The University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
#22 Best NP School Overall
#7 Best Program Variety
- BSN-DNP – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- 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 Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
The School of Nursing and Health Studies through the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) offers online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with the following specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCPNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP)
The school also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) program in all specializations except NNP and PMHNP. Students should also inquire with UMKC as to the availability of the ACPNP specialization for the DNP as it may not be offered at this time. In addition, there are several other options for DNP study for those with an MSN who do not have APRN certification, or who want to earn a second specialty while earning their DNP.
The UMKC nurse practitioner programs require attendance at two to three clinical institutes during the program, depending on the course of study selected. In addition, all programs and specializations require one on-campus intensive during each clinical course. Clinical preceptorships are completed locally in approved states of study.
UMKC NP program graduates will be eligible to take certification exams in their area of specialization. Certification organizations include the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the National Certification Corporation (NCC), and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
The University of Missouri – Kansas City offers affordable in-state tuition to both residents and non-residents, and the programs are offered in most states. The UMKC graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
What to Expect from the UMKC Online Graduate Nursing Programs
Admission Requirements: MSN and BSN to DNP applicants must have earned a BSN from a regionally accredited institution and a nationally-accredited nursing program. Post-Master’s Certificate applicants must hold both a BSN and MSN with the same accreditation requirements. All programs require at least a 3.2 minimum GPA plus an unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical hours will be completed. Prerequisites include graduate-level statistics and undergraduate health assessment with a grade of B or higher. A personal interview is required.
PMHNP and WHNP applicants must have 2 years of RN work experience. NNP Applicants must have at least 2 years of full-time RN experience in an intensive care patient setting with critically ill newborns and infants. PNP applicants must have at least one year of full-time clinical work experience within the past three years.
Application materials include a current resume, three evaluation forms (NNP applicants must only submit one evaluation from the Neonatal Medical Director of the NICU), official transcripts, a personal statement, and proof of RN licensure. International applicants must submit English language proficiency test scores. No GRE is required.
State Restrictions: UMKC accepts students from most states. However, students from Arizona, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington may not study in the MSN and BSN to DNP programs. In addition, the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner MSN and BSN to DNP programs are not offered to students from Alabama or Alaska.
Post-Master’s Certificate study is allowed in all states, with the exception of the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specialization, which is not available to students in Alaska, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington. Wisconsin students may participate in the MSN and DNP programs, however, there are some stipulations. Prospective students should inquire with the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies to verify state eligibility for their desired specialization and program. In addition, students outside of Missouri should verify certification eligibility with their State Board of Nursing.
Study Plan: The MSN can be completed in two to three years taking one to two courses per semester (2.5 years at two courses per semester for the PMHNP). The BSN to DNP can be completed in four to five years taking one to two courses per semester. The certificates can be completed in 18 months to three years taking one to two courses per semester, depending on the specialization.
Programs may start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer depending on the program. Certain programs have only one start semester. Clinicals are completed local to the student and should be set up well in advance of course completion. Neonatal nurse practitioner clinicals must be completed in a Level IV or V neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
MSN Curriculum: MSN core courses for all specializations include Health Promotion Across the Lifespan; Healthcare Policy and Advocacy; Cultural Diversity and Values; Theoretical Foundations in Nursing; and Nursing Research. Some specializations may also take some of the following courses: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Application for Graduate Prepared Nurses; Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Advanced Nursing Practice; Advanced Health Assessment Skills; Diagnostic Reasoning/Advanced Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan; and Ethics in Advanced Practice and Research.
- AGPCNP: The AGPCNP specialization comprises 46 credits including 660 clinical hours and 90 lab hours. Specialty courses include Primary Care of Adults; Primary Care of Adult-Gerontology; and Advanced Nursing Practice: Synthesis Practicum.
- FNP: The FNP specialization comprises 46 credits including 660 clinical hours and 90 lab hours. Specialty courses include Primary Care of Families I-II; and Advanced Nursing Practice: Synthesis Practicum.
- NNP: The NNP specialization comprises 42 credits including 742.5 clinical hours plus labs. Courses include Physiology/Pathophysiology of the Neonate; Pharmacology for the Neonate; Advanced Assessment of the Neonate; Neonatal Nursing I-II; and Preceptorship I-II.
- PCPNP: The PCPNP specialization comprises 46 credits including 660 clinical hours and 90 lab hours. Courses include Advanced Nursing Practice: Synthesis Practicums; Primary Care of Children; Chronic Child Health Care (Clinical II); and Diagnostic Reasoning/Advanced Assessment – Children.
- PMHNP: The PMHNP specialization comprises 46 credits including 660 clinical hours and 90 lab hours. Courses include Foundations of Family Psychiatric Nursing Advanced Practice; Family Psychiatric Nursing Advanced Practice I-II; and Advanced Nursing Practice: Synthesis Practicum.
- WHNP: The WHNP specialization comprises 46 credits including 660 clinical hours and 90 lab hours. Courses include Primary Health Care of Women; Care of the Childbearing Woman; and Advanced Nursing Practice: Synthesis Practicum.
- ACPNP: The ACPNP specialization comprises 46 credits including 660 clinical hours plus labs. Courses include Graduate Pharmacology Specialty; Pediatric Acute Care I-II; Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practicum I-II; and Primary Care of Children.
BSN to DNP Curriculum: The BSN to DNP requires completion of 74 credits (ACPNP: 90 credits) and at least 1,237.5 clinical hours. Core DNP courses include Cultural Diversity and Values; Nursing Research; Theory Development; Healthcare Economics and Quality; Application of Evidence-Based Practice I-II; and Healthcare Outcomes and Epidemiology. Other courses include those from the MSN courses.
The MSN to DNP with NP specialty for those without APRN status or those wishing to earn a second specialty along with the DNP require specific plans to be created with the School of Nursing and Health Studies.
Post-Graduate Certificate Curriculum: Certificate courses and clinical hours follow the specialty courses and clinical hours for the MSN specializations and comprise 18 to 24 credits. Certain prerequisites must be met or those classes must be taken in addition to those listed. An individual plan of study will be developed for each student.
Online Experience: UMKC utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are mostly asynchronous with some scheduled class times on Thursdays and Fridays. Students are made aware of synchronous class times well in advance of occurrence. Students find all course materials and requirements in the Canvas platform. Faculty/peer interaction takes place through live classes, discussion forums, email, chat, and phone.
Students gain hands-on experience through clinical institutes and campus intensives. Online students have access to MU Connect which is a platform to help with student success, engagement, and retention. In addition, students have access to library services, technical support, a writing studio, disability resources and services, mental health resources, career counseling, and faculty support.
On-Site Requirements: The MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate programs require attendance at two clinical institutes plus one on-campus intensive during each clinical course, for a total of four to five campus visits in Kansas City, MO. The BSN to DNP program requires attendance at two to three clinical institutes plus one visit per clinical course for a total of 8-9 campus visits. Clinical preceptorships are completed locally in approved states of study and all other coursework is online.
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Paying for the University of Missouri – Kansas City Online Graduate Nursing Programs
Online graduate tuition for the School of Nursing and Health Studies is $653.50 per credit plus fees. Campus visit costs including travel, room and board, and other costs are not included in tuition. Interested students should contact the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies for total tuition and fees.
UMKC offers unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Nursing students may also gain funding through employer tuition reimbursement programs and outside loans, grants, and scholarships.
With seven NP specializations, hands-on practice through intensives and clinicals, and affordable across the board tuition, UMKC is a great choice for nurses wishing to pursue a graduate nursing degree or certificate.
BSN-DNP – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN-DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
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 Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
8
74
1,237.50
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
74
$799.15
$59,137.10
$799.15
$59,137.10
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
No
8
74
1,237.50
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
74
$799.15
$59,137.10
$799.15
$59,137.10
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
8
74
1,237.50
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AK, AZ, AR, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
74
$799.15
$59,137.10
$799.15
$59,137.10
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
8
74
1,237.50
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, PR, TN, VA, WA
Program Tuition
74
$799.15
$59,137.10
$799.15
$59,137.10
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
8
74
1,237.50
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
74
$799.15
$59,137.10
$799.15
$59,137.10
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Spring
No
5
46
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
46
$799.15
$36,760.90
$799.15
$36,760.90
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Spring
No
5
46
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
46
$799.15
$36,760.90
$799.15
$36,760.90
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Spring
No
5
45
742.5
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
45
$799.15
$35,961.75
$799.15
$35,961.75
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Spring
No
5
52
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AL, AK, AZ, AR, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
52
$799.15
$41,555.80
$799.15
$41,555.80
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Spring
No
5
46
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
46
$799.15
$36,760.90
$799.15
$36,760.90
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Summer, Spring
No
5
46
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
46
$799.15
$36,760.90
$799.15
$36,760.90
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Spring
No
5
46
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AZ, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
46
$799.15
$36,760.90
$799.15
$36,760.90
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
18
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
None
Program Tuition
18
$799.15
$14,384.70
$799.15
$14,384.70
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
18
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
None
Program Tuition
18
$799.15
$14,384.70
$799.15
$14,384.70
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
24
742.5
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
None
Program Tuition
24
$799.15
$19,179.60
$799.15
$19,179.60
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
21
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
AR, NY, OR, TN, WA
Program Tuition
21
$799.15
$16,782.15
$799.15
$16,782.15
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
18
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
None
Program Tuition
18
$799.15
$14,384.70
$799.15
$14,384.70
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
18
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
None
Program Tuition
18
$799.15
$14,384.70
$799.15
$14,384.70
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
WHNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
18
660
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.2 or higher
None
Program Tuition
18
$799.15
$14,384.70
$799.15
$14,384.70
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.