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# Guide to Enrolling In an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
 /  / Guide to Enrolling In an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Last Updated/Verified: Nov 8, 2024
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Deciding on an online nurse practitioner program is just the first step of the journey. Getting that acceptance letter and figuring out how to pay for your program should be your next goal. Our tips below will help you through the application process and lay out your best options for paying for your online NP education. Having a plan for each of these important steps will help you transition into your program as smoothly as possible.
## Applying For an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Nurses who are serious about applying for an  need to know how to apply for school – don’t let something silly such as forgetting to pay a fee or dropping the ball on requesting transcripts keep you from achieving your dreams. The process begins with researching schools and examining the application process.
### Prerequisites
Each institution and program has specific prerequisites. In order to receive an acceptance letter, students may need to have a specific GPA, type of licensure, or score on an entrance exam. Prerequisites vary based on the institution, program level, and specialization.
For example, applicants for an MSN program may need to hold a BSN from an accredited institution and have at least a year of clinical experience. Students may need to submit their resume or CV as well as sealed official transcripts from all other schools they have attended. Programs may also require written statements, letters of reference, interviews, and video essays.
Some programs may allow provisional acceptance for students. This means that institutions grant approval based on the fulfillment of prerequisites during the student’s first semester in school. In some cases, an MSN program may admit an RN with a bachelor’s degree in a separate field, but this student may have to take additional coursework. If you don’t meet all the requirements for your school of choice, it may be worth looking into whether provisional acceptance is an option for you.
### Filling Out the Application
Prospective students should be as thorough as possible when filling out the application. Some tips to make the process easier include:
* Pay attention to application periods and deadlines – you will want to be sure you have the application completely filled out, all fees paid, and all required documents delivered to the school within the application period and before the deadline passes
* Prepare a professional resume, ask for recommendation letters, and request official transcripts ahead of time
* Five weeks before the application, start requesting transcripts and references if required
* The application will also likely come with a fee – be sure you don’t forget to submit payment for any fees associated with the application
Filling out the application can be direct and straightforward, but nurses who want to stand out in the process can go above and beyond by:
#### Shadowing a Nurse Practitioner
Shadowing your favorite nurse practitioner for a few days can help you stand apart from other students. First, you can reference the time you spent shadowing your NP in your application. This shows how serious and determined you are. Second, your NP can write a recommendation on your behalf to really make your application shine.
#### Volunteering
Everyone loves seeing worthy extracurricular actions, like volunteering. While this may not be required, it certainly catches the attention of admissions officers. Plus, it’ll give you relevant and valuable experience while you plan out your career and get your application ready.
### Interviews and Personal Essays
Most schools require personal essays or a written statement of goals as part of the application process. Students should use these essays to describe their strengths and the skills they can bring to the program, as well as why they are pursuing this program in the first place.
Take your time and be thoughtful with personal essays and goal statements. Make sure you have caught any grammar or spelling mistakes, and consider having a friend or colleague proofread it for you. A few drafts may be needed before you land on the final version, so allow yourself plenty of time for these written requirements.
If a school requires prospective students to interview with a faculty member (either in person or via phone/video chat), they should prepare. Searching for questions commonly asked during these interviews and preparing answers based on personal experience is important.
#### Tips for standing out during your interview:
* **Be confident.** Nurses should be able to display reliability, stability, and confidence at all times. Your interviewer will be able to pick up nervous habits and mannerisms. It may help to practice in front of a mirror or with friends until you feel secure.
* **Be assertive.** Interviews are an excellent opportunity to showcase your kindness, compassion, and strength of will. Make eye contact and answer questions with cheer and friendliness.
* **Communicate effectively.** Nurses need to be able to communicate with other healthcare professionals and patients. Patients lose faith in their nurse when their nurse seems unsure, ends each statement like a question, and doesn’t take control of a situation.
* **Don’t rush the interview process.** Prospective students should take their time and answer all questions thoughtfully. This is your opportunity to show the faculty that you will be an asset to their program.
* **Be professional.** Like a job interview, show up on time (or better yet – early!), wear professional clothing, and have copies of your resume and references on hand. If you are doing a phone or video interview, be sure that your surroundings are appropriate and quiet, and that your technology (phone, computer, internet, etc.) is working properly. Prepare any questions you may have for the faculty regarding the program – this is also your chance to interview them to be sure the program is the right fit for you.
### Acceptance/Denial Letters
Acceptance and denial letters generally arrive faster than they once did, and are often delivered electronically instead of via a mailed letter. In many cases, these letters arrive in just a couple of weeks – most schools will have information on when their acceptance letters are sent on their website. For those who receive a denial, it is often worth asking about waitlist options and examining any missing prerequisites or exam scores – some schools may offer provisional acceptance if the student can complete the missing courses or exam within the first few semesters of the program.
## How to Pay for an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Many students still need some form of financial assistance to get through an online nurse practitioner program. Fortunately, students have access to scholarships, loans, grants, and other financing options. Having an idea of your online program’s costs will help you plan out the best way to pay for it without going broke.
### Scholarships
Scholarships are available for those entering NP programs, including those available solely online. Typically, scholarships are reserved for those pursuing a degree-based program. The , for example, offers scholarships for students pursuing an NP education at a variety of degree levels.
Some organizations require students to write an essay to obtain a scholarship, while other prizes are merit-based and take into consideration grades and academic achievements.
### Loans
Loans can be a good option for some students. Private and federal student loans are both available, and each has different benefits. For example, federal loans may come with  in the future, and these loans also come with varying options of repayment.
Student loans have some downsides. You may find yourself in a position where paying back these loans can be a struggle, especially if you have loans from a previous BSN or MSN. It’s a good idea to consider all the pros and cons of loans (including comparing interest rates) before deciding on this option.
### Grants
Grants are like scholarships in that you do not have to pay them back. Grants are often given by organizations, trusts, and other entities, sometimes to groups and other organizations. Individual students can also apply for grants.
### Cash/Savings
Some students opt to pay cash upfront or set up a payment plan with the institution itself. This helps students avoid loans, including interest. Students can pay upfront for their education and not have to worry about debt in the future.
Paying with cash can have some downsides. For example, some schools that allow students to set up payment plans will charge a fee. Of course, paying now rather than later also means that most students need to work while going to school and doing their clinical hours for the program.
### Work Reimbursement
Certain employers may provide various programs to help nursing students advance their careers. Tuition reimbursement helps those who want to continue their education while working. Employers benefit when their nurses go to school to further their education, so many are willing to reimburse tuition for prospective NPs. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement, be sure to collect all the information and stipulations on this option before you move forward with it, as some employers will require you to commit to working for them for a certain period of time upon completion of the program – or risk having to pay back the tuition yourself. Being clear about the rules will help you avoid any surprises down the line.
## Related Articles
* Nurse Practitioner Practice Authority
* Nurse Practitioner Licensing & Certification
* Nurse Practitioner Accreditation Organizations
* Nurse Practitioner Salary - By Specialty & State
* How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
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# Nurse Practitioner Accreditation Organizations
 /  / Nurse Practitioner Accreditation Organizations
Last Updated/Verified: Oct 25, 2024
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Completing an online nurse practitioner program is an exciting time for nurses who want to improve their career potential or change their career fields. Nurses who plan to work in a particular sub-specialty or want to enjoy a better salary should understand the importance of accreditation and how to choose an accredited online nurse practitioner program.
Discover the reasons why accreditation is important when you pursue an online nurse practitioner program.
## Accreditation – What Is It?
Accreditation of an online nurse practitioner program helps to ensure the integrity and quality of the program. It supports the interests of nursing education, the nursing practice in general, the interests of the public, and public health. It also serves as a non-governmental and external peer review process. Accrediting agencies operate according to nationally recognized standards and serve as a means of supporting continuous growth and continuous improvement in collegiate nursing programs.
Nursing program accrediting agencies develop the criteria and standards for nursing program accreditation and foster trust in the accrediting process. They ensure autonomy and fairness in deliberations related to the decision-making process. Accrediting agencies serve as a means of recognizing those educational institutions and nursing programs that meet and exceed the criteria and standards set for accreditation. They encourage nursing programs, including those offering online nurse practitioner programs, to develop graduates that are both capable nursing professionals as well as socially responsible citizens.
## Accrediting Organizations for Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
There are two nursing accrediting organizations: the  (ACEN) and the  (CCNE). Both agencies are equal in terms of properly accrediting online nurse practitioner programs. Each organization has a set of goals and a mission that focuses on being a supportive partner in the strengthening of nursing education programs, including nurse practitioner programs.
The ACEN and the CCNE also focus on valuing and fostering innovation in programs to be accredited, and with the accreditation process. Both organizations have some differences in how they state their mission and goals, yet the accreditation standards are the same.
### Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body for nursing education by the U.S. Department of Education, along with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing abides by strict accreditation requirements for an online nurse practitioner program. The ACEN accreditation extends to online programs, along with traditional classroom learning environments. The ACEN also considers the nurse practitioner program’s compliance with the established criteria and standards in the context of the mission and philosophy of the particular nurse practitioner program.
ACEN accreditation, including online nurse practitioner programs, includes factors such as:
* Specialized accreditation is mandatory for education programs that prepare nurses for the advanced practice role of a nurse practitioner
* ACEN accreditation heightens faculty member and administrator awareness of areas needing improvement
* The ACEN meets the mandated accreditation requirements of many state regulatory agencies for licensure and requirements set by many nurse practitioner employers
* The organization requires that a college, university, or program offering a nurse practitioner program demonstrates its ability to meet the necessary educational quality standards.
### Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an accrediting body that helps ensure the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in the nursing field. The agency encourages and supports ongoing self-assessment, improvement, and growth of nursing programs, including online nurse practitioner programs.
Some points regarding how the CCNE provides accreditation activities for online nurse practitioner programs include:
* Maintains integrity through fairness, honesty, and consistency
* Assesses and identifies the NP programs that engage in effective educational practices
* Holds online nurse practitioner programs accountable by ensuring that the program offers a demonstrated mission, goals, and appropriate outcomes that prepare students to fulfill their expected role as nurse practitioners
## Is Accreditation the Same as Approval from My State’s Board of Nursing?
Accreditation serves a different function when compared to a state Board of Nursing (BON). The state Board of Nursing gives a particular nursing school or program approval to operate within the specific state. A BON provides authorization for the educational institution to enroll and graduate students.
Students who complete a program with their state’s Board of Nursing approval can potentially sit for certification and licensure exams. These points make the state BON an essential tool for prospective online nurse practitioner students.
Nursing program accreditation is facilitated by a national accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation ensures that the online nurse practitioner program adheres to the high levels of the particular profession.
Another difference between accreditation and approval is that the state Board of Nursing’s approval is required by law. In contrast, accreditation of a nursing program is a voluntary process. It is recommended that students choose an online nurse practitioner program that is both state BON-approved and properly accredited.
## What Happens if I Don’t Choose an Accredited Online Nurse Practitioner Program?
Although accreditation is voluntary, there are advantages to completing an accredited online nurse practitioner program. Graduating from an accredited program indicates that you completed the requirements of a high-quality online nurse practitioner program that has been evaluated and vetted professionally.
If you do not choose an accredited program, several downfalls and possible consequences exist. Many states now require that an NP’s degree come from a program with specialized accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Nurses who complete an unaccredited online nurse practitioner program risk being:
1. Unable to transfer nursing credits
2. Ineligible to take certification exams
3. Rejected by potential employers
Nurses who graduate from an accredited program typically enjoy higher salaries and improved career options than nurses who do not complete an accredited program.
* Guide to Enrolling In an Online Nurse Practitioner Program