Studying to become a nurse practitioner (NP) offers a career in a highly paid and in-demand medical specialty. Nurse practitioners earned, on average, $128,490 a year in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Not only that, but the field is growing. The BLS projects a 45% growth in nurse practitioner positions through the year 2032, a gain much higher than most other occupations.
Attending a top historically Black college or university (HBCU) adds status to your degree while offering an important focus on caring for patients from historically excluded backgrounds.
Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) might also feel more welcome at an HBCU. Read on to learn more about NP programs at HBCUs and the benefits they offer graduates.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner Program?
Nurse practitioner programs, also called master of science in nursing programs, are graduate nursing degrees. While in school, nurse practitioner students choose a patient focus, such as family nurse practitioner, pediatric care, or women's health. Like doctors, NPs can diagnose patients and prescribe treatment.
As a result of their specialized training, nurse practitioners are qualified for many positions, including:
Women's health nurse practitioner
Family nurse practitioner
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Healthcare administration
Clinical education
You can attend both in-person and online nurse practitioner programs.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2023 Top HBCU Nurse Practitioner Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
Why Attend an HBCU Nurse Practitioner Program?
HBCU nurse practitioner programs provide immense educational value to students. HBCU nurse practitioner programs are academically rigorous and offer an important focus on caring for minority patients. This emphasis on inclusive medical care sets HBCUs apart from other nurse practitioner programs.
National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing research reveals that, in predominantly white nursing programs, many BIPOC students report feeling unwelcome. HBCUs provide the supportive educational environment that BIPOC students need to thrive. In addition, HBCUs have powerful alumni and career networks.
An NP program can also lead to a fulfilling and in-demand career. Job offers at the time of graduation are high for NP students, according to survey data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Eighty-two percent of masters of science in nursing graduates had job options at the completion of their schooling. That number rose to a staggering 95% some four to six months after graduation.
The salaries for NPs are also higher than average. The lowest paid NPs and their counterparts in similar medical specialties earned around $95,530 a year in 2023, according to the BLS. The top 10% of earners in this category saw salaries as high as $211,820.
Nurse practitioners seem to enjoy their employment and stay with their career. Many NPs have been practicing for an average of 9 years, according to the 2022 National Nurse Practitioner Workforce Survey.
Additional Resources for Students in HBCU Nurse Practitioner Programs
Applying to graduate school can be an exciting and overwhelming process. The resources below offer support and clarity as you work toward the next steps in your educational career.
- FAFSA: You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal funding for your education.
- In addition to the FAFSA, you can apply for grants and scholarships through outside institutions like The American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
- Career resources provide key information about nursing salary expectations and possible career options available to nurse practitioners.
- Mental health resources offer important wellness tools that help you to thrive.
Networking resources, like the ENP Network, offer nurse practitioners the ability to connect with other NPs nationwide.
Professional organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practioners (AANP) can also play an instrumental role in supporting your career. The AANP, boasting a membership of 120,000, offers support, education, training, and networking opportunities to recent graduates and career professionals.
