Best BSN to NP Programs: Top Picks for 2023

The best BSN to NP programs refer to higher education curriculums that offer a seamless transition for registered nurses with a BSN degree to progress in their careers and become NPs.

Healthcare is evolving, and so is the need for expert nurses. For many with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the next step is becoming a nurse practitioner (NP). This journey is more than just a career move; it’s a chance to lead in patient care.

Come along as we guide you through the standout BSN to NP programs of 2023. Discover where passion meets expertise and how you can shape the future of healthcare.

Takeaway

Choosing the ideal BSN to NP program from the top 2023 selections is like a chef selecting the finest ingredients for a signature dish. It not only sets the stage for a masterpiece but also defines the caliber and quality of care you will deliver as a nurse practitioner.

Best BSN to NP Programs for 2023

Let’s explore the top BSN to NP programs for 2023, spotlighting institutions that excel in equipping nurses with the knowledge, expertise, and clinical understanding needed to excel in advanced practice roles.

Duke University School of Nursing

• Location: North Carolina
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution
  • A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Transcripts
  • Three professional recommendations
  • Three comprehensive essays
  • Resume/CV
  • Current licensure as an RN in the state in which practice will occur
• Format: On-campus and online 
• Graduation rate: 94% to 96% 
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: Average 99% 
• Cost of tuition: $14,525

University of Pennsylvania

• Location: Philadelphia
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Personal Statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Video Interview
• Format: In-person only
• Graduation rate: 100%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Part-time: $6,392
  • Full-time: $56,262

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

• Location: Maryland
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • BSN degree or MSN degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited college
  • A 3.0 GPA or higher 
  • Evidence of current nursing license
  • One year of full-time RN experience preferred
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Current resume /CV
  • Goal statement
  • Interview with faculty (if moved forward by the admissions committee)
  • For international students, TOEFL or IELTS scores are needed
• Format: In-person and online
• Graduation rate: 92%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 97%
• Total cost of tuition: $52,704

Case Western University

• Location: Cleveland
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • Three professional recommendations
  • RN licensure (Ohio)
  • An accredited first professional degree program
  • A university statistics course equivalent to STAT 201 completed within five years of admission or before registering for NURS 425
• Format: In-person and online 
• Graduation rate: 84.4%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 96%
• Cost of tuition: $2,263 per credit hour

Columbia University School of Nursing

• Location: New York
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Nursing
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • New York State RN licensure or eligibility
  • One year of RN experience in an acute setting is required for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty applicants
• Format: In-person
• Graduation rate: 100%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93.6%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Part-time: $12,944 per term
  • Full-time: $24,574 per term

Ohio State University College of Nursing 

• Location: Ohio
• Accreditation: CCNE 
• Admission requirements:
  • Completed BSN or MSN
  • An RN license
  • A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Format: In-person and online
• Graduation rate: 75% 
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Ohio residents: $52,729
  • Non-residents: $53,729

University of Michigan School of Nursing 

• Location: Michigan 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • Earned a BSN degree or are in the process of earning one
  • A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • References
  • Resume
• Format: In-person and online
• Graduation rate: 92%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 99% 
• Cost of tuition:
  • On-campus:
    • Michigan resident: $1,908 per credit
    • Michigan non-resident: $3,488 per credit
  • Online:
    • Michigan resident: $1,698 per credit
    • Michigan non-resident: $2,001 per credit

University of Pittsburgh

• Location: Pittsburgh 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • A 3.0 GPA or higher
  • A license to practice nursing 
  • A pre-admission interview
  • Prerequisite statistics course with a B- or higher
  • A BSN or an entry-level MSN
  • Post-master DNP program applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing or a related field
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of professional recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • Completion of the Experience Survey
  • Current CV or resume
• Format: Online
• Graduation rate: 84%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 92.3%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Full-time students: $15,145 per term
  • Part-time students: $1,231 per term

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

• Location: North Carolina
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Hold a BSN degree from a CCNE or NLNAC-accredited program
  • An active license to practice as an RN in North Carolina or a compact state prior to entering the program
  • Be admissible to all previously attended colleges/universities
  • At least one year of paid clinical work experience as a registered nurse
  • Evidence of completing an undergraduate or graduate statistics course with a grade of B or better within five years of applying and before matriculation
• Format: Hybrid and online
• Graduation rate: 90%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90.4%
• Cost of tuition:
  • In-state
    • Full-time: $9,667 per semester
    • Part-time: $5,329 per 3–5.9 credit hours 
  • Out-of-state
    • Full-time: $18,530 per semester
    • Part-time: $9,761 per 3–5.9 credit hours 

Florida Atlantic University

• Location: Florida
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • BSN from an accredited university nursing program
  • A 3.0 GPA in the baccalaureate program
  • A CV
  • Two letters of recommendation from academics and professionals 
  • Personal Statement of the goals for the DNP degree
  • Current licensure in the State of Florida as an RN
  • An interview may be required
• Format: Online, live weekly sessions and intensive weekends
• Graduation rate: 53%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 95.9%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Florida resident: $371 per credit hour
  • Non-resident: $1,026 per credit hour

 Emory University School of Nursing 

• Location: Georgia
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • BSN from an accredited nursing college or university
  • Unencumbered RN license in the state(s) in which you will be completing clinical training
  • Official transcripts from each school attended
  • CV or resume
  • A personal statement 
  • 2-3 professional references 
  • Evidence of evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools for previous nursing coursework
  • Students with international transcripts for non-nursing degrees must provide an evaluation from World Education Services for previous non-nursing coursework
  • If English is a second language, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required
• Format: In-person and online
• Graduation rate: 90%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 98%
• Cost of tuition: $20,653 per semester

Vanderbilt School of Nursing 

• Location: Nashville
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • Statement of purpose
  • Provide their complete academic history and list all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of academic or professional reference
  • Respond to the application questions
  • Evidence of certain prerequisite course completion from an accredited college or university with a grade of “C” or better
  • RN applicants must have graduated (or will graduate prior to enrolling) from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited school and hold an unencumbered RN license
• Format: Distance, modified block (blocks of time on campus), hybrid and on-campus
• Graduation rate: 95%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 98%
• Cost of tuition: $1,939 per credit hour

East Carolina University

• Location: North Carolina
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • A 3.2 GPA or greater on a 4.0 scale
  • GRE (if applicable) 
  • References 
  • Essay
  • Interview
• Format: Online
• Graduation rate: 64%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 98%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Resident students: $263.8 per credit hour
  • Non-resident students: $994.3 per credit hour

University of Michigan

• Location: Michigan
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • Earned a BSN from a CCNE, AACN, or NLN-accredited institution
  • A 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Personal statement
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of reference
  • Resume
• Format: In-person and online
• Graduation rate: 92%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 99%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Michigan resident: $1,908 per credit hour
  • Michigan non-resident: $3,488 per credit hour
  • Distance learning: $1,698 per credit hour

The University of Alabama

• Location: Alabama
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
• Admission requirements:
  • Reside and hold a current unencumbered RN licensure
  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing
  • A GPA of 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 grading scale)
  • Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results deemed acceptable by appropriate university officials
• Format: Distance accessible format with one on-campus intensive conference
• Graduation rate: 72.5%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 99.2%
• Cost of tuition: $440 per hour

University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing 

• Location: Texas
• Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• Admission requirements:
  • BSN degree or ADN or Nursing Diploma and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree (BS/BA)
  • A 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or comparable GPA in upper-division work (junior- and senior-level courses) and any graduate work complete
  • The GRE, taken within the last five years
  • Three recommendations
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Current Texas RN licensure or a license from the “Nurse Licensure Compact” state, if admitted
  • Two years of full-time RN experience
  • Official transcripts
  • Official TOEFL scores (for international applicants only)
• Format: In-person
• Graduation rate: 79%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 84.8%
• Cost of tuition:
  • Texas resident: $1,418
  • Non-resident: $2,035

University of Cincinnati

• Location: Ohio
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission requirements:
  • NursingCAS application 
  • Transcripts and recommendation letters (submitted through NursingCAS)
  • U.C. Graduate School application submission
  • Web-based interview
• Format: In-person, hybrid and online
• Graduation rate: 73%
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 94.1%
• Cost of tuition:
  • In-person and hybrid
    • Ohio resident: $8,359 per semester
    • Metro resident (KY or IN): $8,609 per semester
    • Non-resident: $14,228 per semester
  • Online
    • Ohio resident: $8,359 per semester
    • Non-resident: $8,509 per semester

What To Consider When Choosing a Nursing School

When scouting for the ideal nursing school, it’s much like piecing together a puzzle. Every detail counts. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you:

• Accreditation: It’s not just a stamp. Confirm the program’s credibility and that it aligns with top standards, offering a solid educational foundation.
• Entry Criteria: Check the admission requirements, from GPA to coursework. This ensures you’re not just eligible but also competitive.
• Budgeting: Look beyond the headline tuition cost. Consider all the fees and weigh them against the school’s offerings.
• Program Structure: Reflect on your commitments and learning preferences. Does the program’s format fit into your life?
• Faculty Credentials: The quality of your educators is paramount. A seasoned faculty doesn’t just teach; they mentor and guide.
• Course Duration: Think about your end goals. Choose a program length that feels right, balancing your aspirations with practicalities.
• Curriculum Depth: Delve into the curriculum and clinical hours. It’s about ensuring you get a comprehensive, hands-on education.
• Success Metrics: Glance at the graduation rates and NCLEX-RN pass stats. They’re a barometer for the program’s overall quality and its knack for prepping students for the real world.

As you embark on this pivotal decision, keep these elements front and center. It’s about forging a path that’s tailored to you.

The Bottom Line

When looking at the best in nursing education, the BSN to NP programs we’ve spotlighted truly shine. They offer a mix of deep learning, mentorship from experienced nurses, and real-world training. For anyone eager to step up in the nursing world, there’s a program out there that fits just right.

These programs aren’t just about today; they’re shaping the future of healthcare. By choosing one of these, you’re not only investing in your own future but in a healthier world for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fastest track to become an NP?

The fastest track to become an NP is through an accelerated BSN to NP program, where students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can earn both a BSN and an NP degree consecutively in a reduced timeframe.

How long do BSN to NP programs take? 

BSN to NP programs typically take 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on the specialty chosen and whether the student is attending full-time or part-time.

How much do BSN to NP programs cost? 

For a BSN to DNP, the average price tag is $17k.

What is the easiest NP specialty?

The term “easiest” is subjective and can vary based on an individual’s strengths, interests, and experiences. However, some might argue that family nurse practitioner (FNP) is among the more generalized specialties, covering a broad range of basic healthcare needs across all ages. This can make it somewhat “easier” when compared to more specialized tracks like psychiatric or acute care NP roles, which require in-depth knowledge in those specific areas. Always choose a nursing specialty based on passion and interest rather than perceived difficulty.

Is a BSN to NP program hard?  

A BSN to NP program is certainly challenging, as it aims to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice roles. The program entails rigorous academic coursework, extensive clinical hours, and mastering complex nursing skills. However, with dedication, good study habits, and support, many students successfully navigate these programs and transition into fulfilling roles as nurse practitioners.

Is a BSN to NP program right for me?

Whether a BSN to NP program is right for you depends on your career goals, current educational status, and personal circumstances. Consider factors like your commitment to extended education, your desire for advanced practice roles, and the specialties or patient populations you’re interested in. Consulting with current NPs, mentors, and academic advisors can also provide insight into your decision.