How to Become a Nurse Practitioner – Overview
How to become a nurse practitioner? If a career as a nurse practitioner (NP) attracts you, then you might be wondering the same.
The general path starts with a registered nurse (RN) and then getting a master’s and sometimes a doctoral degree.
Certification and state licensure are also required for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN).
The other most common question is how much it costs to become a nurse practitioner. It depends on which school you enroll in, undergraduate and graduate, and whether you pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
The nursing program fees also vary from state to state.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who holds either a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
NPs have responsibilities similar to doctors and have more authority than registered nurses. NPs diagnose, counsel, treat, and prescribe medication to patients.
Nurse practitioners practice independently without physician oversight. They can serve as primary care or specialty care providers, typically focusing their care on certain specialties, including geriatrics, mental health, pediatrics, women’s health, or adult medicine.
Clinicians focus on disease prevention and health promotion in their patients.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner – Steps Involved
Becoming a nurse practitioner involves:
- Gaining years of clinical work experience as a registered nurse.
- Completing a bachelor’s degree.
- Gaining experience.
- Obtaining a graduate degree.
- Completing certification.
However, it is important to understand the importance of getting the right degree and the right certification at the right time.
Check out the following steps to becoming an NP and obtain your path most efficiently.
1. Become a Registered Nurse
Before starting with a nurse practitioner, start with becoming a registered nurse. Enroll in either a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
2. Get Bachelor’s Degree
Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree. Associate degree in nursing (ADN)-holders can enroll in accelerated RN-BSN programs and quickly earn a BSN.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
To obtain licensure, earn a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).
4. Gain RN Experience
Before admission, most graduate programs usually require 1-2 years of clinical experience. RNs utilize this time to explore specialties that help in deciding future NP focus.
5. Enroll in a Graduate Program
For RNs with bachelor’s degrees, earning a master’s degree is the simplest route to becoming an NP. RNs without bachelor’s degrees can opt for RN-to-MSN programs or look for ADN-to-MSN programs (Associate Degree in Nursing to Master’s).
There are more advantages to pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) that offers the highest level of nursing education.
6. Earn Specialty Certification and NP Licensure
While the individual states set some specifics for NP licensure, NPs become licensed as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). A set score on a national board certification examination in the particular specialty area is required by all states.
Candidates can only register for exams in the areas where they earned their degrees.
7. Find Employment
NPs can work in a hospital outpatient unit, inpatient unit, private physician practice, or urgent care clinic.
NPs also work in corporate clinics, community health centers, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and emergency rooms.
Many hospitals also offer Paid fellowship programs, allowing them to enter the NP job market.
Nurse Practitioner Schooling
The time taken to become a nurse practitioner depends on nursing education background, specialization, work experience, type of graduate degree, and career goals. (See Also different types of nurses).
BSN Degree
ADN and BSN holders qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain RN licensure. However, some NP schools offering MSN or DNP programs require BSNs.
MSN Degree
NPs require a graduate-level nursing degree or an MSN at minimum.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A DNP offers expertise, enhanced professional marketability, and salary potential.
Choosing a Specialization
Graduate nursing students focus on specialization areas for a future career. It also determines their clinical rotations, coursework, and board certification.
NPs at the MSN level pursue concentrations like family practice, acute care, mental health, pain management, nursing education, and women’s health.
DNPs generally specialize in psychiatric nursing, pediatric endocrinology, nurse anesthesia, midwifery, and clinical research.
Nurse Practitioner Credentials
NPs are required to earn and maintain state licensure and national board certification.
Applicants seeking board certification take an exam that tests their competency in a particular specialty area. State nursing boards require national certification for NP licensure.
Conclusion
When thinking of how to become a nurse practitioner, it is important to remember that advanced training in nursing can take NP careers a step ahead.
The journey to NP begins as a registered nurse (RN) moves on to a master’s and sometimes a doctoral degree.
Prospecting NPs must consider the type of specialty, organization, and setting that most interest them. Get ready to pursue your dreams!
See Also
Laboratory Technician Scholarships
Medical Billing and Coding Salary
Nurse Practitioner Salary in the US
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