Thursday, June 27, 2019

How much does it cost to become a Nurse Practitioner?

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How much does it cost to become a nurse practitioner in the USA? The main factor in your nurse practitioner program decision must be the cost.

Will a career change make financial sense? Which schools offer quality education with reasonable tuition fees?

Based on data collected from 200 nurse practitioner programs, I will present here how much it costs to get a nurse practitioner degree (assuming you pursue an MSN degree, not DNP).

Nurse Practitioner Program Fee

Nurse Practitioner program is expensive. Most nurse practitioner programs require students to complete 30-54 credits (average around 45) depending on the program and specialization. Tuition in the state can range from $225 to $665 per credit with an average of around $400 in credit for the school we surveyed.

The total In-State tuition fees are around $18,000 to complete the nurse practitioner program. Overseas tuition fees are even more expensive at $570 to $1300 per credit with an average of around $700 per credit. Paying for tuition abroad, a nurse practitioner student can spend around $31,500 for their education.

Online programs run somewhere between the cost of $400- $800 per credit, finally averaging around $22,500 for a nurse practitioner degree. Private university fees range from $500 to $1,500 per credit. If you attend one of these institutions, you can pay around $45,000 or more for your NP program.

How much does it cost to become a nurse practitioner

Unexpected fees from the Nurse Practitioner Program

School fees are not the only fee that you must consider when planning for your NP education. The cost of living must also play a role. Nurse practitioner programs require 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 years to complete it in full time or 3 to 4 years to complete part time.

Will you work throughout your nurse practitioner program? The NP program requires completion of hundreds of clinical hours so it is not possible to work and participate in a full-time program.

I would recommend contacting the school that you are interested in asking for their advice on how many hours a week you should plan to work during your program because many students are often too committed.

How to offset the costs of a nurse practitioner program

Good news? If you want to be creative, you might find a cheaper option for your nurse practitioner program than just attending the university closest to where you live. When searching for NP programs, do a national search.

There are so many universities that offer distance or online programs that allow you to come to campus only a few times each year, or maybe not at all. If this program is much cheaper than what is considered, you may need extra time and travel to complete the long distance program.

Online programs offer increased flexibility and allow you to work extra hours so that you can continue to pay for your own living expenses while completing your education.

For example, the University of Central Arkansas offers a four-year online part-time program which costs only $358 per credit. The 2012 Guide to the Nurse Practitioner Program will help you determine which school best meets your needs.

Financial Aid Nurse Practitioner Program
Financial assistance for the Nurse Practitioner Program is widely available through loans and scholarships. Often, employers will contribute to the education costs of your nurse practitioner. If you are a nurse, find out if your employer will pay part of your NP program.

Yes, NP programs are expensive. Taking a large loan can be scary, but it will be very valuable ... as NP you can expect to make more than $90,000 a year after graduation!

What degree is needed?
All Practitioners Nurses have advanced degrees - either MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). The MSN level is minimum anywhere, but DNP quickly replaced it as the level needed to practice as a Nurse Practitioner. Keep that in mind when you choose a program.

What is the Best Nurse Practitioner Program?
Because of the demand for Nurse Practitioners, there are many programs out there. We have filtered our information and NP ratings (Best 25 MSNs and 15 Best DNPs) based on key criteria such as reputation scores, tuition fees, initial career income, and peer assessment of these programs. We weigh data to produce a combined score that reflects academic excellence and the possibility of returning your tuition.

As you read through the rankings, here are some other things to keep in mind:

Accreditation! All schools in the list are regionally accredited, and all programs are accredited by the CCNE (Collegiate Nursing Education Commission) or ACEN (Educational Accreditation Commission for Nursing). All MSN and DNP programs at this level have specialties directed at preparing Nurse Practitioners specifically. You don't need to navigate many program websites intended for other APRNs.

4 Best Nurse Practitioners MSN Degrees
  1. University of Pittsburgh. Established shortly after the end of the revolutionary war, the historic University of Pittsburgh is a public research university that continues its reputation as one of the best public universities in the country. Pitt School of Nursing offers an MSN degree that prepares nurses to become Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP), providing care for high-risk infants and children up to the age of 2 years. The NNP concentration area offers full-time and part-time study on the main campus in Pittsburgh. College Selection Score: 100.00 - Average Tuition: $23,712.00. See their program website.

  2. Boston College. A private institution founded in 1863, Boston College is a private, Catholic (Jesuit) research university located west of Boston, in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Connell School of Nursing offers an MSN degree that prepares Practical Nurses in one of five NP specializations. All specializations in the MSN program prepare students to be compassionate evidence-based practitioners who become leaders in their fields. Connell School of Nursing offers three entry options for their MSN program, making it a unique and flexible degree. College Selection Score: 93.56 - Average Tuition Fee: $21,152.00. Check their program website.

  3. Duke University. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a well-known private research university. Consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and internationally, this school is central to advancing innovative methods of research and teaching. The School of Nursing at Duke University offers a top ranked MSN degree with seven Nursing Practitioners majors. This program is offered in a hybrid format - making it a program that can be managed for nurses who work. The MSN Duke degree program requires students to complete 11 credit hours of clinical core courses for each department. Students then complete the final clinical residency under the guidance of an experienced doctor in their chosen specialization. College Selection Score: 93.54 - Average Tuition Fee: $39,228.00. See their program website.

  4. University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university and superior system institute of the University of Texas - this university has one of the largest campus registrations in the country, enabling an extraordinary diversity of education. School of Nursing UT Austin offers MSN programs with three specialized areas for Nurse Practitioners. The core program provides advanced studies in nursing, professional foundations, related sciences, and systematic inquiry modes that prepare students for advanced and specialized professional nursing practices. The UT Austin MSN program is two years long, with the full time or part time option available. Applicants must have a current Registered Nurse license and hold either a BSN degree, or a non-nursing baccalaureate degree and an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Nursing Diploma. College Selection Score: 93.02 - Average Tuition: $21,749.00. Check their program website.
We hope this College Choice ranking helps you in your search for the best Nurse Practitioner Program! https://bit.ly/2ZY4ef3
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