Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP)
Master's Degree
Online Program
- Next Start Dates
- January 03, 2023
- April 03, 2023
CCNE accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education2
Online courses add flexibility for working nurses
Step Up as a Nurse Practitioner
The 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.10 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/therapies11
- 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 four start dates per year and no GRE®5 requirement, qualified applicants can start the online MSN-NP program right away.
On this page:
Real Practice for Future Care
Prepare for your future advanced nursing practice with a unique combination of online MSN-NP specialization courses, an immersive residential 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.
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
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.
"Our NP students learn to combine the best of the health sciences with the heart of nursing to help patients get well—and stay well."
Dr. Josh Hamilton, RN/PMH-BC, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CTMH, CNE, FAANP
Assistant Vice President & Dean, Post-Licensure Nursing Programs
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!
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Registered Nurse
(median annual wage by industry)10
- Government: $84,490
- Hospitals; state, local and private: $76,840
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $72,340
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $68,450
- Educational services; state, local and private: $64,630
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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 Path Examples:
Nurse Practitioners10
- $82,960 (10th Percentile)
- $94,890 (25th Percentile)
- $111,680 (50th Percentile)
- 52% Projected Job Growth for 2020–2030
Sample Job Settings:
- Hospitals
- Emergency departments, clinical or private practice
- Schools
- Behavioral health facilities
- Academia
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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 Path Examples:
Medical and Health Services Managers10
- $59, 980 (10th Percentile)
- $78,820 (25th Percentile)
- $104,280 (50th Percentile)
Sample Job Titles:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nursing Administrator
- Director of Public Health and Policy
- Government or Policy Activist
Tuition & Savings
Do the Math
We are committed to providing affordable tuition and breaking down the numbers so that you can see how achievable your goals are. With four 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 as low as $46,315.7 The MSN Nurse Practioner program is currently NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal aid programs.
It begins with core MSN Credits
$260 cost per MSN credit
x 28 total MSN credits
_______________________
Advance with NP specialization credits
$865 cost per NP specialization credit
x 41 total NP specialization credits
_______________________
$42,745 total tuition
+ $3,570 total fees
_______________________
$46,315 estimated total program cost
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 with loans and grants, scholarship opportunities and military grants for those who qualify. Your employer may 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.8 This program is NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal student aid programs.
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.
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.
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.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW
Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791
- Completion time is dependent on the number of courses completed each term.
- The master's degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
- As of July 14, 2021, Rasmussen University had 8,524 students enrolled in School of Nursing programs. As of June 30, 2021, Rasmussen University had 19,539 nursing alumni. This number represents the total number of those who graduated from a School of Nursing program between March 20, 2006, and June 30, 2021. For the spring quarter of 2021 (April - June), Rasmussen University had 603 full-time and adjunct nursing faculty.
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Tuition for MPH is $205 per credit. Tuition for MSN program is $260 per credit; excludes MSN Nurse Practitioner specializations. Students in all programs must maintain continuous enrollment to remain eligible for the tuition pricing of $205/$260 per credit. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls will be required to pay the tuition price offered at the time of their re-enrollment. MSN students who receive the tuition price of $260 per credit may be eligible to use additional discounts, grants and/or scholarships. If a student needs to retake one or more courses in the degree program, the total cost of the program will exceed $15,000. MSN (excluding Nurse Practitioner specializations) Program cost breakdown: $12,480 in tuition + $2,460 in fees = $14,940 in program cost. MPH Program cost breakdown: $11,480 in tuition + $2,870 in fees = $14,350 in program cost. Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details.
- GRE® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service.
- 28 core MSN credits can be completed for $155 per credit. 41 PMHNP credits can be completed for $865 per credit.
- Program cost breakdown: 28 core MSN credits at $260 per credit ($7,280) plus 41 Nurse Practitioner specialization credits at $865 per credit ($35,465) and $3,570 in fees = total program cost of $46,315. Program availability varies by state. Please see Rasmussen University catalog for details.
- Students cannot receive both corporate and military grants.
- 2019 Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Salary Survey, September 2019, Clinical Advisor. This data does not represent starting salaries and reflects an average. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed July 2022] www.bls.gov/oes/. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed July 2022] www.bls.gov/ooh/. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Elective courses include Advanced Diagnostic Techniques, Practice Management, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Therapies. Elective courses are not part of the MSN PMHNP specialization outlined curriculum, but are available for students to take as part of their program.