Best Graduate Nursing Degrees (2023-2024)

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Practitioner

• Career: Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Occupational Growth: 45 percent from 2022 to 2032 (much faster than the national average)
• Salary: $120,680 per year (BLS May 2022) 

A nurse practitioner (NP) program is a challenging yet rewarding journey that prepares registered nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. In many states, nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat illnesses, infections, and injuries, and record patient medical histories, including current symptoms and medications.

The experience of being an NP is often described as exciting, stressful, and rewarding, with some surprises along the way. To become an NP, one must be a registered nurse (RN), hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), complete an NP-focused graduate master’s or doctoral nursing program, and successfully pass a national NP board certification exam. Some MSN and DNP programs accept applicants with ADN degrees. 

Michigan State University (On-campus)

Michigan State University’s College of Nursing offers advanced nurse practitioner programs at both the master of science in nursing (MSN) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) levels. These programs prepare nurses with the leadership skills and clinical expertise necessary to deliver primary and acute care, improving health outcomes in community settings.

Students learn to provide primary care, assess various aspects of individual clients and their families, analyze health behavior, apply clinical judgment, and intervene to improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. The curriculum is delivered through a convenient hybrid format, minimizing the amount of time students need to spend on campus. The university also assists with clinical placements.

This program offers three concentrations: adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The program’s success is demonstrated by its ranking among the top 50 DNP programs by the U.S. News & World Report for 2023-24.

• Location: East Lansing, MI
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $842 per credit (residents); $1,654 per credit (non-residents)

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Certified Nurse Midwife

• Career: Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
• Occupational Growth: 6 percent from 2022 to 2032 (faster than the national average)
• Salary: $112,830 per year (BLS May 2022)

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) program is a specialized graduate course designed to equip registered nurses with the skills and knowledge required to provide comprehensive care to women across their lifespan. This includes gynecological exams, family planning services, preconception care, prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth, and care of a newborn.

The curriculum often combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training. Students can expect to study subjects such as advanced physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, healthcare policy, and ethics. They also typically learn about the midwifery model of care, which emphasizes a holistic approach, respectful maternity care, and the use of evidence-based practices.

The program’s clinical component provides hands-on experience in various settings, such as hospitals, birthing centers, and home births. This allows students to gain practical skills in conducting physical exams, managing normal pregnancies and births, and providing newborn care.

Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. As CNMs, they can work independently or as part of healthcare teams in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, birth centers, and patients’ homes

Vanderbilt University (On-campus)

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing offers a highly ranked nurse-midwifery specialty program, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to provide a full range of primary healthcare services to women and individuals from adolescence throughout their lifespan. The program emphasizes meeting patients’ specific needs, offering various options, and minimizing unnecessary interventions. 

The curriculum covers health promotion, disease prevention, preconception counseling, pregnancy and childbirth care, gynecologic services, and peri- and postmenopausal care. Additionally, certified nurse-midwives trained in this program also care for newborns through the first 28 days of life. The program boasts a rigorous curriculum, low faculty-to-student ratios, and a mix of classroom learning, simulated experiences, and clinical training. Students also have the opportunity to participate in rotations in various clinical settings, which offer exposure to real-world learning and the expertise of different preceptors.

• Location: Nashville, TN
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
• Tuition: $1,939 per credit

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Administrator

• Careers: Nurse Administrator, Nurse Leader, Nurse Executive, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
• Occupational Growth: 28 percent from 2022 to 2032 (faster than the national average)
• Salary: $162,441 per year (Salary.com 2023)

A nurse administrator program is a specialized course designed to prepare registered nurses for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. This graduate-level program typically covers healthcare policy, finance, human resources, organizational behavior, and strategic planning. Students can expect to learn how to manage nursing teams, develop and implement healthcare policies, oversee budgets, and improve patient care quality.

The curriculum often combines classroom learning with practical experiences, offering students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through internships or practicums. Some programs may also include courses on research methods, allowing students to contribute to the advancement of nursing practice and administration.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are usually prepared to take on roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer. They may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, and home healthcare services. The program also provides a solid foundation for further study or specialization in healthcare administration.

University of Alabama (Online)

The University of Alabama’s online master of science in nursing (MSN), with a concentration in nurse administrator, is a comprehensive program designed to prepare registered nurses for leadership roles within healthcare settings. This program equips students to act as thought leaders and mentors, focusing on policy and operational issues like nursing shortages, and developing programs and policies that ensure safety and high-quality nursing care. The curriculum requires 33 to 39 credits and can be pursued full-time or part-time.

Nurse Administrators often hold executive-level positions such as director of nursing services, clinical coordinator, and chief nurse executive, and this program provides the necessary training for these roles. An essential component of the program is a field placement, and it’s the student’s responsibility to secure a site for this hands-on experience. Additionally, students have the option to conduct an original research project under the guidance of a graduate committee, which forms their thesis.

• Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $440 per credit 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Occupational Growth: No data available
• Salary: $98,158 per year (PayScale 2023)

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs provide advanced education and training for registered nurses, preparing them for roles as educators, consultants, and leaders in the healthcare field. These graduate programs typically require candidates to have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and some RN work experience. 

The curriculum usually includes advanced coursework in areas such as physiology/pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology. While Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a master’s educated role, the CNS role is more specialized, focusing on providing direct care to patients in specific areas such as pediatrics, women’s care, oncology, or emergency services.

Azusa Pacific University (On-campus)

Azusa Pacific University’s clinical nurse specialist (CNS) master of science in nursing (MSN) program equips nurses with the skills and knowledge to excel as clinical experts, serving as key consultants in their healthcare setting. This program, designed for registered nurses who already hold a bachelor of science in nursing degree, provides advanced training in nursing theory, research, and practice.

The comprehensive curriculum covers a range of critical areas, including physiology/pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology, preparing students to take on roles as educators, consultants, and leaders in the nursing field. The program also emphasizes evidence-based practice and the development of leadership skills necessary to implement system-wide changes to enhance patient outcomes. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Clinical Nurse Specialist certification exam.

• Location: Azusa, CA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $860 per unit

Post-Master’s Certificate – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

• Careers: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
• Occupational Growth: 45 percent from 2022 to 2032 (faster than the national average)
• Salary: $110,006 per year (PayScale 2023)

An acute care nurse practitioner graduate degree or certificate program provides advanced training for registered nurses to specialize in the care of patients with acute and critical conditions. The program typically covers advanced topics like pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and clinical decision-making.

An acute care NP curriculum prepares students to assess, diagnose, and manage patient problems, order and interpret diagnostic tests, perform procedures, and assist in surgery. Upon completion from most programs, graduates are eligible to apply for certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Overall, an acute care nurse practitioner program equips students with the necessary skills to deliver high-quality care to acutely ill and critically ill adult patients in a variety of settings such as intensive care units, emergency rooms, and specialty medicine areas.

Herzing University (online)

Herzing University’s post master’s adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) certificate program is an intensive, 33-credit online course designed for those who already hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. The curriculum provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in clinical decision-making, advanced practice specialty procedures, and acute care, with a requirement of 585 clinical hours for hands-on experience.

The university offers potential scholarships and financial aid opportunities to eligible students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Students in this program take advantage of virtual services such as academic advising, tutoring, technical support, and library services.

• Location: Milwaukee, WI
• Duration: 20 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $735 per credit

Post-Master’s Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

• Careers: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
• Occupational Growth: 45 percent from 2022 to 2032 (faster than the national average)
• Salary: $96,198 per year (PayScale 2023)

An adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) program prepares nurses to cater to the health needs of adults across their lifespan, from adolescence to old age. The program focuses on advanced practice nursing, emphasizing evidence-based practice for enhancing the development of adult and elderly patients.

The curriculum generally includes preventative care for patients who are 18 years of age and older. As an AGNP, students get to work closely with elderly patients to diagnose illnesses and manage their treatment.

Upon completion of an AGNP program, graduates are equipped to provide care while considering the environmental, occupational, social, and economic background of patients.

Thomas Jefferson University (Online)

Thomas Jefferson University offers a post-graduate certificate program for adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs). This program is designed for graduate nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, preparing them to assess and manage the full continuum of care services for critically ill patients. The core knowledge provided in the specialty coursework is based on the full spectrum of high-acuity patient care needs.

Upon completing this 18-credit program, students meet the academic eligibility requirements to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination offered either by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

Those who pass the ANCC examination are awarded the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (AGACNP-BC) credential. Those who pass the AACN examination receive the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Credential (ACNPC-AG) credential.

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $1,224 per credit

Post-Master’s Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

• Careers: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Occupational Growth: 45 percent from 2022 to 2032 (faster than the national average)
• Salary: $112,790 to $121,550 per year (Salary.com 2023)

A family nurse practitioner master’s degree or post-master’s certificate program prepares nurses to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to individuals across their lifespan, from infants to the elderly. The curriculum usually includes advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health promotion courses.

These programs typically require two to three years of full-time study for a master’s degree and one to two years for a post-master’s certificate, with part-time options also available. Students can expect a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice hours. The clinical component allows students to apply learned theories in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals.

Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).

Purdue University (On-campus)

The family nurse practitioner certificate program at Purdue University’s School of Nursing is designed for individuals with a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. This post-master’s certificate program prepares experienced nurses to function as family nurse practitioners (FNPs). The credits required for the certificate program depend on the student’s academic record, previous clinical experiences, and objectives. The program requires 10 credits, but students typically complete 10 to 34 hours of course credit.

One significant aspect of this program is the clinical hours requirement. For those who do not currently hold certification as a nurse practitioner in another specialty, the certificate program requires 645 clinical hours. However, applicants already certified as primary care nurse practitioners in another specialty area will complete between 300-645 clinical hours, determined on a case-by-case basis.

• Location: West Lafayette, IN
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $420 per credit

Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• Careers: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Occupational Growth: 45 percent from 2022 to 2032 (much faster than average)
• Salary: $116,460 per year (Salary.com 2023)

A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) degree program is a specialized course that prepares nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care to patients across the lifespan. The curriculum typically includes foundational neuroscience, pharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology coursework.

Degree and post-master’s certificate programs can be completed either full-time or part-time, with full-time programs typically taking one to three years and part-time programs taking about three to four years.

To become a PMHNP, one must first complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and have an active registered nurse (RN) license. Some programs may also require prior work experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.

Walden University (Online)

Walden University’s post-master’s graduate certificate in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program is designed to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to patients suffering from psychiatric disorders and mental health issues. 

The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, and emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care. This means that students are trained to consider all aspects of a patient’s well-being, including their physical, mental, and social health. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. This certification can enhance a nurse’s credibility and employability, and is often a requirement for advanced practice roles.

• Location: Minnesota, MN
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $750 per quarter credit

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

• Careers: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
• Occupational Growth: 45 percent from 2022 to 2032 (much faster than average)
• Salary: $135,023 per year (Salary.com 2023) 

A neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) MSN, DNP, or post-master’s certificate program is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice roles in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and other healthcare settings. These programs focus on providing comprehensive care for high-risk neonates and their families. The curriculum typically includes in-depth knowledge of neonatal nursing theory, assessment, research utilization, diagnostics, and clinical decision-making. 

NNP DNP programs require a minimum of one and a half to four years of full-time, RN-level practice experience in a level three neonatal intensive care unit. They also prepare students to provide care for low and high-risk neonates, infants, and toddlers up to two years of age.

Graduate NNP programs strongly emphasize performing comprehensive assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and symptom management. Graduates of NNP programs are in high demand due to the rising incidence of premature births, making it a promising career path. An NNP program is a rigorous yet rewarding pathway that equips nurses with the specialized skills to care for the most vulnerable patients.

Baylor University (Online)

Baylor University’s online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) program is a comprehensive, advanced practice degree designed for registered nurses looking to specialize in neonatal care. The curriculum integrates online and on-campus courses that delve into neonatal nursing theory, assessment, research utilization, critical thinking, and diagnostics. Notably, the program assists students in securing clinical placement sites and preceptors for all their clinical rotations. 

Depending on whether students are pursuing the BSN-DNP or post-master’s program, the duration ranges from just over three years to two to three years, respectively. The online DNP program at Baylor University offers five distinct clinical tracks, ensuring thorough preparation for specific certification exams and career paths.

• Location: Waco, TX
• Duration: 18-40 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $1,150 per credit

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthetist

• Careers: Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Occupational Growth: 9 percent from 2022 to 2032 (faster than the national average)
• Salary: $195,610 per year (BLS 2022)

A certified nurse anesthetist (CNA) degree program is a rigorous and comprehensive course that prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles in the field of anesthesiology.

To become a CNA, one must have a registered nurse (RN) license and a doctoral degree from an accredited CRNA program. The program usually takes 7-10 years of education and training, depending on the licensing and certification requirements mandated by the board of nursing in each state. The curriculum typically includes advanced science courses, anesthesia pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Some programs are front-loaded, meaning the didactic portion is completed before clinical rotations begin. 

In addition, most CRNA programs require applicants to have at least one year of experience as an RN in a critical care or intensive care unit environment. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Drexel University (Hybrid)

The Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions offers a doctor of nursing practice-nurse anesthesia (DNP-NA) program. This clinically focused practice doctoral degree combines the scientific and theoretical underpinnings with extensive clinical experience, culminating in a DNP scholarly project. The program lasts for 39 months and is a full-time integrated program that begins each spring. The first three quarters are entirely online, after which students complete the remaining 30 months on-site at Drexel University’s campus in Philadelphia.

Upon successfully completing the program, the student is awarded a DNP degree and is eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). The program is fully approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), and graduates can provide safe, compassionate, culturally competent anesthesia care across the lifespan in rapidly changing practice environments.

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Duration: 3.5 years
• Accreditation: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
• Tuition: $1,105 per credit