How do I become a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with additional education and skills beyond that of a registered nurse (RN). Read the summary below for your pathway to success:
- Receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
While this is the traditional path to becoming a nurse practitioner, there are several alternative routes that can be explored. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, some programs may allow you to complete an accelerated program to become a nurse. Such programs allow you to earn a BSN in two years after completing prerequisite courses. Nurses with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) can seek a “bridging” program called an RN-BSN program.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and receive an RN License
This exam is required for state licensure. It tests your knowledge and skills related to nursing. After you pass the NCLEX, apply for an RN license in your state.
- Enter a Graduate Program
Consider what population and degree you wish to pursue. After carefully researching each program and graduate certification rate, apply to school.
- Pass the National NP Certification Board Exam and obtain licensure
After graduation, take the national board certification exam and obtain the license for your state.
What degrees are available to become a nurse practitioner?
The options for degrees are as varied as the settings that nurse practitioners work. While programs vary from school to school, here is a description of the degrees you can earn to become a nurse practitioner.
- Before entering a nurse practitioner program, a registered nursing (RN) license is often required. Most programs prefer you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing as a requirement to enter the program. However, there are some programs that allow registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing to “bridge” into a BSN program. In addition, there are some graduate-level programs that allow a student with a degree in a health-related field to enter. During the graduate program they prepare students for the RN licensure exam.
- Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN): A Masters of Nursing degree enables you to take on management and educational roles in nursing or teach health and wellness programs. Some of the focus areas of an MSN include: care management, nursing education, and nursing informatics. Typically, these focus areas can be completed in 4-5 semesters. Besides a traditional full or part-time program, online MSN degrees are also plentiful. A MSN degree is also valuable to transition or “bridge” to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in nursing degree.
- PhD in Nursing: This degree is designed for nurses interested in research and education. There are several ways to transition from a BSN or MSN to a PhD in nursing degree. In addition, several distance learning and online options are available.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): This advanced degree is designed to help nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree specialize in nursing practice. In addition, you can expand your clinical role as a nurse practitioner. This includes the ability to diagnosis and treat conditions and prescribe medications. Nurse practitioners with an DNP enjoy autonomy to provide patient-centered care in a variety of specialized practice areas. Some of these practice areas include:
- Adult and Gerontology- Work in a hospital or family practice setting with older adults.
- Neonatology- Practice medicine with newborns.
- Nurse Midwifery- Deliver prenatal care, babies, and address women’s health needs.
- Pediatrics- Provide care specifically to infants, children and adolescents.
- Psychiatry- Address mental health wellness and conditions.
- Nurse anesthetist- Provide anesthesia during surgeries and procedures.
Although a master’s degree program was the most common path to nurse practitioner, the Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) is now the gold standard degree for a nurse practitioner.
Where will a nurse practitioner degree take me?
Becoming a nurse practitioner is an excellent way to advance your career by helping people achieve their best health and quality of life. Nurse practitioners are equipped with the skills necessary to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medication, and provide general or specialized services. It is vital to focus on patient-centered care as you listen to and evaluate a patient’s concerns and needs before determining the best course of action. The variety of programs and degrees available allows you to build on your strengths and interests as a nurse and truly enjoy what you do best!
As a nurse practitioner, you will also enjoy secure employment with excellent job opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the annual salary for a nurse practitioner is $109,820, with many nurse practitioners making more than $122,000 annually. Incredibly, the job growth for nurse practitioners over the next 10 years is expected to be 45%.