Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Online^{(See disclaimer 1)} nurse practitioner programs offer flexibility, but they are not fully online because clinical training must be completed in person. Lectures, assignments, class discussions and exams are often completed online, helping working nurses balance school with employment. 

Nurse practitioner students must also gain supervised, hands-on experience evaluating patients, making diagnoses, developing treatment plans and managing care. These clinical hours usually occur at approved local healthcare facilities, depending on the program and state requirements. In practice, an online NP program means online coursework plus in-person practicum/clinical hours, not a degree completed entirely from home.

Accredited online^{(See disclaimer 1)} NP programs are recognized by employers and healthcare organizations, such as GCU’s NP programs. They are designed to meet established standards for graduate nursing education through curriculum, clinical training and student learning outcomes. Many online programs include hands-on practicum experiences and rigorous coursework designed to help students develop clinical skills comparable to those gained in traditional in-person programs.

Registered nurses may pursue nurse practitioner schooling after earning a qualifying nursing degree, such as a BSN, and meeting admission requirements. Some RN to NP programs are designed to help nurses advance their education and prepare for advanced practice roles.

In many states, nurse practitioners may prescribe medications as part of their scope of practice. Prescriptive authority requirements vary by state and may depend on licensure, certification and collaborative practice regulations.

Nurse practitioners may pursue a variety of specialties depending on their education and certification path. Common focus areas include:

• Family practice
• Adult-gerontology
• Psychiatric mental health
• Pediatrics
• Acute care

The difference between an RN and a nurse practitioner is that RNs primarily provide and coordinate patient care, while NPs go beyond typical patient care and carry out additional responsibilities. Because they have advanced education, they can diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans and prescribe medications, depending on state regulations.