emergency nurse practitioner programs onlineIn this article, we profile the top 15 most affordable emergency nurse practitioner online certificate programs.

Emergency room nurse practitioners tend to the immediate care needs of patients seen in an emergency room or urgent care setting. To earn a specialized certificate in emergency care, a nurse practitioner must receive additional training specific to emergency and acute care. Online options are available from some of the nation’s top-ranked and accredited institutions.

Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs Methodology

We looked at approximately 52 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered affordable emergency nurse practitioner online certificate programs. We considered both acute care and emergency care when evaluating programs. To narrow our original pool of schools, we applied the following criteria: Regional or national accreditation, nursing programs and institution rankings from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and graduate tuition and fees as listed by College Navigator. While some of the programs on our list exceed $40,000, these schools and programs offered rankings and accreditation that were taken into consideration. We listed the top 15 emergency nurse practitioner online programs according to raw affordability.

Below is our list of the top 15 most affordable online emergency nurse practitioner programs.

#15 – Georgetown University

Online Post Master’s Certificate – Acute Care

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

Georgetown University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Georgetown University’s post master’s certificates include the emergency nurse practitioner online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $50,012

One of the top emergency nurse practitioner online programs on our list is the acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) in adult gerontology at Georgetown University. Students complete the program on a part-time basis. To be eligible, applicants must hold a current registered nurse license as well as a master’s in nursing (or doctoral degree) from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program. The AG-ACNP certificate consists of 15 credits and 600-700 clinical hours. This specialization helps prepare students for work in acute care situations. Georgetown earns a spot on our list of top programs due to its rankings with U.S. News and World Report. The school ranks #22 in best national universities.

#14 – Vanderbilt University

Online Post Master’s in Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Nashville, Tennessee

Website

Vanderbilt University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Ranked and accredited – Vanderbilt University – emergency nurse practitioner online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $47,686

Vanderbilt University’s online emergency nurse practitioner programs include the post-master’s option for family nurse practitioner applicants. This special certification for FNP requires course completion and clinical hours in emergency care. Curriculum includes concepts in emergency nursing, patho and collaborative management in emergent and critical care, and trauma, emergency, and critical care clinicals. To apply to the certification program, you will need three references and all transcripts from previous colleges and universities attended. Vanderbilt is a highly ranked and accredited institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #14 in best national universities and #7 in best value institutions.

#13 – Drexel University

Online Post Master’s in Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Drexel University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Designed for family nurse practitioners! Drexel University’s emergency nurse practitioner online certificate.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,995

The online MSN emergency nurse practitioner program at Drexel University consists of a post-master’s certificate. This graduate certificate is designed for family nurse practitioners who work in emergency care settings or desire to make a career change. Courses include advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, emergency trauma care across the lifespan, and emergency trauma caring for critically ill patients. Admission to the post-certificate program requires an MSN from a fully accredited institution and GPA of 3.0 or better. Also, applicants must hold a current, unrestricted RN license and have two years of experience in critical care or emergency room care. U.S. News and World Report ranks Drexel #102 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #53 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#12 – George Washington University

Online Post Master’s in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

George Washington University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Ranked as a best value program! George Washington University’s post master’s in acute care online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $30,834

For those looking for emergency nurse practitioner online programs or post-master’s certificates in acute care, George Washington University offers online options. Nurse practitioners may earn a certificate in adult-gerontology acute care by taking classes and completing two on-campus simulation-based learning events. Clinical placement is also required. Admission to the certificate program includes a master’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university, official transcripts and a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and an active, unencumbered nursing licensure. The most recent publication of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges ranks GWU #63 in best national universities and #68 in best value schools.

#11 – University of Pittsburgh

Online Post Master’s in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

University of Pittsburgh - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
540 clinical hours required! University of Pittsburgh’s emergency nurse practitioner online certificate.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,696

University of Pittsburgh offers an online MSN emergency nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate. The adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certificate is designed for graduates of nurse practitioner (NP) programs seeking to expand their roles in acute care. Coursework is delivered online and can be completed in three terms. Also, 540 clinical hours must be completed to earn the post-master’s certificate. Some of the online courses include topics in introduction to genetics and molecular therapeutics, management of complex health problems, and management of geriatric health. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Pittsburgh #70 in best national universities.

#10 – Duquesne University

Online MSN in Emergency Care

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Duquesne University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Concentration options available in emergency room care! Duquesne University’s online MSN!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,112

Duquesne University’s online emergency nurse practitioner programs include the MSN in emergency care. Students may earn their MSN degree completely online. This program prepares nurses to graduate with a master’s in nursing degree and be eligible to take either the AANPCP or the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination. A total of 12 courses are required for the MSN. Concentrations are also offered in forensic nursing, which prepares nurses to perform unique tests and collect evidence within the emergency room setting. Admission to the program requires a BSN from an accredited institution and at least one year of full-time work as an RN. Duquesne University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 119th best national university in the country.

#9 – Western University of Health Sciences

Online Post Master’s Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Pomona, California

Website

Western University of Health Sciences - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
CCNE-accredited! Western University of Health Sciences – emergency nurse practitioner online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,489

Western University of Health Sciences offers an online MSN emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) certificate through web accessible programming. The program consists of two, six-unit courses (clinical and didactic), ENP rounds, and objective examination testing. Clinical practice hours are built into the curriculum. A total of 270 clinical hours (90 hours during semester one and 180 hours during semester two) are required. Admission to the program requires an MSN degree with valid licensing and experience working with patients in a clinical setting. The school and its graduate programs have received accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

#8 – Saint Louis University

Online Post Master’s in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

Saint Louis University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Fully online! Saint Louis University – post master’s emergency nurse practitioner online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,994

Saint Louis University offers online emergency nurse practitioner programs, including the adult-gerontological acute care post-master’s certificate. The program is specifically designed for nurse practitioners working in emergency room settings. A minimum of 15 credits are required for the completion of the post-master’s certificate. All required courses are administered online, and only two visits to the St. Louis campus are necessary. Applicants are required to hold a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or better, and have experience in an advanced practice role in nursing. Also, official transcripts, one recommendation letter, and a copy of an active RN license are required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Louis University #106 in best national universities.

#7 – Loyola University

Online Post Master’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Loyola University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Ranked & accredited – Loyola University’s post master’s emergency nurse practitioner online programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,498

Loyola University offers one of the top online MSN emergency nurse practitioner certificate programs on our list. The adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certificate is open to master’s prepared nurses who wish to advance their skillset and career trajectory. Admission to the certificate program requires official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work, a current Illinois nursing license, a personal statement, and background check. The institution is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Loyola #89 in best national universities and #60 in best value schools.

#6 – Rutgers University

Online Post Master’s in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Newark, New Jersey

School Profile

Rutgers University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Acute care emergency nurse practitioner online certificate programs available at Rutgers University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,401

Rutgers University offers emergency nurse practitioner online post-master’s certificates such as the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certificate. The program is designed for registered nurses who hold a master’s in nursing (MSN) and are interested in specializing in acute or emergency care. A minimum of two years of acute care experience is required. Courses and clinical hours are required. The coursework includes topics in advanced human physiology and pathophysiology, adult gerontology acute care theory, and pathopharmacology. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rutgers #115 in best national universities and #104 in best value schools.

#5 – Samford University

Online DNP in Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Birmingham, Alabama

Website

Samford University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
24 months! Samford University’s affordable emergency nurse practitioner online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,865

Samford University offers unique options for master’s prepared FNPs seeking online emergency nurse practitioner programs. The DNP in emergency nurse practitioner prepares family nurse practitioners to practice in emergency and urgent care settings. The program takes 24 months to complete. Courses are offered fully online with minimal campus visits. Admission to the DNP program requires an unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse, an accredited MSN, cumulative GPA in an MSN program of 3.5 or better, a video interview submission, and national certification as a family nurse practitioner. Samford ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 4th best regional university in the South.

#4 – Maryville University

Online Master’s in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

Maryville University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
No GMAT or GRE – Maryville University’s master’s in adult gerontology acute care is available online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,646

One of the top most affordable online MSN emergency nurse practitioner programs on our list is offered by Maryville University. Maryville’s online adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program requires no GMAT, GRE, or statistics class at admission. Also, classes are delivered 100 percent online with no campus visits required. Students complete clinicals locally and in a preferred setting. Online courses include evidence-based practice in nursing, health care policy, professional role development, and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. U.S. News and World Report ranks Maryville #177 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #109 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#3 – Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Online Post Master’s in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Columbus, Ohio

Website

Mount Carmel College of Nursing - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
One of the top emergency nurse practitioner online programs on our list is available at Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,488

Mount Caramel College of Nursing offers an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate that focuses on adult-gerontology acute care. This post-master’s certificate requires two years of clinical experience in ICU or a similar high-acuity setting within the last five years of application. Also, a completed MSN from an accredited program and current, unrestricted RN license are required. Post-master’s courses begin in the summer term, and applications open October 1 through February 1. Mount Caramel ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, several graduate programs including nursing have received recognition in recent years.

#2 – The University of Texas

Online Post Master’s in Emergency and Trauma Care

Houston, Texas

Website

The University of Texas - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
Hybrid/blended program! The University of Texas – emergency nurse practitioner online certificate.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,926

The emergency nurse practitioner online degree at The University of Texas is a ten-credit program that consists of hybrid/blend coursework. This is a post-master’s certificate or an add-on concentration to the family nurse practitioner MSN also offered at UT. Coursework includes the study of emergency and trauma care theory and practice and emergency and trauma care clinicals. A total of 360 clinical hours must be completed. The program is ranked and accredited. Also, U.S. News and World Report, a major publication relied on by employers and academic institutions, has ranked and recognized UT as a top institution. Affordability earns UT’s post-master’s program a spot on our list.

#1 – Georgia Southern University

Online Post Master’s in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Statesboro, Georgia

School Profile

Georgia Southern University - Top 15 Most Affordable Emergency Nurse Practitioner Online Programs 2019
#1 most affordable! Georgia Southern University – post-master’s emergency nurse practitioner online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,728

The most affordable emergency nurse practitioner online program on our list is the online post-master’s certificate in adult-gerontology acute care at Georgia Southern University. This fully online post-master’s program is open to individuals with current, unencumbered RN licenses, an MSN with 3.0 GPA, and certification as a clinical nurse specialist, CRNA, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner. Courses are delivered via distance learning and include adult gerontology, practice and professional issues, and psychodynamics of health. 19 credit hours and 630 total clinical hours are required for the certificate. U.S. News and World Report ranks Georgia Southern University #230-#301 in best national universities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate?

There is no typical day for an emergency nurse practitioner. Unlike family nurse practitioners, ER nurse practitioners spend much of their time in an emergency setting, but do not spend the day working with the same patients. The primary role of an emergency care nurse practitioner is to assess the urgent needs of their patients and provide them with quality care. This role requires snap judgments and critical thinking abilities.

With an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate, nurse practitioners become qualified to work in emergency care. Standard duties include consulting physicians and other nurses in ER in regard to patient status. Also, ordering x-rays, scans, and other diagnostic tests make up the job duties of an ER NP.

Nurse practitioners in the ER setting must be able to think on their feet, as patient care is atypical. The range of ER patients means there is rarely a dull moment. On a single day, ER nurse practitioners might see gunshot victims, broken bones, injuries caused by vehicle accidents, and complications with the flu. On weekends, when doctor offices are usually closed, the ER staff may see more patients with routine problems, such as colds, fevers, illnesses, and muscle strains. Working in an emergency room is never mundane and often grueling and stressful work.

What is the job outlook for individuals with an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook – reports a favorable job outlook for the nurse practitioner occupation. In fact, the overall employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 31 percent through 2026. This is a much faster growth rate than all other occupations.

Growth is expected due to an increase in demand for healthcare services. Emergency room services and acute care will likely increase, putting a demand on the hiring of nurse practitioners with specialized skills. Also, the increased demand for healthcare services from the aging population will drive the growth for nurse practitioner occupations.

Specialized nurse practitioners, such as those with an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate, will see industry growth. Overall, job opportunities for nurse practitioners will be excellent for the next six to eight years. BLS reports ER NPs and APRNs will be in demand. But location may impact this demand. The highest demand is expected in medically underserved areas, such as inner cities and rural towns and regions.

Also, as states change laws governing the authority a nurse practitioner has, these highly skilled nurses will be allowed to perform more services. This means ER nurse practitioners will have more authority in the emergency room. More authority drives public recognition that nurse practitioners are a primary source for healthcare. As a result, more people will ask to see a nurse practitioner, which will also increase the demand for jobs.

What is the earnings potential for an individual with an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate?

We looked at two reputable sources that report earnings for nurse practitioners and emergency nurse practitioners. First, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports in the May 2019 publication of the Occupational Outlook Handbook that the median annual wage for nurse practitioners is $107,030. The lowest ten percent earned less than $80,670 and the highest ten percent earned more than $182,750. BLS also reports nurse practitioners working in hospitals, both state and private, earn an average salary of $120,540.

PayScale, a global compensation research company that offers salary reports of specific job titles, states the average pay for a nurse practitioner with emergency room skills is $93,890. The lowest ten percent earned $73,213 and the highest ten percent earned $124,267.

Experience impacts salaries. In fact, PayScale reports a positive trend for pay by experience of nurse practitioners. In fact, entry-level nurses will earn less than experienced nurses. We broke the numbers down to provide context.

PayScale’s survey showed an entry-level nurse practitioner with ER skills and less than five years of experience can expect to earn an average annual compensation of $96,000. Mid-career experience nurses with five to ten years of experience earn $104,000. Nurse practitioners with ten to twenty years of experience earn $108,000.
The earnings potential for individuals with an emergency nurse practitioner’s online post-master’s certificate is favorable and increases according to experience.

What are the admission requirements for emergency nurse practitioner online certificate programs?

Emergency nurse practitioner online programs admission requirements vary by institution. Highly selective nursing programs and colleges require stellar undergraduate and graduate academic performance. In fact, top-tier colleges and universities ask for GPAs of 3.5 or better, along with other admission criteria.

The most common admission requirement for an emergency nurse practitioner online post-master’s certificate is an unencumbered, active RN license. Also, since the programs are designed for nurse practitioners, applicants must have earned a master’s in nursing (MSN) and received certification as a nurse practitioner. Potential post-master’s students should be nationally certified by ANCC or AANPCP as a family nurse practitioner or FNP.

Other admission requirements that must be met for most emergency nurse practitioner online programs on our list include official MSN and BSN transcripts. Applicants must show evidence of current state nursing licensure or nursing licensure in state of residence. Some programs may require licensure within the state you plan to earn your post-master’s certificate. In addition to licensure, two to three academic or professional references are often required. Also, applicants should present a curriculum vitae or resume.

Most online applications for post-master’s emergency nurse practitioner online programs also require a non-refundable application fee.

How long does it take to earn an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate?

The time to completion of an emergency nurse practitioner online certificate varies by program. According to our pool of schools, the average time to complete a post-certificate is 16-24 months. However, various factors impact program length.

Enrollment is the first factor impacting completion time. Depending on the program, part-time or full-time completion options will be offered. Most emergency nurse practitioner online certificate programs are part-time. Part-time enrollment provides flexibility and allows students to work while attending classes. The convenient option is ideal for nurses wanting to gain valuable work experience while earning their post-master’s certificate. Since part-time programs require students to take one class at time, the program length is longer than programs that compress classes. The average length of a part-time emergency nurse practitioner online certificate program is 18-24 months.

Students in full-time programs or in programs that allow more than one class at a time may finish their degree quicker than their part-time enrolled peers. In fact, the full-time programs on our list average 12-16 months.

Flexible enrollment also impacts program length and completion time. Some programs allow students to work at their own pace or enroll as a part-time student one term while enrolling as a full-time student the next. This flexible enrollment options is ideal for working and busy individuals balancing school and life obligations.

BCO Staff
May 2019

Related:

This concludes our list of the top 15 most affordable emergency nurse practitioner online programs.