10 Easiest Online Nurse Practitioner Programs To Get Into 2027

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is one of the most rewarding steps a registered nurse can take, offering more autonomy, higher pay, and the chance to diagnose and treat patients directly. Getting into an NP program, though, can be a challenge of its own. Many schools ask for high GPAs, years of bedside experience, multiple recommendation letters, and interviews, and some admit only one cohort per year.

Not every program sets the bar in the same place. Similar to many of the easiest online degrees, the online NP programs below keep their requirements focused on the essentials and offer flexibility where it counts. You'll find schools with provisional admission options, no GRE, frequent start dates, and support for finding clinical placements, plus details on costs, timelines, and career prospects.

What Makes an Online Nurse Practitioner Program Easier To Get Into?

Every accredited NP program requires an active RN license, and most master's-level programs expect a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Beyond those basics, admissions requirements vary widely. Some programs consider applicants with GPAs below 3.0 through provisional admission, while others hold firm at 3.0 or higher. Experience requirements also differ, with some schools asking for one or more years of RN practice and others admitting new BSN graduates. Programs that skip the GRE, limit recommendation letters, and waive application fees remove even more hurdles.

Timing and support matter, too. Rolling admissions and multiple start dates each year mean you won't have to wait months for the next cohort. Clinical placement support is another major factor, since finding preceptors for 500 to 800 clinical hours is one of the biggest obstacles NP students face. Keep in mind that while coursework in these programs is delivered online, clinical hours are always completed in person at healthcare sites, usually near where you live.

Easiest Online Nurse Practitioner Programs To Get Into

The programs below combine accessible admissions with online coursework and recognized nursing accreditation. Each offers a practical path for RNs who want to move into advanced practice without an overly complicated application process.

1. South University

South University sets one of the most accessible GPA thresholds you'll find for an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization. You'll need a BSN with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, a valid RN license, and official transcripts, and there's no GRE or minimum work experience listed. The school is currently in the process of being acquired by a for-profit education company and is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a for-profit institution.

The MSN-FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and includes 62 credits and 750 clinical hours. Clinical, practicum, and externship components take place in person, so you'll want to plan ahead for site availability in your area. The low GPA threshold makes this one of the most realistic options if your undergraduate grades weren't as strong as you'd like.

2. Chamberlain University

If your BSN GPA falls between 2.5 and 2.99, Chamberlain University, a for-profit nursing school, may still offer you provisional acceptance into its NP tracks. Provisionally admitted students complete an NP Provisional Assessment or a short preparatory course before starting NP core coursework, giving you a clear path to full admission.

Chamberlain doesn't require prior RN experience for its FNP track, so you can apply soon after earning your BSN and license. The CCNE-accredited program uses an application and an interview with an admission advisor rather than a lengthy essay packet. That streamlined process, combined with the provisional GPA option, makes Chamberlain one of the easier NP programs to enter.

3. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University (CTU), a for-profit school, offers provisional admission to its online MSN-FNP for applicants with GPAs between 2.75 and 2.99. You'll need to earn at least a 3.0 in your first two MSN courses to move to full admission. There's no GRE or GMAT and no application fee, and the GPA is calculated from your last 60 semester hours, which can work in your favor if your grades improved over time.

CTU does require at least one year of recent direct-care nursing experience. Courses run five weeks, with multiple start dates throughout the year, and the CCNE-accredited FNP track includes 630 direct-care clinical hours and two required intensives. Preceptors must be approved by the College of Nursing before you begin clinical work.

4. Herzing University

Herzing University's online MSN-FNP uses rolling admissions with no application deadlines and six start dates per year. To apply, you'll need a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and an active RN license, and there's no GRE or minimum experience requirement listed. That makes it easy to apply whenever you're ready.

What sets Herzing apart is its clinical placement pledge. Clinical coordinators and a structured Clinical Guidance Process help you secure sites for the program's 585 clinical hours, and a Clinical Readiness Course prepares you before you begin. The CCNE-accredited program takes about 20 months for full-time students.

5. Wilkes University

Wilkes University in Pennsylvania keeps its online MSN-NP application simple. You'll submit proof of a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, a resume, and a cover letter, and the program doesn't list a GRE or minimum clinical experience requirement. The admissions committee may ask for additional materials, but the core packet is short.

Wilkes provides clinical placement services at no additional charge, which removes one of the most stressful parts of NP school. Courses run 12 weeks, with three start dates per year, and you can choose from family, adult-gerontology primary care, or psychiatric-mental health tracks. Most tracks take a little over two years to complete.

6. Spring Arbor University

At Spring Arbor University, your GPA is calculated from your most recent 60 credits, so early academic struggles won't necessarily hold you back. You'll need a 3.0 in those credits, a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, and a short personal statement, with no minimum experience requirement beyond holding your license. Six start dates per year make it easy to begin when the timing works for you.

The CCNE-accredited online FNP program follows a 7-1-7 model, with one seven-week course at a time followed by a one-week break. Spring Arbor works with you to secure clinical placements near your preferred location through its clinical partner network. The program includes 625 clinical hours and one four-day campus residency.

7. Western Governors University

Western Governors University's (WGU) MSN-FNP requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA and minimum grades in five prerequisite courses, and that requirement is waived entirely if you earned your BSN at WGU. There's no work experience requirement listed, and the program's competency-based coursework lets you move through didactic material as you master it.

You'll complete 650 direct patient care hours across three internship courses with preceptors in your local community, plus an FNP Skills Workshop covering hands-on procedures like suturing and joint injections. The standard path takes about two and a half years, and a part-time clinical option is available if you need to keep working more hours.

8. Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman University in Tennessee doesn't charge an application fee or require the GRE for its online MSN-FNP. You'll need a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and a letter describing your personal goals. The program does ask for three letters of recommendation, which places it a bit lower on this list.

Clinical placement support is included in tuition, with a placement specialist helping you identify preceptors and sites for the program's 780 clinical hours. In some cases, you may even complete placements at your current workplace. The CCNE-accredited program offers three starts per year and includes a three-day on-campus residency and a two-day board certification review.

9. Maryville University

Maryville University asks for a 3.0 cumulative GPA for its online MSN nurse practitioner programs, but applicants below that mark can submit one letter of recommendation instead of being turned away. You'll also need a BSN from an accredited nursing program, a current RN license, and at least one year of professional nursing experience.

Maryville offers several NP specialties online, including family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health, and its nursing programs are CCNE-accredited. The one-year experience requirement is what keeps this program from ranking higher, but the GPA flexibility makes it a strong option for experienced RNs.

10. Northern Kentucky University

For a public university option, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers an online MSN-FNP with five start dates per year and accelerated seven-week courses. The application doesn't list letters of recommendation, an interview, or the GRE, and NKU waives the application fee for alumni and active or veteran military members.

NKU does require a 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate statistics course, and 1,000 clinical hours of practice as an RN, which places it last on this list. The CCNE-accredited program includes 48 credits and 750 clinical hours and can be completed in as few as 26 months, with the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Admissions requirements carry the most weight in our evaluation, since they determine how quickly a qualified RN can move from applying to enrolling.

Programs that remove avoidable barriers while maintaining strong clinical training rank highest. These are the criteria we focus on:

• Accreditation: Every program is offered by an accredited institution, and preference goes to programs with CCNE accreditation.
• Program requirements: Lower GPA thresholds, provisional admission, no GRE, and limited or no experience requirements all improve a program's position.
• Online availability: Coursework must be delivered online, with clinical hours completed in the student's local area whenever possible.
• Student outcomes: Clinical placement support, completion timelines, and preparation for national certification help show how well a program serves its students.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner Online?

Most online MSN-NP programs take about two to three years to complete, depending on whether you enroll full time or part time. Programs typically require 45 to 65 credits and 500 to 800 clinical hours. Full-time students in accelerated formats can sometimes finish in about 20 months, as with Herzing's FNP track, while part-time students often take closer to three years.

Your overall timeline also depends on how quickly you can secure clinical placements and pass your national certification exam after graduation. Programs with built-in placement support tend to keep students on schedule. You can learn more about how fast you can become a nurse practitioner and what affects that timeline, and some accelerated online FNP programs offer especially compact schedules.

Are Online NP Programs Easier To Get Into Than On-Campus Programs?

Online NP programs often have more flexible admissions than traditional campus programs. Because they serve working nurses across many states, they tend to offer rolling admissions, multiple start dates, and application steps you can complete entirely online. Many campus programs, on the other hand, admit a single cohort each year and may require interviews, group sessions, or higher GPAs.

That flexibility doesn't extend to the academic or clinical work. Online NP students complete the same advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment courses as their on-campus peers, plus hundreds of supervised clinical hours. You'll also need strong time management skills to balance demanding coursework with clinical rotations and your nursing job.

How Much Does an Online NP Program Cost?

Total tuition for an online MSN-NP program generally ranges from about $25,000 to $60,000. Public universities and programs with fewer required credits tend to fall at the lower end, while private and for-profit schools often cost more. Per-credit pricing, total credits, and the number of terms you need all affect your final bill.

Clinical requirements can add costs beyond tuition. Some schools charge clinical or placement fees, and you may need to budget for background checks, drug screenings, liability insurance, and travel to clinical sites or on-campus residencies. Certification exam fees and review courses are also worth factoring into your plan.

Financial Aid for Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Graduate nursing students at accredited schools can access federal aid and a wide range of other funding sources. Combining several options can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

• Federal student loans: Filing the FAFSA gives you access to Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate study, and the FAFSA covers online college at accredited schools. These loans offer fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment options. Borrow only what you need, since interest starts accruing right away.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many health systems help pay for advanced nursing degrees, especially in areas with provider shortages. Several hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for nurses pursuing graduate study, sometimes in exchange for a work commitment after graduation.
• Nursing scholarships and grants: Professional nursing associations, specialty organizations, and foundations award scholarships to graduate nursing students. Some universities also offer institutional scholarships or discounts for alumni and partner employers.
• Loan repayment programs: The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program and the National Health Service Corps can help pay off nursing education debt if you work in a high-need area. Public Service Loan Forgiveness may also apply if you work for a government or nonprofit employer.
• Military benefits: Veterans and eligible family members can apply benefits at online colleges that accept the GI Bill, and active-duty nurses may qualify for Tuition Assistance. Schools like NKU also waive application fees for military applicants.

How To Choose the Right Online Nurse Practitioner Program

An easier application is a good start, but the right program also needs to fit your career goals and schedule. Compare your options using these factors:

• Specialty: Decide which population you want to serve, such as families, older adults, children, or patients with mental health needs. Your specialty determines which certification exam you'll take and where you can practice.
• Clinical placement support: Ask whether the school finds preceptors for you, helps you search, or leaves it entirely up to you. Strong placement support can make the difference between graduating on time and falling behind.
• Accreditation and state authorization: Choose a program accredited by CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and confirm the school is authorized to enroll students in your state. Both affect your eligibility for certification and licensure.
• On-campus requirements: Check whether the program includes residencies or intensives. Even short campus visits require planning for travel and time off.
• Certification outcomes: Ask about first-time pass rates on national certification exams. Strong pass rates suggest a program prepares students well for practice.

Career Outlook With an Online NP Degree

Nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing professionals in healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn a median annual wage of $132,300, and employment is projected to grow 41% through 2035. That growth far outpaces the average for all occupations.

Demand is driven by an aging population, an increased focus on preventive care, and ongoing shortages of primary care physicians in many areas. NPs work in physician offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, telehealth companies, and community health centers. Many states also allow NPs to practice independently, giving them even more career options.

FAQs About the Easiest Online NP Programs To Get Into

Choosing an NP program raises questions about experience, placements, and degree paths. These answers address some of the most common concerns.

Do You Need RN Experience To Get Into an NP Program?

Not always. Programs like Chamberlain's FNP track, Herzing, Spring Arbor, and Wilkes don't list a minimum experience requirement, while others, such as CTU and Maryville, ask for one year and NKU asks for 1,000 hours. Even when experience isn't required, bedside nursing can help you feel more confident during clinical rotations.

Do Online NP Programs Find Clinical Placements for You?

It depends on the school. Some programs, like Herzing, Wilkes, and Carson-Newman, provide placement services or coordinators who help secure preceptors and sites. Others expect you to find your own placements, sometimes with general guidance. Ask about placement support before you enroll, since it can affect how quickly you complete the program.

Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a BSN?

Yes, through an RN-to-MSN bridge program. These programs let associate degree nurses complete bachelor's-level coursework and then move directly into MSN and NP courses. If you'd rather earn your BSN first, completing one of the online RN-to-BSN programs with no clinicals can prepare you to apply to a standard MSN-NP program.

Which NP Specialty Is Easiest To Get Into?

The family nurse practitioner track is usually the most accessible, simply because it's the most widely offered specialty with the most available seats. Psychiatric-mental health NP programs are in high demand and can be more competitive. You can compare online psychiatric NP programs with no GRE requirement if mental health care is your goal.

Should You Earn an MSN or a DNP To Become a Nurse Practitioner?

An MSN is currently the most common path to NP certification and licensure, and it's typically shorter and less expensive than a DNP. A DNP adds advanced coursework in leadership, systems, and quality improvement, and some nurses choose it for long-term career growth. Many NPs start with an MSN and later complete a post-master's DNP, and comparing online MSN programs with no GRE requirement is a good starting point.

Find Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

An online NP program with accessible admissions can help you move into advanced practice sooner while you keep working. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admissions requirements, clinical placements, and start dates.