Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in 2024

Located in an expansive Nashville, Tennessee, cityscape, Vanderbilt is the best nurse practitioner programs in the nation by reputation and success rate. Though they are a bit more expensive, their small class size and high graduation rate make them hard to top, as they provide a sizeable hands-on environment for students that allows them to learn in an immersive manner. And their online nurse practitioner programs provide a high degree of educational opportunities for those who cannot attend the school in person.

Oklahoma’s primary health professional training center, this university is unique as one of only four health centers of its type in the nation, providing seven different professional colleges to handle a myriad of different training needs. Those interested in a quick degree can finish their training in just two years, though those working may require a full three years to get their 47 credits

John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, provides a small number of students (around 800 every year) access to excellent and accredited training for in-person and online nurse practitioner programs. The price is very consistent with that of other private universities, as is its student-to-faculty ratio.

Emory University is a private school in Atlanta, Georgia, that is one of the many educational options offered in this city. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing provides a handful of DNP programs that should suit the needs of most nurse practitioners. The private nature of this college does offer more hands-on opportunities with educators but also produces a higher price.

The University of Connecticut is located in Storrs, Connecticut, a reasonably suburban area that is more comfortable and relaxing for potential practitioners. Programs offered in this pathway include neonatal, clinical nurse specialists, and more. These online nurse practitioner programs receive accreditation from the New England Association o School and Colleges and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Upstate Medical University College of Nursing is part of the State University of New York. Located in Syracuse, New York, the Upstate College of Nursing offers nurse practitioner programs in population specific tracks of family, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health, as well as an online upper division undergraduate BS and online DNP program.

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne provides three different on-site and online nurse practitioner programs: master of science in nursing, a doctor of nursing practice, and a post-master’s certificate. The last type is a step above the master but not relatively as high as a doctorate, providing a middle ground for those who aren’t ready for the demands of a doctorate. Duquesne consistently ranks very highly in national college polls.

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton University has become renowned for many programs over the years. Its nurse practitioner programs focus on degrees for those interested in working in hospitals, clinics, for state and federal agencies, and even for correctional facilities such as a prison. Creighton is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Seton Hall University is often ranked as one of the best graduate nursing programs in the nation and is the best option for nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey. Currently, they offer four in-person and online nurse practitioner programs: gerontology nurse practitioner and pediatric practitioners in both primary and acute care settings. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it is a trusted option for many.

As a private school, Rush University in Chicago, Illinois, is relatively inexpensive. And it has a small and compact graduate nursing program of just 1,239. This helps to make it easier for students to make connections and friends that may last for years. And this university has one of the best student-to-faculty ratios on the list, which helps make it one of the better options.

Over the years, the University of Detroit Mercy has earned a reputation as one of the most respected private schools in the state of Michigan. It is currently the largest Roman Catholic university in the nation with three different campuses and a family nurse practitioner degree for those who want to go through the program. A typical degree requires 72 credit hours and 720 clinical hours, providing a very comprehensive level of training.

The University of California – San Francisco provides inexpensive public education options for those who need them. They currently have around 460 people in their graduate nurse practitioner programs, providing a diverse and engaging student body. Though the setting of this campus is quite large, the campus itself is cozy and compact, creating a more relaxing environment.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, and offers one of the best nurse practitioner programs in the nation, including master, post-master, and doctorate degrees. Training includes both online practitioner programs and a variety of hands-on clinical tests that immerse the student in their training. The cost of living in Muncie is cheaper than other Indiana schools, making it a good choice for those who do not have much money.

This university offers five different campus options throughout Philadelphia, each of which provides nurse practitioner programs at a high level. They provide programs in gerontology, acute care, primary care, a doctorate of nursing practice, and a family nurse practitioner pathway. Each program has been accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, ensuring that the quality is high for this school.

Keiser University has many branches throughout the state of Florida, with the main campus being located in Fort Lauderdale. When finishing up a degree, practitioners must complete a FNP board certification exam to get their license, a step that is set up to suit the guidelines created by the American Associate of Colleges of Nursing Program. Students must earn 49 graduate hours and a 3.0 GPA minimum to finish their program.

The Corpus Christi branch of this well-regarded college has one of the finest nurse practitioner programs in the nation, providing reasonably-priced degrees and accreditation that allows students to quickly transfer their credits elsewhere if they want to study at another university later. Those who want a large-city environment may enjoy this option because it is immersed in a large and well-populated city.

The Virginia Commonwealth University is a unique research-based school that has some of the finest nursing programs in the nation, including some of the best nurse practitioner programs in psychiatric and mental health, adult-gerontology primary, family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care NP, and nursing administration and leadership.

The University of Maryland – Baltimore provides a private-school student-to-faculty ratio at a public-school tuition rate. This helps to make it one of the most affordable and reliable schools for nurse practitioner programs. With both in-person and online options available, this option is a good choice for those in or near Baltimore or throughout the nation.

Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee, provides a single program for nursing practitioners, focusing on family nurse care. They currently have accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, which must be updated regularly to keep the school up to date.

The University of Southern Mississippi includes campuses in both Long Beach and Hattiesburg, with the latter being the primary campus. Currently, their nursing program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on College, ad provides a program for nursing practitioners. The small-town atmosphere on both campuses may be suitable for those who want a relaxed environment during school.

Barry University in Miami, Florida, provides a private Catholic atmosphere for those who want to mix their faith with their education. They include two available concentrations: family practice and adult-gerontology acute care. A typical program should take around two and a half years to complete with a minimum of 500 clinical hours to ensure success in this field.

The small-city setting of this college in Greenville, North Carolina, makes it a relaxing place to pursue one of eight-different nurse practitioner programs – master of science of nursing and a post-master’s certificate in neonatal care and psychiatric-mental health care, doctor of nursing practice and post-doctorate certificate in family care and gerontology. They also have a psychiatric-mental health care Program in MSN and Post-Masters, as well as a DNP in family care and gerontology.

This university often finds students coming from over 40 different countries and states, each pursuing many different degrees. They currently offer nurse practitioner options in adult gerontology acute care, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, emergency, and family nurse practitioner.

Columbus State University is one of the most prominent options for nurse practitioners in Georgia. Its midsized campus is large enough to make a diverse group of friends but not so big that it is easy to get lost. The student population is made up of about 300 students, providing a pretty hometown feel for those who want it. The program is completely online.