For those with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing who aspire to become a nurse practitioner (NP), a direct-entry nurse practitioner degree program may be precisely what you need to succeed.
These programs are designed to fast-track your journey into advanced nursing roles, typically taking just three to four years to complete. Upon graduation, you can pursue several different rewarding careers. General NP roles offer a median salary of $121,610, while specialized positions, such as Nurse Midwife, offer a median salary of $129,650, and Nurse Anesthetists, an impressive $212,650.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 13 Accredited Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Ohio State University
Intelligent Score: 98.17In-state: $10,615
Out-of-state: $32,599
In-state: $11,560
Out-of-state: $11,560
SAT: 1210-1430
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $1,210
Non-Resident: $2,873
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
96-116
University of Cincinnati
Intelligent Score: 97.93In-state: $9,723
Out-of-state: $25,057
In-state: $13,224
Out-of-state: $13,224
SAT: 1120-1330
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $836
Non-Resident: $1,423
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
64
Yale University
Intelligent Score: 95.75In-state: $57,700
Out-of-state: $57,700
In-state: $44,500
Out-of-state: $44,500
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
$1,521
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
45
Vanderbilt University
Intelligent Score: 95.38In-state: $52,781
Out-of-state: $52,781
In-state: $50,082
Out-of-state: $50,082
SAT: 1470-1570
ACT: 33-35
$1,997
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
43
Marquette University
Intelligent Score: 93.26In-state: $44,970
Out-of-state: $44,970
In-state: $21,690
Out-of-state: $21,690
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
$867
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
75
Simmons University
Intelligent Score: 92.87In-state: $40,850
Out-of-state: $40,850
In-state: $21,528
Out-of-state: $21,528
SAT: 1060-1250
ACT: 24-29
$1,235 - $1,559
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
47-96
San Francisco State University
Intelligent Score: 92.57In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 930-1130
ACT: 16-23
$675
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
97
Northeastern University
Intelligent Score: 92.35In-state: $54,360
Out-of-state: $54,360
In-state: $25,264
Out-of-state: $25,264
SAT: 1410-1540
ACT: 33-35
$2,144 - $2,501
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
36-42
University of Vermont
Intelligent Score: 91.00In-state: $16,392
Out-of-state: $41,280
In-state: $12,294
Out-of-state: $12,294
SAT: 1160-1350
ACT: 26-31
In-State: $678
Out-of-State: $1,200
On-Campus, Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
72.5-112.5
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Intelligent Score: 90.35In-state: $28,622
Out-of-state: $28,622
In-state: $30,022
Out-of-state: $30,022
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,620
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
91-94
Azusa Pacific University
Intelligent Score: 89.75In-state: $40,830
Out-of-state: $40,830
In-state: $16,571
Out-of-state: $16,571
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$860
On-Campus, Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
108-120
The University of Texas at Austin
Intelligent Score: 88.34In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
Resident: $1,418
Non-Resident: $2,035
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
48-87
UMass Chan Medical School
Intelligent Score: 88.01In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
In-State: $854
Out-of-State: $1,168
On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
104-122
How to Choose a Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Program
Choose your area of study
Selecting an area of study for this degree is crucial, as each specialization will prepare you for different career outcomes. To choose the right one, consider asking yourself:
- What patient populations am I most passionate about?
- Do I prefer acute or primary care settings?
- What health issues interest me most?
Specializations may vary slightly depending on the program you attend, but typical options include Family Nurse Practitioner, focusing on comprehensive family care; Pediatrics, specializing in children’s health; Adult-Gerontology, catering to adult and elderly patients; and Psychiatric-Mental health, addressing mental health needs.
Research schools and programs
With your specialization in mind, you can now conduct more focused research on schools and programs. You may come into this process with questions of your own, but here are a few more to guide your research further:
- Is the program accredited?
- What are the clinical placement opportunities, and how is this process organized?
- What is the program’s pass rate for certification?
You can find answers to these questions on school websites, by attending open houses, or by connecting with admission counselors.
Prepare for tests and applications
You’ll want to start early to best prepare for tests and applications. While specific application requirements will vary depending on the program, many of these programs share standard criteria:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores, if required
For these programs, in particular, requirements for standardized test scores vary significantly. Always double-check this criterion, and be sure to enroll in a test prep program to help boost scores if needed.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what matters most to you, such as program reputation, clinical opportunities, and specialization strengths. Then, assess the overall cost of attendance and compare it with available financial aid options.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Financing your degree can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with scholarships, which don’t require repayment and are often awarded on merit. Next, consider grants. Although more common for undergrads, some may be available for graduate students.
If you’re interested in part-time work, look into assistantships that offer stipends or tuition waivers in exchange for research or teaching work. Employer tuition reimbursement programs can significantly offset costs if you’re employed in a related field. Federal loans can help bridge financial gaps, but it’s important to practice responsible borrowing, as every dollar taken out on a loan will eventually have to be repaid with interest.
What Can You Expect From a Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Program?
A direct-entry nurse practitioner (NP) degree program is an excellent path for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who wish to enter the nursing profession at an advanced level. These programs take three to four years to complete, combining demanding coursework with hands-on training. As a student, you can expect to take advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and primary care classes. Most curriculums also include courses on healthcare policy, ethics, and leadership.
While many programs offer the flexibility of online coursework, virtually all require in-person components. You’ll need to complete laboratory sessions and clinical rotations in healthcare settings to gain practical experience. These experiences teach you to diagnose and treat different health conditions, perform advanced medical procedures, and develop patient care plans.
Potential courses you’ll take in a direct-entry nurse practitioner program
- Advanced Pathophysiology: In this fundamental course, students will explore disease mechanisms and how they affect the body. They’ll learn about cellular functions, systemic responses, and the physiological changes during illness, providing a foundation for understanding patient symptoms and conditions.
- Pharmacology: A common core requirement, this course covers pharmacology, including drug actions, interactions, and side effects. Participants will learn how to safely and effectively prescribe medications, tailor treatments to individual patient needs, and stay updated on new drugs and therapies.
- Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning: Students in this course will develop advanced skills in conducting comprehensive health assessments. They will learn to gather patient histories, perform physical exams, and use diagnostic tools to identify health issues, forming the basis for effective patient care planning.
What Can I Do With a Nurse Practitioner Degree?
The job outlook for nurse practitioners is positive, with positions expected to increase in demand by 38% over the next ten years, making it one of the fastest-growing careers in the country.
Career outlook
- Nurse Practitioner — Graduates in this role deliver comprehensive healthcare services by diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, and performing procedures. NPs emphasize patient-centered care, prioritizing disease prevention and the management of chronic illnesses.
- Median annual salary: $121,610
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 38%
- New jobs projected: 29,200
- Nurse Midwife — A nurse midwife provides thorough care to women throughout their reproductive lives, including prenatal, childbirth, postpartum, and gynecological services. They emphasize personalized, holistic care and support for women and newborns.
- Median annual salary: $129,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 38%
- New jobs projected: 29,200
- Nurse Anesthetist — Nurse anesthetists specialize in administering anesthesia and providing care before, during, and after surgical operations. They’re highly skilled in pain management, patient monitoring, and safe anesthesia delivery.
- Median annual salary: $212,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 38%
- New jobs projected: 29,200
Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Direct-entry NP programs are designed for non-nursing bachelor’s degree students who want to quickly transition into advanced nursing roles. These programs combine intensive online coursework with in-person clinical training, allowing learners to earn their NP degree in three to four years. By condensing traditional nursing education, students can enter the workforce faster while gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this field.
To learn more about these programs’ advantages and potential challenges and determine if this path is right for you, visit our page detailing the pros and cons.
How long does it take to earn a direct-entry nurse practitioner degree?
Earning this degree takes about three to four years in an accelerated program. In contrast, the traditional route — completing a BSN and then an MSN — takes around six to seven years. The total time depends on the number of required credits, which can vary by program, impacting the duration.
How much does a direct-entry nurse practitioner degree cost?
The cost of a direct-entry nurse practitioner degree can vary, but the average tuition for graduate programs was $19,749 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Since this program bridges the gap from a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to becoming an NP, additional expenses may include fees for clinical placements, textbooks, lab supplies, and certification exams.