Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs - FNP, PMHNP (2024)

Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs - FNP, PMHNP (1)

  • MSN – Family NP (bridge for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
  • MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (RN-to-MSN)
  • MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (bridge for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
  • MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (RN-to-MSN)
  • MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore

Updated December 1, 2023

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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

Rivier University’s College of Nursing offers an online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program with an ADN bridge and non-nursing bachelor’s option. In addition, Post-Master’s Certificates are offered in FNP and PMHNP specializations. Students complete coursework online and come to campus for three immersions. Practic*ms are also completed at approved facilities local to the student.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the need for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives will increase 26 percent by 2028. The average increase across all occupations is 5 percent, which shows a burgeoning need for nurse practitioners in the healthcare arena.

Both family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) serve populations across the lifespan from childhood to old age, collaborating with care teams, to improve patient health care.

FNPs are able to assess, evaluate, diagnose and treat common and chronic health conditions. The FNP focuses on preventive medicine and healthcare education to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. FNPs may work in hospitals, primary care clinics, community health facilities, government agencies, long-term care facilities, and other family practice settings. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam.

PMHNPs are able to assess, evaluate,diagnose and treat mental illness and issues. Working with healthcareteams, PMHNPs provide treatment plans for patients suffering frommental health and addiction issues. This may include counseling,therapy, treatment programs, and medications. PMHNPs may work inschools, treatment centers, hospitals, counseling firms, and othermental health organizations. Graduates of this program are eligibleto sit for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitionercertification exam.

Rivier University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The online MSN and certificate programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Rivier University is located in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Rivier University Online NP Programs
MSN - Family Nurse PractitionerVisit Site

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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

What to Expect fromthe Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

GeneralGraduate Nursing Admissions Requirements: Students must have aminimum GPA of 3.0 in previous coursework and hold a current,unencumbered RN license. Application materials include a statement ofpurpose outlining the student’s goals, two letters ofrecommendation, a resume or CV, and a course of study choice form. NoGMAT or GRE is required.

  • Specific Program Requirements:
  • BSN to MSN Entry: Students must hold a BSN degree from an accredited institution and have completed undergraduate statistics.
  • RN to MSN Entry: Students must hold an associate’s degree from an accredited institution, have completed undergraduate statistics, document two years of full-time RN work experience, and complete a professional portfolio that documents mastery of bachelor’s degree competencies.
  • Non-nursing Bachelor’s Entry: Students must hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, have completed undergraduate statistics, and document two years of full-time RN work experience.

State Restrictions: While Rivier University accepts students from most states into their MSN programs, applicants outside of New Hampshire should check with their state Board of Nursing to make sure they are eligible to study with Rivier University and to be aware of the practicum requirements in their state while attending an out-of-state university. At this time Rivier University is unable to accept students from Alabama, California, Iowa, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, the following states have limiting criteria and students should call the Program Director for more information: Colorado, New York, and South Dakota.

Study Plan: The Rivier University online MSN and certificate courses are delivered in 7-week and 14-week formats, with most lasting 14 weeks. The MSN program takes three to five years to complete. The certificate programs vary in length depending on the courses needed to earn the certificate. They can be completed in three to six semesters. Start dates are offered every 7 weeks. Students complete courses online as well as clinicals local to the student. In addition, campus immersions are held three times throughout the programs.

MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises a minimum of 43 credits plus 600 clinical hours. Courses may include Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Role of the Nurse; Advanced Pharmacology; Quality Healthcare Improvement; Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare; Advanced Health Policy; Biostatistics for the Health Sciences; Research Capstone Advisem*nt; Advanced Family Nursing Theory I-II; and Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I-III and Seminar.

In addition, ADN and non-nursing bachelor’s students complete Leadership and Management in Health Care and Community and Public Health Nursing. These programs comprise 49 credits each.

MSN – PMHNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises a minimum of 40 credits plus 600 clinical hours. Courses may include Advanced Pathophysiology; Psychopharmacology; Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory I-II; Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum and Seminar I-III; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Role of the Nurse; Advanced Pharmacology; Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare; Research Capstone Advisem*nt; Advanced Health Policy; and Biostatistics for the Health Sciences.

In addition, ADN and non-nursing bachelor’s students complete Leadership and Management in Health Care and Community and Public Health Nursing. These programs comprise 46 credits each.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s Certificates comprise 19 to 43 credits depending on prior education. Typically, those who already hold an MSN will not need to complete all 43 credits. A Gap analysis will show which courses need to be completed.

Online Experience: Rivier University utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). The Rivier nursing programs focus on active learning and individualized attention. Tools utilized may include online lectures, document sharing, discussion boards, online chat, and phone and email interaction. An Online Learning Orientation presentation is offered as a free course through Rivier to help acquaint students with the online learning environment. In addition, Rivier offers a Canvas orientation self-paced tutorial. Students have access to personal advising to reach their academic and career goals. Tutoring services are offered through the Academic Support Center. In addition, online students have access to the online bookstore, the Career Development Center, the Counseling and Wellness Center, disability services, 24/7 technical support, and library services.

On-SiteRequirements: Rivier FNP students are required to come to theNashua, New Hampshire campus for a 1-week immersion and two 2-dayimmersions throughout the program. PMHNP students come to campus forthree weekend residencies. These take place all day on Saturday andSunday. All other coursework is online and practic*ms are completedlocal to the student.

Paying for the Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Rivier University charges $680 per credit plus fees for the online MSN and certificate nursing courses and $1,061 per credit for graduate nursing clinical courses. Prospective students should contact Rivier’s Department of Nursing and Health Professionals for full and updated tuition costs as tuition may change from year to year.

Rivier University offers federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans according to the FAFSA. Nursing students may inquire with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursem*nt program. Rivier University students may also seek other opportunities for funding including outside scholarships and grants.

Rivier University

(sponsor)

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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

Rivier University offers start dates every 7 weeks for its FNP and PMHNP programs, plus no GRE requirement and reasonable tuition rates.

APRN Programs

MSN – Family NP (bridge for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (RN-to-MSN)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (bridge for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (RN-to-MSN)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Campus Address

420 South Main St.
Nashua, New Hampshire 03060

Rivier University – MSN – Family NP (bridge for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

49

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

49

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$800.73

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$39,235.77

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$800.73

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$39,235.77

Rivier University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

43

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

43

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$815.21

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$35,054.03

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$815.21

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$35,054.03

Rivier University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (RN-to-MSN)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

49

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

49

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$800.73

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$39,235.77

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$800.73

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$39,235.77

Rivier University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (bridge for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

46

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

46

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$799.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$36,754.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$799.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$36,754.00

Rivier University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (RN-to-MSN)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

46

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

46

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$799.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$36,754.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$799.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$36,754.00

Rivier University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

40

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

40

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$814.30

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$32,572.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$814.30

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$32,572.00

Rivier University – Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

43

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

43

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$815.21

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$35,054.03

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$815.21

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$35,054.03

Rivier University – Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Every 7 weeks

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

43

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, CA, CO, IA, LA, NY, OR, SD, TN, WA

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

43

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$806.12

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$34,663.16

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$806.12

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$34,663.16

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.

Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs - FNP, PMHNP (2)

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.

Rivier University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs - FNP, PMHNP (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest NP program to get into? ›

What are the Easiest Nurse Practitioner Specialties to Get Accepted Into?
  1. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  2. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. ...
  3. Family Nurse Practitioner. ...
  4. Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners (OHNP) ...
  5. Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner.

What is the highest salary for a psych NP? ›

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary in California
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$177,642$14,803
75th Percentile$152,000$12,666
Average$126,080$10,506
25th Percentile$118,900$9,908

What is the difference between Pmhnp and FNP? ›

For example, whereas aspiring FNPs train to provide primary care for acute and chronic conditions across a patient's life span, the PMHNP curriculum is designed to provide advanced knowledge in pharmacology, neuropsychology, and advanced psychiatric interviewing techniques.

Which NP specialty is the hardest? ›

What are the Hardest Nurse Practitioner Specialties?
  1. Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. ...
  2. Oncology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. ...
  4. Emergency Nurse Practitioner. ...
  5. Armed Forces NP. ...
  6. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  7. Correctional Nurse Practitioner. ...
  8. Substance Abuse Nurse Practitioner.

Is NP school harder than nursing school? ›

In NP school, you'll deep dive into concepts you've already learned in nursing school and learn how to apply them in real-world situations. It is much more advanced and in-depth. Overall, both are complex and challenging, but in different ways.

What field of NP makes the most money? ›

10 Highest Paid Nurse Practitioner Specialties in 2024
  • Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Oncology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Family Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

What is the best city for psychiatric nurse practitioners? ›

Highest paying cities for Psychiatric-mental Health Nurse Practitioners near United States
  • Chattanooga, TN. $232,909 per year. 18 salaries reported.
  • Baltimore, MD. $215,010 per year. 46 salaries reported.
  • Portland, OR. $200,990 per year. ...
  • Lakewood, CO. $198,903 per year. ...
  • Waterbury, CT. $196,673 per year.
  • Show more nearby cities.

Can an FNP prescribe antidepressants? ›

Family nurse practitioners

These individuals provide general medical services similar to a PCP and can prescribe medications for mental health.

Can FNP manage ADHD? ›

Nurse practitioners can treat ADHD as well. They can prescribe medications, including stimulants, to help manage ADHD symptoms.

Is an FNP as good as a doctor? ›

While it can be tempting to want care from someone with the title “Doctor”, nurse practitioners are equally skilled and knowledgeable in their field. Nurse practitioners are typically not as booked as doctors, and can fit patients in sooner, providing relief without long delays or wait times.

What is considered the hardest class in nursing school? ›

Anatomy and Physiology, often referred to as A&P, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging classes in nursing. In this course, students embark on a journey through the intricate world of human anatomy and physiology.

Which FNP certification is easiest? ›

The AANP is rumored to be the easier of the two exams, specifically for those seeking their FNP certification since it has a 5% higher pass rate than that of the ANCC FNP exam. Using the pass rate as a basis for difficulty then you can reasonably say that the AANP exam is easier than the ANCC.

How hard are FNP boards? ›

How hard is the AANP FNP exam? Becoming a Certified Nurse Practitioner isn't easy, and yes, both the AANP and ANCC certification exams are challenging — very challenging. They will take a great deal of analytical thought, clinical judgment, and preparation.

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