25 Best Master’s in Nurse Practitioner (RN Required)

Established in 1789, Georgetown University is one of the oldest non-Ivy League schools in America. Located in Washington, D.C., it reels in brilliant speakers every year, including former President Barack Obama. Getting a master’s degree from Georgetown University will make your resume stand out and give you an excellent chance at obtaining your dream job in nursing.

One of GU’s top Master’s of Science in nursing programs is the adult-gerontology acute care nurse. Students in this program are trained on how to communicate with patients and families, listen attentively to their concerns, and manage complex acute health situations. The program is designed for nursing students with at least one year of full-time experience in an intensive care unit, emergency department, telemetry unit, or progressive care unit.

The 40-credit curriculum includes a blend of online and on-campus training along with three on-campus intensives and up to 700 hours of clinical hours. The program can be completed in 23 months on a full-time track. Through live online sessions, students can interact with their teachers and peers in an innovative setting. Classes have an average ratio of 12-to-1 student-to-faculty making it easier for students to communicate with their professors.

GU ranks No. 9 on the list of Best National Universities, according to Washington Monthly. If you’re interested in applying to GU, you will need to conduct a live recorded video interview with the school board. Additionally, you will need to submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official sealed transcripts, and a copy of your active RN license to the GU office of admissions.

Some of the brightest minds and most historic names have attended George Washington University, including former secretary of state Colin Powell, former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, attorney general William Barr, and Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren. The university is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. and offers plenty of locations for nursing practice for those who are looking for internships. 

The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner blends online learning with in-person training on-campus. You will learn from the most experienced nurses in the medical field and be prepared to care for the physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual well-being and health of individuals.

The 48-credit curriculum requires objective structured clinical examinations, program test outs, and skills intensives through online learning and on-campus training. You will need to have proper technology on your computer so you can navigate through the modules online. All family nurse practitioner students are required to complete an end-of-program assessment.

GWU ranks No. 5 on the list of Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you wish to apply to GWU, you are required to hold an active and unencumbered RN license and have a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Alongside your application, you are asked to submit official transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Stony Brook University is located on the North Shore of Long Island, just 60 miles east of New York City. It is ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world, according to QS. The university offers nursing students a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse health practitioner which prepares nurses as expert providers of primary health to patients in a variety of different health care settings.

The 45-credit curriculum requires core courses, research courses, pharmacology courses, a health assessment course, a pathophysiology course, and clinical courses. You will need to also register and sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner National Certification Examination. Among the classes you will take at SBU include Family: Theory and Interventions, Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation, Health Care Policy and Advocacy, and Statistical Methods & Scholarly Inquiry.

SBU ranks No. 39 on the list of Top Public Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you wish to apply to SBU, you must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an active professional RN license. You are also required to have at least one year of relevant experience in the nursing field and hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field.

When it comes to student life, there are not many universities that can top the University of Central Florida. Located in Orlando, you are a short drive from Disney World, Universal Studios, and the beautiful East Coast beaches. A Master of Science in Nursing with a track in leadership and management will teach you how to be a leader in the field and make effective decisions and problem-solve complex situations that can affect the outcome of patients.

The 36-credit online curriculum requires 315 clinical hours and an internship in your home community. Through a mixture of core courses, clinical practice, and electives, you can complete the program in five semesters on a full-time track. Sample courses include Nursing Environment Management, Nursing Leadership and Management, Organizational Dynamics, and Financial Management and Resource Development. 

UCF ranks No. 16 on the list of Most Innovative Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. All applicants are required to hold an active RN license and hold a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies. As part of the documentation with the application, you must send in three letters of recommendation, a written essay, a resume, and official transcripts. You do not need to reside in Florida to attend UCF.

Clarkson College’s goal is to prepare its students to provide high-quality, ethical, and compassionate health care services to those who need it. Located in Omaha, Neb., it offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner that challenges graduates with rigorous coursework and teaches them to implement and evaluate complex health care strategies.

The 47-credit curriculum includes a combination of core courses and major concentration courses. Students will be required to take courses in Primary Health Care I & II, Advanced Physical Assessment, Behavioral Health Care for Practitioners, and Nursing Law and Ethics. The major will culminate with a two-credit FNP Transition to Practice course where students apply their skills to real-world situations. There is also a residency requirement—all but nine hours of the core coursework must be completed on the Clarkson College campus.

Recently, CC ranked No. 21 on the list of Best Online Nursing Graduate Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. All applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission and submit official transcripts with the application. For all other documentation needs, contact a CC counselor for more information.

The Ohio State University is the only school in the nation that has the word “The” as an official part of the school name. Located in Columbus, the school has one of the best nursing programs in the country. It ranks No. 4 on the list of Best Online Nursing Graduate Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. Overall, the university ranks No. 17 on the list of Best Public Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The Master of Science in nursing provides students with the mission to transform health and transform lives. The degree prepares graduates for work in a variety of health settings, including private practices, clinics, hospitals, and health agencies. 

There are four tracks to choose from: family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, psychiatric mental health practitioner, and neonatal nurse practitioner. Along with the coursework, you will complete clinical experiences in different geographic locations and clinical sites throughout the state. Clinical preceptorships will be implemented during the final three consecutive semesters.

If you wish to apply to OSU, you will need to complete an online interview and have an active RN license. Along with the application, you will need to submit transcripts, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. No GRE is required.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Gonzaga University was purchased by Father Joseph Cataldo in 1887 for the price of 936 silver coins. The Jesuit Catholic university was actually named after Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian aristocrat who died while caring for the victims of an epidemic. 

The Master of Science in nursing can be taken fully online and enriches students with the knowledge and ability to provide the best possible health care to patients. You have the option of choosing a track in nursing leadership in healthcare, family nurse practitioner, or psychiatric mental health practitioner. The 44-to-50 credit program includes six on-campus immersion sessions and 660 hours of clinical work. Sample courses you may enroll in are Information Technology & Data Management, Theoretical Foundations for Healthcare Improvement, and Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations.

GU ranks No. 79 on the list of Best National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Any student who has under a 3.0 GPA and still wishes to apply must provide a GPA explanation letter. Applicants are also required to complete an interview prior to their application being decided upon. For all other documentation questions, contact an admissions counselor on the GU website.

When it comes to mascots, Michigan State University has one of the most iconic of all-time. Sparty represents the Spartans and is a regular at football and basketball games wearing his green armor. The school from the Big 10 conference also graduated one of the most famous athletes ever, Magic Johnson.

A Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in nurse practitioner prepares nurses who have the management skills and clinical expertise needed to deliver primary and acute care and enhance health outcomes in community settings. You have the option of choosing a specialization in family nurse practitioner, an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

You can complete the program in two years on a full-time schedule or three years on a part-time schedule. Much of the coursework can be completed online, but there will be lectures, seminars, simulation labs, group work, examinations, and class activities that will take place on-campus. Sample courses you will enroll in include Primary Care Management I & II, Care for Aging Individuals, and Clinical Decision Making.MSU ranks No. 34 on the list of Best Public Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you’re applying to the university, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have an undergraduate degree in Nursing. Additionally, you will be required to supply the office of admissions with a copy of your RN license, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a written essay that discusses career goals and aspirations.

Located just 12 miles west of downtown Philadelphia, Villanova University prepares students to become influential leaders who create a positive change in society. The school has graduated past influential leaders such as football Hall of Famer Howie Long, actor Bradley Cooper, former state governor Ed Rendell, and chaplain John O’Connor. A Master of Science in nursing from VU will train you to be a leader, give critical care to patients who need it, and help make a positive difference in the world.

The MSN offers concentrations in nurse education, pediatric nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. All tracks range anywhere from 39 to 55 credits and include core, clinical, role developmental, and elective coursework. Emphasis is placed on both advanced knowledge and role excellence. You will mix online coursework with hands-on training to help you develop your skills as you help patients.

VU ranks No. 30 on the list of Best Nursing Graduate Programs in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you wish to apply to VU, you must supply the office of admissions with a personal goal statement, GRE scores, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a copy of your RN license. 

Known by many simply as UConn, the University of Connecticut is known for its college basketball dominance, particularly in women’s basketball. The two programs have combined to win 13 national championships over the last 25 years. A Master of Science with a concentration in neonatal nurse practitioner can be taken fully online with just on-campus visits. 

The 44-semester hour curriculum requires three practicums and three courses in Advanced Neonatal Nursing Theory. Other sample courses you will see on your schedule include Statistical Methods in Nursing, Nursing Science and Patterns of Knowing, Nursing Research in Advanced Practice, Application of Genetics to Health Care, and Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan.

UConn ranks No. 1 on the list of Best Neonatal Online MS Programs, according to SR Education Group. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and have two years of full-time RN experience in a level three neonatal intensive care unit. Alongside the application, you are required to include three letters of reference, a written statement of why you want to pursue this degree, official transcripts, and a current resume. GRE scores are not required.

Located in Greenville, N.C., East Carolina University takes on the colors of gold and purple. Why? Students actually voted on it because of the incredible North Carolina sunsets which have a hue of dark purple mixed with mustard yellow. The fact that students got a chance to choose their colors does show that students have a voice at ECU, including in their nursing program. A Master of Science in nursing will train graduates to provide exemplary care to their patients and improve their quality of living. 

Six concentrations are included with the MSN: neonatal clinical nurse specialist, nurse-midwifery, adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, nursing education, nursing leadership, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (only for North Carolina residents). All courses are offered online and include a combination of core courses, concentration courses, and hands-on practicum courses.

According to U.S. News & World Report, ECU ranks No. 5 on the list of Best Online Nursing Education Program and No. 10 on the list of Best Online Nursing Administration/Leadership Program. All applicants must complete an interview and include with their application of copy of their RN license, a resume, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a statement of purpose.

Many students love going to a school that has a great football program and love to show off their school spirit. If this describes you, then you’ll love the University of Alabama. The football program has won five national championships since 2009 and Tuscaloosa goes absolutely crazy on Saturdays when the Crimson Tide take the field. It’s a great student life break from studying for your Master of Science in nursing, a degree which teaches the importance of quality care and how to treat a variety of diseases and illnesses in patients.

The master’s offers you specializations in nurse administrator and nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner program can be taken primarily online and allows you to take concentrations in mental health or primary care. You will need to complete 45 to 51-semester hours of coursework and enroll in clinical hours and a practicum as part of the program. The program can be completed in 30 to 36 months. 

UA ranks No. 72 on the list of Top Public Schools in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you are interested in applying, you must submit transcripts that illustrate at least a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must also have a current unencumbered RN license that was achieved in either Florida, Alabama, Georgia, or Mississippi.

Located in Boston, Simmons University is a small school with less than 2,000 students and an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s perfect if you love small schools, want more one-on-one instruction time with your teacher, and want to explore the perks of beautiful downtown Boston.

A Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in the nurse practitioner program will supply you with extensive clinical training and hands-on work in real-world settings where you can provide care to patients in your community. Through the dynamic online program, you can work around your schedule and study at your own pace. You do not have to relocate to Boston if you do not wish, as all courses can be taken electronically.

The 48-credit curriculum also requires 672 clinical hours to be completed. Coursework focuses a large part on promoting health and well-being, as well as evaluating, preventing, and managing different types of illness and disease. SU ranks No. 34 on the list of Best Value Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. SU does not require GRE scores as part of the application process. However, you will need to submit a one-to-two page personal statement, a resume, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a current unencumbered RN license.

Seventy-five percent of the classes at Nova Southeastern University have less than 20 students, giving you a tremendous opportunity to build a closer connection with your professor and get more detailed feedback. Located in Fort Lauderdale, you are just a short drive from South Beach in Miami. A Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in advanced practice registered nurse in nurse practitioner will allow you to study further about advanced pharmacology and primary care for women, pediatrics, and other groups. 

The 51-semester program requires nearly 200 practicum hours. The coursework will focus on not just primary care for individual groups, but also train you on health care policy, leadership, theory and research in nursing, behavioral health, and advanced roles for nurses. You will get hands-on practice in real-world settings and work with experienced nurses who will equip you with the knowledge to succeed in the field.

NSU ranks No. 10 on the list of Most Diverse Schools in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. While courses can be taken online, students are required to live within 150 miles of the campus as there will be on-campus training. If you are interested in applying, you must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA to be eligible and include a resume, transcripts, and a copy of your RN license to the office of admissions.

If you are fortunate enough to attend the University of Texas at Arlington, you will get to experience, or take part in, Oozeball. This is the school’s annual mud-volleyball tournament and one of UTA’s most popular traditions. It’s tons of fun and something all students on campus look forward to. It will give you a great break from your studies for your Master of Science in nursing. The MSN is a 51-credit hour program that can be taken fully online, and develops your skills so you are able to excel in aiding others who are in need of health care.

Concentrations are available in nursing administration, nursing education, family nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. All concentrations require anywhere from 36 to 46-semester credits and can be completed in 36 months. All nursing concentrations require the completion of clinical hours. 

UTA is ranked No. 7 on the list of Best Online Nursing Programs, according to Best Health Care Degrees. It also ranks No. 56 on the list of Best Graduate Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you are interested in applying to UTA, you must supply them with a copy of your unencumbered RN license and include with your application official transcripts. To be eligible for admission, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA. However, students between 2.8 and 3.0 will be considered based on their GRE scores. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher do not need to register for the GRE.

Located in Milledgeville and about an hour from Atlanta, Georgia College & State University is perfect if you enjoy a smaller campus with a close-knit community. The 46-acre campus enrolls just over 7,000 students and includes a number of student clubs and organizations for you to join. The school offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner which engages students in evidence-based practices and provides them lifelong learning opportunities so patients can receive the best possible health care from their nurses.

The program is fully online and requires the completion of 40-semester hours of coursework. Nine credits of support courses, nine credits of core courses, and the final 18 credits are from specialty courses. As part of the specialty requirements, you will need to successfully complete two practicums with clinical work and a series of primary care courses for different populations and patient types.

GCSU ranks No. 20 on the list of Best Universities South, according to U.S. News & World Report. All applicants will be required to submit transcripts and three letters of recommendation alongside their application. For all other documentation needs, visit the GCSU website or contact an admissions counselor.

The University of South Carolina has graduated a large number of famous alumni, including senator Lindsey Graham, singer Darius Rucker, and artist Amos Lee. If you study a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in family nurse practitioner at the Columbia campus, you will receive hands-on training in the field and learn how to provide the best primary health care to individuals of all age groups.

The 47-semester hour program can be completed in eight semesters and fully online. The Master’s culminates with the Family Nurse Practitioner Role Practicum that will assess all the skills you’ve learned from the core and specialty courses. The program mandates that 672 clinical hours be worked into the curriculum. Sample courses you will see on your schedule include Management of Common Chronic Health Problems for the Family Nurse Practitioner, Seminar in Clinical Nursing Research, and Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurses. 

USC was recently ranked No. 1 on the list of Best Graduate Programs for Nursing and No. 2 on the list of Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. As part of the admissions requirements, all applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and submit a copy of their RN license, three letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and transcripts. A Bachelor of Science in nursing is required; however, GRE scores are not needed for admissions. 

When it comes to medicine and health care, there are not many campuses that have more devoted students than the University of Rochester. In fact, 75% of freshmen who enroll at UR are pre-med students. Additionally, UR is also the sixth-largest employer in the state of New York! By receiving a Master of Science in the family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program, you will develop exquisite skills in assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology management.

The 54-credit curriculum can be taken fully online and requires a mixture of core courses and specialty courses. You will enroll in 16-courses and complete over 600 clinical hours in hospital settings. Prior to completing the program, you will need to complete three practicums including individual, group and family courses studying psychotherapy across the lifespan. Sample core courses include The Writing Workshop, Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, and Ethics and Public Policy in the Health Care System.

UR ranks No. 29 on the list of Best National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you wish to apply to UR, you must supply the office of admissions with a current RN license, all official transcripts from institutions you’ve attended, two letters of reference, a professional goal statement, a resume, and a writing sample.

Located in Aurora, the University of Colorado Denver’s Anschutz Medical Campus prides itself on being the birthplace of the nurse practitioner program. The Master of Science in nursing leadership and healthcare systems uses state-of-the-art technology and advanced learning techniques to train nurses to excel as leaders and pioneers in a variety of health care settings.

The program offers you the chance to learn through iLEAD, an online school that can be completed from anywhere in the world. iLEAD stands for Innovation in LEadership and ADministration in Nursing and Health Care. Once all prerequisites are met, 27 credits are required to complete the online program. The two-year master’s degree requires an internship with clinical practice and a course in Inferential Statistics.

UCDAMC ranks No. 159 on the list of Most Popular Universities for International Students, according to College Factual. The office of admissions requires all nursing applicants to have a 3.0 GPA and a nursing-related undergraduate degree. Along with the application, the office requires a resume, transcripts, an essay, three letters of reference, and a copy of your RN license to be submitted.

The Princeton Review recently ranked Sacred Heart University No. 17 on the list of Happiest Students and No. 19 on the list of Most Engaged in Community Service. Students who attend the smaller Catholic university enjoy the environment and experiences on-campus. The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in clinical nurse leader teaches its students how to communicate with a team and to plan and deliver exemplary care for patients.

The 13-course, 39-credit curriculum includes four core courses and nine specialization courses. The program culminates with a Role Immersion Practicum and Clinical Nurse Leader Capstone where all nursing students apply their skills to real-world situations. If you have not completed prerequisite courses, they will be added to your needed curriculum. Sample specialization courses include Health Care Information Systems, Disease Management and Outcomes Assessment, and Pharmacology for the Nurse Leader.

SHU is located in Fairfield, Conn. and is within driving distance of New York City, Providence, and Boston. Applicants are required by the office of admissions to supply a resume, a copy of the RN license, a statement of professional goals, and two letters of recommendation. All interested applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and undergo a background check.

One of 27 Jesuit colleges in the U.S., Creighton University, located in Omaha, Neb., provides its students with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allotting you extra time to work with your professors when needed. The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in clinical nurse leader trains you to promote health wellness to all your patients, as well as the critical leadership skills needed to help lead a team of nurses in the workplace.

After orientation and Introduction to Collaborative Care, you will enroll in 43 semester credits to complete your MSN. Included in the curriculum are specialty and role courses where you will apply all the learning you’ve inherited from your core coursework and apply it in a hands-on environment, helping other patients. Besides the specialty and role courses, you will complete research theory core courses, leadership/policy core courses, and role support courses.

CU encourages internships to give you further advanced practice. It ranks No. 21 on the list of Best Co-Ops and Internship Colleges in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. You must have a 3.0 GPA to apply and submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and transcripts to the office of admissions. You must also have an active and unencumbered RN license to be eligible.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a 100-block campus in the downtown part of the city and is highly recognized for its diversity. Nearly half of the student population is from a non-white ethnicity. The Master of Science in nursing offers a nurse practitioner pathway and assigns students roles so they can actively practice in a specialty of their choice. You can study your degree online while also participating in four on-campus intensives to further elevate your nursing education. You will learn how to best care for individuals and families across their lifespan while also promoting health wellness.

The family nurse practitioner specialty is a 45-credit program that mixes in core coursework with practicum and clinical intensive practice. The degree can be completed in six semesters with courses ranging anywhere from three to five credits. Sample courses you will enroll in include Advanced Family Nursing I-III, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Translating Evidence Into Practice.

Four of the nine nurse practitioner specialties at UAB are ranked in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Practitioner Programs, including family nurse practitioner which ranks No. 9 on the list. Any student applying with less than a 3.2 GPA must submit GRE test scores and include transcripts and a resume with the application. For all other documentation needs, contact a UAB admissions counselor.

Known as the school that famous Late Night host David Letterman earned a degree from, Ball State University earned its name from the Ball family which branded canned jars. Located in Muncie, Ind., it offers health students the opportunity to study a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner. The program is offered completely online and trains students to work in hospice centers, schools, private practices, Veterans Affairs facilities, and public health departments. 

The 47-semester hour curriculum includes six core credits, eight nursing core credits, and 33 concentration credits. You will be required to perform a large number of clinical hours in the program. The practicum is a five-credit course that mandates 180 clinical hours and assesses all the skills you have learned in the program. Sample courses you will enroll in are Nursing Theory, Nursing Information Technology, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, and Data Analysis in Nursing Research. 

BSU ranks No. 95 on the list of Top Public Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks No. 13 for Best Online Graduate Programs in Nursing, according to U.S. News & World Report. The School of Nursing requires that all applicants have a nursing license and submit three professional recommendations, a statement of nursing Goals and Objectives, a nursing questionnaire, and a criminal history disclosure form.

Located in Philadelphia, Drexel University prides itself on being an innovative campus that keeps up with technology changes and uses the newest state-of-the-art equipment. It was the first university to have microcomputers in 1983 and the first university to offer wireless devices, both inside and outside. It offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with concentration options in nursing education; clinical nurse leader; leadership in health systems management; and quality, safety, and risk management in healthcare.

For all nursing students, the curriculum requires 48-semester hours of coursework. Part of this coursework includes an elective and two practicum courses. Core courses that all students will enroll in include Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Evaluation and Translation in Health Research, Research Methods and Biostatistics, Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments, and Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, and students are expected to take one to two courses per quarter on a full-time track.

DU ranks No. 23 on the list of Most Innovative Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and must include transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation alongside the application.

The only Jesuit Catholic college in the Western Rocky Mountain Region, Regis University has four campuses which you can attend in Colorado, including Denver and Colorado Springs. Denver ranked No. 2 on the list of Best Places to Live, according to U.S. News & World Report. RU is known for its health profession training, and that includes those who pursue a career in nursing. Its Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a family nurse practitioner will teach you how to treat patients of all ages and train you on the physical, spiritual, social, and emotional side of care.

The 48-semester hour curriculum is a six-semester program with three courses in Primary Health Care Across the Lifespan. Other sample courses that students will enroll in include Ethics and Society, Primary Care Procedures I and II, Health Care Policy, Pharmacology for Advanced Practice, and Primary Health Care of Children and Their Families. The program finishes with a comprehensive examination prior to earning a degree.

RU is ranked No. 17 on the list of Best Nurse Practitioner Programs for Rural and Underserved Communities, according to TheBestSchools.org. To be eligible for admission, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field. You also must have at least two years of clinical practice as an RN. For all other documentation questions, contact an admissions counselor from RU on its website.