Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’re thinking about a career as a nurse practitioner (NP), now is a great time to explore NP programs. By earning a graduate degree and passing a national board certification exam, you can specialize in a specific area of healthcare and take on more responsibilities in your job. Typically, this leads to higher pay.
 

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Considering a career as a nurse practitioner (NP)? Exploring NP programs now is a smart move. To become a specialist in healthcare and take on more responsibilities, you need to earn a graduate degree and pass a national board certification exam. This path often leads to better pay.

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Many aspiring nurse practitioners choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, meeting the advanced degree requirement for state licensure. Those who already have the necessary training may opt for a post-master’s certificate or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

While the majority of these degrees can be completed online, mandatory clinical hours in healthcare facilities or labs are necessary to assess your health skills.

Enrolling in a nurse practitioner program is an investment in your future career, as nurse practitioners often earn substantial incomes. Continue reading to discover more about becoming a nurse practitioner.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner Program?

A nurse practitioner program is designed to prepare nursing students to meet the requirements for national board certification in a specific nursing specialty. After completing the program, nurses become eligible for state licensure as nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioner programs can grant either an MSN or a DNP degree. Most nurse practitioners obtain their MSN after two years of full-time study.

Nurse practitioner education includes advanced courses covering subjects from the bachelor’s curriculum, including anatomy and evidence-based care. Students also study clinical assessment and pharmacology, equipping them to order tests, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medication.

Nurse practitioner schools often focus on specific populations, such as family care or pediatrics. Your NP license allows you to provide care to only that population. After graduating from your nurse practitioner school, you must take the national board certification examination in your chosen population specialty.

Today, an increasing number of nurse practitioner programs offer both online and on-campus options. Many provide part-time and full-time choices, and all students receive the same diploma, regardless of their preferred schooling method.

Types of NP Programs

While the most common nurse practitioner program is a bachelor’s to MSN, other pathways exist. Many schools offer registered nurse (RN) to MSN bridge programs for students with an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Some programs are direct-entry master’s programs designed for students with non-nursing degrees.

To be eligible for a direct-entry program, you must have completed coursework in subjects like anatomy, microbiology, and related areas. The specific requirements may vary by program.

Nurse Practitioner Program Prerequisites

All nurse practitioner programs require a foundation in nursing or medicine, whether from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, an ADN degree, or another degree with relevant coursework. Most MSN students hold a BSN degree.

Common prerequisites for NP programs include:

– Holding a current and unencumbered RN license
– Having at least two years of RN experience
– Providing at least two references
– Submitting an application that includes an essay or personal statement
– Passing a criminal background check
– Completing college-level courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, or related subjects for candidates without a nursing degree (specific requirements may vary by program)

Nurse Practitioner Program Specializations

Nurse practitioner schools require students to specialize in a particular population. Family practice is the most common, with 69.7% of all nurse practitioners certified in family practice, followed by adult (10.8%) and adult-gerontology primary care at 7.0%.

Other available nurse practitioner program specializations include:

– Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
– Neonatal nurse practitioner
– Pediatric nurse practitioner
– Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
– Women’s health nurse practitioner

Common Nurse Practitioner Program Courses and Curriculum

The core coursework in NP programs is quite similar, regardless of the chosen specialty. This core training equips students with advanced skills, bringing them to a level comparable to other healthcare professionals who have undergone extensive medical school training. Students in various specialty areas usually take core classes, including:

– Advanced health assessment
– Advanced pathophysiology
– Advanced pharmacology
– Evidence-based research in nursing practice
– Professionalism in advanced practice nursing
– Capstone research project

As students progress beyond their initial semester or year, they begin taking courses specific to their chosen specialty area. For example, those in NP programs aiming to become family nurse practitioners might study topics like women’s health, pharmacology across the lifespan, and family therapy. Students in neonatal nurse practitioner programs would focus on courses like pediatrics advanced practice primary care.

Regardless of the program, students are required to complete clinical hours as part of their degree, typically a minimum of 500 clinical hours. This hands-on experience is vital for gaining practical skills in a clinical setting.

Clinical hours often take place under the guidance of a mentor or more experienced professional, who directs students in decision-making and assessment and treatment skills. In some NP programs, students may be required to complete a research project or thesis to complete their degree.

What Can I Do With a Degree From a Nurse Practitioner Program?

Upon graduating from nurse practitioner school and passing your board certification, you have various career options. You can practice primary care or work in a specialized department, such as neonatal or acute care. As an NP, you have the authority to order tests, make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and assist with procedures like suturing, casting, and wound care.

While all states grant nurse practitioners some level of prescription authority, certain states have additional requirements, such as recent education in pharmacology.

Nurse practitioners work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, and residential care facilities. They also provide healthcare in other settings, like military bases, schools, correctional facilities, and businesses. NPs also have the option to teach.

Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation

Two primary organizations offer accreditation for NP programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations ensure that specific standards in nursing education are met, providing students with a quality education.

The ACEN accredits diploma, certificate, and degree-level nursing programs, while the CCNE accredits bachelor’s, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

Accreditation in nursing is vital as it helps institutions and programs improve their resources, processes, and results. It supports self-assessment by nursing programs and fosters growth and improvement in nursing education.

Students should verify that they are enrolling in an accredited nursing program, as only students who complete an accredited program are eligible for advanced practice nursing licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs

How much can you earn with a degree from a nurse practitioner program?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that half of all nurse practitioners earn between $94,890 and $130,240, with a median salary of $111,680. The highest-paid specialties are acute care, psychiatric mental health, psychiatric mental health adult, neonatal, and pediatric primary care mental health according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

What is the most common degree for nurse practitioners?

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the most common degree for nurse practitioners is an MSN. Most nurse practitioner schools prefer or require a DNP for tenured faculty positions. An MSN typically takes two years to complete.

How many nurse practitioners are there?

The AANP reports that there are over 325,000 nurse practitioners in the United States. The BLS projects a 52% growth, equivalent to 114,900 new NPs, between 2020 and 2030.

Is completing a nurse practitioner program worth it?

Nurse practitioners earn substantial salaries, enjoy a high level of autonomy in their profession, and are in demand nationwide. If you have an interest in nursing or healthcare, enrolling in a nurse practitioner program can be an excellent investment in your future.