There are many factors to consider when searching for an online nursing program; and, with the number of colleges and universities offering online graduate options for currently working nurses, it can be daunting to even know where to start.
With the critical nursing shortage currently experienced in the U.S., more nursing programs are offering unprecedented online degree programs for nurses wanting to advance their career, become nurse educators, nursing administrators or nurse practitioners. At first, it may seem odd to obtain a graduate nursing degree online. After all, nursing is a "hands on profession", a profession which requires clinical and personal skills. The great benefit of online graduate nursing studies is that it allows nurses to simultaneously continue their education and continue to work. The graduate nursing student is able to apply what they're learning in their degree courses and translate it to real world experiences.
Those online degree programs which require clinical or practicum experiences will, more often than not, allow you to do those clinical rotations in your home community or even where you're working under a qualified preceptor. This is benefit prevents nurses from leaving their critical positions to obtain an advanced degree and doesn't strain the already strained nursing workforce.
Best Medical Degrees has researched 20 Master of Nursing degree programs that provide students with the best educational value for the degree program based on several factors including length of program and average tuition cost per credit hour. The tuition costs per credit hour range from $510-$1,064. This ranking is listed by school reported certification exam pass rates, tuition rates and available institutional financial assistance for nursing graduate students.
Professional Certification
Advanced Practice Nurses require state certification to be licensed to practice. The most prevalent nursing certification exams are conducted by the American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC) and exam pass rates are often a good indicator of an educational programs quality of training. Nurse Educators will want to pass the National League of Nurses' Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE). This ranking provides exam pass rates as reported by the institution.
Time Commitment
Frequently, professionals are anxious to advance their careers and the shortage of qualified nurses in specific areas, may be of importance to the nursing professional entering an online program. Most advanced degrees will take 12-36 months for completion depending on specialty.
Financial Consideration
The cost of an advanced degree is always a consideration; and, many nursing colleges and schools in an effort to attract students will offer departmental graduate nursing scholarships or grants. Because Federal Financial Aid doesn't offer much assistance for graduate students, except in the form of loans, this can be an important factor in school considerations. Some schools will ask that you have a Federal Student Financial Aid form on file for need based scholarships. Also, you may want to investigate funding from the Nurses Educational Funds Organization.
Ranking Methodology
While there are several considerations in choosing the right school to meet your needs, Best Medical Degrees has chosen to research schools that meet particular criteria for this Best Value ranking. This ranking includes schools which: 1) hold national accreditation from independent, Department of Education recognized, nursing accreditation organizations. Specifically, the ranking looks for certification by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACNE) (25%), 2) have achieved national recognition from publications such as U.S. News and World Report (USN-WP), Forbes' Magazine, The Princeton Review, Washington Times Monthly, Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine, etc. (40%), 3) nursing certification exam rate (30%) and 4) program length and estimated tuition cost per credit hour and available school based scholarships or other financial assistance (5%).
1. Ball State University
Offering three nursing tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator, Ball State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and all graduate nursing courses are available online. However, students are required to participate in clinical hours in their home communities under the guidance of approved preceptors. All MSN students are required to core nursing courses which may include: nursing theory, nursing informatics technology, nursing concepts and concepts analysis. Additionally, students must complete coursework in data analysis in nursing research or statistical methods; and, basic research. The College of Nursing has also added the option for Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator for students to obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate.
Ball State University, a public university, is ranked #13 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and was ranked #4th for Veterans. Forbes Magazine ranks Ball State University in its Top 200 list of Public Colleges and designated it #118 in the Midwest. The Princeton Review named Ball State University One of the Best Universities in the Midwest. The school boasts a 93% career placement rate across the university and an impressive certification exam pass rate. Currently with an enrollment in excess of 22,000 students, Ball State University was established in 1899 as a private teachers college and is named for 19th century industrialist, Frank C. Ball; and, in 1960s, the school's growth expanded beyond training teachers to develop into seven colleges.
Estimated Program Length: 24 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Low Range
Graduate Financial Assistance: Undetermined
2. University of Texas Tyler
Offering three graduate nursing tracks in Nursing Education , Nursing Administration and a dual MSN-MBA degree makes the University of Texas Tyler a good program to explore. All students will be required to take core courses before beginning their track specific courses. The Nurse Educator degree prepares graduates to work in clinical facilities, universities and colleges with a curriculum that examines evaluation of nursing education, health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, health care informatics, advanced nursing pharmacology, etc. Students enrolled in the Nursing Administration will study leadership in healthcare, organizational systems leadership, delivery of care and legal, regulatory and financial management. The MSN-MBA track includes studies in organizational behavior, accounting for management control, strategic leadership processes, strategies in human resources, etc. (Students interested in this dual degree must apply for admission through both the School of Nursing and the College of Business). The university's School of Nursing holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Ranked #13 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Texas Tyler also is ranked #90 in Regional Universities West and #34 in Top Public Schools. Founded in 1971, the university currently enrolls over 10,000 students across its seven colleges; and, provides more than 80 degree programs. The university is part of the University of Texas System.
Estimated Program Length: 24-36 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Low Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
3. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, offers two graduate nursing tracks: Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Education . Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the College of Nursing requires students in the Clinical Nurse Leader program to complete practicum and project studies. Coursework for the CNL degree will include topics in research methodology, principles in epidemiology, nursing practice epidemiology, advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology and informatics. Students obtaining a Nursing Education degree will be examine teaching in nursing, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, research methodology and curriculum development and evaluation. The program is currently unable to accept students from: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, COLORADO, MINNESOTA, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, AND NORTH CAROLINA.
This New England school was founded in 1863 with the nursing school being established in 1953. The graduate nursing program is ranked #13 by U.S. News and World Report; and the college has received recognition as among the 100 "Best College Values" in public colleges compiled by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. The university has also been ranked #226 in Forbes Magazine's Top College and Money Magazine ranks the university as one of the nation's best colleges based on the cost of tuition.
Estimated Program Length: 12-16 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour Range: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance: Yes
4. University of Central Florida College of Nursing
The University of Central Florida offers three MSN concentrations in MSN Leadership and Management, MSN Nurse Educator and MSN Nursing and Health Simulation. All three programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has, as its core objectives, to train nurses to assume positions of leadership as administrators, Chief Nursing Officer, management and nurse educator. The Leadership Management track concentrates on topics such as nurse informatics, financial management and resources, advanced practice nursing theory, evidence based practice and an internship. Students enrolled in the Nurse Educator track will study curriculum development, instructional technology for nurses, teaching strategies and requires both an internship and 60 clinical hours in a clinical specialty practicum. The Nursing and Health Simulation specialty will develop leadership, management and teaching strategies for quality improvement and safety, incorporate nursing research to develop evidence practice models, participate in nursing research, plan, evaluate and implement health care delivery systems and complete a capstone project prior to graduation. Prerequisite coursework may be required depending on the track chosen. Graduates of this MSN program have achieved a striking 100% exam pass rate.
Listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 100 Top Colleges, the University of Central Florida has also received a #51 ranking in Kiplinger's Best Colleges report and #42 by Washington Monthly's Southeast "Bang for the Buck". U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Florida #82 in its Best Graduate Nursing ranking. Founded in Orlando, Florida in 1963, the University of Central Florida has a current population of over 66,000 students and reports 44% of its students graduate with no educational debt. The university offers 212 degree programs.
Estimated Program Length: 18 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
5. Eastern Kentucky University
Providing three online degree programs in MSN degree program in Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Nursing Administration. Students wishing to obtain the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner designation will study, in addition to mental health and psychiatric courses, evidence based practice, nursing theory, advanced nursing practice issues, pathophysiology, advanced health assessment and participate in a specialized practicum and internship. Nursing Administration students will follow a course of study which includes epidemiology, management of healthcare, nursing system quality management, program and policy development, as well as a practicum and internship. The Rural Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum centers on nursing theory, evidence based practice, advanced nursing practice issues, advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology and health assessment. Additionally, RFNP candidates will participate in an internship and practicum experiences. All three degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
U.S. News and World Report has ranked this nursing program #39 in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. ECU also has received U.S. News and World Report rankings as #79 in Regional Universities and #29 in Top Public Schools. Founded in 1874 in Richmond, Kentucky, the school has additionally been recognized by Forbes Magazine in its Top Colleges, Public Colleges and Southern Colleges rankings and Washington Monthly ranks it #84 in southeastern schools in its Best Bang for the Buck ranking. This university reports an enrollment in excess of 16,000 students.
Program Length: 24 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
6. Ohio State University College of Nursing
This program offers three online MSN programs with specialty tracks in: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degrees. Students take all courses online and complete clinical experiences in their home communities. The online options do not apply for students wishing to obtain a MSN and who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing; or, what OSU terms the Graduate Entry Option. All students enrolled in one of the online nurse practitioner programs are required to take core nursing courses in Innovation Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice Quality Improvement and Informatics, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention across the Life Span, Health Policy and Advocacy and Evidence Based Nursing Scholarship, before proceeding to specialty coursework. While not a MSN specific degree, there is also a Master of Applied Clinical and Preclinical Research (MACPR) program program available for nurses which is an interdisciplinary opportunity offered through the Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Medicine at The Ohio State University. Ohio State University College of Nursing holds accreditation from both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The College of Nursing at Ohio State University was established in 1914 as a three-year nursing diploma before being integrated into Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1922. Unique for the times, the college began a BSN program in 1941 and its MSN degree in 1954. The online nursing program at Ohio State University received a #3 ranking by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, #32 in Forbes' Best Colleges and ranked #22 in the Kiplinger's Report of Best College Values. Founded in 1870 in Columbus, Ohio. Currently, the university has over 59,000 undergraduates and nearly 14,000 post graduates enrolled.
Estimated Program Length: 24 Months
Certification Exam Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Upper Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
7. University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana offers something for everyone with its online MSN programs in seven specialty areas: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner , Nursing Education and Nursing Management and Leadership . The programs require clinical experiences which may be completed in the student's home community; and, while primarily online, the programs do require a minimum of on-campus requirements for orientation and specific nursing courses. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program boasts a high certification exam pass rates for its Family Nurse Practitioner graduates and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Due to state nursing board regulations, the program is not available to students from all states and its advisable to verify that your state qualifies.
Founded in 1965, the university has an enrollment exceeding 9,000 students and is located in Evansville, Indiana. U.S. News and World Report ranks this MSN program #21 in its Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs with the on campus graduate nursing program ranking in the top 200 of its Best Nursing Schools: Masters degree. Southern Indiana University has also been ranked #313 in the Washington Monthly's "Bang for the Buck" rankings. Founded in 1965, the university has an enrollment exceeding 11,000 students and is located in Evansville, Indiana.
Estimated Program Length: 18 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 98-100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
8. University of Michigan Flint
Offering both a Family Nurse Practitioner and a MSN Nurse Educator degrees, the University of Michigan Flint provides these programs in an online format. All graduate nursing students are required to complete core nursing courses in Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Pathophysiology Pharmacology, Physical Diagnosis across the Lifespan-Theory, Leadership, Informatics & Policy for Advanced Practice and Graduate Research Theory. Family Nurse Practitioners will complete courses in women's health, pediatrics, mental health, acute and chronic health management and diagnostic techniques across the life span. Students are also required to complete a clinical practicum conducted by faculty approved preceptors in the student's local area. Students are also encouraged to participate in faculty research projects during their enrollment. The MSN Nurse Educator degree prepares students to become faculty members, staff nurse educators and/or other teaching roles. training more nurses to meet the severe nursing shortage experienced in the U.S. today. MSN Nurse Educators are required to complete clinical experiences as well as attend minimum on-campus experiences in the form of orientation and an on-campus residency. MSN Nurse Educator graduates are prepared to sit for Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) offered by the National League for Nursing.
Part of the Regents of the University Michigan System, UM Flint, was established in 1956 with 167 students and presently has enrollment in excess of 8,000 students. The University of Michigan is recognized by the Kiplinger Report as #5 in its Best Value Colleges and U.S. News and World Report ranks the UM Flint nursing program #16 in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. The Princeton Review named the University of Michigan Flint as one of the Best in the Midwest in its 2015 report and the university has been recognized as a veteran friendly institution by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA).
Estimated Program Length: 24 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 95-100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
9. Duke University School of Nursing
Offering two 100% online MSN degree programs in Nursing Education and Nursing and Healthcare Leadership. The Nurse Educator program requires core studies in evidence based practice, population health in a global society and transitions of Advanced Nursing Practice, before advancing to the clinical component of the degree. Clinical studies include advanced physiology, trends in management of healthcare problems, clinical pharmacology and health assessment. Nursing education courses cover innovations in clinical teaching, educational program evaluation and analysis, facilitating student learning and implementing the nurse educator role. Those in the Nursing and Healthcare Leadership track will concentrate on the same core MSN courses as in the Nurse Educator track, with additional studies in organizational theories, business communications in healthcare, management of complex health systems, business and finance in healthcare and applied healthcare economics for nurses. Duke University also provides distance nursing degrees, which is a hybrid of online courses and required on-campus intensives, in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. The School of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE.
With roots extending to 1924, Duke University has grown to be one of the nation's premier universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the university has grown to over 14,000 enrolled students. Rated #4 in America's Best Colleges by Kiplinger, Duke has also received high marks from U.S. News and World Report as its #3 pick in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, #13 in Washington Monthly's "Bang for the Buck" and #8 by Forbes' Top Colleges ranking.
Estimated Program Length: 18 Months
NCLEX Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Upper Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
10. University of Pittsburgh
The School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh offers an online MSN degree with concentrations in Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Informatics. Clinical Nurse Leader students will study, among others, applied statistics for evidence based practice, pathophysiology, organizational and management theory, ethics for advanced practice nurses, finance and economics for healthcare, leadership development, education and mentoring in the clinical setting and complete a clinical practicum. Nursing Informatics coursework will involve study in statistics for evidence based practice, database management, clinical information systems, informatics theories and issues, healthcare quality and a nursing informatics practicum. The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has a 93.6% first time pass rate.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing opened in 1940. The school ranks #7 in National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as #12 in its Best Online MSN Programs. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh is ranked in the top 50 of Kiplinger's Best College Values, #154 in Forbes Magazine's America's Top Colleges and #344 in the Washington Monthly "Bang for the Buck" ratings. Established in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy, the university was chartered by the state in 1819 and awarded its first degrees in 1823. The university has an enrollment over 28,000 students and offers over 250 academic programs.
Estimated Program Length: 18 Months
NCLEX Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Upper Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
11. University of Missouri Kansas City School of Nursing and Health Studies
This Missouri School of Nursing and Health Sciences, provides seven nurse specialties online MSN degrees. Online concentrations area available in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner , Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner , Women's Health Nurse Practitioner , Nurse Educator and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner . The program utilizes current nursing research, nursing theory and evidence-based practices to develop necessary skills for nurses to advance in their careers. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this is a hybrid program, requiring online and may require on-campus attendance during the student's clinical experience. Admission is limited to certain states and the school website provides additional information on those states that are ineligible.
With a current enrollment of over 16,000 students, the University of Missouri Kansas City was chartered in 1929 with 80 students graduating in 1936. The university became part of the University of Missouri System in 1963 and the school has continued to grow into 14 colleges offering 50+ degrees in over 125 academic areas. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university #210 in National Universities, the graduate online nursing program is ranked #21 in Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs. The University of Missouri Kansas City is ranked #553 in Forbes' America Top Colleges and #53 in Kiplinger's Best College Values.
Estimated Program Length: 24 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 99%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Upper Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
12. Saint Xavier University School of Nursing
This Chicago, Illinois based university offers an online Master of Nursing with concentrations in MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership, MSN in Clinical Nurse Leadership and MSN Nurse Educator programs. Curriculum for the Executive Nurse Leadership specialty prepares graduates to work in hospitals, doctors offices, hospices and rehabilitation centers; and examines project management, strategic planning, conflict and regulatory compliance . Students in the Clinical Nurse Leadership track study evidence based quality improvement, clinical strategies, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment. Students choosing the Nurse Educator concentration will curriculum design and evaluation, educational theory for adults and student evaluations. The school additionally offers a Special Entry Option (SEO) designed for nurses who currently hold a bachelors degree in other areas other than nursing, to obtain a MSN without obtaining a BSN.
This program has also received the National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence designation, one of only 40 schools nationally to be so recognized. The School of Nursing is ranked #1 in U.S. News and World Report's 2017 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and the university is Chicago's oldest Catholic University and was founded in 1846. Tuition for Saint Xavier is in the mid-range for graduate nursing programs.
Estimated Program Length: 16 Months
NCLEX Exam Pass Rate: 97%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance: Yes
13. University of Texas Arlington
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited, the University of Texas Arlington has three, online graduate nursing tracks available in accelerated programs in: Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN Nursing Administration and MSN Nursing Education . The accelerated MSN Nursing Administration degree incorporates management theory with practical experience and prepares students to assume managerial and leadership positions. The MSN Nursing Education program promotes skills in curriculum development, teaching and the development of classroom strategies and evaluation methods. The MSN Nursing Education degree qualifies students to sit for national certification which expands graduates career opportunities in nursing education. (NOTE: Currently, the school is unable to accept students from Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming for the MSN Nursing Education and MSN Nursing Administration programs). Those choosing the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track, will concentrate on strengthening clinical skills to move from the bedside to overall patient care. Specialized training will focus on diagnostic and clinical assessment skills to move into the role of healthcare treatment provider.
Ranked by Forbes Magazine as the #137 Top Colleges in the South UT Arlington (UTA) also ranks in the top 100 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. U.S. News and World Report also ranks UTA #1 for graduating students with the least amount of student debt. With a total global enrollment in excess of 58,000 students, UTA was founded in 1895 as Arlington College with an enrollment of only 75 students. Through the intervening years and ideations, UTA became part of the University of Texas System and offers over 180 degree programs.
Estimated Program Length: 20-36 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 97%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Not Available
14. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University provides an online MSN offering concentrations in Nursing Education, Nurse Executive Leadership, Nursing Informatics and Nurse Practitioner specialties in Adult Gerontology, Adult Geronotology Acute Care, Pediatric and Psychiatric Mental Health. MSN enrolled students will initially complete core MSN courses in scholarly inquiry, role development for Advanced Nursing Practice, theoretical foundations, health care policy, technical foundations and informatics and statistics for health care research. Depending on the specialty, the length of study will vary between 35-49 credit hours. A BSN from an accredited school and a current, unrestricted nursing license and proof of clinical experience are mandatory for admission. The school also requests applicants show successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course. Hybrid coursework is occasionally offered. This MSN program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, Northern Kentucky University opened in 1946 in a bus station in Covington, Kentucky. The school was established to provide WWII veterans on the G.I. Bill and area high school graduates and women working as secretaries educational opportunities. The school became a university in 1976 and now has over 14,000 students enrolled in over 70 undergraduate majors, 22 masters programs and a law school. Forbes Magazine lists Northern Kentucky University #249 in Public Colleges and #182 in the South and the MSN program is ranked #54 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; as well as, #82 in Regional Universities and #31 in Best Public Schools.
Program Length: 42 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 92%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Not Available
15. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program of the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, is provided 100% online and is accredited by the CCNE. The school offers two FNP tracks in Primary Care, Adult Gerontology and Psychiatric Mental Health. Students are required to complete core nursing courses which include nursing foundations, advanced nursing practice and healthcare policy, research, clinical pharmacotherapeutics, advanced pathophysiology and research analysis and application. Students are required to complete practicum experiences before graduation and students should check with the college to determine the process for online students. Additionally, due to state regulations, the program is unable to accept students from all states and its recommended prospective students verify their state's acceptance. This school of nursing also provides online degree programs for students seeking a BSN or a post-Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice.
The nursing school was founded in 1904 through efforts of the Methodist Church and was incorporated into the University of Colorado in 1997. Ranked #9 by U.S. News and World Report as one of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs ranking. The university is ranked in the Top 100 Public Colleges, as well as #505 in its Top Public Colleges rankings. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs was established in 1876 and has grown to an enrollment of over 12,000 on-campus students and over 3,000 online students. Military Times has named the university #27 in its "Best For Vets" school.
Estimated Program Length: 36 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 90%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Not Available
16. University of Cincinnati College of Nursing
The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing offers Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited online MSN Nurse Practitioner degrees in four specialties. Students who apply by May 1, 2018 will be allowed to choose between concentrations in: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduate nursing students are expected to complete core nursing courses covering such areas as Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, etc. Admission to the College of Nursing requires a BSN and work experience; however, there is also an Accelerated Pathways option for students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field who want to obtain a Registered Nurse degree and then pursue a MSN. The College of Nursing reports an outstanding exam pass rate. The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing funds a Nurse Faculty Loan Program for graduate students. This loan program is intended to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty.
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is the oldest higher education institution in Ohio and has an enrollment in excess of 44,000 students. Ranked #5 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs ranking, the College of Nursing and also is ranked #4 Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs for Veterans. Forbes Magazine rates the University of Cincinnati in the Top 200 Public Colleges nationwide and #84 Top Colleges in the Midwest.
Estimated Program Length: 24 Months
NCLEX Exam Pass Rate: 82%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance: Yes
17. St. Francis University Leach College of Nursing
Offering two online degree programs culminating in a MSN, St. Francis University provides two tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education. Each track requires core nursing coursework in Advanced Practice Nursing, Biostatistics and Nursing Research, Population Health and Evidence Based Practice. Accredited by the CCNE, this program publishes an 80% first-time pass certification exam rate for its FNP students. Students enrolled in the FNP track will be required to attend on-campus experiences four times and Nursing Education will need to attend twice during their education. FNP students will conduct clinical hours under the guidance of pre-approved preceptors. Note:Because of State Board of Nursing regulations, this program is currently able only able to admit students from Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico or Wisconsin.
Located in Joliet, Illinois, has a current enrollment of over 4,000 students, with nearly half of the students attending off-campus. Founded in 1925, this Franciscan college was known as the Assisi Junior College; and, then, College of Saint Francis until 1998, when it obtained its university status. The College of Saint Francis, in 1997, merged with the Saint Joseph School of Nursing. Ranked #29 in online nursing programs by U.S. News and World Report, the school has also been rated #570 by Forbes Magazines in its Top Colleges report as well as ranking it in the top 200 colleges in the Northwest.
Estimated Program Length: 29-36 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: 80%
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Mid Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available:Yes
18. University of Kansas School of Nursing
Providing three specialty areas in MSN Nursing Informatics, MSN Organizational Leadership and MSN Public Health Nursing, the University of Kansas School of Nursing at the Kansas University Medical Center, provides a CCNE accredited online opportunity for nurses continuing their education. Students are expected to complete core nursing courses in Theories for Practice and Research: Individual, Family, Community, Health Care Research, Professionalism in Advanced Nursing Practice and Research Project in Nursing. Students in each specialty are also required to complete leadership core courses which include studies in Organizational Foundations for Leading Change, Program, Project, and Communication Planning, The Social Context for Health Care Policy, Evaluation and Analysis for Health Care Effectiveness and Global Perspectives and Diversity in Health Care before moving on to specialty studies. Students pursuing the MSN Health Informatics degree will be prepared for entry to mid-level positions in healthcare informatics departments, software design and as healthcare facilities' consultants. Graduates in the MSN Organizational Leadership program will be able to enter administrative positions with the necessary skills to lead clinical operations, fiscal operations, quality and safety management, etc. MSN in Public Health graduates will be able to seek employment in local, state and federal health agencies, global health organizations, public and private schools and community based health advocacy agencies.
Recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing, the University of Kansas School of Nursing has also been ranked #19 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. The University of Kansas has also received recognition from the Princeton Review as one of its Best in the Midwest schools; and Forbes Magazine has designated it #236 in its Best Value Schools. Established in 1906, as part of the Kansas University School of Medicine, the Nursing School established its BSN in 1929 and its graduate program in 1968. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the University of Kansas was established in 1865 and has a current enrollment of over 28,000 students.
Estimated Program Length: 24 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: Not Reported
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Low Range
Graduate Financial Assistance:Yes
19. University of Alabama Birmingham
Providing three, online MSN degrees in Case Management, Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Administrator specialties, the University of Alabama programs hold Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation. Students following the Case Management Track will focus studies in advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, informatics in healthcare, basic epidemiology, human relations management, etc., a practicum; and, has an optional thesis provision. Clinical Nurse Leader students will follow a course of study which includes advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, issues in community health for rural populations, evidence based practice for Clinical Nurse Leaders, fiscal resource management, etc.; and, a clinical immersion experience. Nurse Administrator students will follow a course of study which includes evidence based practice, healthcare informatics, fiscal resource management and an administrative/executive practicum.
The University of Alabama Birmingham was founded in 1859 as the Medical College of Alabama with 52 students. Joining the university is one of three, independent institutions of the University of Alabama System. Today, the enrollment exceeds 38,000 students enrolled in one of eleven colleges. The UAB School of Nursing was established in 1950 and has been rated #16 by U.S. News and World Report's annual Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs ranking; and, the University of Alabama Birmingham has been ranked one of Kiplinger's Best College Values. The MSN online degree program is offered by the School of Nursing through the Bama By Distance and offers four nursing degrees online and two blended nursing programs.
Estimated Program Length: 16 Months
Exam Pass Rate: Not Reported
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Low Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes
20. Stony Brook School of Nursing
Stony Brook School of Nursing offers a hybrid MSN degree program which includes two specialty tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership Nursing Educator students will begin with core courses in Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation Quality Improvement, Safety, and Health Care Technologies and Health Care Policy and Advocacy before moving into research, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology classes. Education courses will include curriculum design and theory and practice in nurse education. Nursing Leadership will begin with the same core courses as Nursing Education before advancing to application in clinical nursing research, business skills for nurses, legal/ethical/regulatory issues and finance and economics. This program holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Stony Brook School of Nursing is one of six professional schools of the Health Sciences Center at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook New York. Founded in 1957, Stony Brook University is ranked as #35 in Kiplinger's Best College Values, #248 in "Best Bang for the Buck" by Washington Monthly, #187 by in Forbes Top Colleges. U.S. News and World Report rates Stony Brook #118 Best Value Schools and #58 Best Colleges for Veterans and rated the School of Nursing's online nursing program at #21 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. The university has an enrollment of over 25,000 students.
Length of Program: 18 Months
Certification Exam Pass Rate: Not Reported
Tuition Per Credit Hour: Upper Range
Graduate Financial Assistance Available: Yes