master skills that are required to succeed in today's complex healthcare environment. The MSN-FNP curriculum is a fine balance of didactic and practical training. Typically, clinical training includes practice experiences and on-campus learning sessions. As a graduate, you will demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills to promote health in all types of healthcare environments.Admission Requirements:
As an applicant, you must fulfill certain requirements specified by the college. These include proof of having completed undergraduate nursing courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have an unencumbered RN license in the state you plan to complete your clinical training in. Additional requirements include three recommendation letters from healthcare professionals, a personal statement, identification of clinical sites, and preceptors to fulfill the clinical practicum requirement. You must have completed a minimum of 2000 hours of work experience as a working nurse.11. Samuel Merritt University - Oakland, CA (20 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
Are you passionate about helping patients with acute and chronic illnesses? Do you feel inspired by our primary care providers who have been at the frontline of the COVID-19 battle? Well, if your answer is yes, and you cannot wait to apply to one of the fastest nurse practitioner programs online to get started with your NP career, then you must learn about Samuel Merritt University's FNP program. Here, within 20 months you will gain the evidence-based knowledge and interprofessional skills to improve health outcomes for a diverse patient population, particularly focusing on the rural and underserved sections. Through personalized attention and extensive clinical experiences, Samuel Merritt has produced compassionate NPs who are committed to the promotion of health at all levels.Program Details:
This short online nurse practitioner program comprises 49 credits and includes interdisciplinary core courses, specialty courses, and clinical experiences. Although the courses are offered mainly online, you are required to attend two on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus. Throughout your training here, you will master concepts in research methods, theoretical foundations, family-centered advanced practice nursing, health policy issues, and promotion & screening. Besides, you learn about advanced health assessment, physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.Admission Requirements:
This FNP program accepts RNs who are licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, or Virginia. Additionally, an accredited BSN degree, two letters of reference, and all previous transcripts are required. A desire to work with underserved populations and an ability to converse in a second language will certainly add brownie points to your application.12. Saint Thomas University - Miami Gardens, FL (18 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
Saint Thomas University can prepare you for a promising career as a nurse practitioner in a short duration of 18 months. Counted among the fastest online nurse practitioner programs in Florida, here you gain exceptional skills in the nursing care of individuals & families across the lifespan and join the advanced practice nursing workforce rather swiftly. This means you can start earning sooner and pay off your student loans faster than otherwise. To give you a well-rounded education, the college integrates theory and practice and ensures you graduate with leadership and analytical skills.Program Details:
This short online nurse practitioner program leads to graduation as a family nurse practitioner after which you will be able to practice in various primary care settings. The 47 credits that you must complete focus on health promotion, illness prevention, and management of illness of individuals and families across the lifespan. With multiple start dates throughout the year, you can begin with the online coursework whenever it is best suited to you. Once accepted into the program, you will first take core courses after which you will progress to the specialization courses. The FNP-specific courses blend didactic courses with clinical training at various clinical sites. Upon completion of the program, you can pursue various careers, including that of a family nurse practitioner, associate professor, occupational medicine nurse practitioner, and nurse practitioner supervisor.Admission Requirements:
The admission requirements here are simple and concise. To start with, you must have an accredited BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, an unencumbered RN license in Florida is required. The college also requires you to submit all the previous transcripts.13. Mount Carmel College of Nursing - Columbus, OH (18 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
Do you see yourself as a nurse practitioner, playing a significant role in the promotion of health of various types of communities? If so, why not consider enrolling in one of the shortest online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio that can shape your career in advanced practice nursing in as little as 18 months. Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers two NP programs that can give your nursing career a quick boost. Here, the college's Catholic environment and a diverse student population help you grow professionally as well as personally into a holistic caregiver who is compassionate and committed to serving.Program Details:
Whether you are keen on caring for the elderly or serving individuals across the lifespan, here you can get certified either as an AGACNP or FNP, depending on the track you choose to enter. Graduation requires you to complete around 48 credits and 650 clinical hours. The coursework comprises graduate core, direct care core, and specialization-specific courses. You will master concepts in nursing research & evidence-based practice, quality, safety & effectiveness, leadership in nursing, procedures & diagnostics, and advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment.Admission Requirements:
To qualify for either of these two fastest online nurse practitioner programs you must have a current RN license valid in Ohio. Additionally, a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from an accredited institution is required. Also, you must have completed courses in statistics and research with a grade C or better.14. William Paterson University - Wayne, NJ (16-20 Months)
Concentrations Offered:
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse PractitionerAbout the School:
Whether you are interested in the care of older adults or individuals of all age groups, through William Paterson University's shortest online nurse practitioner programs you can enhance your professional nursing practice within just 16 to 20 months. The college offers affordable education and also provides you the flexibility of paying per course. The fast-track coursework is offered six times a year and works perfectly for working nurses seeking the convenience of enrolling at a suitable time. Here, you will be mentored by an accomplished faculty who bring their years of experience to the online classroom.Program Details:
The AGNP track is a 39-credit program that spans across 16 months, whereas the FNP track requires 47 credits. Also, each track includes around 680 hours of clinical practice. The core courses on which the specialization courses build on educate you on the theoretical foundations for nursing, the role of the advanced practice nurse, nursing research, population health, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment. Additionally, through the specialization courses, you will learn to treat patients with acute and chronic illnesses within your chosen area of emphasis. Both these shortest online nurse practitioner programs end with a practicum where you apply the professional skills treating diverse populations in a variety of healthcare settings.Admission Requirements:
As a potential applicant to the college, you require to fulfill certain criteria to be eligible for admission. To start with, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have completed courses in statistics, research, and physical assessment. Your RN license must be valid in the state you plan to complete your clinical practicum. Additionally, you must submit a resume with two letters of references and all previous official transcripts.15. Youngstown State University - Youngstown, OH (18-20 Months)
