The nation’s capital is small in stature, but for nurses who are looking to elevate their careers by going back to school and getting licensed as nurse practitioners, there are a surprising amount of programs available in the city. These programs come in a variety of specializations and often result in higher salaries and more independence as a practitioner. Take a look at the sections below to learn more about how to become a nurse practitioner and what schools in DC offer nurse practitioner education. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

At some point in their career, many nurses consider more advanced and higher-paying positions within the medical field. The role of a nurse practitioner is one of the highest-paying and independent positions that nurses can strive for but many but few realize just how easy it is nowadays to become a nurse practitioner and how fast and affordable nurse practitioner programs have become, especially if they have already graduated from a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. Learn about the quickest and cheapest nurse practitioner positions in DC in the sections below.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

There are many educational routes to becoming a nurse practitioner, but the fastest (in general) is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs typically take between 2 – 6 years to complete but through the use of online learning and summer programs, you may be able to complete your program much faster than a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or even the minimum 2 years usually needed to graduate from an MSN program. One of the fastest options in DC for MSN programs is Howard University which allows students to graduate in 2 years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

While the cost of living is rapidly increasing in Washington DC, there are still plenty of affordable nurse practitioner degree programs if you know where to look. Again, MSN degree programs are usually the most ideal here because you are required to be enrolled for a shorter amount of time. The low cost of MSN degree programs can be further compounded if you have previous nursing education and if your prospective school has a smaller nursing department. One affordable option in DC is Howard University which offers a tuition of $25,000 to $35,000.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

In your research of nurse practitioner programs, you’ve likely noticed that many of them come in a variety of specialized programs that allow nurse practitioners to focus their practice in a specific medical field such as gerontology or midwifery. In fact more nurse practitioner programs than not offer specialization, especially DNP programs. One example of this is the Family Nurse Practitioner program offered at George Washington University.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

As mentioned, there are alternative educational routes for becoming a nurse practitioner besides MSN and DNP degrees. Below are a few other degree options you be interested based on your own specific circumstances.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs usually take between two and six years to complete. To enroll, you’ll need a BSN degree and an RN license. Here are a few examples available in the DC area:

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs (also known as RN to MSN programs and ADN/ASN programs) are ideal for nurses who want to become nurse practitioners and have an associate’s degree in nursing and an RN license. They usually take about four years, give or take, depending on how many credits you’re able to transfer. As of now, the only school in DC that offers this type of program is Trinity Washington University.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest level of education you can accomplish as a nurse practitioner is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs take four to six years of full-time study to complete and will allow you to apply to some of the most advanced and highest-paying nurse practitioner positions on the job market. Here are a few you can find in DC:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

While they’re not technically degrees, Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are a great option for licensed nurse practitioners who want to change their specialization or dual specialize in a different practice area. Here are a few that are available in DC:

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Some students may have a bachelor’s degree but not in nursing. If this describes your educational background,, you don’t necessarily need to get a whole new bachelor’s degree before applying for MSN programs. Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. Here are a few to choose from in DC:

General Admissions Requirements

As with any type of degree program, the specific admissions requirements will depend on the school. However, you can generally expect to submit the following:

  • BSN from an accredited school
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Washington DC NP License and Certification Requirements

Becoming a nurse practitioner in DC requires meeting specific qualifications. Applicants must:

  • Hold an active RN license in Washington, DC
  • Graduate from an accredited NP program

To complete the process, candidates need to submit proof of their credentials, fill out an application, and pay an estimated $230 fee. More detailed instructions are available through the DC Board of Nursing.

Certification is also required, and it can be obtained through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Most NPs must have an RN license and have completed a graduate-level NP program before applying for certification.

In DC, NPs have full practice authority as of 2023, which allows them to work independently, diagnosing and prescribing without physician involvement. Additional support and resources are offered by the DC Nurses Association.

List of NP Programs in Washington DC

Jump to City:

Washington, DC

George Washington University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in the Field of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in the Field of Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in the Field of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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

Georgetown University

  • Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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
  • Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online Learning - Website

    • 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP with AG-ACNP focus
    • 69 total credit hours
    • 1,000 clinical training hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Prepares for board certification
    • Advanced leadership training
    • Evidence-based care emphasis
    • Three clinical intensives
  • Doctorate - DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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

Howard University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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

The Catholic University of America

  • Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Acute Care

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Dual Acute and Primary Care

    Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Primary Care

    Campus Based - Website

    • 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
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/