Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Hampshire for 2023

Highlights for NP Students

• Innovative Programs: UNH's NP specialties include Psychiatric-Mental Health, Family, and Adult-Gerontology Acute-Care.
• State-of-the-art Training: Learn relationship-based care and reflective thinking from leading experts in the field.
• Renowned Faculty: Mentors and facilitators foster a scholarly environment, shaping the future of healthcare.
• Extensive Senior Practicum: UNH offers one of the few programs with an intensive senior level clinical practicum, placing students in top health care institutions.
• Robust Financial Support: The ANEW program provides significant funding to NP students and focuses on the pressing health challenges of New Hampshire and New England.
• Student Nurse Organization: An active community where nursing students delve into key nursing issues, fostering both communication and professional growth.
• Generous Scholarships: The College of Health and Human Services annually recognizes student excellence through various scholarships and awards.
• Acclaimed Alumni: Join a network of more than 133,000 Wildcats worldwide, including prominent figures in various fields.

About the University of New Hampshire's Nursing School

The University of New Hampshire (UNH), founded in 1866, is a respected public land-grant research university located in Durham, New Hampshire. With a legacy that spans over a century, UNH is renowned for its top-tier research classification, outstanding sustainability rating, and an impressive 94% undergraduate success rate. The UNH nursing program is an epitome of excellence. It holds prestigious accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, testifying to the high standards of its baccalaureate, master's, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. As an NP student at UNH, you're introduced to a curriculum that emphasizes relationship-based care, reflective thinking, and decisive clinical decision-making. 
Beyond the classroom, UNH demonstrates its commitment to practical training. Their extensive senior-level clinical practicum places students in leading healthcare settings across New Hampshire, Boston, and Maine. Furthermore, the ANEW program underscores UNH's commitment to addressing regional health challenges and providing valuable funding to NP students. In terms of community involvement and networking, UNH doesn't disappoint. The Student Nurse Organization, a recognized university body, offers a mentoring program that pairs sophomore nursing students with freshmen, ensuring a smooth transition into the nursing program.

About the University of New Hampshire's Nursing Program

Master’s Degree

Concentration:

• Adult- Gerontology Acute Care Nurse practitioner (AGAC)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PHMNP)

UNH offers three tracks in its master's degree program. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC) requires 46 credit hours and 500 clinical hours across 24 months. Graduates are ready for AACN or ANCC certification tests. With experienced instructors and cutting-edge facilities, UNH prepares students intellectually and professionally. They provide holistic support throughout the program with their experienced professors and student success coaches.

Meanwhile, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program spans 27 months and requires 52 credit hours and 750 clinical hours. After completion, this curriculum prepares students for the family nurse practitioner certification exam. Lastly, UNH's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online PMHNP addresses this with 50 credits and 750 clinical hours. The curriculum trains registered nurses to screen, diagnose, and treat mental health patients throughout life. Online learning, simulations, professional teachers, and immersive clinical practicum give students a well-rounded education. The ANCC board certification exam for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan is available to graduates.

In terms of financial considerations, New Hampshire residents are charged $785.00 per credit hour, while out-of-state residents pay $865.00. Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available to assist graduate students.

Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate

Concentration:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate)
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Pactitioner (Graduate Certificate)

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) provides excellent Post-Master's Graduate Certificate programs for MSN holders who want to expand their expertise. These comprehensive courses use modern methodologies to prepare students for high-demand nursing positions. The Family Nurse Practitioner program allows master's-degreed nurses to provide comprehensive primary care to patients throughout their lives. With UNH's advanced Health Sciences Simulation Center, students can gain invaluable hands-on experience.

Meanwhile, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, ideal for the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), concentrates on equipping nurses with the tools to address mental health needs across various care settings. This program is both online and simulation-based. Lastly, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification program meets the expanding need for acute care nurses. Completion of any of these tracks provides eligibility to sit in the respective licensing exams.

Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration:

• Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (PB DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Post-Baccauleaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

The Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (PB DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration at UNH is an online program tailored for full-time nurses seeking a terminal degree with a specific career focus.  With 80 credit hours, this program spans 4 years and is designed to accommodate working professionals. For nurses aiming to specialize in psychiatric care, the Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice PMHNP concentration offers leadership and innovation training.  The program's flexibility is evident in its customizable duration and the choice of part-time or full-time study. With 80 credit hours, it ensures comprehensive preparation for high-level roles in complex healthcare environments.

Lastly, the Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice AGACNP concentration focuses on acute care for adults and the elderly. Suited for nurses passionate about complex clinical patient management, the program encompasses 76 credit hours and offers a customizable duration. Highlighting a blend of leadership, clinical, and management skills, the program addresses the increasing demand for specialized acute care providers, preparing students for significant roles in high-paced medical settings. Graduation from any of these tracks provide eligibility to sit in the respective licensing exams.

Highlights for NP Students

• Top-notch Accreditation: Rivier's nursing programs are accredited by both the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• Proven Success: The Family Nurse Practitioner program boasts a consistent 100% first-time pass rate for the ANCC exam in recent years.
• State-of-the-art Facilities: Rivier’s Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center, renovated in 2022, offers cutting-edge resources and technology for hands-on learning.
• Real-world Experience: Rivier NP students benefit from faculty-supervised clinical experiences in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the Boston and central New England regions.
• Esteemed Faculty: Learn from experienced nurse educators and practitioners, many of whom are recognized for excellence and hold leadership roles in prominent nursing organizations.
• Nationally Ranked: Among U.S. nursing schools, Rivier stands #47 nationwide for private schools and is the #1 Nursing School in New Hampshire.
• Quality Online Offerings: Rivier's online MSN Nurse Practitioner program is nationally ranked at #6, and the university is recognized as the #1 online college in New Hampshire.

About Rivier University's Nursing School

Rivier University, a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Nashua, New Hampshire, has a long-standing history of educational excellence. Established in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Sister Madeleine of Jesus, it offers a holistic approach to education. The university's Department of Nursing and Health Professions has a legacy of over 30 years of preparing students for the dynamic world of healthcare. Rivier ensures its students receive an education that's both high in quality and rich in practical experience. Their commitment is evident in the state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center, which gives students a real-world feel through simulation labs ranging from neonatal units to telehealth offices.

NP students at Rivier are equipped not just with knowledge but also with the practical skills necessary for a successful career. The university's remarkable pass rates for various national examinations affirm the quality of its programs. Particularly noteworthy is the Family Nurse Practitioner's consistent 100% first-time pass rate for the ANCC exam in recent years. Moreover, Rivier isn’t just a local leader; it has a significant national standing. Recognitions like being ranked as the #1 Nursing School in New Hampshire and #47 nationwide among private schools prove its stature. In addition, the university's online MSN Nurse Practitioner programs rank #6 nationally, offering flexibility without compromising on quality.

In terms of faculty credibility, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Many hold pivotal roles in key nursing organizations, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and students are well-prepared for the challenges of modern healthcare.

About Rivier University's NP Programs

Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration:

• MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP
• MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP (Online)
• MSN: Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Online)
• MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Online)

The FNP program, designed to prepare students to deliver primary care across diverse healthcare settings, encompasses advanced theory and clinical education. With a first-time pass rate of 91% for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam in 2020, Rivier's program proves its effectiveness in preparing graduates for their professional roles. The AG-ACNP program addresses the growing need for practitioners skilled in managing critical illnesses in our aging population. Similarly, the PMHNP track prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders, with the option to maintain their own medical practices or work under a physician's supervision.

Each concentration includes multiple entry paths, such as MS Nursing, MS Nursing Bridge Option, and RN to MS Option, ensuring flexibility for various student backgrounds. The program lengths vary from 3 to 5 years, with credit hours ranging from 43 to 49, and course lengths of 14 weeks. Costs per credit differ for nursing and clinical courses, with nursing courses at $697 and clinical courses at $1,088.

Post-Master’s Certificate

Concentrations:

• Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner—Post-Master's Certificate (Online)
• Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP Post-Master's Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner—FNP Post-Master's Certificate (Online)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—Post-Master's Certificate (Online)

Rivier University’s Post-Master’s Certificate program enables RNs with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree to enhance their clinical skills and redefine their career paths.  The AG-ACNP and FNP Certificates provide comprehensive training for patient care, from infancy through adulthood or end-of-life, covering illness treatment, health education, and preventative services. The PMHNP Certificate focuses on the mental health needs of individuals and groups.
Program details vary across concentrations, with estimated program lengths ranging from 3 to 6 semesters. Credit hours can be about 19 to 43, and costs per credit at $697 for nursing courses and $1,088 for clinical courses. Each program is offered online with low residency requirements, ensuring convenience and flexibility for working professionals.