A Complete Guide to the Best HBCU Nurse Practitioner Programs

As a prestigious HBCU, North Carolina A & T State University offers a groundbreaking BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program emphasizing Emerging Technological Innovations and Health Equity. The hybrid 70-credit curriculum prepares advanced practice nurses with 1,040 comprehensive clinical hours, targeting mental health needs across diverse populations. Students develop expertise in serving adolescents, adults, and elders while leveraging technological innovations and addressing social justice considerations. Military-friendly and focused on interprofessional collaboration, the program equips graduates to transform healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Focus on underserved populations
• Two optional specialty concentrations
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings

North Carolina A & T State University's HBCU BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program specializes in Health Equity and Social Justice. This innovative 70-credit hybrid program cultivates expert clinicians through 1,040 intensive clinical hours, preparing nurses to address complex mental health challenges. Designed for comprehensive patient care across age groups, the curriculum emphasizes interprofessional training and community-centered healthcare. Graduates receive advanced preparation for AANC Board Certification, positioning them as transformative practitioners committed to addressing systemic healthcare disparities.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Optional concentration options
• Advanced practice preparation
• Interprofessional team training
• Diverse patient population focus
• AANC Board Certification preparation

As an exemplary HBCU, North Carolina A & T State University offers a dynamic BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program focusing on Emerging Technological Innovations. The 70-credit hybrid curriculum integrates 1,040 clinical hours, preparing nurses to leverage cutting-edge technologies in mental healthcare. Students develop advanced skills for serving diverse patient populations, from adolescents to elders, while mastering technological interventions. Military-friendly and committed to underserved communities, the program prepares graduates for AANC Board Certification and interprofessional collaborative practice.

• 70 credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Optional technological innovations concentration
• Practice across diverse settings
• Focuses on underserved populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration

North Carolina A & T State University's HBCU BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers unparalleled flexibility with dual concentration options in Emerging Technological Innovations and Health Equity. The hybrid program demands 1,040 clinical hours, preparing nurses for comprehensive mental healthcare across patient lifecycles. Requiring active RN licensure and AANC certification, the curriculum emphasizes technological integration and social justice. Students gain advanced skills for diverse clinical settings, from community clinics to long-term care facilities, while prioritizing interprofessional collaboration.

• 70 credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• 1,040 clinical hours required
• Focus on underserved populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Optional specialty concentrations
• Active RN licensure required
• AANC certification exam needed
• Focus on adolescents to elders
• Diverse clinical settings

This HBCU-powered BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at North Carolina A & T State University champions Health Equity and Social Justice. The 70-credit hybrid curriculum encompasses 1,040 clinical training hours, cultivating advanced practice nurses dedicated to underserved populations. Students receive comprehensive preparation in mental healthcare, spanning adolescent to geriatric demographics. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and technological innovations, the program prepares graduates for board certification and transformative healthcare roles across clinical and community settings.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 clinical training hours
• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• Optional Health Equity concentration
• Serves diverse patient populations
• Interprofessional team training
• Board certification preparation
• Requires active RN licensure

North Carolina A & T State University's HBCU BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program specializes in Emerging Technological Innovations. This 70-credit hybrid program integrates 1,040 clinical hours with advanced technological training, preparing nurses to revolutionize mental healthcare delivery. Students develop expertise in serving diverse patient populations while mastering technological interventions. Military-friendly and focused on quality improvement, the curriculum prepares graduates for AANC board certification and interprofessional practice across varied healthcare environments.

• 70 credit hour program
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Optional technological innovations concentration
• Serves diverse patient populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Online classroom instruction
• Requires active RN licensure
• Board certification preparation

At Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an HBCU, the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program is an online MSN that prepares nurses for roles in adult and geriatric care. This 42-credit program can be completed in 5-7 semesters, is ACEN-accredited, and emphasizes evidence-based practices and leadership. Graduates can expect diverse career opportunities with an average salary of $102,000. As a master's-level program, it requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, for admission, offering full-time and part-time options for flexibility.

• Online MSN program
• 42 credit hours total
• 5-7 semester completion
• ACEN accredited program
• Average salary $102,000
• Diverse career opportunities
• Full-time and part-time options

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an HBCU, provides an online MSN in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) that trains nurses to deliver holistic, culturally sensitive care to women throughout their lives. The program focuses on socio-cultural contexts, evidence-based practice, and leadership development, integrating advanced clinical skills and graduate core courses. This master's-level program requires an entrance exam, like the GRE, for entry, and emphasizes patient-centered approaches to address unique women's health needs in various healthcare settings.

• Online MSN program available
• Comprehensive women's health focus
• Socio-cultural healthcare perspective
• Evidence-based practice training
• Advanced clinical skill development
• Leadership in nursing emphasis
• Life-span women's healthcare approach
• Graduate core courses included

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an HBCU, offers a Post-Masters Certificate for Women's Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNP) in a 42-credit online format. This program is designed for experienced nurses seeking specialized training in women's healthcare across the lifespan, featuring advanced clinical practicums and up to 22 transferable credits. As a graduate-level certificate, it does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on comprehensive APRN core courses and a specialized women's health curriculum to enhance clinical expertise.

• 42-credit Post-Masters Certificate
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Focus
• DL (Distance Learning) Format
• Advanced Clinical Practicums
• Up to 22 transferable credits
• Comprehensive APRN Core Courses
• Specialized Women's Health Curriculum

Howard University's HBCU MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid 46-semester hour curriculum with 720 clinical hours, focusing on advanced primary care. Students engage in unique clinical workshops for procedures like EKG and suturing, with integrated certification preparation. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, one year of clinical experience, and a statistics prerequisite, but no entrance exam is specified. It is CCNE-accredited, supports military-friendly options, and includes on-campus hospital resources, emphasizing skills for diverse patient lifespans.

• 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

As an HBCU, Howard University provides an online Post-Master’s Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner program, requiring 46 semester hours and 720 clinical hours for FNP specialization. It focuses on advanced practice roles with certification preparation and addresses healthcare disparities. Admission mandates a minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of clinical experience, with no entrance exam mentioned. The program is CCNE-accredited, military-friendly, and leverages on-campus hospital facilities for comprehensive training.

• 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 HBCU DNP program offers a hybrid Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, spanning 78 credits with 1000 clinical preceptorship hours. It targets healthcare disparities in underserved communities and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and NP certification, but no entrance exam is noted. The flexible online format with in-person clinicals is CCNE-accredited, military-friendly, and includes scholarship opportunities for professional advancement.

• 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

Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU, offers a campus-based Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program that prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive primary care across diverse populations. The rigorous 53-credit curriculum includes advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology training, with 780 clinical hours in urban and rural settings. Students can choose thesis or non-thesis options and gain expertise in women's and children's health. This program requires an entrance exam for admission and focuses on certification exam readiness. As a military-friendly institution, it emphasizes compassionate care to address community health needs.

• 53 total credit hours
• 780 clinical practice hours
• Urban and rural clinical settings
• Certification exam preparation
• Diverse patient population focus
• Advanced pathophysiology courses
• Advanced pharmacology training
• Core and specialty content
• Thesis/non-thesis options
• Women and children emphasis

Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU, provides a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration for post-master's nurses. This 39-credit program requires 1000 clinical hours and develops leaders in evidence-based practice, health policy, and population health management. It focuses on reducing health disparities and improving outcomes in diverse communities through advanced clinical skills and systems leadership. An entrance exam is required for admission. The military-friendly program equips graduates to transform healthcare delivery with a strong emphasis on addressing inequities.

• Post-master's DNP program
• 39 credit hours required
• 1000 clinical practice hours
• Leadership and systems focus
• Reduces health disparities

As an HBCU, Winston-Salem State University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This program provides comprehensive graduate education, requiring 51 credits and 672 practicum hours to prepare graduates for primary care roles. It focuses on serving underserved populations and leads to national certification eligibility through AANP or ANCC exams. With flexible full-time or part-time options over two to three years, no entrance exam like the GRE or MAT is required, and it is CCNE accredited, empowering nurses to advance their clinical skills and career opportunities.

• Fully online MSN program
• 51 credit hours total
• 672 practicum hours
• Two-year full-time option
• Three-year part-time option
• No GRE/MAT required
• National certification eligibility
• Focus on underserved populations
• Fall semester admissions only
• CCNE accredited program

As an HBCU, Winston-Salem State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Nursing concentrating on Family Nurse Practitioner roles. The program prepares graduates for primary care in various settings, with no GRE requirement and flexible part-time study for working professionals. Financial aid options, such as the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, enhance affordability, and graduates gain eligibility for national certification exams. Emphasizing personalized faculty support, this accredited program builds advanced practice skills without an entrance exam, facilitating career growth in nursing.

• Fully online program.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• No GRE requirement.
• Flexible part-time study.
• Financial aid available.
• Eligible for certification exams.
• Prepares for primary care roles.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Affordable tuition options.
• Personalized faculty attention.

Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, provides a competitive post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program in a hybrid format. Designed for registered nurses with an MSN, it focuses on advanced clinical skills for comprehensive patient care, including health assessments and therapeutic planning. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams such as AANP or ANCC, enhancing roles in family healthcare. The program does not require an entrance exam, is CCNE accredited, and admits students only in the fall, supporting career advancement in specialized practice.

• Post-master's certificate program
• Competitive admission process
• Fall semester applications only
• Prepares for national certification
• Advanced clinical skills training
• CCNE accredited nursing program
• Designed for MSN graduates

This HBCU's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice at Winston-Salem State University features a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, offering BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP pathways. The fully online program requires a minimum of 1182 clinical hours and emphasizes evidence-based healthcare and leadership skills, preparing graduates for national certification. No dissertation or entrance exam is needed, with synchronous and asynchronous courses providing flexibility. Accredited nationally, it enables nurses to complete the program in 2-3 years, transforming them into leaders in complex healthcare environments.

• Fully online program
• Two entry pathways: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Minimum 1182 clinical hours
• No dissertation required
• Synchronous and asynchronous courses
• Nationally accredited program
• Flexible clinical experiences
• Financial aid available

Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, delivers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus, available through BSN-DNP or MSN-DNP entry points. The fully online curriculum includes at least 1182 clinical hours and covers healthcare systems improvement and advanced clinical practice, fostering leadership in evidence-based care. No dissertation or entrance exam is required, and courses use Zoom with flexible scheduling, eliminating campus visits. This accredited program equips nurses to excel in high-level roles within diverse healthcare settings.

• Fully online DNP program
• Two entry pathways: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Minimum 1182 clinical hours
• No dissertation required
• Synchronous and asynchronous courses
• Zoom-based class sessions
• No campus visit requirement
• Flexible clinical experience scheduling

Alcorn State University, an HBCU, offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program focused on comprehensive primary care for diverse populations. This 44-credit program develops advanced clinical skills and leadership through theoretical coursework and multiple clinical practicums, preparing graduates to address health challenges in underserved communities. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, and the GRE requirement is currently waived. With a six-year completion timeline and options for thesis or non-thesis paths, it emphasizes evidence-based practice and professional liability insurance.

• 44 credit hours total program
• Thesis or non-thesis option
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Six-year completion timeline
• Multiple clinical practicums included
• GRE requirement currently waived
• Leadership development focus
• Prepares primary care providers
• Professional liability insurance required

Alcorn State University, an HBCU, provides a hybrid Post Master Certificate Option in Family Nurse Practitioner for nurses advancing their expertise. Offering two tracks based on prior coursework, this 20-30 credit program focuses on advanced pharmacology, physical assessment, and lab skills, blending theory with practice to enhance clinical outcomes. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and current nursing license, with no entrance exam mentioned. It includes leadership and ethical training, preparing graduates for advanced practice roles in diverse healthcare settings.

• Two program tracks available.
• 20-30 credit hours required.
• Focus on advanced nursing skills.
• Leadership and ethical training included.
• Requires current nursing license.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
• Emphasis on healthcare outcomes.
• Practical and theoretical blend.
• Prepares for advanced practice roles.

Alcorn State University, an HBCU, features a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, designed for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses seeking leadership roles. This 36-credit curriculum, completed in five semesters, emphasizes translating research into practice to improve healthcare outcomes and address disparities. No entrance exam is specified. Focused on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a required DNP project, it equips graduates to drive change in complex health systems through advanced clinical leadership.

• 36-credit hour curriculum
• Five semester continuous study
• Practice-focused doctoral degree
• Advanced clinical nursing leadership
• Research application focused
• DNP Project required
• Interdisciplinary team skills
• Complex health systems emphasis

As an HBCU, Tennessee State University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, focusing on comprehensive lifespan care. This flexible program for working nurses includes 49 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, with part-time or full-time options over 6-9 semesters. It prepares graduates for holistic patient care, including examinations, diagnosis, and medication prescription in high-need settings. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

• Online MSN-FNP program
• Part-time and full-time options
• 49 total credit hours
• 750 clinical hours
• Comprehensive lifespan care focus
• Flexible semester scheduling
• Available for working nurses
• Post-graduate certificate option

At Tennessee State University, an HBCU, the online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration targets working RNs, featuring courses in advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics. The 49-credit, 750-clinical-hour curriculum supports part-time or full-time study across fall, spring, and summer semesters, preparing graduates for leadership in holistic care, illness diagnosis, treatment, and medication prescription. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

• Online program flexibility
• Part-time and full-time options
• 49 credit hours total
• 750 clinical hours required
• Courses in fall, spring, summer
• Advanced health assessment
• Pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics
• Primary care across lifespan
• Holistic care focus
• Diagnose and treat illnesses

Tennessee State University, an HBCU, provides an online Post-Graduate Certificate - FNP for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This program emphasizes comprehensive healthcare across all life stages, with 49 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, offering flexible part-time or full-time study. It enhances skills in patient care, diagnostics, and medication prescriptions for high-need environments. No entrance exam is required for this postgraduate certificate.

• Online MSN Program
• Part-time or Full-time Options
• 49 Total Credit Hours
• 750 Clinical Hours
• Comprehensive Healthcare Focus
• Lifelong Patient Care Training
• Advanced Diagnostic Skills
• Medication Prescription Training
• Flexible Course Scheduling
• Post-Graduate Certificate Available

Coppin State University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program, based at this HBCU campus, is a full-time master's degree spanning 48-51 credits. It covers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, with practicums in adult, child, and women's health. The curriculum includes courses like epidemiology and health system policy, plus electives in global health and nursing education, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires a BSN, and no entrance exam is specified for this master's-level program.

• Full-time MSN program.
• 48-51 total credits.
• Campus-based learning.
• Advanced health assessment.
• Pathophysiology and pharmacology.
• Practicums in family health.
• BSN admission requirement.
• Epidemiology course.
• Health system policy covered.
• Electives available.

Coppin State University's APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a post-master's program at this HBCU, designed for registered nurses with master's degrees to enhance skills in serving diverse urban populations. It focuses on advanced clinical training, cultural competence, and leadership in primary healthcare, with a holistic, patient-centered approach. The program requires a 3.0 master's GPA and offers multiple semester entry options, featuring practicum-based learning, comprehensive health assessment, and integration of research and technology. No entrance exam is required, as it is a certificate-level program building on prior graduate education.

• Post-Master's Certificate Program
• Focuses on Urban Healthcare Populations
• Requires 3.0 Master's GPA
• Two-Year Study Plan
• Advanced Nursing Practice Preparation
• Multiple Semester Entry Options
• Practicum-Based Learning
• Comprehensive Health Assessment Skills
• Diverse Clinical Specialization Courses
• Research and Technology Integration

Coppin State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, offered by this HBCU, prepares advanced nurses to serve vulnerable populations through rigorous clinical training and leadership development. This hybrid program includes 1000 clinical practice hours, emphasizing evidence-based practice, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. It offers flexible formats with executive-style weekend classes and full-time or part-time options, requiring a master's degree in nursing, unencumbered RN licensure, and a minimum 3.25 GPA. No entrance exam is specified for admission to this doctoral program.

• Two degree pathways available
• Hybrid and traditional formats
• 1000 clinical practice hours
• Focus on underserved communities
• Executive-format weekend classes
• Full-time or part-time options
• Minimum 3.25 GPA required
• National certification prerequisite

At Coppin State University, an HBCU, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a hybrid learning experience for working nurses aiming for leadership roles. Students develop expertise in evidence-based practice, health policy, and clinical skills, with a focus on serving diverse urban communities. The curriculum includes 1,000 clinical practice hours and a scholarly project, offering full-time or part-time tracks. Admission requires a minimum 3.25 GPA, and no entrance exam is mentioned for this advanced practice program.

• Hybrid learning format
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• Family Nurse Practitioner track
• Minimum 3.25 GPA required
• Full-time or part-time options
• Advanced practice leadership focus
• Urban healthcare emphasis

Delaware State University, an HBCU, offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner program that equips advanced practice nurses with comprehensive skills to diagnose and treat patients across all life stages. This evidence-based curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and addressing social determinants of health, preparing graduates for independent or collaborative practice with a focus on wellness and health equity. The program requires no entrance exam and integrates diverse healthcare perspectives to tackle health disparities effectively.

• APRN independent practice training
• Comprehensive patient care focus
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Lifespan patient care approach
• Health disparities emphasis
• Social determinants study
• State-specific practice requirements
• Diverse healthcare perspectives

At Delaware State University, an HBCU, the online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program trains advanced practice nurses to provide holistic, evidence-based mental healthcare across patient lifespans. Focused on primary prevention and therapeutic strategies, it addresses psychiatric disorders while considering health disparities and social determinants. This ACEN-accredited program requires no entrance exam and prepares graduates for certification and advanced roles in mental health, emphasizing rigorous, accessible online education.

• Online Master's Degree Program
• ACEN Fully Accredited Program
• Holistic Mental Health Focus
• Evidence-Based Care Approach
• Advanced Practice Preparation

Albany State University, an HBCU, offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program designed for BSN-prepared nurses. This 44-credit hour program focuses on family-focused healthcare with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. It includes advanced clinical skills training through structured coursework and extensive practicum experiences, preparing graduates for AANP and ANCC certification exams. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, current nursing licensure, and one year of clinical experience for admission. It offers flexible full-time and part-time study options over six consecutive semesters, with no entrance exam required.

• 44 total credit hours
• Full and part-time options
• Multiple entry points
• 1 year clinical experience required
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Professional nursing license needed
• AANP and ANCC exam eligibility
• Six consecutive semester program
• Clinical practicum included
• Advanced health assessment courses

Albany State University, an HBCU, provides an online Family Nurse Practitioner program that prepares nurses for advanced practice roles with a focus on family healthcare. This program requires a Bachelor's in Nursing, one year of clinical experience, a 3.0 GPA, and current nursing licensure for admission. It offers full-time (5 semesters), part-time (6-8 semesters), and post-master's certification options, emphasizing affordability and quality education. Graduates are prepared for AANP or ANCC certification exams, and no entrance exam is required for admission.

• Online program format.
• 5 semesters full-time.
• 6-8 semesters part-time.
• Post-master's certification available.
• Requires 1 year clinical experience.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Prepares for AANP/ANCC exams.
• Focus on family healthcare.
• Affordable and quality education.
• Current nursing licensure required.