Smiling female nurse

Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP)

Master's Degree

Online Program

Next Start Dates
July 01, 2024
January 06, 2025

27 months estimated time to completion with full-time study1

CCNE accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education2

Online courses add flexibility for working nurses

Step Up as a Nurse Practitioner

Logo: CCNE accreditationThe world needs nurse practitioners—which means there’s never been a better time to pursue your specialized MSN-NP degree and make a lasting difference in healthcare. Answer the call with confidence through the CCNE-accredited2 online MSN Nurse Practitioner program at Rasmussen University.

You’re a registered nurse (RN) with your BSN, and we have the flexibility, support and specializations to help you take the next step into advanced practice. Designed with working RNs in mind, you’ll experience:

  • Empowered Learning® which allows you to learn by doing real-world projects and manage your own pace
  • Technology-focused nursing classes that prepare you for future technological advancements and innovations
  • Three elective courses expand on diagnostic techniques, practice management, and complementary and alternative medicine/therapies3
  • Doctorally-prepared nursing faculty who will share their wealth of experiences, knowledge and connections to further your preparation in the field
  • Dedicated support team of advisors, faculty, practicum coordinators, library resources and 24/7 support center
  • Online coursework and in-person practicum experiences that prepare you to sit for the national NP board certification exam associated with your specialization
  • Practicum experiences focus on your interests within your workplace or community

The MSN Nurse Practitioner program is currently NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal aid programs. With no GRE®4 requirement, qualified applicants can start the online MSN-NP program right away.

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Real Practice for Future Care

Prepare for your future advanced nursing practice with a unique combination of online MSN-NP specialization courses, an immersive virtual experience that ensures you are ready to be successful in your practicum experiences. Your local practicums provide meaningful training tailored to your interests. Your dedicated clinical coordinator will help locate your practicum experiences within your community and make sure your practicums are the right fit for you.
woman medical professional at desk in front of laptop showing something on camera

Choose Your Specialization

Advanced Nurse Practitioner Specializations

Specialized nurse practitioners are essential in primary care where they combine the heart of a nurse with advanced expertise. You’ll learn to diagnose and treat health concerns in a variety of patient groups, such as kids in pediatrics, 13 and older in adult-gerontology, the full lifespan in family practice, behavioral wellbeing in mental health or simply seeking excellent primary healthcare.
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

    You Bring

    • A passion for improving and promoting health for patients from adolescence to elderly
    • A drive to help patients and their caregivers navigate the challenges that come with adult healthcare needs
    • An interest in personal patient care

    You'll Study

    • Disease management of complex adult-gerontology disorders of the endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematological and neurological systems
    • Health promotion and prevention for aging adults
    • Conducting age-appropriate patient assessments, including collecting subjective and objective data
    • Diagnosing age-related illnesses and conditions using data, laboratory findings and tests
    • Prescribing medication and treatments when appropriate
    • E-prescribing, telehealth and managing a practice

    Career Settings

    • Work independently in your own practice
    • Provide leadership and administration in settings like hospitals, clinics or care centers

    male nurse practitioner holding clipboard standing by man in hospital bed

    Specialization Courses
    • Foundations of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice // NGR 6011
      • Gain knowledge in the roles, scope and standards of practice of Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners. Analyze how ethical, legal, social and cultural factors impact primary care from adolescence to old age.
    • Advanced Primary Care of the Adult and Older Adult I // NGR 6640
      • Learn strategies in primary care management of adult-gerontology patients with complex health disorders, including collecting data, laboratory findings and therapeutic interventions.
    • AGPC Practicum I
      • Participate in adult-gerontology primary care, including health promotion and disease management. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education for the patient, family and caregivers.
    • AGPC Practicum II
      • Apply skills in primary care ranging from adolescent to adult. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education for the patient, family and caregivers.
    • AGPC Practicum III
      • Apply skills in primary care for aging adult and frail elderly patients. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education for the patient, family and caregivers.
    • AGPC Practicum IV
      • Interact with patients within a chosen sub-population or clinical area of interest to refine your skills in assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning within your population focus.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

    You Bring

    • An interest in serving patients and families throughout their lifespan
    • A passion for health promotion and health education
    • A passion for treating people of diverse ages and backgrounds

    You'll Study

    • Health promotion, health restoration and disease management of families across the lifespan, including reproductive disorders
    • Conducting age-appropriate patient assessments, including collecting subjective and objective data
    • Diagnosing age-related illnesses and conditions using data, laboratory findings and tests
    • Prescribing medication and treatments when appropriate
    • E-prescribing, telehealth and managing a practice

    Career Settings

    • Work independently in your own practice
    • Provide leadership and administration in settings like hospitals, clinics or care centers

    male patient getting knee checked by female nurse practitioner

    Specialization Courses
    • Foundations of Family Nurse Practitioner Practice // NGR 6001
      • Gain knowledge in the roles, scope and standards of practice of Family Nurse Practitioners. Analyze how ethical, legal, social and cultural factors impact primary care across the lifespan.
    • Reproductive Health of the Family // NGR 6234
      • Analyze the male and female reproductive system, including health promotion and disease prevention, family planning, pre-conception care, and pregnancy and postpartum management.
    • FNP Practicum I
      • Apply skills on health promotion and disease management of patients with reproductive disorders and the childbearing family. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education for the patient.
    • FNP Practicum II
      • Participate in evaluation, treatment and management of pediatric and young adult patients. Identify the assessment, treatment and education for the patient and their family.
    • FNP Practicum III
      • Participate in the evaluation and treatment of adults, aging adults and frail elderly patients. Identify appropriate care, intervention and education for patients and caregivers.
    • FNP Practicum IV
      • Interact with patients within a chosen sub-population or clinical area of interest to refine your skills in assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning within your population focus.
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)

    You Bring

    • A passion for making a difference in the lives of children and their families
    • An interest in treating children and educating them and their families on health-related topics
    • An interest in personal patient care

    You'll Study

    • Primary care for children with complex health disorders of the immunologic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and more
    • Conducting age-appropriate patient assessments, including collecting subjective and objective data
    • Diagnosing age-related illnesses and conditions using data, laboratory findings and tests
    • Prescribing medication and treatments when appropriate
    • E-prescribing, telehealth and managing a practice

    Career Settings

    • Work independently in your own practice
    • Provide leadership and administration in settings like hospitals, clinics or care centers

    female nurse practitioner smiling at young girl

    Specialization Courses
    • Foundations of Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice // NGR 6021
      • Gain knowledge in the roles, scope and standards of practice of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Analyze how ethical, legal, social and cultural factors impact primary care of patients ranging from birth to young adult.
    • Principles of Pediatric Primary Care // NGR 6330
      • Analyze specialized healthcare of children within a family unit, from birth to young adult. Focus on growth and development, health promotion, health restoration and health maintenance.
    • PPCNP Practicum I
      • Apply skills in the primary care of the well-child. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education for the patient and their families.
    • PPCNP Practicum II
      • Apply skills in primary care for patients ranging from birth through pre-school. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education of disorders in increasing complexity in pediatric patients.
    • PPCNP Practicum III
      • Participate in primary care for patients from school age through young adult. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education of disorders in increasing complexity.
    • PPCNP Practicum IV
      • Interact with patients within a chosen sub-population or clinical area of interest to refine your skills in assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning within your population focus.
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

    You Bring

    • A passion for providing mental and behavioral healthcare to diverse populations
    • An interest in mental health as a holistic practitioner and expert clinician
    • A passion for the art of balancing patient care and the science of psychiatric mental health

    You'll Study

    • Development of mental health disorders based on nature and nurture components
    • Conducting age-appropriate patient assessments, including collecting subjective and objective data
    • Diagnosing mental health disorders and conditions throughout a patient’s lifespan using data, laboratory findings and tests
    • Prescribing medication and treatments when appropriate
    • E-prescribing, telehealth and managing a practice

    Career Settings

    • Work independently in your own practice
    • Provide leadership and administration in settings like hospitals, clinics or care centers

    nurse practitioner with family group

    Specialization Courses
    • Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice // NGR 6262
      • Gain knowledge in the roles, scope and standards of practice of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Analyze how ethical, legal, social and cultural factors impact mental health across the lifespan.
    • Psychopathology and Neurobiology of Mental Health Disorders // NGR 6462
      • Analyze the neurobiology and psychopathology of mental health disorders. Explore the development of mental health disorders based on nature and nurture components.
    • PMHNP Practicum I
      • Apply skills in child, adolescent and family care. Identify the appropriate care, intervention and education for the patient, family and caregivers.
    • PMHNP Practicum II
      • Participate in therapeutic interviewing, evaluation and formulation of treatment plans for adults with psychiatric disorders.
    • PMHNP Practicum III
      • Participate in therapeutic interviewing, evaluation and formulation of treatment plans for aging adults with psychiatric disorders.
    • PMHNP Practicum IV
      • Interact with patients in your setting or area of interest to advance skills in therapeutic interviewing, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning.

Expand Your Healing Heart as a Nurse Practitioner

Be prepared for more than just certification. Every element of the MSN Nurse Practitioner program equips you to practice the art and science of working with patients of various backgrounds within your NP specialization. You’ll also expand your nursing network among community mentors, experienced faculty and student cohorts. Your MSN education not only advances your skills, but diversifies your perspective.

Expand Your Healing Heart as a Nurse Practitioner

View transcript(Scroll to see full transcript)

Make a lasting difference in the lives of your patients with a Nurse Practitioner degree that’s designed and built for working nurses.

The CCNE-accredited MSN Nurse Practitioner program at Rasmussen University combines the efficiency of online learning with the skills you can only get with in-person training.

You’ll choose a specialization that matches your calling.

Become a Family Nurse Practitioner, helping patients of all ages with every aspect of their health.

An Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, helping mature patients address their health concerns and improve their quality of life.

A Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, treating children and educating their families on health-related topics.

Or a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, balancing patient care with the science of psychiatric-mental health.

In as few as 27 months, you can earn not just the degree, but the expertise and confidence to help you succeed as a nurse practitioner.

Here’s how the program works.

You get the flexibility of online courses, where you can manage your own pace with Empowered Learning—plus the hands-on learning and training of an in-person residential experience.

You’ll also care for patients in your community under the guidance of an experienced preceptor.

Choose elective courses that align with your personal path, such as:

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques, Practice Management or Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies.

Our program attracts outstanding educators, so you’ll be mentored and guided by faculty who are leaders in their fields—professionals who know what you need to be successful.

And we support our nursing students … with an advisor who will be with you from start to finish, graduate librarians who really understand your program and your research needs, 24/7 tech support, career advisors and more.

Learn more about the accredited program that gives you a firm foundation as you pursue your nurse practitioner goals—and supports you every step of the way.

Learn more at rasmussen.edu/np.

Nurse Practitioner Program Design

Become an Expert Clinician and Balanced Practitioner

In addition to working with experienced faculty and taking convenient online courses, you'll learn through:

Virtual Immersion and Pre-Clinical Readiness

Simulation, telehealth, standardized patient encounters and assessment-based activities. Everything you need to help gain the experiences needed to make sure you are prepared for clinical work.

Treatment Modalities

Modern treatment modalities training, such as telehealth, help you provide the best care in today’s innovative healthcare environment.

Practicum Experiences

Gain the confidence you need to help patients across the lifespan. Whether you complete them in your current workplace or community, you’ll work with patients in your specialization and see where you can make the biggest impact.

Technology-Forward Learning

Get on the cutting edge with nursing classes that better prepare you for technology-driven patient care.

Dedicated Support

From start to finish, you’ll be supported by a team who understands the demands of a nurse practitioner program. Your graduate services advisor will be your dedicated guide through course scheduling, program navigation and more.

Industry-Leading Faculty

Faculty and leadership are experienced nurses who have been in your shoes. Their diverse specialties, experience, accomplishments and credentials are why we chose them to support you and challenge you to be your best.

Personalized Practicums

Our clinical practicum coordinator does what it takes to make sure your clinical experiences are the right fit for you. With their support, you can focus on what matters most in your learning.

Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!

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Request More Information About Our MSN Program

Fill out the form to receive information about:

  • Program details and coursework
  • Application process
  • Choosing your specialization
  • Customized support services
  • Detailed program plans

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Do you have potential transfer credits?

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Your Nursing Career Path

With the many Nursing programs at Rasmussen University, you can easily transfer credits from one level to the next, saving you time and money. As a licensed nurse with your BSN, you can start to specialize your education and advance your practice. If you have goals of continuing to your DNP, your MSN sets you up perfectly to pursue your DNP with us.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Nursing (RN to BSN or BSN)

    Next step if:

    You’re ready to earn your BSN, want to become a Bachelor-prepared registered nurse and are looking for opportunities to advance your career.

    View RN to BSN details >

    Or start here if:

    You want to begin your nursing career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Choose from two pre-licensure entry tracks—standard and second degree.

    View BSN details >

    Finish in as few as:

    12 to 18 months (RN to BSN)1
    33 months (BSN Standard Degree)*
    18 months (BSN Second Degree)

    *Already an LPN? Our LPN to RN Bridge helps LPNs become RNs faster, further decreasing your time to program completion.

    Career Opportunities:

    • Hospitals
    • Clinical Practice
    • Administration
    • Nursing Education
    • Nursing Leadership
  • Master’s Degree: Nursing (MSN – Nurse Practitioner)

    Next step if:

    You want to influence present and future healthcare as a nursing leader. You’re passionate about treating a variety of patients and understand the delicate balance this field requires.

    We also offer an online MSN degree with three specialties in:

    • Nursing Leadership and Administration
    • Nursing Education
    • Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics

    Finish in as few as:

    27 months1

    Career Opportunities:

    • Hospitals
    • Emergency departments, clinical or private practice
    • Schools
    • Behavioral health facilities
    • Academia
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

    Next step if:

    You’re called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare, public health and policy—the definitive terminal degree for nurse leaders.

    Choose the specialization that best aligns with your interests and career goals:

    • Executive Leadership
    • Public Health and Policy

    Finish in as few as:

    21 months1

    Career Opportunities:

    • Chief Nursing Officer
    • Nursing Administrator
    • Director of Public Health and Policy
    • Government or Policy Activist

Affordable Education

Tuition & Savings

Do the Math

FNP, AGPCNP and PPCNP

We are committed to providing affordable tuition and breaking down the numbers so that you can see how achievable your goals are. With 11-week terms and a total of 16 courses, full-time students can finish in nine quarters, or just over two years1 for an estimated $48,360.5 The MSN Nurse Practitioner program is currently NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal aid programs.

It begins with core MSN Credits
$265 cost per MSN credit
x 28 total MSN credits
_______________________

Advance with NP specialization credits
$880 cost per NP specialization credit
x 41 total NP specialization credits
_______________________

$43,500 total tuition
+ $4,860 total fees
_______________________
$48,360 estimated total program cost


Explore our Tuition Estimator Tool

Do the Math

PMHNP

We are committed to providing affordable tuition and breaking down the numbers so that you can see how achievable your goals are. With two start dates per year, 11-week terms and a total of 15 courses, full-time students can finish in nine quarters, or just over two years1 for an estimated $47,960.7 The MSN Nurse Practitioner program is currently NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal aid programs.

It begins with core MSN Credits
$265 cost per MSN credit
x 28 total MSN credits
_______________________

Advance with NP specialization credits
$880 cost per NP specialization credit
x 41 total NP specialization credits
_______________________

$43,500 total tuition
+ $4,460 total fees
_______________________
$47,960 estimated total program cost


Explore our Tuition Estimator Tool

Other Ways to Save

Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how our online MSN program with a Nurse Practitioner specialization can be more affordable. Military grants are available for those who quality. Your employer may also provide tuition support or reimbursement to help you fund your education.

We are also committed to helping members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We offer a 10% tuition grant to active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserve, retired military and veterans.6 This program is NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal student aid programs.

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Entrance Requirements

Applicants to this program must hold a conferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, possess a current unencumbered RN license that is valid in the United States and provide two professional letters of reference. This program is not available to residents of all states. Please speak with an admissions advisor to determine your eligibility for enrollment. A cleared background check will be required for participation at practicum sites.

Talk to an Admissions Advisor

What Should I Know Before I Enroll?

Help Paying for College

You’re not alone figuring out how to pay for college. Our admissions advisors can help you find ways to save through loans, scholarships and more.

Support at Every Turn

You’ll find the support you need to grow as a nurse from mentors and faculty in this program. Our library services, academic support and career planning teams are ready to help.

Dedicated Career Services

Job-search strategies, resume building, interview practice and employer networking—online and available anytime.

You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this an online Nurse Practitioner program?

    To help you prepare for a career in advanced nursing practice, our online courses are built with:

    • Empowered Learning® so that you create real-world projects instead of tests
    • The ability to view lectures and complete coursework on your schedule, rather than specific course times

    In addition to online courses, you'll experience:

    • Virtual immersion experience where you'll prepare for your practicums
    • Practicum experiences to give you the confidence to help patients of all ages
  • Does the MSN-NP program have required practicums?

    Practicum experiences are required in all CCNE-accredited programs, and ours have been designed to be completely manageable—even with your work and personal life responsibilities.

  • How do practicums work in an online program?

    Practicum experiences are in your own community—under the supervision of a Master’s or Doctoral degree-prepared nurse preceptor. Our clinical practicum coordinator is dedicated to making sure your clinical experiences are the right fit for you. You focus on your specialized patient setting and gain the experience you need.

  • What is Empowered Learning®?

    Your online MSN courses are built through Empowered Learning, which allows you to:

    • Access online courses anytime, anywhere
    • Go faster when you can, and slower when you need to
    • No weekly deadlines within the quarter
    • Create real-world projects that demonstrate your new knowledge
    • Stay connected with faculty and peers from start to finish

    Learn more about Empowered Learning courses and how they put you in control of your education.

  • My life is super busy. Do I have time to do my work AND earn a degree?

    The MSN degree program is built for working professionals like you with online Empowered Learning courses, which allow you to learn by doing, manage your pace and stay connected to faculty and peers. You can participate in live sessions or listen to the recorded sessions when it's convenient. Our model allows for flexibility in each course. No weekly deadlines mean you have the ability to manage your schedule within each term while also striving to complete your degree as quickly as possible.

  • Do I have to pursue a specialization?

    Yes, in the MSN Nurse Practitioner program, you will pursue an advanced practice specialization. You choose from:

    • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
    • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
    • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

    We also offer these other specializations at the MSN level:

    • Nursing Leadership and Administration
    • Nursing Education
    • Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics
  • Where is the MSN program offered?

    Our MSN degree program is offered online with practicum experiences in your own community. This program is not available to residents of all states. Please speak with an admissions advisor to determine your eligibility for enrollment.

  • Is this MSN degree program aligned with advanced nursing standards?

    Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Our MSN degree curriculum is aligned with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Nursing Programs, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Competencies, and the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing, a set of standards designed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

  • What other types of student support can I expect?

    In addition to clinical practicum coordinators, advisors and experienced faculty and leadership, you’ll have access to our student support services before and after graduation. Our School of Nursing librarian is ready to help you fully leverage our research and writing resources, including over 400,000 e-books and electronic reference materials. Advanced context is right at your fingertips, from clinical consults and integrating psychotherapy into care plans to alternative assessment planning across the lifespan.

    Through our dedicated career services team, you can receive assistance with job-search strategies, resume building, interview practice and employer networking—online and available anytime.

  • Can I advance my degree further after my MSN?

    Yes, our MSN program offers a seamless pathway to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree when you’re ready to take that next step. Our DNP program is ideal for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy.

Don't See Your Question Here?

Our dedicated team of admissions advisors can help you answer questions related to tuition, financial aid, admissions and more.

Request More Information

Call: 877-308-9946

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The master‘s degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Logo: CCNE accreditationCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education
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Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791