Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in District of Columbia

George Washington University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a comprehensive pathway for registered nurses to become advanced primary care providers. Spanning 48 credit hours and 600 clinical hours, the hybrid program emphasizes holistic patient care across all life stages. Students develop critical leadership skills through innovative curriculum combining didactic learning and hands-on clinical experiences. The program features multiple entry options, full-time and part-time tracks, and rigorous simulation-based training. Graduates are prepared to deliver exceptional patient-centered care in diverse healthcare environments, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced clinical practice.

• 48 credit hours total
• 600 clinical hours required
• Multiple entry options
• Full-time and part-time tracks
• Fall and spring entry
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• On-campus skill intensives
• Simulation-based learning
• Campus learning skills intensive
• Objective structured clinical exams

George Washington University's online Master of Science in Nursing specializes in adult-gerontology acute care, preparing advanced practice nurses for high-intensity clinical environments. The 48-credit program requires 600 clinical hours and targets nurses with critical care experience. Students develop sophisticated skills in complex patient management, emergency department protocols, and critical care unit procedures. The comprehensive curriculum blends advanced clinical knowledge with leadership and research training. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams and positioned as expert healthcare professionals capable of delivering exceptional acute care across diverse medical settings.

• Online Master of Science Nursing
• 48 credit program
• 600 clinical hours required
• Critical care specialization
• National certification preparation
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year critical care experience
• Advanced practice nursing focus

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN at George Washington University provides comprehensive training in mental health care across patient lifespans. This 50-credit program equips registered nurses with advanced skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Students explore cutting-edge approaches including neuropsychopharmacology, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. The hybrid format combines rigorous academic study with 600 clinical hours, preparing graduates for national certification. The curriculum integrates nursing science, neuroscience, and psychotherapeutic frameworks, positioning students as innovative mental health practitioners.

• 50 credit program
• 600 clinical hours required
• Lifespan psychiatric care focus
• National certification eligibility
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
• Two recommendation letters needed
• Active unencumbered RN license
• Hybrid program format
• Interprofessional collaborative practice

George Washington University's MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner program offers comprehensive primary care training for registered nurses. This 48-credit, hybrid program emphasizes patient-centered care across diverse clinical settings. Students develop leadership skills through 600 clinical hours, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social patient health. The flexible curriculum supports full-time and part-time study, with a strong focus on professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality healthcare, implement quality improvement strategies, and excel in various primary care environments.

• 48 credit hours
• 600 clinical hours
• Hybrid program type
• Focus on primary care
• Flexible study options
• BSN required
• 3.0 GPA preferred
• Active RN license needed
• Leadership development
• Quality improvement focus

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate at George Washington University is designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced critical care specialization. This five-semester, part-time program requires 20 credit hours and 600 clinical hours, targeting registered nurses with master's degrees. Participants develop sophisticated skills in diagnostic reasoning, complex patient assessment, and high-intensity medical environments. The curriculum emphasizes urgent and critical care expertise, with on-campus simulation events and a preference for candidates with prior critical care experience. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in specialized medical units.

• Part-time 5-semester certificate
• 20 credit hours required
• 600 clinical hours
• Master's degree prerequisite
• Critical care experience needed
• State residency requirements
• Two on-campus simulation events
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred

• 20 credit hour program
• 600 clinical hours required
• Online curriculum format
• MSN prerequisite needed
• Designed for working nurses
• Part-time study options
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
• Clinical skills intensives
• Interdisciplinary faculty
• Standardized patient simulations

• 72 total credit program
• 1000 clinical practice hours
• Advanced nursing leadership training
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Hybrid program format
• No full-time work recommended
• 500 direct clinical hours
• 500 indirect DNP practice hours
• Two recommendation letters required

• 74 total credit hours required
• 1000 practice hours mandatory
• 500 direct clinical hours
• 500 indirect DNP practice hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
• Active RN license required
• Lifespan psychiatric curriculum
• Holistic mental health approach
• Interprofessional collaborative focus
• Hybrid program delivery

• 72 total credit hours required
• 1000 clinical practice hours
• Certification exam eligibility
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
• BSN degree prerequisite
• Active RN license needed
• Hybrid program format
• Advanced clinical training
• Focused on adolescent/adult care

• 72 credit hour program
• 1,100 total clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Critical care experience required
• Clinical placements DC/MD/VA
• Advanced nursing leadership focus
• High-intensity clinical training

Georgetown's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner online program offers a rigorous 23-month, part-time Master of Science pathway for experienced registered nurses. Designed for professionals with intensive care backgrounds, the curriculum emphasizes holistic patient management in acute settings. With 750 clinical hours and CCNE accreditation, students develop advanced clinical skills targeting complex adult and geriatric patient care. The program guarantees comprehensive preparation for national certification exams, positioning graduates as highly skilled acute care practitioners ready to navigate challenging healthcare environments.

• CCNE-accredited online program
• 23-month part-time format
• 750 total clinical hours
• 40 total program credits
• 3 required clinical intensives
• 100% certification exam rates
• Focuses on complex patient care
• For RNs with ICU experience
• Prepares for ANCC/AACN certification

Georgetown's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner online program provides a comprehensive 23-month, 44-credit educational journey for registered nurses. Focused on women's primary and reproductive healthcare, the curriculum spans a woman's entire lifespan from adolescence through menopause. Students leverage interactive online coursework and intensive clinical experiences, developing advanced skills in wellness strategies, reproductive health interventions, and comprehensive care. With a remarkable 100% national certification rate, the program empowers nurses to become specialized women's health practitioners with cutting-edge clinical knowledge.

• Online MS in Nursing
• 44 total credit hours
• 23 months to complete
• 783 clinical hours
• Two clinical intensives
• 100% NCC Certification Rate
• Care across entire lifespan
• Live distance-based classes
• Interactive 3D anatomy tool
• Faculty are active clinicians

Georgetown's online Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science program provides a comprehensive 44-credit pathway for registered nurses seeking primary care specialization. Emphasizing holistic health care, the curriculum blends online coursework with in-person clinical intensives. Completed in 19-27 months with full or part-time options, the program boasts a 100% certification pass rate. With 750 clinical hours and two Objective Clinical Intensives, students develop advanced skills in family practice, positioning themselves as highly competent and versatile healthcare professionals.

• Online FNP program.
• 44 credits required.
• 19-27 months completion.
• Full or part-time options.
• 750 clinical hours.
• Two OCIs required.
• CCNE accredited.
• 100% certification pass rate.
• Holistic health focus.
• Jesuit values foundation.

Georgetown University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner offers advanced practice registered nurses a strategic pathway to expand clinical expertise. Uniquely designed for nurses with existing master's or doctoral degrees, this online program delivers comprehensive training across four specialized APRN tracks. Students benefit from master's-level coursework, personalized faculty mentorship, and clinical intensives that prepare them for board certification. The program's Jesuit care approach emphasizes holistic professional development, enabling nurses to enhance their clinical capabilities and career potential in family healthcare settings.

• Online post-graduate nursing certificate
• Four APRN specialization tracks
• Master's level coursework
• Clinical placement opportunities
• Live online classes
• Faculty are active clinicians
• Board certification preparation
• Objective clinical intensives
• Jesuit care approach
• Requires existing nursing degree

Georgetown University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate provides a transformative 19-credit hybrid learning experience for experienced nurse practitioners. Focusing on trauma-informed, lifespan mental health care, the program develops advanced competencies in psychiatric assessment and evidence-based interventions. Students engage through online coursework and on-campus intensives, preparing for ANCC and AANP certification. With a strong emphasis on social justice and interdisciplinary learning, graduates are equipped to address complex mental health challenges and advocate for comprehensive patient care across diverse populations.

• 19 Credits and 600 Clinical Hours
• Hybrid Online and On-Campus Program
• Trauma-Informed Care Focus
• Prepares for PMHNP Certification
• Clinical Practicums in DC/MD/VA
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Master's in Nursing Prerequisite
• Lifespan Mental Health Training
• Interdisciplinary Learning Approach
• Social Justice Curriculum Emphasis

• Online DNP program
• 69 total credit hours
• 1,000 clinical hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Two clinical intensives
• Prepares for board certification
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Evidence-based care training

• 69 credits required
• 1,000 clinical hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Three Objective Clinical Intensives
• Prepares for AG-ACNP board certification
• Online program format
• Focus on patient safety
• Quality care emphasis
• Policy development training
• Leadership and ethics curriculum

• Online DNP program.
• FNP specialization available.
• 69 credits required.
• 1,050 clinical hours.
• Full-time or part-time.
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP exams.
• Leadership in primary care.
• Ethics and epidemiology included.
• Two clinical intensives.
• BSN holders eligible.

• Online DNP program
• WHNP specialization
• 69 credits required
• 1,150 clinical hours
• Full-time or part-time
• Prepares for NCC certification
• Meets CCNE standards
• Focus on women's health
• Leadership and ethics training
• No birth attendance required

The Catholic University of America's Doctor of Nursing Practice Program in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Primary Care offers a transformative three-year journey for advanced nursing professionals. Designed to cultivate comprehensive pediatric healthcare expertise, this program prepares students to provide exceptional care for children from birth to 21 years old. Students engage in 1,060 clinical hours, mastering advanced diagnostic skills, illness management, and holistic patient care. The curriculum emphasizes whole-person wellness, integrating rigorous academic training with extensive clinical practicums across diverse healthcare settings like primary care clinics and community health centers.

• 3-Year DNP Program
• 67-69 Total Credits
• 1060 Clinical Hours
• Birth to 21 Patient Focus
• Whole Person Care Approach
• Multiple Practice Settings
• Rolling Admissions
• No Application Fee
• Campus-Based Program
• Advanced Clinical Training

Catholic University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Dual Acute and Primary Care program represents a comprehensive advanced nursing pathway. Spanning 71-73 academic credits with 1,150 clinical hours, this program equips students to navigate complex pediatric healthcare environments. Graduates develop nuanced skills to manage acute and chronic childhood conditions across critical hospital units and primary care clinics. The curriculum prioritizes dignity-centered care, preparing professionals to provide sophisticated, integrated healthcare solutions. Rolling admissions and flexible study plans ensure accessibility for dedicated nursing professionals seeking advanced pediatric specialization.

• Dual acute and primary care focus
• 71-73 total credit hours
• 1,150 clinical practice hours
• Multiple practice settings available
• Whole-person care approach
• Rolling admissions process
• Three-year or four-year study plans

The Family Nurse Practitioner program at The Catholic University of America delivers a robust hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice experience. Tailored for bachelor's-prepared nurses, this three-year program spans 69-71 credits and includes 1,060 clinical hours. Students develop advanced leadership skills through evidence-based healthcare strategies, emphasizing comprehensive family wellness that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. The curriculum prepares graduates to deliver holistic care across diverse healthcare environments, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary practice and whole-person healthcare approaches.

• 3-year hybrid DNP program
• 69-71 total credit hours
• 1060 total clinical hours
• Comprehensive family healthcare focus
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Multiple clinical practicum experiences
• Whole-person care approach
• Leadership development emphasis

The Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Acute Care DNP program offers an advanced hybrid pathway for experienced nurses seeking specialized acute care expertise. Covering 69-71 credits over three years, the program includes 1,060 clinical hours focusing on complex patient management for adults and elderly populations. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and specialized acute care training. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, scholarly research, and interdisciplinary team preparation, positioning graduates to excel in critical care settings and lead innovative healthcare solutions.

• 69-71 total credit program
• 1060 clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Advanced acute care focus
• Holistic patient care approach
• Leadership development curriculum
• Interdisciplinary team preparation
• Scholarly project requirement

The Post-Bachelor's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a flexible hybrid pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced practice credentials. Spanning 69-71 credits over 3-4 years, the curriculum emphasizes chronic illness management and holistic health promotion. Students explore diverse practice settings while integrating whole-person care principles that respect individual dignity. The program provides comprehensive preparation for family healthcare leadership, with admission requirements including official transcripts and recommended supporting documents. International students must demonstrate English proficiency, ensuring a globally competitive educational experience.

• Hybrid learning format
• 69-71 credits required
• 3-4 year completion
• No application fee
• Whole-person care focus
• Chronic illness management
• Health promotion emphasis
• Diverse practice settings
• Official transcripts needed
• English proficiency for internationals

• 3-Year Hybrid DNP Program
• 71-73 Total Credit Hours
• 1,150 Total Care Hours
• Dual Acute and Primary Care Focus
• Rolling Admissions Process
• No Application Fee
• Comprehensive Clinical Training
• 900 Direct Care Hours
• Whole Person Care Approach

Howard University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN track delivers an innovative pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Spanning 46 semester hours with 720 comprehensive clinical training hours, the hybrid program equips students with critical procedural skills including EKG interpretation, suturing techniques, and therapeutic injections. The curriculum strategically prepares nurses to address diverse healthcare needs across patient lifespans, featuring integrated certification review courses and emphasizing advanced primary care competencies. As a historically Black university with a hospital on campus, Howard offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development in a supportive educational environment.

• Online graduate nursing program
• Full and part-time study options
• 46 semester credit hours
• 720 clinical training hours
• Post-Master's certificate available
• Certification exam preparation
• U.S. News #46 ranking
• CCNE accredited program
• Fall application deadline: May 1
• Spring application deadline: Nov 1

Howard University's Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner provides a flexible online pathway for nurses pursuing advanced specialization. The program offers comprehensive skill development across healthcare delivery systems, enabling nurses to expand their professional capabilities. With 46 semester hours dedicated to the Family Nurse Practitioner track, students gain extensive clinical knowledge through a strategically designed curriculum. The program's national recognition, including a #46 U.S. News ranking, underscores its commitment to producing highly skilled advanced practice nurses prepared to address complex healthcare challenges.

• Online graduate nursing program
• Two specialized tracks: FNP, NE
• 46 semester hours for FNP
• 39 semester hours for NE
• 720 clinical hours for FNP
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year clinical experience
• National certification preparation
• Diverse healthcare focus

Howard University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents a transformative program addressing critical healthcare disparities. Designed for practicing nurses holding a master's degree, this 78-credit hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical preceptorships. The curriculum emphasizes advanced mental health practice, particularly in underserved communities. Students benefit from 1000 clinical preceptorship hours, preparing them for leadership roles in psychiatric healthcare. With flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options, the program supports professional advancement while maintaining a strong commitment to addressing systemic healthcare inequities.

• Online blended learning format
• 1000 clinical preceptorship hours
• Two DNP program tracks
• Full-time and part-time enrollment
• 38-41 or 78 credit options
• Focuses on healthcare disparities
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Scholarship opportunities available