NURSING PROGRAMS ONLINE

Check out the top 25 accredited online nursing programs at the graduate level!

An online master’s in nursing lets nurses further their education. And it helps to advance their careers. Such programs are also called Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. Those who pursue an MSN will already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Nursing master’s degrees build on concepts and training learned in the bachelor’s degree.

Online nursing programs offer more flexibility than traditional on-campus classes. Working nurses can keep their current jobs while pursuing an online nursing degree. These degree programs allow students to complete clinical hours in a local setting. Some online nursing programs require a campus visit. So be sure to check the specific requirements of each school.

What Is the Difference Between an LPN, a Registered Nurse, and a Nurse With a Master’s Degree?

LPNs

A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, provides basic nursing care. They can monitor vital signs, change bandages, and bathe patients. They may also seek additional certification for more advanced duties. However, a licensed practical nurse must work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Becoming an LPN is a great way to begin working in the healthcare industry.

RNs

A registered nurse is a nursing professional who has completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. A registered nurse must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). A registered nurse is licensed to provide patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. 

Registered nurses assess a patient’s condition. Then, they develop a plan of care based on their findings. A registered nurse can also administer treatments and medications prescribed by a physician. They document patient care and keep up-to-date records of any relevant information. Additionally, they often help educate patients and families about their health. And they give guidance on managing and preventing illness. 

Registered nurses are a vital part of a patient’s healthcare team. However, many registered nurses want to move into advanced roles in the field. This is where an MSN comes in. To earn an MSN, you must be a registered nurse.

MSNs 

Graduates of master’s nursing programs (MSNs) have more career opportunities than RNs. This is because they are trained in higher-level care. They learn advanced skills that allow them to take on greater responsibility. And this can significantly increase their earnings. 

Unlike a registered nurse, an MSN can also advance to the doctoral level. Many MSNs use their training as a stepping stone to Ph.D. or Doctor of Nursing programs. For example, those who want to become a CRNA would need to pursue a DNP and attend an anesthesiologist school online or on campus.

What Can I Do With a Master of Science in Nursing?

Are you considering a career in nursing? Wondering what you can do with a nursing degree? Here are some exciting possibilities for you to explore.

Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)

With an MSN degree, you can become an advanced practice nurse. APNs can work as NPs, clinical nurse specialists, anesthetists, or midwives. They provide primary care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. They also offer specialized healthcare to patients.

Nurse Educator

If you enjoy teaching and mentoring others, you can pursue a career as a nurse educator. With a master’s nursing degree, you can teach nursing students in colleges and universities. Nurse educators help shape the future generation of nurses by sharing their knowledge. You may even end up teaching online nursing programs!

Nurse Administrator (NA)

A master’s nursing degree can also lead to a career in nursing administration. Nurse administrators oversee healthcare facilities, manage staff, create budgets, and ensure smooth operations. They play a crucial role in healthcare organizations. NAs ensure that patients receive high-quality care. They also make sure nurses have the resources they need to provide it.

Clinical Research Nurse (CRN)

CRNs contribute to medical advancements and improve patient care. They work in research settings and collaborate with scientists and healthcare professionals. They also help conduct clinical trials and studies. These assist in developing new treatments and interventions.

Public Health Nurse (PHN)

With a master’s nursing degree, you can become a public health nurse. Public health nurses focus on promoting and protecting the health of communities. They work in public health departments, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. PHNs implement health programs, conduct community outreach, and address public health concerns.

Nurse Informaticist

Nurse informaticists play a vital role in analyzing healthcare data. They work with electronic health records, healthcare systems, and data analysis. These nurses help healthcare providers make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. This is a great nursing degree job for those who prefer to work in an office setting.

Nursing is a diverse and dynamic field. And online nursing programs give you the necessary skills to excel in various roles. These are just a few examples of the many career paths available to nurses with a master’s nursing degree. You can choose to work directly with patients. Or you can contribute to research and innovation. Finally, you could focus on administration and leadership. The choices are endless. Online nursing programs open up a world of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. And online programs allow you to continue working in the nursing profession as you earn your graduate degree.

Top 25 Online Nursing Programs 

What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is a highly sought-after and lucrative career. Most of the schools on our list offer multiple online master’s in nursing programs. We listed all of the online nursing programs offered at each school. However, we focused our descriptions on their FNP online programs if applicable. 

Many advanced practice nurses (APNs) choose to be FNPs. These professionals have a unique focus on providing comprehensive and holistic care. They get to work with individuals of all ages and across various healthcare settings. FNPs oversee the healthcare of people and families. They do this by providing preventative and primary care. They encourage health and well-being and assist patients with chronic diseases. They work hard but are paid well. The median annual pay for FPNs is $124,680. Typical FNP duties include: 

• Routine patient exams and evaluations 
• Ordering and interpreting tests 
• Establishing diagnosis, 
• Prescribing medications
• Starting and supervising treatment regimens

Methodology

Tuition varies widely among colleges offering online nursing programs. However, the ranking methodology for these online nursing degrees is simple. The tuition fees listed are based on in-state graduate tuition per academic year. Note that the costs for out-of-state or online studies may differ. All figures come from NCES College Navigator.

Each online nursing school is ordered from highest to lowest scores. All of the online nursing programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards. And each college has been verified as a non-profit institution. We also considered each program’s quality, faculty, and classes offered. 

Next, we’ll feature the top 25 online nursing masters programs.

25 Best Online Nursing Programs

#25 Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, California

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Samuel Merritt University features an online MSN program. It is both flexible and convenient. And it’s an ideal way to expand your nursing specialty. The FNP program prepares students to practice as primary care providers. It includes multidisciplinary core classes, specialization courses, and on-the-job training. The course curriculum adheres to the most stringent national standards. This includes those set by the NONP and the AASN. The nursing degree online consists of 49 courses. It’s a full-time nursing program that can be completed in as little as 20 months. Featured courses in this online nursing degree include:

• Professional Role and Advocacy for APRNs
• Care of Chronic & Complex Conditions
• Health Protection, Promotion & Screening
• Family-Centered Advanced Practice Nsng
• Care of Acute & Episodic Conditions

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission 

Tuition: $56,837

#24 Georgetown University

Washington, D.C.

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Georgetown University School of Nursing offers an online MSN with an FNP concentration. The program trains nurses to care for people and families in primary care settings. Graduates can identify and manage common acute and chronic diseases. They know how to promote health and well-being and disease prevention. The 44-credit curriculum can be completed in 27 months if taken part-time. Core courses in this online nursing program include:

• Primary Health Care of Family I 
• Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology 
• Adult-Gerontology
• Advanced Health Assessment 
• Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Georgetown University also offers several other online nursing programs for students. Specializations at the online nursing school include: 

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health NP
• Women’s Health NP

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education 

Tuition: $56,592

#23 Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

DU’s online MSN equips nurses for leadership jobs in the developing healthcare industry. Students have access to clinical practice environments and simulated healthcare scenarios. The program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. This allows students to complete more courses in less time. Required courses for this master’s degree in nursing online include:

• Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments
• Advanced Ethical Decision-Making in Health Care
• Quality and Safety in Healthcare
• Research Methods and Biostatistics
• Evaluation and Translation of Health Research

Drexel also offers online nursing programs. Specializations include: 

• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Clinical Trials Research
• Nursing Education & Faculty Role
• Nursing Innovation
• Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education 

Tuition: $36,234

#22 George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

GWU offers flexible education in its online Masters of Science in Nursing programs. The FNP specialty emphasizes the integration of research and nursing with problem resolution. The program trains registered nurses to be leaders in primary care. They will be equipped to care for children and adults in various clinical settings. Forty-eight credit hours and 600 clinical hours are required for the nursing degree online. Featured nursing courses include:

• Concepts in Population Health
• Nursing Leadership
• Health Policy, Quality, and Political Processes
• Evidence-Based Practice for Health Care Researchers
• Biostatistics for Health Care Researchers

GWU also offers four other online nursing programs. Specializations include:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Health Care Quality
• Nursing Leadership and Management
• Nurse-Midwifery

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education 

Tuition: $33,930

#21 Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING IN FAMILY – INDIVIDUAL ACROSS THE LIFESPAN NP

TJU features a Master of Science in Nursing FNP program. It trains students to work as advanced practitioners at the forefront of healthcare. Graduates can provide comprehensive primary care to clients from infancy through maturity. The program focuses on multidisciplinary teamwork and solutions for satisfying patients’ care requirements. This is done through a family-centered approach to health promotion and disease intervention. Depending on the student’s schedule, the fully online program takes two to five years to complete. Core curriculum FNP courses include: 

• Health Policy, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Practice
• Research for Advanced Practice Nursing I
• Philosophy, Foundations, and Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
• Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse
• Leadership and Critical Decision Making

TJU also offers several other online MSN specializations. They include:

• Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care NP
• Primary Care NP or Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nursing Informatics
• Neonatal NP
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Pediatric Primary Care

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education 

Tuition: $22,509

#20 Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Nova Southeastern University offers an excellent online MSN – FNP program. It is administered by the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing. Students learn advanced pharmacology and primary care for women and children. They obtain insight from experienced FNPs in an integrative practicum. The 51-credit program includes courses such as:

• Advanced Pharmacology
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Healthcare Policy and Leadership
• Behavioral Health for Advanced Practice Nurse
• Primary Care Adult 

 NSU offers several other online MSN specializations, including :

• Nursing Informatics
• Advanced Population Health
• Executive Nurse Leadership
• Nursing Education
• NP In Psychiatric Mental Health
• NP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $22,062

#19 University of Mississippi Medical Center

Jackson, Mississippi

HYBRID ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

The University of Mississippi features a Master of Science in Nursing. This low-cost program is highly flexible. And it’s ideal for those with jobs and busy lifestyles. The FNP program trains nurses to provide primary care to individuals and families. Courses are offered online, but the clinical requirements include 630 hours of supervision. This can be done under the supervision of an advanced practice nurse or physician. All clinical hours must be performed in Mississippi. Featured asynchronous online courses include:

• Biostatistics
• Health Care Quality Improvement
• Clinical Applied Epidemiology
• Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice
• Population Health

UMMC also offers the following nursing degree online programs:

• Nursing and Healthcare Administrator
• Nurse Educator
• Acute Care Adult-Gerontology NP
• Acute/Primary Pediatric NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Neonatal NP
• Psychiatric/Mental Health NP

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $19,560

#18 Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING 

Benedictine University is known for cutting-edge online programs for working nurses. The school offers an online Masters of Science in Nursing program. It is designed as an answer to the challenges facing the nursing profession. The school offers two specializations, Nursing Executive Leader and Nurse Educator. In either emphasis, the last two courses are focused on an on-the-ground practicum. Students work in a real clinical setting. And they use their knowledge to achieve master’s level proficiency. Students can pick from three start times per year. The 21-24 credit program can be completed in as little as two years. The curriculum features courses such as:

• Health Promotion and Interprofessional Collaboration 
• Ethical and Culturally Competent Healthcare Professionals
• Evidence-based Nursing Practice: Research and Process Improvement
• Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
• Quality Improvement & Safety in Healthcare Systems 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $19,181

#17 Allen College

Waterloo, Iowa

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Allen College has a long history of offering health care education. The school approaches nursing as an art and science that is continually evolving. Allen College features an online MSN – FNP nursing degree online program. It educates students to offer high-quality primary care at a low cost, focusing on rural health. The program blends academic training with clinical experience in a variety of settings. Some of the FNP courses included in the program are:

• Advanced Pharmacology 
• Mental Health Enrichment for the Advanced Practice Nurse 
• Family Nursing: Adult and Older Adult
• Family Nursing: Women and Child Health
• Complex Care of the Family 

The Allen College School of Nursing also offers other graduate nursing programs. Specializations include:

• Leadership in Health Care Delivery (Administration)
• Nursing Education
• Community/Public Health Nursing
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $18,400

#16 Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, New York

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Mercy College offers two specializations in the Master in Nursing program. They are Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. The NE program teaches students to use state-of-the-art technology in implementing educational programs. The NA option focuses on teaching students interprofessional practice in today’s healthcare. Both degree programs adhere to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing standards. 

Courses are delivered online to provide optimum flexibility for working nurses. The compulsory practicum experiences can be done at a place of the student’s choice. The 36-credit hour curriculum featured courses such as:

• Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• Healthcare Policy in the Global Community
• Population-Based Healthcare
• Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing Education
• Informatics & Healthcare Technologies

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education 

Tuition: $17,478

#15 Frontier Nursing University

Versailles, Kentucky

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Frontier Nursing University features an online program. But this one allows you to finish your MSN while also earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The program is community-based, with a solid academic and clinical foundation. Graduates are prepared to work as FNPs. But they are also trained as entrepreneurs and healthcare leaders. 

Coursework is offered online, and clinical hours can be done in the student’s local community. Two campus visits are required for program completion. Featured coursework includes:

• Principles of Health Promotion 
• Advanced Pathophysiology 
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Primary Care Pediatrics
• The Role of the NP

Frontier Nursing University also offers two other MSN specializations. They are:

• Nurse-Midwife 
• Women’s Health Care NP

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $16,473

#14 Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Lewis University offers a renowned online MSN degree program. Students learn how to implement complicated healthcare strategies for a changing healthcare environment. This allows them to advance significantly in their careers. The online FNP program trains students to work in a variety of settings. Graduates can provide primary health care to babies, children, adolescents, adults, and women. The curriculum consists of 48 total credit hours and featured courses such as:

• Applied Biostatistics for Advanced Nursing Practice 
• Healthcare Organizations, Systems, and Policy 
• Theoretical Foundations of Scholarly Inquiry for Advanced Nursing Practice 
• Population Health 
• Scholarly Inquiry

LU also offers several other online MSN specializations. They include:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Systems Leadership
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary NP
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• School Nurse

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $14,760

#13 Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

MU of Saint Louis features an online MSN-FNP degree. It provides its nursing graduates with a fresh 

perspective on leadership. The program emphasizes compassion, preventative care, and evidence-based decision-making. Students can get their MSN-FNP in as little as 20 months. The course is entirely online, with no on-campus visits necessary. Core curriculum requirements for the online nursing program include:

• Adult-Gerontology Health Care I
• Pediatric/Family Health Care
• Health Care Policy
• Professional Role Development
• Health Promotion/Disease Prevention

Maryville also offers five other nursing degree online programs. They are:

• Adult-gerontology acute care NP
• Adult-gerontology primary care NP
• Pediatric NP
• Psychiatric mental health NP

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $14,346

#12 Regis University

Denver, Colorado

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

The online Master of Science in Nursing – FNP program at Regis University is excellent. Students learn to advance their careers as practicing nurses. They do this by increasing specialization, autonomy, and prescriptive power. The school collaborates with active NPs. Together, they create an education that is grounded in current medical practices. Graduates have the critical thinking abilities required to flourish as nurse practitioners. All courses in the online MSN-FNP program are accelerated. Some of the featured classes are:

• Health Promotion – Disease Prevention
• The Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Policy, Politics, and Perspectives
• Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment 

Regis University also offers online Master in Nursing programs with specializations in:

• Neonatal NP
• Leadership in Health Care Systems: Education Focus
• Leadership in Health Care Systems: Management Focus
• Completion for Certified NP

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $14,261

#11 University of St. Francis

Joliet, Illinois

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

The University of St. Francis offers an online Master of Science Nursing program. Fortune has named it the best nursing program in Illinois! The FNP program teaches students how to integrate education and research into practice. This way, they can meet the changing requirements of a varied population. This fully online nursing program comprises 47 to 56 credit hours. Required courses include:

• Advanced Practice Nursing: Roles and Issues
• Biostatistics and Research
• Population Health
• Evidence-Based Health Care
• Advanced Health Assessment 

USF’s online Master in Nursing program also offers specializations in 

• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Education

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $13,950

#10 Clarkson College

Omaha, Nebraska

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

CC’s award-winning MSN program equips students to create, execute, and test healthcare initiatives. It enables them to affect changes in the medical sector. The online nursing program is rigorous and patient-focused. Graduates are prepared to work independently and cooperatively as FNPs. They are prepared for planning, executing, and evaluating complicated healthcare initiatives. The 49 semester-hour curriculum features courses such as:

• Advanced Physical Assessment 
• Primary Health Care I 
• Foundations of Adult-Gerontologic Healthcare
• Advanced Nutrition 
• Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health 

Clarkson College also offers three other MSN specializations. Each specialty may be customized to fit the student’s professional objectives. The additional nursing degrees online are:

• Nursing Healthcare Administration
• Nursing Education
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Tuition: $12,294

#9 Concordia University – Wisconsin

Mequon, Wisconsin

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

CU Wisconsin features an online MSN degree. This online nursing degree seeks to enhance patient health outcomes and quality of care. They do this by enabling graduates to make a difference in a clinical or non-clinical context. The FNP degree program prepares students to practice as competent and caring NPs. And they will be equipped to practice in clinical or primary care settings. Courses are delivered online. However, students must spend two weeks on campus for residency requirements. The curriculum comprises 41-credits and includes nursing online courses such as:

• Genetics, Immunology, & Microbiology for Advanced Nursing
• Healthcare Policy & Issues in Advanced Nursing
• Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Collaboration 
• Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
• Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

CU also offers online MSN programs with the following specializations:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Healthcare Informatics
• Nurse Educator

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $12,042

#8 Graceland University – Lamoni

Lamoni, Iowa

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Graceland University features an online Master of Science in Nursing. It is offered through Graceland’s School of Nursing. The FNP prepares nurses to serve as primary care providers for people across the lifespan. The program is entirely online. However, students will have one in-person focus session during the program. Featured courses for this master’s degree in nursing online include:

• Pharmacotherapeutics
• Theory in Nursing
• Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
• Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
• Advanced Pathophysiology 

Graceland also offers two other online MSN programs, including:

• Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $11,688

#7 Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

Ball State University offers an online Masters in Nursing degree program. The degree features an excellent FNP concentration. All courses are delivered online. Clinical components can be arranged by supervisors in a student’s community. The FNP degree program equips students to provide health care for all ages. And it prepares them for a family practice environment. 

Most students take two classes at a time. This allows them to finish the specialization in six to eight semesters. A total of 47 credits are required for completion. The online nursing degree includes courses such as:

• Advanced Practice Nursing and Role Theory
• Pathophysiology and Nursing Practice
• Advanced Health Assessment
• Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
• Primary Care of the Adult

Ball State also offers online MSN programs with the following concentrations:

• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Administrator

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

Tuition: $9,636

#6 University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, Texas

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FNP

The University of Texas at Arlington offers a fully online MS in Nursing. The program features an FNP specialization. Students are trained to manage the care of people and families across their lifespan. The emphasis is on primary care management of acute and chronically sick patients. Featured coursework in the MSN-FNP program includes:

• Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing
• Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners 
• Adult-Gerontology Assessment Lab
• Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice
• Principles of Nursing Research

UTA also offers several other online nursing programs. They are:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 
• Dual Adult Gero Acute & Primary Care 
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 
• Dual Pediatric Acute & Primary Care 
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $9,015

#5 Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Liberty University offers an online MSN. The program focuses on nursing as a ministry of caring based on Christian ethics. The degree prepares students for advanced clinical practice, teaching, and research. Graduates have abilities required for fundamental learning critical for success in nursing-related vocations. The curriculum comprises 42 credits consisting of eight-week-long classes. Features courses include:

• Nursing Theory & Advanced Practice 
• Managing Population Health
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Evaluation Strategies for Nurse Educators
• Health Policy & Ethics

Liberty also offers five other online nursing degrees. The specializations include:

• Community Health
• Health Policy
• Nurse Educator
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Informatics

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $7,893

#4 California State University – Dominguez Hills

Carson, California

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

CSU Dominguez Hills offers an online Master’s in Nursing. The program features a specialization in FNP. It prepares students to diagnose and give safe and effective care to patients of all ages. Graduates will be equipped to work in primary care settings. And they will be trained in advanced practice nursing and primary care ideals. This degree combines advanced nursing knowledge and theories to improve population health outcomes. Coursework is offered online. And the clinical hours can be completed with a preceptor in California. Some of the courses required include:

• Advanced Nursing Roles
• Research Utilization in Advanced Practice Nursing 
• Nursing Ethics
• Health Care Policy/Economics
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

CSU – DH also offers five other online nursing programs. They are:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult/Gerontology
• Clinical Nurse Specialist – Neonatal
• Clinical Nurse Specialist – Pediatric
• Nurse Administrator
• Nurse Educator

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission 

Tuition: $7,176

#3 University of Texas – Medical Branch at Galveston

Galveston, Texas

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

ATMB’s online MSN programs are nationally recognized. They prepare graduates to improve treatment and shape policy. The Family Nurse Practitioner program began in 1988. And it is led by dedicated faculty. It allows students to enhance their careers in primary care. And they learn to care for people of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric patients. Students learn to work in teams to improve holistic family and community health. The curriculum for this master in nursing online includes courses such as:

• Foundations of Research/Theory
• Pathophysiology
• Advanced Health Assessment
• NP Diagnostic Reasoning
• Pharmacological Principles and Clinical Therapeutics

UTMB’s MSN program also offers five other online nursing programs. Specializations include:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Neonatal NP
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Executive Nurse Leader
• Nurse Educator

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $7,042

#2 University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

If you’re looking for online nursing programs in Florida, UCF has you covered. The school features several MSN programs online. The first is the online Master’s Degree in Nursing. It prepares APNs to assume positions of leadership throughout the healthcare community. Graduates are ready to build leadership, management, and teaching initiatives. They can increase healthcare quality influencing health and public policy. And they help people via research, evidence-based methods, and critical thinking abilities. 

The fully online MSN curriculum comprises 31-36 credit hours. Students can take courses full or part-time.

UCF offers other online nursing degrees to choose from. They are: 

• Online Nursing and Healthcare Simulation
• Online Nursing Leadership and Management 
• Online Masters in Nursing Education

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $6,916

#1 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, Texas

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

TTU Health Science Center offers an online Master of Science in Nursing. The program features an FNP specialization. The program is primarily an online track with occasional trips to Lubbock. Students learn to work in rural agencies and other healthcare settings. The curriculum comprises 48 semester credit hours.

Texas Tech also offers several other MSN degree specialization programs. While some are offered online, others are hybrid or on-campus. The specialization offered include:

• Nursing Administration
• Education
• Nursing Informatics
• Acute Care Pediatric NP
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Pediatric Primary Care NP
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• Nurse Midwifery

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges 

Tuition: $6,360

Is It Possible To Take Free Nursing Classes Online?

One of the great things about the nursing profession is there is no shortage of free education. There are many places where students can take free online nursing courses. Here are just a few options:

Nurse.Com

Nurse.Com offers free continuing education courses for nurses. They are intended for professional development. And many nurses use them to meet license renewal requirements. 

Nurse Journal

Nurse Journal features a list of free professional development courses for nurses. These courses can help you stay on top of new developments in nursing. 

Allison

Allison offers a number of free nursing courses. Examples include Patient Care and Hygiene, Diet Therapy, The Physical Exam, and more.