Drexel University Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
#20 Best Program Variety
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Dual Pediatric Primary Care/Pediatric Acute Care NP
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration
- MSN – Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Dual Pediatric Primary Care/Pediatric Acute Care NP
- Post-Master's Certificate – Family/Individual Across the Lifespan NP
- Post-Master's Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health NP
- Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health/Gender Related NP
The College of Nursing and Health Professions through Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and corresponding Post-Master’s Certificates with seven nurse practitioner specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Pediatric Primary Care/Pediatric Acute Care Dual Program (PNP-PC/PNP-AC)
Coursework is delivered 100% online with one to three campus visit requirements depending on the path chosen. Students also complete preceptorships at approved facilities local to the student. Courses are delivered through synchronous online lectures to more fully engage students. Prospective students should note that Pennsylvania RN licensure is required for all programs before beginning clinicals.
Through engaging synchronous lectures, hands-on campus intensives in the state-of-the-art simulation lab, and precepted clinical experiences, Drexel seeks to educate and prepare nurses to serve in a variety of settings. Depending on the specialization nurse practitioners may work in hospitals, emergency care units, critical and acute care units, surgical settings, primary care clinics, research facilities, schools, government facilities, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and private practice.
Graduates of the programs are eligible to take the respective nurse practitioner certification exams for their track. Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
What to Expect from the Drexel University Online NP Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a current, unencumbered RN license for their state. Application materials include a completed application, official transcripts; two professional letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a current resume or CV, a copy of the RN license; and proof of English language proficiency if English is not the applicant’s first language. GRE test scores are not required.
- Specific Program Requirements:
- MSN: Students must hold a BSN from an AACN or NLN-accredited program (this includes CCNE-accredited programs) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all prior coursework or 3.25 or higher on the last 60 credits of the BSN; AGACNP applicants must have two years of bedside acute care nursing experience with critical care preferred; AGPCNP applicants: one year of adult nursing experience preferred; FNP applicants: one to two years of medical or surgical nursing is preferred; PCP-AC applicants: at least one year of pediatric acute care nursing is required; PCP-PC applicants: one year of pediatric experience is required before beginning clinicals; PMHNP applicants: at least one year of psychiatric nursing experience is required
- Post-Master’s Certificates: Students must hold an MSN from an AACN or NLN-accredited program (this includes CCNE-accredited programs) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all prior coursework or 3.25 or higher on the last 60 credits (AGACNP requires a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher); FNP applicants: one to two years of medical or surgical nursing is preferred; PCP-PC applicants: one year of pediatric experience is required before beginning clinical practicums; PMHNP applicants: at least one year of psychiatric nursing experience is required
State Restrictions: Drexel University accepts students from most states, however, applicants outside of Maryland should check with the College of Nursing and Health Professions to confirm eligibility. Drexel University cannot admit students from the following states at this time: Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming. In addition, residents of New York may be admitted, however, they may not complete clinical preceptorships in the state of New York. Prospective students should contact the licensing board of their specific state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.
Study Plan: The online MSN program is offered part-time and most specializations can be completed in three years or three years and one quarter, taking one to two courses per term. The post-master’s certificates can be completed in about two years. Depending on the program students come to campus two to eight times for clinical courses, and clinical hours vary according to specialization. The online NP programs begin in the Fall.
MSN Curriculum: Courses for all specializations include Confronting Issues in Contemporary Healthcare Environments; Advanced Ethical Decision-Making in Healthcare; Quality and Safety in Health Care; Research Methods and Biostatistics; Evaluation and Translation of Health Research; Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning; and Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): This program requires the completion of 57 credits and 800 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners; Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP I: Introduction to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Medicine; Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner II: Management/Care of Patients in Acute Critical Care Medical Settings; Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner III: Management/Care of Patients in Acute Surgical Settings; Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP IV: Management of Care of Patients in Critical Care Settings; and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP V: Management and Care of Clients in Acute, Critical Care, Medical or Surgical Settings.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP): This program requires the completion of 52 credits and 640 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Advanced Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners; Adult-Gerontology Primary Care I: Introduction to Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Care of the Young-Adult; Adult-Gerontology Primary Care II: Management/Care of Adult Patients in Primary Care; Adult-Gerontology Primary Care III: Management of the Older-Adult Patient in Primary Care; Adult-Gerontology Primary Care IV: Gerontology Management and Care.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): This program comprises 56 credits plus the completion of 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Pharmacology for Family Nurse Practitioners; FNP I: Primary Care of the Emerging Family; FNP II: Primary and Episodic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents; FNP III: Primary Care of Adults and Older Adults Across the Adult Age Spectrum I; FNP IV: Primary Care of Adults and Older Adults Across the Adult Age Spectrum II; and FNP V: Integrative Practicum in Family Practice Across the Lifespan.
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC): This program requires the completion of 57 credits and 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Pharmacology for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; PNP I: Primary Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents; PNP II: Episodic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents in Primary Care; Pediatric Nurse Practitioner AC I-II: Acute-Chronic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents Management; and PNP Management of the Medically Fragile and Technology Dependent Child in the Community.
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC): This program comprises 52 credits plus the completion of 640 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Pharmacology for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; PNP I: Primary Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents; PNP II: Episodic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents in Primary Care; PNP III: Management and Care of Adolescents in the Primary Care Setting; and PNP IV: Primary Care of Children with Special Health Care Needs.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This program requires the completion of 52 credits and 640 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Pharmacology Across the Lifespan; PMHNP I-III: Advanced Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Theoretical Foundations and Psychopathology I-III; and PMHNP IV: Advanced Mental Health NP Management and Care of Clients in Diverse Populations Across the Lifespan.
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): This program requires the completion of 55 credits and 640 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Primary Care for Women’s Health, Pharmacology for the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner; WHNPI: Management and Care of the Common Gynecological and Gender-Related Issues throughout the Lifespan; WHNP II: Management and Care of the Complex Gynecological and Gender-Related Issues of Women throughout the Lifespan; WHNP III: Management and Care of the Low Risk Obstetrical and Post Partum Needs: Women and Families; WHNP IV: Management and Care of the High Risk Obstetrical and Post Partum Needs of Women and Families.
- Pediatric Primary Care/Pediatric Acute Care Dual Program (PNP-PC/AC): This program requires the completion of 62 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Pharmacology for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; PNP I: Primary Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents; PNP II: Episodic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents in Primary Care; Pediatric Nurse Practitioner AC I-II: Acute-Chronic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents Management; and PNP Management of the Medically Fragile and Technology Dependent Child in the Community.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: All specializations require completion of the following courses: Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning; and Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners. Specialty courses then follow the courses required for the MSN as listed above.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): This program requires the completion of 39 credits and 800 clinical hours.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP): This program requires the completion of 34 credits and 640 clinical hours.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): This program requires the completion of 38 credits and 720 clinical hours.
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC): This program requires the completion of 39 credits and 720 clinical hours.
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC): This program requires the completion of 34 credits and 640 clinical hours.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This program requires the completion of 34 credits and 640 clinical hours.
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): This program requires the completion of 37 credits and 640 clinical hours.
- Pediatric Primary Care/Pediatric Acute Care Dual Program (PNP-PC/AC): This program requires the completion of 44 credits and 1,000 clinical hours.
Online Experience: Online NP courses through Drexel are delivered synchronously through a Learning Management System (LMS) entitled Drexel Learn. Synchronous online lectures serve to engage students in an interactive format that is challenging and collaborative. The LMS is managed by the Information Technology department and is integrated with other university portals. Course tools include a content editor, discussion boards, assignments, tests, and a grade center. Integrated into the system are tools such as Collaborate, Ally, Turnitin, Respondus, VoiceThread, and Kaltura/Drexel Streams. Online students have access to similar services as on-campus students including admissions and career counseling, academic advising, faculty office hours, technical support, and tutoring services.
On-Site Requirements: Drexel students come to the Center City, Pennsylvania campus for on-campus intensives (OCIs) a set number of times depending on their specialization. AGACNP students come to campus once. WHNP students come to campus three times. The rest come to campus two times, however, one of these visits may be virtual at this time. During the OCIs students attend simulated clinical learning experiences in the College of Nursing and Health Professions simulation lab. All specializations require nurses to have a Pennsylvania RN license prior to beginning the clinical components. Some specializations may require RN licensure in other states for the intensives. Drexel University recommends applying for licensure as soon as the student is accepted into the designated program.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
Paying for the Drexel University Online NP Programs
The online MSN and Certificate program costs are listed below. This rate may reflect a discount on the usual tuition costs. Travel expenses for the OCIs are not included and must be taken into account. Interested students should contact the graduate admissions department of the Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions for current tuition costs.
Graduate students may be eligible for federal unsubsidized student loans in accordance with the FAFSA. Students are also encouraged to check with their employers about a tuition reimbursement program or with outside organizations for other scholarships and grants.
With 7 NP specializations to choose from, interactive synchronous lectures, and hands-on campus immersions, the Drexel University MSN and certificate programs offer nurses a wealth of opportunities to learn in an engaging environment geared toward their particular goals.
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Dual Pediatric Primary Care/Pediatric Acute Care NP
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration
MSN – Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Dual Pediatric Primary Care/Pediatric Acute Care NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Family/Individual Across the Lifespan NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health/Gender Related NP
3001 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
57
800
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
57
$1,101.00
$62,757.00
$1,101.00
$62,757.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
52
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
52
$1,101.00
$57,252.00
$1,101.00
$57,252.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
62
1,000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
62
$1,101.00
$68,262.00
$1,101.00
$68,262.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
56
720
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
56
$1,101.00
$61,656.00
$1,101.00
$61,656.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
57
720
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
57
$1,101.00
$62,757.00
$1,101.00
$62,757.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
52
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
52
$1,101.00
$57,252.00
$1,101.00
$57,252.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
52
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
52
$1,101.00
$57,252.00
$1,101.00
$57,252.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
55
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
55
$1,101.00
$60,555.00
$1,101.00
$60,555.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
39
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.5 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
39
$1,101.00
$42,939.00
$1,101.00
$42,939.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
34
800
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
34
$1,101.00
$37,434.00
$1,101.00
$37,434.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
44
1,000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD
Program Tuition
44
$1,101.00
$48,444.00
$1,101.00
$48,444.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
38
720
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD
Program Tuition
38
$1,101.00
$41,838.00
$1,101.00
$41,838.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
39
720
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD
Program Tuition
39
$1,101.00
$42,939.00
$1,101.00
$42,939.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
34
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
34
$1,101.00
$37,434.00
$1,101.00
$37,434.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
34
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
34
$1,101.00
$37,434.00
$1,101.00
$37,434.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
37
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, CO, LA, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, SD, WY
Program Tuition
37
$1,101.00
$40,737.00
$1,101.00
$40,737.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.