Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses whose roles vary based on state laws. NP programs are offered at the graduate level, blending academic coursework with practical clinical experience.
In the U.S., the demand for nurse practitioners is growing, owing to a shortage of primary care physicians. This need is expected to increase as over 30 million Americans became eligible for health insurance in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. As the demand for qualified healthcare professionals rises, now is an excellent time to pursue a career as an NP. Here are three of the top nurse practitioner schools in the United States:
**University of Michigan School of Nursing in Ann Arbor, Michigan**
The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is recognized as one of the top universities in the U.S. and is also ranked among the top research universities globally. The School of Nursing offers several NP programs, including a master’s degree in parent/child nursing with a pediatric NP option and an acute care nursing program with an acute care practitioner degree. Both programs are highly regarded nationwide.
**Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland**
Johns Hopkins University, often referred to as JHU, is a historically prestigious research university based in Baltimore. Home to 37 Nobel Prize winners, JHU offers top-ranked family, pediatric, and adult nursing programs. The School of Nursing provides master’s degree programs with specialty training in pediatric primary care and family primary care. Students can earn an NP degree and a master of public health degree through these programs. Additionally, JHU offers networking opportunities, continuous education programs, and access to further education at Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the U.S.
**University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA**
Known as Penn, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia holds the distinction of being America’s first university. Its School of Nursing is highly esteemed with master’s degree programs offering numerous specializations and minors. Penn’s family nurse practitioner program, established in 1973, is one of the oldest in the country. The program offers full-time (16 months), part-time, post-master’s, and BSN/MSN studies. Graduates from Penn’s family health NP program can become certified in Pennsylvania as Family Health Certified Nurse Practitioners with prescriptive authority.
For more information on top nurse practitioner schools, there are various resources available online to help you make informed decisions about your education and career path.