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Nurse Practitioner Degree - Online and Campus Programs

Certified nurse practitioners are increasingly taking over many duties of physicians. They record patient histories, perform physical exams, assign and interpret lab results, prescribe medications, order therapy, and refer patients to specific healthcare professionals. The American Nurses Association reports that 60 to 80 percent of patient care can be conducted today by nurse practitioners.

Preparing for a Career as a Nurse Practitioner

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports nursing professions are among the 10 fastest-growing careers in America. You may begin your nursing career as a practical or licensed nurse. By completing a two or four-year nursing degree you can take licensing exams to become a registered nurse. Additional training in nurse practitioner programs at the post-graduate level can provide you with the necessary career skills to become a certified nursing practitioner.

Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements

Nursing practitioner degree programs can take from three to five years to complete, culminating in a master's degree. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national nurse practitioner certification examination offered by the National League for Nursing. Nursing practitioner programs can also lead to a certified midwife credential or doctor of nursing practice degree. Practitioners can specialize in family practice, women's health, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

Salary Range and Job Outlook for Nurse Practitioners

Nurses today hold 2.6 million jobs. The 2008 median annual wage for registered nurses was $62,450--up to $92,240 for the top ten-percent earners. The BLS predicts a 22 percent increase in jobs for registered nurses between 2008 and 2018.

Featured Schools

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University of Phoenix

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

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Pasadena
Los Angeles
Costa Mesa
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Selected Programs:

MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
MS in Nursing (RN Required)

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Walden University

Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University.

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Selected Campus Locations:

Online

Selected Programs:

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

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Kaplan University

Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education.

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Online

Selected Programs:

DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
RN to MS in Nursing

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Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

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Selected Campus Locations:

Online

Selected Programs:

Family Nurse Practitioner

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Capella University

As an accredited university with online degree programs in five schools, Capella University is committed to helping you accomplish your goals through a high-caliber educational experience.

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Selected Campus Locations:

Online

Selected Programs:

DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

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Western Governors University

Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited.

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Online

Selected Programs:

M.S. Nursing - Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)
M.S. Nursing - Education (RN to MSN Option)

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South University Online

Designed with the needs of working adult students in mind, South University, Online Programs is built on the same curriculum offered at South University's campus locations. As a student at South University, Online Programs you will receive the same degree, quality instruction, variety of learning options and level of service found at the campus locations.

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