30+ Online Nurse Practitioner Programs with No GRE!

By becoming a registered nurse, you will have many excellent opportunities for a rewarding career. The healthcare field overall is expanding very quickly, with many new job opportunities opening up on the coming years. Generally, healthcare occupations will increase by 19% by 2024.

One of the best ways to take advantage of many new healthcare work opportunities is to earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) so you can become a nurse practitioner (NP). Becoming an NP is a sure way to work with more responsibility, a higher salary, and greater respect in the nursing field.

Nurse Practitioner – High Demand and Responsibility

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has higher responsibilities than those of a traditional RN. An NP serves as both a primary and secondary health care provider. She delivers advanced nursing care services to patients and families.

NPs perform many of the same roles as doctors, but at a lower price point. They assess patients, determine how to best manage or improve the health of the patient, and talk with patients about ways to integrate better health promotion strategies into the life of the patient. Many NPs work with certain sectors of the population; some will earn special certifications to work with geriatric, pediatric or mental health patients, for example.

In most state, NPs work under the supervision of a physician. However, some states will allow NPs to work on their own.

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner?

The US population is growing older, living longer, and demanding more health care services. At the same time, the cost of healthcare is rising. There is growing pressure on healthcare companies, insurance companies, and employers to reduce healthcare costs an increase profits.

One of the ways this can be done is to use nurse practitioners to do most of the work that was once done exclusively by physicians. These various factors mean that there is a huge demand increase in the next decade for NPs. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the demand for NPs will soar by 35% by 2024.

This means that there will be an increase of nearly 45,000 NP jobs by 2024. With this type of demand, a nurse with a MSN degree as a nurse practitioner will have her pick of jobs, with excellent pay. Most NPs also report that with their advanced degree and advanced training comes a higher degree of respect and credibility than regular nurses receive. This is just as important to many NPs as any increase in salary or responsibility.

Jump to an Online Nurse Practitioner Specialization

Being a nurse practitioner allows you to specialize in a variety of clinical areas. Below are the most common ones:

Admission Requirements

The competition to enter a strong MSN program is intense, and you will need to meet rigorous standards of admission. For example, Duke University has the following standards to be considered:

  • BSN degree from an accredited university
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Statistics courses required
  • GRE exam scores; this can be waived if you have a 3.4 GPA or higher
  • Must be a current RN
  • Must have at least one year of nursing experience
  • Transcripts
  • Updated resume

Curriculum and Courses

Chamberlain University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track that will prepare you to work as an advanced nursing practice professional. This program can be completed entirely online. The FNP curriculum has both theory and practical application that is done through extensive online discussions, live simulations, and clinical residencies in your home area.

After graduation, you will be ready to sit for your national certification as a family nurse practitioner.

Required core classes include:

  • Population Health, Epidemiology and Statistical Principles
  • Advanced pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Physical Assessment
  • Leadership and Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse

Another key part of your program at Chamberlain is your various nurse practicums. These are courses where you must apply your skills and knowledge in the real world. These courses require you to complete 125 practicum hours each, which has to be completed in seven weeks, or roughly 18 hours per week.

You need to select an appropriate clinical site and supervisor. Chamberlain will work with you to help you to find a suitable site. You will need to work closely with both your Chamberlain academic supervisor and and your site supervisor to ensure that all practicum requirements are completed. Your practicum courses are as follows:

  • Differential Diagnosis and Primary Care
  • Primary Care of the Maturing and Aged Family
  • Primary Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family Practicum
  • Advanced Clinical Diagnosis and Practice Across the Lifespan

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner

A family nurse practitioner works either autonomously or with other healthcare professionals to deliver primary care that is focused on the family. The ‘family’ speciality for NPs is the broadest of all, so FNPs offer a wide range of healthcare services focused on both children and adults in the family. From health promotion to prevention of diseases to direct care and counseling, there are many types of healthcare that the FNP will provide to people across the lifespan.

FNPs have a strong focus on prevention and wellness, and they also offer treatment for mild illnesses and serious health problems.

Recommended Options

The following universities offer an accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing in the family nurse practitioner specialty without requiring the GRE. *Indicates featured partner school.

  1. *MSN Family Nurse Practitioner – Georgetown University
  2. *(MSN) – RN Track – Family Nurse PractitionerWalden University
  3. *(MSN) – BSN Track – Family Nurse PractitionerWalden University
  4. *MSN – Family Nurse PractitionerSouth University
  5. *MSN – Family Nurse PractitionerSacred Heart University
  6. *Master of Science in NursingGrand Canyon University
  7. Master of Science in Nursing – Bradley University
  8. *Master of Science in NursingIndiana Wesleyan University
  9. Master of Science in NursingCatholic University of America

Adult and Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

The adult and gerontology nurse practitioner is trained to assess, diagnose and treat many types of healthcare problems for patients who are 13 and older. This popular specialization focuses on the exploration of strategies to improve the health of people of many ages through collaboration, treatment and communication.

Students are prepared to offer healthcare to people across the age spectrum, but there is a focus on primary care for those from late adolescence to older adulthood. AGNPs also have the skills to provide end of life care to the elderly. As the healthcare needs of many patients require complex care of illnesses, the AGNP may work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to nursing homes to hospice care.

Recommended Options

The following universities feature an accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing in the adult gerontology speciality without the GRE requirement. *Indicates featured partner school.

  1. *(MSN) – BSN Track – Adult Nurse Practitioner – Walden University
  2. *(MSN) – RN Track – Adult Nurse Practitioner Walden University
  3. *MSN a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerSouth University
  4. *Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerGeorgetown University
  5. *MSN – Adult-Gero Primary Care – University of Cincinnati
  6. *Master of Science in NursingSeton Hall University
  7. *Master of Science in NursingGeorgetown University

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

A women’s health nurse practitioner prepare you to assume a leadership role as a primary care NP for women of all ages. Students focus on developing skills and experience to treat illnesses and diseases that are specific to women. They also provide care to women in areas such as primary care; prenatal and postpartum care; care throughout the lifespan and into menopause; general wellness and preventive care; and reproductive health.

Recommended Options

The following universities feature an accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing in the women’s health specialty without the GRE requirement. *Indicates featured partner school.

  1. *MSN – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – University of Cincinnati
  2. *Master of Science in Nursing – Georgetown University
  3. Master of Science in Nursing – Duke University (GRE waived for 3.4+ GPA)
  4. Master of Science in Nursing – Drexel University
  5. Master of Science in Nursing – Kent State University

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

A neonatal nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse that cares for both sick and premature babies in a NICU, or neonatal intensive care unit. They also may care for newborns in emergency rooms, delivery rooms, specialty clinics and other special healthcare facilities.

Neonatal nurse practitioners must care for newborns that need almost constant attention, so they are usually the primary care provider for any baby that is premature or ill. You will most likely provide focused care regarding low birth weight, respiratory problems, heart defects and more.

Recommended Options

The following universities feature an accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing in the neonatal specialty without the GRE requirement. *Indicates featured partner school.

  1. Master of Science in Nursing – Duke University (GRE waived for 3.4+ GPA)
  2. Master of Science in Nursing – Old Dominion University
  3. Master of Science in Nursing – Regis University
  4. Master of Science in Nursing – University of South Alabama

Informatics Nursing

A nursing informatics nurse is responsible for managing and communicating data and information to patients, nurses, consumers, and healthcare providers. A Master of Science in Nursing in this specialty will help you to support, promote and help in the safe and efficient implementation of informatics tools in a variety of healthcare situations. You will be responsible for effectively managing large amounts of patient and other healthcare data in a responsible manner so that better patient care decisions can be made.

Recommended Options

The following universities feature an accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing in the nursing informatics without the GRE requirement:=. *Indicates featured partner school.

  1. *RN to MSN in Nursing Informatics – South University
  2. *MSN Informatics – Jacksonville University
  3. Master of Science in Nursing – American Sentinel University
  4. *Master of Science in Nursing – Jacksonville University
  5. *Master of Science in Nursing – South University

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric nurse practitioners provide both acute and preventive care to both adolescents and children. They typically perform physical examinations, diagnose injury and illness, and also provide support and education to patients and their families. Some PNPs also work in pediatric intensive care with doctors and other healthcare providers.

Recommended Options

The following universities feature an accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing in the pediatric speciality without the GRE requirement. *Indicates featured partner school.

  1. Master of Science in Nursing – Maryville University
  2. Master of Science in Nursing – Drexel University
  3. Master of Science in Nursing – Duke University
  4. Master of Science in Nursing – University of South Alabama

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

A mental health nurse practitioner works with individuals, families and groups to assess their mental health needs. The mental health NP is responsible for developing a diagnosis and plan of care to deal with the mental health condition, and to evaluate how effective it is over time. They also are tasked with diagnosing and treating serious psychiatric disorders in their patients. These NPs also are usually authorized to prescribe drugs and administer psychotherapy.

Recommended Options

The following universities feature an accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing in the mental health specialty without the GRE requirement. *Indicates featured partner school.

  1. *M.S.N Psychiatric – Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Walden University
  2. Master of Science in Nursing – Maryville University
  3. *Master of Science in Nursing – Wilkes University
  4. Master of Science in Nursing – Drexel University

Career Outcomes and Job Titles

With a master’s degree in nursing with a speciality as nurse practitioner, the most common job title will be nurse practitioner. However, some nurses may also work in these roles:

  • Care manager or coordinator
  • Care manager
  • Nurse educator
  • Nursing director
  • Health care administrator
  • Case manager

Job and Salary Outlook

As an advanced practice nurse and nurse practitioner, you will enjoy strong career demand and salaries in these roles:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner — Job demand will increase by 35% in the next several years. It is thought that the increased access to health insurance is going to greatly increase the number of patients that NPs see. This professional will be needed to provide primary and preventive care; they also will be needed to provide care for aging baby boomers. The median salary in this field is $98,000.
  • Registered Nurse — Some workers with their NP degree may continue to work sometimes as a regular nurse. The regular RN field also is seeing strong demand with 16% increase in jobs expected by 2024. The median wage for RNs is $67,000 per year.
  • Gerontological Nurse Practitioner — Because the US population is growing older, this is a popular speciality for NPs. Older patients have their unique health problems and need more specialized care. If you prefer to work with older patients, this could be a good fit. Job demand in this specialty will grow by at least 35% as well, and the median salary is $95,000 per year.

Scholarships and Grants

For aspiring NPs, you may want help to fund your education. Check out these funding options:

  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners: This leading NP organization offers several AANP grants each year to graduate students in nursing. Each applicant can receive as much as $2500. This association also has various other educational scholarships available each year.
  • Health Resources and Services Administration: This division of the Department of Health and Human Services has the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program. You can receive funding for a large part of your nursing tuition if you agree to work in a Critical Shortage Facility after you graduate.

Resources

Some of the leading nursing related resources in the US today include these:

  • American Nurses Association: This is the top nursing association in the US, with many opportunities each year for education, networking and career advancement.
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center: When you graduate with your MSN degree, you must sit for your national NP certification examination. That exam is administered by the ANCC. It also is the organization that provides numerous certifications in specialty NP fields. The mission of this organization is to promote excellence in healthcare and nursing around the world with its credentialing programs.

Additional Resources