How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners, who are highly skilled healthcare professionals, are in demand and can earn a good income. This guide will explain the steps to become a nurse practitioner, including the requirements for nurse practitioner school.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse practitioners, often referred to as NPs, perform many of the same tasks as doctors and have more responsibilities and authority than registered nurses (RNs).This guide explores the roles and responsibilities of nurse practitioners, how to become one, and the various areas of specialization and work settings available to NPs.
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How Long Does It Take?
It typically takes about 6 years, along with prior RN work experience.
Job Outlook
The demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 46% from 2021 to 2031.
Educational Requirement
To become a nurse practitioner, you need to earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse practitioners have advanced training in specific nursing specialties, such as adult-gerontology, family nurse practice, neonatal, pediatrics, psychiatric, and women’s health. They diagnose and treat patients in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.
Nurse Practitioner Programs
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
Becoming a nurse practitioner can lead to better career opportunities and higher earnings for registered nurses. While the education process takes around six years, the investment in time and effort pays off.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 46% growth in NP positions from 2021 to 2031, with a median annual salary of $123,780.
For more information about the roles and work environments of nurse practitioners, visit the nurse practitioner career overview.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners often start as licensed registered nurses (RNs) with several years of clinical experience. After initiating their master’s or doctoral studies, prospective NPs need to apply to a specific program.
Graduates must also pass a national certification exam in their chosen specialty to obtain advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) licensure in their state.
While the details of NP education can vary based on concentration areas and program offerings, most candidates follow these steps:
1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN).
- The first step to becoming an NP involves obtaining a BSN. Traditional BSN programs take approximately four years to complete and include general education and nursing-specific coursework, as well as hands-on clinical training.
Associate degree in nursing (ADN) holders with RN licenses can enroll in RN-to-BSN bridge programs, allowing them to quickly earn a BSN. There are also fast-track options available for individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who want to pursue a BSN.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam.
Prospective RNs must achieve a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their nursing license. This computerized exam adapts to the test-taker’s performance and can have up to 145 questions.
3. Gain RN Experience.
Most graduate programs require 1-2 years of clinical experience before admission. This period also allows RNs to explore different specialties to help them decide on their future NP focus.
4. Enroll in a Nursing Graduate Program.
Currently, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the minimum educational requirement for becoming an NP. However, there are advantages to pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
By 2025, a DNP will be required to become an APRN, but for now, an MSN is still sufficient. DNPs offer higher earning potential and more job opportunities.
MSN programs typically last 1-2 years, while DNPs take 3-6 years to complete. Both degree tracks require students to specialize in a specific population.
5. Earn Specialty Certification and NP Licensure.
Nurse practitioners become licensed as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). While specific licensing criteria may vary by state, all states require a passing score on a national board certification examination in the applicant’s specialty area, such as critical care, family nurse practitioner, pediatrics, or women’s health.
These rigorous exams, administered by accredited certifying organizations, test general advanced practice nursing competency and specialized population knowledge. Candidates can register for exams only in the areas corresponding to their degrees.
6. Find Employment.
Nurse practitioners can work in various healthcare settings, including hospital outpatient units, inpatient units, private physician practices, and urgent care clinics.
They also work in community health centers, corporate clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and emergency rooms.
Many hospitals offer paid fellowship programs for NPs, which allow them to rotate through different specialties with the possibility of receiving a job offer at the end. These fellowships offer a great way for new graduates to enter the NP job market.
Nurse Practitioner Education
The time it takes to become a nurse practitioner can vary based on factors such as your nursing education background, work experience, chosen specialization, the type of graduate degree you pursue, and your career goals.
Below is a summary of the typical duration, requirements, and content of BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees:
BSN Degree
Both ADN and BSN holders qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain their RN licenses. However, most NP programs that offer MSN or DNP degrees require applicants to have a BSN.
Admission Requirements
Common admission requirements include a high school diploma, transcripts, a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0, SAT or ACT scores, and a resume. Programs often request personal essays and letters of recommendation.
Program Curriculum
BSN programs combine didactic coursework with clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Courses cover topics such as anatomy, nursing informatics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, and statistics. Clinical experiences involve shadowing RNs and applying classroom skills in healthcare settings.
Time to Complete
BSN programs typically take four years to finish. Transferable credits can shorten the duration. RNs with ADNs or non-nursing bachelor’s degrees may qualify for bridge or accelerated programs.
Skills Learned
BSN curricula teach skills such as empathy, case management, community participation, critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership.
MSN Degree
NPs must have a graduate-level nursing degree, with an MSN being the minimum requirement. Advantages of earning an MSN instead of a DNP include a shorter time to graduation and lower educational costs.
Admission Requirements
Most MSN programs require applicants to have a BSN, an RN license, transcripts showing a GPA of 2.5-3.5 or higher, personal essays, and recommendation letters. Some NP programs may also ask for GRE or MCAT scores and conduct interviews.
Program Curriculum
The MSN curriculum includes classroom instruction and clinical hours. While courses focus on students’ specialty populations, core courses cover advanced pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology; health assessment; and nursing administration and ethics.
Time to Complete
MSN programs can be completed in as little as one year, although 1-2 years is more common. The exact duration depends on the chosen concentration, educational background, and enrollment status.
Skills Learned
MSN programs emphasize core concepts like master’s-level nursing practice, advanced clinical skills, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and leadership. Students develop skills in organization, healthcare technologies, disease prevention, and health promotion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
While the MSN remains the minimum requirement for NPs, a DNP will be the new minimum requirement starting in 2025. A DNP offers improved professional marketability, expertise, and earning potential.
Admission Requirements
DNP programs often admit MSN holders or BSN holders who have completed prerequisites in nursing research and statistics. Applicants typically need to demonstrate a GPA of at least 3.0, hold a valid RN license, provide resumes, and submit GRE scores.
Program Curriculum
DNP programs include clinical, laboratory, and classroom experiences. Common courses cover advanced health assessment, pathophysiology/physiology, and pharmacology, along with contemporary issues in advanced nursing practice, healthcare economics and finance, principles of epidemiology, and a capstone project.
Time to Complete
Full-time learners can complete their DNP in 3-4 years, but many students continue working and attend school part-time. Most schools allow completion within 6-7 years.
Skills Learned
DNP holders often take on leadership roles in large healthcare organizations or engage in clinical teaching and research. These roles require skills such as attention to detail, critical thinking, effective communication, and resourcefulness.
NP Requirements by Degree Type
Associate Degree in Nursing
NP programs for individuals with an associate degree in nursing often require an RN license. Admission requirements can vary, but applicants typically need a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Additional admissions materials may include GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a completed application, and a statement of purpose.
Students can also explore RN-to-NP bridge programs and ADN-to-NP bridge programs, which allow them to meet degree requirements at an accelerated pace.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Many colleges and universities offer BSN-to-NP programs that require candidates to have an RN license and a BSN. While admission requirements vary, prospective BSN students typically need to provide a completed application and official high school transcripts. Most programs expect candidates to meet a minimum GPA requirement, often between 2.5 and 3.0.
Other admissions materials may include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and ACT or SAT test scores.
Some programs may require students to have at least one year of prior nursing experience, although many BSN holders enter NP programs directly without working as RNs first. Additionally, students can often earn their degrees online and complete their clinical hours at a location near their residence.
Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree
Accelerated NP programs allow RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline to meet BSN requirements before fulfilling nurse practitioner prerequisites. Programs often require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Other nurse practitioner admission requirements may include a completed application, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants may also need to take prerequisite courses in nutrition and human anatomy. Candidates typically have at least two years of RN experience prior to admission, along with a strong academic record. Accelerated bachelor’s programs can take 2-4 years and consist of 45-55 course credits.
Students can explore a variety of flexible online programs, pursue their degree on campus, or enroll in hybrid programs, depending on their learning style.
Some NP programs accept applicants who do not have an RN license and have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. These students often hold a degree in a health or science-related field and must complete relevant prerequisite coursework.
Master of Science in Nursing
Prospective NPs can meet their state’s educational requirements by earning an MSN or DNP. MSN programs take about two years to complete.
MSN candidates can take advantage of various online program options, providing the flexibility needed to continue working while earning a degree. After graduating from online programs, students can pursue national certification and start working as NPs or enter a DNP program.
MSN-to-DNP Program
Many nurses looking to expand their career options enroll in DNP programs. Some colleges and universities offer MSN-to-DNP programs, allowing candidates to pursue an advanced degree in an accelerated format. Since students in these programs already have a master’s degree, they spend significantly less time earning a doctoral degree compared to individuals with only a bachelor’s or associate degree.
MSN-to-DNP candidates can often complete their program in as little as one year. Most curricula include 30-40 credits of coursework and around 500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Popular Nurse Practitioner Courses
Course content can vary depending on a program’s specialization area(s). However, most curricula include foundational courses for MSN students in ethics, health assessment, primary care, clinical decision-making, and healthcare policy.
These courses cover essential concepts applicable to nurse practitioner focus areas, including adult-gerontology, acute care, family practice, mental health, pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health.
Here are sample descriptions of these courses:
Nursing Ethics:
This course addresses ethical issues in nursing practice and leadership, including ethical dilemmas faced by NPs and the application of professional codes of ethics.
Advanced Health Assessment:
This course combines theoretical instruction and lab work to teach assessment skills and diagnostic reasoning for advanced clinical practice. Students learn to differentiate normal anatomic and physiological variations across the lifespan.
Primary Care Nursing:
In this course, students analyze theoretical skills and apply clinical knowledge to diagnose, evaluate, practice evidence-based care, and manage primary care for individuals and families.
Clinical Decision-Making:
Enrollees gain skills in clinical diagnosis, problem-solving, and reasoning by applying theoretical concepts to hands-on clinical practice and holistic primary care.
Healthcare Policies and Issues in Practice:
Learners develop skills in synthesizing organizational leadership, theory, and management processes to influence healthcare policy from historical, ideological, political, socio-economic, and technological perspectives.
How Much Will an NP Degree Cost?
The cost of tuition at nurse practitioner schools can vary significantly. Factors like the degree level (MSN, DNP, or postgraduate certificate), type of college (public or private), residency status (in-state or out-of-state), and program length all influence the cost. Other considerations include the school’s reputation, program format (online or in-person), and credit requirements.
Aspiring nurse practitioners may expect to pay around $30,000 to $98,000 in tuition to earn their degrees. Attending a public university and paying in-state tuition often offers a more affordable option compared to enrolling in a private institution and paying out-of-state tuition.
Prospective students should also consider additional costs they may incur during their studies, such as housing, travel, books, and technology-related expenses. Financing options for nurse practitioner degrees include scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans. Nursing majors can also pursue student loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, many large medical centers associated with schools of nursing offer tuition reimbursement for RNs pursuing MSN/DNP programs.
How to Choose Your Nurse Practitioner School
When it comes to picking the right nurse practitioner program for your career goals, there are several factors to consider. Whether you aim for a prestigious nursing school or want a program that you can complete quickly, tuition costs play a crucial role for many students.
This section delves into the key things to think about when selecting a school.
1. School Competitiveness
The competitiveness of the school matters. If you have excellent grades and test scores, you might aim for an Ivy League or a top-tier state school to achieve your professional dreams. However, if that’s not the case, there are quality programs available at less well-known schools.
2. Program Duration
On average, completing an MSN program takes about 2-3 years, but your specific situation can affect the time it takes. If you need to work while earning your graduate nursing degree, you might be looking at an additional year or two of schooling. On the other hand, if you want to graduate as quickly as possible, you can opt for an accelerated curriculum.
3. Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of the program and other expenses is a concern for many nursing students. You should inquire about the availability of financial aid, whether online courses can save you money, and if a more affordable school can help you achieve your goals.
4. Accreditation
No matter which program you choose, it’s crucial that it holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets national standards for nurse practitioner education. It’s often a requirement for employers and government financial aid. Additionally, it’s necessary for certification exams and obtaining a license as an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) in any state.
5. Selecting a Specialization
Graduate nursing students focus on patient populations and specialization areas that determine their coursework, clinical rotations, board certification, and future career. Different pathways lead to various clinical, research, and administrative positions. Specialties like adult-gerontology are in demand.
NPs at the MSN level often choose concentrations like acute care, family practice, mental health, nursing education, pain management, and women’s health.
DNPs often specialize in areas such as nurse anesthesia, midwifery, pediatric endocrinology, psychiatric nursing, and clinical research. Additionally, DNPs can teach at the graduate level. Many MSN programs require their instructors to hold a DNP.
For more information, see the list below for additional specialty areas:
– Pain Management Nurse Practitioner: These practitioners work with patients dealing with chronic or acute pain and provide treatments.
– Family Nurse Practitioner: Typically, they serve as primary care providers for patients of all ages in various healthcare settings.
– Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: They offer nursing care to newborn infants, mainly in hospitals, while also supporting new parents.
– Adult Nurse Practitioner: These practitioners provide primary care for adults in different healthcare settings.
– Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Specializing in mental health treatment, they work in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
– Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner: They focus on women’s health, especially obstetric and gynecological health, often in hospitals or health systems.
Nurse Practitioner Qualifications
Nurse practitioners (NPs) need two types of qualifications: state licensure and national board certification. To become certified, candidates must pass an exam assessing their expertise in their chosen specialty. Importantly, the specialty for certification must match their graduate education. State nursing boards require national certification for NP licensure.
Certifications
Obtaining certification means passing an examination in a particular specialty from organizations like:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board,
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- National Certification Corporation
The specific exam taken depends on the NP’s specialty.
Depending on the certifying organization, NPs may need to complete clinical practice hours, advanced continuing education, or periodic reexamination for recertification.
Licensure
NPs must possess a current Registered Nurse (RN) license and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license. State licensing boards have their own criteria, but they often require at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited graduate nursing program. A passing score on the certification exam in their chosen specialty is usually required.
State laws dictate the scope of practice for NPs and the extent of their prescriptive authority. Renewal requirements typically align with the regulations for maintaining national certification.
Working as a Nurse Practitioner
Newly graduated NPs can benefit from their program’s career services or leverage the connections established during their clinical training.
Most NPs earn an average annual salary of over $100,000, even when starting their careers, and they work in diverse settings.
1. Private Group Practices: NPs provide primary or specialized patient care, handle assessments and treatments, and make referrals to other healthcare providers.
2. Hospitals: NPs engage in both inpatient and outpatient primary or specialized care, conduct assessments and diagnoses, offer patient guidance, and oversee nursing teams.
3. Community Health Centers: Practitioners treat illnesses and injuries, educate patients on maintaining good health, perform examinations, and administer vaccinations.
Questions About Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
1. How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
NPs typically spend about six years earning their undergraduate and graduate degrees and gaining clinical experience. Accelerated programs or RN-to-BSN/RN-to-MSN bridge programs can shorten the journey. However, specific specializations and part-time studies may extend the timeline.
2. What’s the quickest path to becoming a nurse practitioner?
The fastest route to becoming an NP involves earning a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), obtaining an RN license, working for 1-2 years, and enrolling in a two- to three-year RN-to-MSN bridge program. Those aiming for an expedited NP education should plan for full-time studies over 4-5 years.
3. Is it difficult to become a nurse practitioner?
Becoming an NP can be challenging. The coursework covers advanced healthcare topics and ethical considerations. Clinical rotations involve long hours on your feet, and candidates may face demanding testing, including the NCLEX-RN and board certification exams.
4. Are nurse practitioners well-compensated?
According to a 2019 report from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the median base salary for full-time NPs was $110,000. NPs with specialties like adult psychiatric/mental health certification earned $125,000 annually, while emergency room NPs made $135,000. In California and Hawaii, NPs earned above $140,000, surpassing counterparts in other states.
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