
Olivia Chen, NP
July 14, 2025
New Hampshire’s nurse practitioner programs equip RNs for advanced, autonomous practice in settings from the University of New Hampshire’s urban medical campus to Southern New Hampshire University’s online platform. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks, offered at UNH, SNHU, Rivier, and others, focus on roles such as Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric‑Mental Health NP. Graduates become eligible for national certification and New Hampshire APRN licensure with full prescriptive authority.
Durham, NH - Public 4-Year - unh.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program is a comprehensive 27-month journey for nurses seeking advanced primary care expertise. Spanning 52 credit hours, the program offers intensive training in holistic healthcare delivery across patient lifespans. Students engage in rigorous coursework emphasizing health assessment, disease management, and evidence-based practice. With 750 clinical hours and state-of-the-art simulation facilities, graduates develop autonomous practice skills. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and prepares students for national certification. Ideal for nurses wanting to expand their clinical capabilities in diverse healthcare environments.
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UNH's online Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers a comprehensive 46-credit, 24-month program for BSN-prepared nurses. Targeting high-intensity medical environments, the curriculum develops advanced skills in diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, and patient management. With 500 clinical practice hours, students prepare for national certification and potential prescriptive authority. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and positions graduates for critical roles in cardiology, critical care, and specialty clinics. A minimum 3.0 GPA and one year nursing experience are preferred for this transformative educational experience.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's program is a 50-credit, 30-month journey for experienced registered nurses. Designed to develop advanced mental health professionals, the curriculum equips students to assess, diagnose, and manage mental healthcare across patient lifespans. With 750 clinical practice hours, high-fidelity simulations, and intensive practicums, students develop expert-level psychiatric care competencies. The program prepares graduates for the ANCC board certification, offering full and part-time options. Requiring minimum one-year RN experience, it provides a comprehensive, competency-based approach to advanced psychiatric nursing.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.) program at the University of New Hampshire prepares RNs to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care across the lifespan. This online program combines foundational core coursework with specialty content, using competency-based, evidence-based approaches. Graduates are eligible for the ANCC board certification exam. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a baccalaureate degree, one year of RN experience, professional references, a personal statement, and a resume. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and inter-professional collaboration.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's Post-Master's Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides seasoned nurses with a targeted pathway to advanced practice. This online program transforms experienced master's-prepared nurses into comprehensive healthcare providers. Over 750 clinical practice hours, students develop sophisticated skills in patient assessment, disease management, and lifespan care. The curriculum emphasizes individualized learning, evidence-based practices, and preparing for national certification. With flexible online delivery and expert faculty support, nurses can strategically enhance their professional scope and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online Certificate offers a specialized 29-credit pathway for advanced practice registered nurses. Completed in 17 months, the program prepares professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health patients across all life stages. Featuring 750 clinical hours, three on-campus intensives, and synchronous/asynchronous learning, graduates become eligible for the ANCC certification exam. The program opens diverse career opportunities in private practice, telehealth, and integrated behavioral health care, making it an excellent choice for nurses seeking mental health specialization.
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UNH's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner transforms experienced nurses into specialized acute care experts. This 25-credit online program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills to diagnose and manage critically ill adult-gerontological patients. Through 500 clinical training hours, students develop sophisticated diagnostic reasoning and intervention capabilities. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, the program addresses critical healthcare workforce needs, particularly in underserved rural areas, enabling practitioners to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care in complex medical environments.
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is an intensive 80-credit, four-year online program for working nurses. Designed to create innovative healthcare leaders, the curriculum focuses on advanced family practice skills, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. Students complete 750 clinical practice hours while developing advanced clinical reasoning abilities. The asynchronous format allows professionals to balance academic pursuits with career demands. Graduates are prepared to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam and pursue leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings, emphasizing quality improvement and complex healthcare challenge resolution.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is an 80-credit program transforming nurses into advanced mental health leaders. Designed for experienced registered nurses, the curriculum develops comprehensive skills to assess, diagnose, and manage mental healthcare across patient lifespans. With 750 clinical practice hours, the program combines evidence-based clinical training and leadership development. Graduates become ANCC board certification eligible, with opportunities for customizable program length and expert faculty mentorship. The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice preparation and healthcare delivery transformation.
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UNH's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a 76-credit program designed to elevate registered nurses into specialized acute care practitioners. The curriculum develops critical skills in diagnostic reasoning, clinical management, and evidence-based practice. Students complete 500 clinical hours and a scholarly project, preparing for national certification and diverse career paths in critical care, trauma centers, and specialty clinics. With an asynchronous format and small class sizes, the program offers flexibility for working professionals while emphasizing leadership skill development and advanced healthcare practice.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a comprehensive 76-credit program for registered nurses seeking advanced healthcare leadership. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum provides cutting-edge training in acute care settings, focusing on complex patient management and healthcare delivery transformation. Students complete 750 clinical hours, developing expert-level competencies in diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based practice. The program prepares graduates for ANCC/AACN certification, offering a flexible, leadership-focused approach to advanced nursing practice in adult and geriatric healthcare environments.
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The University of New Hampshire's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner provides nurses a transformative path to advanced practice leadership. Designed for working professionals, this 4-year, 80-credit program prepares nurses to become innovative healthcare leaders through specialized clinical training and scholarly project development. Students complete 750 clinical hours, gain expertise in health systems policy, evidence-based practice, and population health management, and become eligible to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA, active RN licensure, and a strong professional statement demonstrating critical thinking and passion for healthcare transformation.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative pathway for registered nurses to become advanced practice leaders in mental healthcare. This rigorous online program prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health patients across the lifespan through 80 credit hours of comprehensive coursework. Graduates become eligible for ANCC board certification and can pursue diverse leadership roles in healthcare settings. The program features flexible, asynchronous learning with expert faculty, minimal campus visits, and a focus on evidence-based practice and healthcare innovation.
Nashua, NH - Private 4-year - rivier.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rivier University's Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program provides a dynamic hybrid learning experience for healthcare professionals targeting aging population medical needs. Spanning 48-54 credits with multiple entry pathways, this program combines rigorous online curriculum with short campus residencies. Students receive comprehensive training in acute care settings, preparing for AGACNP certification through advanced clinical skill development. The flexible 3.5-5 year program accommodates working professionals, offering competitive per-credit costs and a nationally ranked online nurse practitioner curriculum that emphasizes complex patient care strategies and diagnostic interpretation.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Rivier University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program empowers registered nurses to become primary healthcare providers through a comprehensive online educational experience. Designed with maximum flexibility, the program blends cutting-edge online coursework with minimal campus requirements, accommodating working professionals. Students progress through 45-51 credit hours, engaging with advanced nursing topics like health assessment and pharmacology. The curriculum prepares graduates for the FNP-BC certification exam, featuring a low-residency format with nine campus days and 14-week courses. ACEN accreditation ensures high-quality education, while financial aid options support students' professional advancement.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Rivier University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a transformative online pathway for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. This comprehensive curriculum equips students with sophisticated skills in medication prescription and psychotherapy, preparing them for complex psychiatric care roles. Featuring multiple entry paths and an ACEN-accredited framework, the program accommodates diverse nursing backgrounds. Students benefit from a flexible, low-residency format combining online learning with hands-on practicum experiences. The strategically designed program prepares graduates for PMHNP-BC certification, delivering advanced clinical training that addresses contemporary mental healthcare challenges.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Rivier University's Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate offers an advanced online pathway for experienced nurses seeking specialized acute care expertise. Targeting patient populations aged 17 through end-of-life, this program delivers comprehensive clinical training through a flexible low-residency format. Graduates develop critical competencies in complex patient assessment, diagnostic interpretation, and treatment planning. With just 19 minimum credit hours completed over approximately five semesters, nurses can efficiently enhance their professional qualifications. The program's strategic design allows working healthcare professionals to advance their skills while maintaining current employment, featuring online coursework supplemented by eight strategic campus days.
Manchester, NH - Public 4-Year - cps.unh.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a comprehensive 27-month educational pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced primary care roles. Integrating 52 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, students develop sophisticated skills in health assessment, disease management, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum prepares graduates for autonomous practice across diverse healthcare settings, emphasizing patient-centered care throughout the lifespan. With national certification eligibility and a military-friendly approach, this program offers robust professional development for nurses aiming to expand their clinical expertise and impact comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner online master's program equips nurses with specialized skills for complex medical environments. This intensive 24-month curriculum encompasses 46 credit hours and 500 clinical hours, focusing on advanced diagnostic reasoning and patient management in acute care settings. Designed for healthcare professionals seeking career advancement, the program prepares students for AACN/ANCC certification and supports prescription authorization. Graduates gain comprehensive knowledge to excel in hospitals and ambulatory centers, with flexible learning options and minimal work experience requirements.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 30-month master's degree for experienced registered nurses. Spanning 50 credits with 750 clinical hours, the curriculum prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care across patient lifespans. Students engage in three program intensives, developing expertise in diverse treatment settings from private practice to telehealth. With ANCC board certification eligibility and a focus on advanced practice nursing leadership, this program supports professional growth and mental health service delivery.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Master of Science in Nursing: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a rigorous 27-month educational experience for nurses pursuing advanced family-oriented care. This 52-credit curriculum integrates theory, research, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for comprehensive family nurse practitioner certification. With 750 clinical hours and a state-of-the-art simulation center, students develop advanced skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and management across the lifespan. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, bachelor's degree, and undergraduate research coursework.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's program delivers a comprehensive 30-month educational pathway for registered nurses. Featuring 50 credits and 750 clinical hours, the curriculum combines online learning with simulation experiences to develop advanced mental health assessment and management skills. Graduates are prepared for ANCC board certification, with coursework emphasizing neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and professional collaboration. The program supports diverse career opportunities, offering full and part-time options with expert faculty guidance and a focus on mental health across the lifespan.
Manchester, NH - Private 4-year - snhu.edu
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Southern New Hampshire University's MSN-FNP program offers a dynamic online pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice credentials. Spanning 51 credits, the program uniquely blends digital learning with an immersive week-long experience and comprehensive 750-hour clinical practicum. Tailored for working professionals, students can complete the degree in two years while paying $637 per credit. The curriculum emphasizes primary care skills across patient lifespans, preparing graduates for national certification. Military-friendly and designed with flexibility, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, two years of RN experience, and an unencumbered license, positioning nurses for success in evolving healthcare environments.
Online Learning - Visit Website
SNHU's online Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner track provides a comprehensive educational journey for aspiring primary care providers. The 51-credit program strategically combines online coursework with a multi-day New Hampshire immersion experience and 750 practicum hours. Focused on quality improvement and equitable health policies, the curriculum prepares students for FNP certification through innovative learning strategies. With no application fee, no required entrance exams, and competitive $637 per credit tuition, the program offers accessibility for working professionals. Graduates develop cross-collaboration skills and gain advanced knowledge to address complex healthcare challenges.
Programs often use a hybrid model, delivering didactic content online through asynchronous modules and live webinars, complemented by on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved sites, and some schools offer fully online didactic phases culminating in multi‑day immersion experiences.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
University of New Hampshire
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| Rivier University |
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| Southern New Hampshire University |
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| Certifying Board | New Hampshire Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section |
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| Certification | Graduation from an accredited NP program plus current national APRN credential (AANP, ANCC, PNCB, NCC, etc.) verified by the Board |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal due on the last day of your birth month in even-numbered years, with a 90-day grace period |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours every two years if more than two years have passed since NP program completion, including 5 pharmacology and 3 opioid/substance-use/pain management hours |
| License Application Fee | $100 non-refundable initial APRN application fee |
| Clinical Hours | Submission of official graduate transcripts documenting required practicum hours |
| Processing Time | Allow approximately eight weeks for review, applications void if incomplete after 120 days |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) New Hampshire RN licensure and submit primary-source verification of APRN credentials |
Nurse practitioners in New Hampshire earn a mean annual wage of around $130,740, above the national average. Metropolitan centers often offer higher pay, and rural areas follow closely behind. Advanced certifications, leadership roles, and incentives such as sign‑on bonuses and loan repayment assistance can further boost compensation.
| Salary & Career Outlook | New Hampshire | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $120,150 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $57.78 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$137,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $120,150 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$103,200 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~44% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,100 | ~54,000 |
Data from Indeed.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online |
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| Rivier University |
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| Southern New Hampshire University |
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Many NP graduates pursue a DNP to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership, faculty, or executive positions. Post‑master’s certificate programs allow practitioners to add specialties without completing a full degree. PhD pathways open doors to research and academic roles, while advanced training also supports careers in administration, informatics, policy development, and telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in New Hampshire
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Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
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